The Clare Echo 06/06/24

LITTLE HEROES

Bank holiday road fatalities investigated

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

INVESTIGATIONS continue following two tragic fatalities which occurred on Clare roads over the Junk Bank Holiday weekend.

An Garda Síochána have confirmed that investigations are ongoing following the deaths which occurred in Cratloe and Ennis on Saturday and Monday.

So far this year, 81 people have died on Irish roads, the figure was 74 for the same period in 2023.

At approximately 4am on Saturday morning, Gardaí and emergency services were notified that a collision had taken place on the N18 involving a vehicle and a pedestrian at Portdrine in

Cratloe.

Gardaí are appealing for any witnesses to this collision to come forward.

Shortly after 12:40pm on Monday, Gardaí and emergency services were called to the N85 in Ennis after a car was reported to have struck a barrier on the route.

Aged in his forties, the driver of the vehicle was found unconscious, he was rushed to University Hospital Limerick (UHL) where he was later pronounced dead.

Full Story page 9

John Crowe

Val Gillane

l Children from Mother Goose Creche taking part in Barnardos Big Toddle at Clarisford Park, Killaloe

Photo by Brian Arthur

New initiative preserves Brendan O’Regan’s legacy

EFFORTS to ensure the legacy of Brendan O’Regan lives on formed the inspiration of a new initiative by the Sixmilebridge Historical Society, writes Páraic McMahon

Call: 065 - 6719021

Email: editor@clareecho.ie or NEWSDESK CONTACT US news@clareecho.ie

36C Abbey St., Ennis, Co Clare ross@clareecho.ie denise@clareecho.ie

As part of the Brendan O’Regan Awareness Programme which has been led by the Sixmilebridge Historical Society, the inaugural Dr Brendan O’Regan primary school quiz was held.

Thirteen primary schools in Shannon, Cratloe, Sixmilebridge, Kilmurry and Newmarket-on-Fergus were approached to teach a history module on the life of O’Regan to all sixth class students.

kieran@clareecho.ie

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On completion of this module, the schools competed in the inaugural quiz which was won by St John’s NS in Cratloe. They won following a tiebreak with three schools finishing level on points, such was the amount of information consumed on the man responsible for transforming the Shannon region. The quiz was held in the O’Regan Sports Hall in St. Finnachta’s NS in Sixmilebridge.

Each school was presented with a large photograph of

O’Regan by the society to be displayed in their classrooms. Before the quiz each team were photographed with their teacher at the statue to O’Regan which was unveiled last July. A framed photograph of the oc-

casion was recently presented to each school in recognition of their visit to the statue.

Cratloe’s victorious team was presented with a bronze statue of O’Regan and each individual received a copy of the booklet of the history of the statue. This event will be held annually and any school who would like to participate can contact Tim Crowe, Chairperson of the Sixmilebridge Historical Society at 0872052842.

€11.5k worth of drugs, cigarettes & cash seized

€11,500 in combined drugs, cigarettes and cash were seized by Gardaí during a search operation in Ennis on Wednesday, writes Páraic McMahon.

As part of investigations into ongoing criminal activity and recent incidents in the county, An Garda Síochána conducted a search operation in Ennis on Wednesday. Personnel attached the Crime Office, Ennis Gar-

da Station, Clare Divisional Drugs Unit, Divisional Crime Task Force, members from the Clare Community Engagement area, the Regional Dog Unit and the Armed Support Unit (ASU) in Limerick conducted the searches.

During the course of the operation, eleven search warrants were executed which resulted in the seizure €10,500 worth of suspected heroin, €1,000 worth of suspected cocaine, €2,140 in cash, approximately 300 Xanax tablets, an imitation firearm, 2,500 cigarettes, numerous mobile phones and a dyson vacuum cleaner in its original packaging believed to be worth approximately €1,000.

A spokesperson for An Garda Síochána confirmed that no arrests have been made and that investigations are ongoing.

lPRESENTATION: Josh Touhy, Susan Frawley (principal), Jackie McInerney (sponsor), Christan Cunneen, Luke Culbert and Oisin Kelly

‘You can f*ck right off’ - TD Wynne issues two fingers in media snub

A CLARE TD used the most unparliamentary language when giving the two fingers to an opportunity to appear on a political podcast.

Violet-Anne Wynne TD (IND) was approached to appear as an analyst on an episode of The Clare Echo’s political podcast, The Electoral Chair, to preview the winners and losers in the local elections in Clare and to discuss who would become the five MEPS in Ireland South.

However in a response, 46 hours after initial correspondence was sent to Deputy Wynne, the Offaly native replied to this writer, “With you running them? Not a hope. You have consistently targeted me. You can fuck right off”.

Deputy Wynne did not respond when asked to give examples to back up such a claim.

Former Junior Minister, Pat Breen (FG) who was once labelled “Prat Breen” by Wynne prior to her election to Dáil Éireann in February 2020 was among the guests on the latest episode of The Electoral Chair along with Clare TD, Cathal Crowe (FF) and former Kilrush Town councillor, Deirdre Culligan (IND).

Elected as a Sinn Féin TD in 2020, Violet-Anne claimed more than 15 per cent of the first preference vote across the county but left the party in February 2022. She joined the party in 2012, one year after moving to Co Clare. She said she was the victim of “gaslighting measures” and “a campaign of psychological warfare” during her

two years as a Sinn Féin TD. When it came to announcing her exit from Sinn Féin, Deputy Wynne opted to use national titles rather than local media, a move which

was criticised at the time by former Morning Focus producer, Ben Sweeney.

In a previous interview with The Clare Echo, Violet-Anne confirmed

that she was no longer on speaking terms with her former Clare colleagues in Sinn Féin. “There wouldn’t be any conversations, once I made the decision to leave

the party, you know that in effect, which I knew would happen, I mean, that makes sense. Like communication would just go down to a zero or minimum”.

Gardaí looking to speak with driver of white Opel as part of Clarecastle machete attack investigation

GARDAÍ are appealing for the driver of a white Opel to come forward as part of their investigation into a machete attack in a Clarecastle store in April, writes Páraic McMahon

Two men were assaulted and an innocent woman injured at Deasy’s Centra in Clarecastle during a Sunday morning attack on April 14th. As part of their investigations into this serious incident, Gardaí are looking to speak with a particular witness.

Crime prevention officer, Caitrio-

na Holohan stated, “This incident occurred after mass and the investigation team are anxious to speak to the owner or the driver of a White Opel / Vauxhall Insigna that was in the Ballyea/ Newhall area between 12:45pm- 1:15pm.

“If you are the owner or driver of this vehicle or you believe you know who is the owner or driver, please contact Ennis Garda Station as they would like to eliminate this vehicle from their enquiries,” she added.

lNO THANKS: Violet-Anne Wynne TD (IND) Photo by Natasha Barton

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

l Deasy’s Centra, Clarecastle

McMahon & Collins to be honoured by Clare Association Dublin

RETIRED Deputy Garda Commissioner, Anne Marie McMahon has been named as the Clare Person of the Year for 2024 while a hall of fame award is to be issued to former Clare manager Colm Collins.

This week, the Clare Association Dublin named the Kilmurry McMahon native as the Clare Person of the Year.

Colm Collins, Clare’s former senior football manager, a native of Kilmihil has been named as the recipient of the Association’s Hall of Fame Award.

Both Anne Marie and Colm will be presented with their awards at the association’s annual awards function at the Luca Spa Hotel, Dublin on October 26th.

Only the second woman in history to serve as Deputy Commissioner, Anne Marie McMahon held the role in an acting capacity in 2020 following in the footsteps of Noirin O’ Sullivan.

She joined the An Garda Siochána in 1986 and served in Coolock (Dublin), Henry Street (Limerick) and with the United Nations in Cambodia. She was previously Assistant Commissioner Southern Region from 2016 to 2020 and before that was Director of Training and Development, Garda College in Templemore.

Among the senior roles she held in An Garda Siochána were Chief Superintendent of the Garda Community Relations Bureau and Superintendent in both Roxboro Road (Limerick) and Bruff, Co. Limerick and Inspector in Henry Street (Limerick).

She retired as Deputy Garda Commissioner earlier this year. She holds an MBS (honours) Human Resource Management from the University of Limerick and a BA (honours) in Police Management, Garda College.

She also received a Diploma in Business and Executive Coaching (Distinction) Smurfit Business School.

She is the second Kilmurry Mc-

Manon native to receive the Clare Person of the Year award. A previous winner in 2002 was the late Brother Sean MacNamara, Ennis CBS, one of Co. Clare’s best known personalities for many years and whose death occurred on June 17th 2023.

One of the most successful football managers in the history of Clare GAA, Colm Collins played football with Kilmihil with whom he won under 21 honours and was a member of the Kilmihil team which won the club’s only senior football championship title in 1980.

He took over as Clare senior football manager in 2013 when Clare were playing in Division Four of the Allianz National Football League.

He led them to Division three, then to Division Two and was very unlucky on two occasions not to

have them promoted to the top division.

Under his management Clare played Division Two football for 10 consecutive years. He managed Clare when they reached the Munster SFC final in 2023 and the guided them to contest two All-Ireland quarter-finals.

At local level he steered Cratloe football teams to win county championship titles including two senior titles with his sons Sean, Podge and David involved.

Meanwhile members of the Clare Association Dublin are also making plans for their annual charity walk which will be held on September 29. This year it will honour the late Ita O’ Looney, who died earlier this year.

A native of Inagh, she was a supporter and popular member of the

Clare Association. Proceeds from the walk will go towards the Clare Crusaders Clinic in Barefield.

by Tony Mulvey news@clareecho.ie

lAWARDS: Retired Deputy Garda Commissioner, Anne Marie McMahon and Colm Collins

Photo by Gerard O’Neill

Frustration building with no sight of shovels in the ground in two villages

by

ANXIETY and frustration is building with the ongoing wait for works to commence in both Broadford and Cooraclare following their inclusion in a national pilot wastewater treatment scheme.

In December the inclusion of both Broadford and Cooraclare in the €50 million rural wastewater collection and treatment scheme was announced by Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh O’Brien (FF).

However it took until February 7th for Clare County Council to receive official notification from O’Brien’s Department that their applications for Broadford and Cooraclare had been successful.

Officials in the Department requested “additional programming, technical and project governance information from Clare County Council regarding the schemes,” senior engineer Cyril Feeney stated. This information was returned to the Department in the past fortnight.

Feeney advised, “Upon receipt of this information, the

Department have indicated that they will then arrange a dedicated meeting to work through the steps required to successfully deliver these projects. It is premature at this stage to provide an outline timeframe for the project delivery until further discussions have taken place with the relevant stakeholders which include Uisce Éireann”.

An update had been sought by Cllr Alan O’Callaghan (FF) before a meeting of the Killaloe Municipal District. “Funding has come, we’re anxious like anything else,” he admitted. “It is something that Broadford is crying out for years to get a shovel on the ground and get it going”.

Ongoing waits are frustrating, Cllr Joe Cooney (FG) acknowledged. “It is disappointing to see that everything takes so long and we go step by step, I do agree with Cllr O’Callaghan, people out there are crying out for houses but unfortunately Clare County Council can’t grant applications because the system isn’t there”.

Cathaoirleach of the Killaloe MD, Cllr Tony O’Brien (FF) outlined, “We do want to

see development there and this project completed”.

Elected representatives must continue to push for works to be completed, Cllr Pat Burke (FG) maintained. “It is important that we put down these type of motions,

in case people think we just talk about roads and potholes, we have replies from Uisce Eireann, Liam O’Connor and Cyril Feeney at today’s meeting”.

“If Joe Cooney got the job in the morning, it would be

done in a month’s time,” Cllr Burke added. “I don’t know what made you think Joe Cooney would wait a month,” Cllr O’Brien replied.

According to Cllr Pat Hayes (FF) the ball was in the Council’s court to get the

necessary technical information submitted to the Department.

On the amount of back and forth which included the Council waiting two months before getting official notification, Cllr Cillian Murphy (FF) stated, “it is actually risable, that’s a word I use, we have grant schemes out at the moment from national government looking to give community groups a handful of thousands of euros, here’s political gain being got from announcing it.

“There’s political gain to be got from announcing the closing date and then there’s the announcement of the award of the scheme, at some point down the road a local community group will get their hand on €3,000 or €4,000 directly from the Minister, hands down to me that is not a functioning political system.

“I get it for €50,000 or €60,000 projects let’s go with the Department but there should be a threshold below which any community group looking for a few thousand euro for small community projects.

“The whole politics of it needs to disappear”.

Páraoic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

lANXIOUS: Cllr Alan O’Callaghan (FF) Photo by John Mangan

Two deaths on Clare roads over June Bank Holiday

TWO fatalities occurred on Clare roads over the June Bank Holiday weekend, writes Páraic McMahon

In the early hours of Saturday morning, Shannon man Danny Myers who is aged in his thirties died in Cratloe.

At approximately 4am on Saturday morning, Gardaí and emergency services were notified that a collision had taken place on the N18 involving a vehicle and a pedestrian at Portdrine in Cratloe.

Emergency services attended the scene and the pedestrian, a male in his thirties was taken to University Hospital Limerick where he later passed away. At the time of the accident, he was walking by the flyover in Cratloe.

in the area at the time are asked to make this footage available to investigating Gardaí. Anyone with any information is asked to contact Shannon Garda Station on 061 365 900, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.

On Monday afternoon, a man in his forties died in a single vehicle collision. Shortly after 12:40pm on Monday, Gardaí and emergency services were called to the N85 in Ennis after a car was reported to have struck a barrier on the route.

To allow for an examination by Garda Forensic Collision Investigators to take place, a section of the N18 remains closed with local diversions in place.

Gardaí are appealing for any witnesses to this collision to come forward.

Any road users who may have camera footage (including dash-cam) and were travelling

Aged in his forties, the driver of the vehicle was found unconscious, he was rushed to University Hospital Limerick (UHL) where he was later pronounced dead.

“The male driver of the vehicle (aged in his 40s) was taken to University Hospital Limerick where he later passed away. The Coroner has been notified,” a spokesperson for An Garda Síochána confirmed.

A spokesperson added that investigations are ongoing and updates will be issued in due course.

SAVE ENNIS TOWN GROUP

Cllr. Tom O’Callaghan (FF)

Bridget Ginnity (GP)

Hilary Tonge (SD)

Antoinette Baker Bashua (FF)

Cllr. Pat Daly (FF)

Tommy Guilfoyle (SF)

Ruairí Keenan (IND)

Jacek Kazimierz Kwasny (IND)

Amanda Major (IND)

Seamus Ryan (LP)

MAKE YOUR VOTE COUNT!

Save Ennis Town is a community-based group comprising towns people, traders, councillors and local election candidates. We have consistently fought the declared intention of Clare County Council to hand our riverside car parks and civic amenity spaces over to the ownership of a private company, Ennis2040 DAC, to proceed with these speculative developments which will destroy the fabric of the town.

On Friday June 7th the people of the Ennis Municipal Local Electoral Area will vote on who represents us in Clare County Council. We have a right to expect that those we elect will protect local democracy by representing our views and concerns. If you, like the 3,700 who signed the petition, are against the destruction of our medieval town centre, it is important that you use your vote.

Of the 13 candidates in the Ennis Municipal Local Electoral Area, only 3 support these ill-conceived plans for the town. To make your vote count and to have your voice heard, it is important to vote ONLY for the candidates opposed to these proposed developments. Please give all your preferences (1,2,3, and so on in order of your choice) to the 10 candidates who support the campaign to Save Ennis Town. Only in this way can we ensure that councillors are elected who represent the true voice of the people of Ennis and surrounding areas.

Opposite are the names of the candidates who are members of the Save Ennis Town group and then, in alphabetical order, the other candidates who are committed to protecting our two riverside car parks and civic amenities and halting the destruction of the heart of our town.

Lack of tourism accommodation in county town hits crisis point

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

ENNIS’ shortage of bed capacity is impacting on the county town’s ability to retain tourists overnight.

In a proposal before the Ennis Municipal District, Cllr Pat Daly (FF) requested that “a serious look” be had at the “hotel and hostel accommodation sector in the town presently; clearly there’s a huge shortage of bed capacity”.

According to Daly, “it’s now time we invite in the head planner with Clare County Council to discuss this serious situation with a view to the possibility of zoning land through either a Material Contravention or a Variation in the County Development Plan, to accommodate at least new new hotels and a hostel for the future, that will ensure many more tourists come in to the town”.

Senior planner, Helen Quinn in a written reply stated, “Ennis has a thriving tourism sector and tourism is recognised as being highly important to the local economy of the Ennis area. The sector is supported at planning policy level through the Clare County Development Plan 2023-2029, which provides a range of policy supports for the ongo-

ing development of the tourism economy and product including the development of Ennis as a year-round tourist destination, ‘tourism hub’ and gateway to the wider county”.

She said the provision of tourism specific accommodation is set out as a strategic aim in the County Development Plan. “This policy support demonstrates the commitment of the Planning Department to the tourism sector in Ennis and further afield”.

Ms Quinn outlined, “While it is acknowledged that there is a shortage of bed space capacity across the county including in Ennis it is not considered necessary at this point in time to zone additional lands within Ennis to accommodate either a hotel or a hostel offering. Under the Clare County Development Plan 2023-2029 significant parcels of land were zoned for Mixed Use, Commercial, Tourism and other uses across the town, where the zoning objective is compatible with a hotel/hostel offering”.

Developing hotel or hostels can be facilitated on a number of existing zoning objectives, she flagged. These include lands zoned for tourism “where development proposals of this nature are considered ‘acceptable in principle’. Proposals for hotel developments will

also be considered ‘acceptable in principle’ on land zoned for mixed use development. Proposals for hostel accommodation are ‘open to consideration’ on land zoned Mixed Use, Existing Residential and Commercial use. In total there are 20 hectares of land with a Tourism zoning objectives and 98 hectares of land with a Mixed Use zoning objective in Ennis as set out within the existing Clare County Development Plan 2023-2029”.

Staff in the Council’s planning department “will engage with any developer who wants to discuss a proposal to deliver a hotel or hostel across the county and it will also continue to monitor the availability of land in Ennis to facilitate such uses throughout the life of the current development plan”.

“There is no doubt there is a huge shortage of bed capacity in Ennis, we’ve six hotels but Killarney has forty,” commented Cllr Daly. He said Ennis needs to be competing with Killarney, Clifden and Westport and pointed out students were forced to stay in Galway recently due to the shortage of accommodation in Ennis. “We need to zone land so more hostels and a hotel can come on board,” the Mayor of the Ennis MD stated.

“We’re very much aware that if we want

to build our town we need to look at this, we’re in a very difficult situation,” Cllr Tom O’Callaghan (FF) commented. “We are suffering on the other side which is our tourism industry, if we can increase our night stay,” he added.

Concern was voiced by Cllr Johnny Flynn (FG), “tourism in Clare and Ennis is in crisis”. Tourists have been lost in Clare due to the use of hotels and hostels to accommodate displaced Ukrainians, he said, “it has had a huge impact on our economy”. Flynn continued, “a local taxi company used to have thirty runs to a Gort Rd hotel per day and now it only has one”. To read in the local media that the Abbey Hostel will no longer be used to house Ukrainians and will instead look for asylum seekers was labelled as “disturbing”. The use of the building was to be for tourism purposes, he maintained, “it is very unfair on residents if it will be used for a more beneficial profit from the State”.

Losing the Rowan Tree has been “massive,” Cllr Mary Howard (FG) remarked. “We need to identify some property in the town that is accessible to everyone. We have a dearth of accommodation, we need to time it for accommodation throughout the county”.

Cloughleigh students make waves in the Fergus

ANNUAL kayaking week was celebrated in Scoil Chríost Rí with students making a splash in the River Fergus, writes Páraic McMahon

Since the formation of Kayak Le Chéile at the Cloughleigh based Scoil Chríost Rí in 2020, the school has continued to utilise the majestic River Fergus on its door step.

As part of kayaking well, students from third class got the opportunity to kayak

up the River Fergus. Water safety classes have been taught in tandem with kayaking and this year, stand up paddleboarding was added to the mix.

Tutors for the four day event were supplied by Burren Adventure with the school currently planning a regatta for June 11th.

In May 2022, Kayak Le Chéile received a boost with the addition of a new kayak-

ing shed. Assistance from Clare Sports Partnership and the Dorman Accounts Fund enabled the club to acquire ten single kayaks and two double kayaks plus all necessary safety gear.

Kayak4Dads and Kayak4Mums programmes were also held in partnership with the school and Clare Sports Partnership.

lMAJESTIC: Kayaking on the River Fergus Photo by Tom Micks

Which shrub should you choose?

THE gardens are looking fabulous now. The blooms are all around us, and the shrubs are filling out, as are the perennials.

It is such a joy to be able to go out into the garden and sit outside. We spend so much time in the garden that we can forget the beauty of our shrubs, so I thought this week we might chat about some of the popular ones here in the garden centre. Here are a few tips and things to consider if you are thinking of adding a shrub to your garden.

Consider the space you have available, the size you would like it to grow, and whether you want an evergreen or a deciduous shrub (one that loses its leaves in winter). Then, decide if you would like it to flower or just have nice foliage colour.

Once you have considered these factors and have your answers, you will have nar-

rowed your choices a little bit. I am all for colour and flowers. One of my favourites is the Hypericum, or St John’s Wort, with its vibrant yellow flowers and medicinal properties. It has lots of clusters of flowers and comes in a small variety. Hypericum can grow up to five feet tall. Ceanothus, commonly known as California lilac, is an evergreen shrub known for its lush clusters of small, vibrant blue flowers. There are many varieties available, from low-growing to tall shrubs, and they are easy to maintain. Choisya, commonly known as Mexican orange blossom, is an evergreen shrub with fragrant white flowers, aromatic foliage, and easy maintenance. The shrub produces clusters of fragrant white flowers that resemble orange blossoms. Choisya can grow quite tall, up to 8 feet. Pittosporum is an evergreen shrub

that comes in different varieties with very attractive foliage, which can differ in colour. Tom Thumb is one of my favourites, with its wine-coloured leaves. They can vary in size depending on the variety you choose and are easy to maintain.

Hebes are becoming ever so popular. Their variety range has expanded so much in recent years, and the foliage colour can vary from green to wine or even variegated leaves. Most varieties have flowers that vary from pink to purple, and the size of the Hebe can range from one foot up to five feet. Hebe Mint Chocolate, Hebe Strawberry and Cream, and Hebe Rhubarb and Custard are just a few to mention.

Hopefully, this has helped if you are tryin g to fill a gap and given you some ideas. As always, if you have any questions, send us a message and enjoy the view in your garden.

lCalifornia lilac (Ceanothus)

For the chicken

n 6 chicken breast each cut into 6 pieces

For the sauce

n 4 tablespoons tomato puree n 3 cloves garlic, minced n 2.5 cm (1inch) cube fresh ginger, peeled and grated very finely n 1 cup cream n 1 teaspoon garam masala n 3/4 teaspoon salt n black pepper, to taste

Method

n 150g Tandoori paste n 250g yogurt

n 1/4 teaspoon sugar

n 1 fresh hot green chilli, finely chopped n 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper n 1 tablespoon chopped fresh coriander n 4 teaspoon lemon juice n 1 teaspoon ground cumin n 4oz of butter

1) Mix the Tandoori paste yogurt well together and then add the large diced chicken breast. Cover and leave in the fridge for 24 hours to marinate.

2) The following day remove from the marinade and place on a grill tray and grill under a hot grill. You want little bits of char on the chicken for the slight smoky flavour. Cook through turning under the grill.

3) To prepare the sauce, put the tomato puree in a large clear measuring jug. Slowly add water, mixing as you go to make up 1 cup tomato sauce. Add the remaining sauce ingredients and mix well.

4) Heat the butter in a wide saute pan or a large frying pan. When the butter has melted, add the spiced sauce. Bring to a simmer and cook on medium heat for a minute, mixing in the butter as you do. Add the chicken pieces. Stir once and put the chicken on a warm serving platter, spooning extra sauce over the top.

5) Serve with rice and naan.

by

Pictured at ESB Science Blast Limerick, the RDS Foundation’s flagship Science and Technology Programme, were pupils from St Aidans NS, Shannon, Co Clare. Their project investigated the science behind the question “Does suncream really work?” and was one of almost 130 projects showcased at the event, held at the University of Limerick for the first time, between 21st-23rd May 2024

Photo

Eamon Ward

Magnets for knowledge at ESB Science Blast

CountyClare

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

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

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

Special Deals for Funday Sunday, June 9 include

Vandeleur Walled Garden and Visitor Centre: ‘Kids go Free’one child goes free with each paying adult.

Kayaking with ‘My Next Adventure’, Killaloe: Enjoy 15% off a guided Brian Boru Adventure Kayak tour from Killaloe. It’s brilliant!

Win

a Lifetime ExperienceA “Hawk Walk” for Two at Aillwee Burren Experience Handle and walk with the powerful Harris Hawk in this unique falconry adventure. An unforgettable and thrilling experience! Enter on VisitClare.ie/Sundays.

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

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

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

Win

Win a Guided Brian Boru Family Kayaking Adventure for Four with ‘My Next Adventure’, Killaloe Experience a fantastic twohour guided family kayaking adventure for four on the Shannon River. No experience needed –just a sense of fun and adventure! Enter on VisitClare.ie/Sundays.

Thought for the week: A summer blessing

Spreading the word of positivity

RONAN SCULLY

AS I write this thought for the week, I am just after returning from a beautiful walk along a beautiful beach road where finally the season of summer has shown itself in full bloom and it gave me a sweet taste of the hopefully warm summer days before us.

Hopefully it will make us in some ways feel younger and more alive!

The beginning of June traditionally marks the beginning of meteorological summertime and brings with it not only a change in the weather, but also a change in the way we experience the world around us. The summer season gives us opportunities to discover our world and our life in new and revitalizing ways.

A thought that came to me during my walk is

that I love and adore the season of Summer.

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK

As your thought for the week, I pray that as the signs of summer begin to show themselves all around us, you will remember that each new day is like a cleared field ready for planting. Your thoughts, attitudes, and actions are the seeds you plant. This summer choose only the seeds that will produce a bountiful harvest of love, joy, health, kindness, faith, care, prosperity, and peace. Here is a nice Summer blessing for each of you for a blessed and beautiful summer - “For more light in the day, we thank you. For gentle mornings, we thank you. For nighttime conversations, we thank you. For friends and family, we thank you. For gardens and all manner of nature and creatures, we thank you. Help us, Creator and lover of our souls. Help us love this earth.

Help us dwell wholeheartedly in our lives this day and in this season of summer. Help us pray as we walk, work, play, rest, and create. May we walk with God this summer in whatever we do and wherever we go. Walking with God means, walking with honesty and with courage. Walking with love and respect and concern for the feelings of others. May we talk to God this summer and every day and In every situation. Talking with God means, praying words of praise for the beauty of creation. Saying prayers of thanks for friends and good times. Asking God’s help In all your decisions and expressing sorrow when you have failed. May we talk with God every day. Take time to claim your strength; they are gifts of God. Take time to have fun; it’s God’s way of teaching you your strengths. Take time to grow yourself; only you can grow you. Take time to trust yourself; God trusts you. Take time to

be self-reliant; it is better than being dependent. Take time to share with others; they will bless you, and you will bless them. Take time to have hope, you are a child of God. Let’s put ourselves into the hands of the Lord, and pray that God will bless us and our families during the wonderful months of summer.

May we all help make our home a place of relaxation, joy, love, faith, peace and safety. May we be generous and considerate, not thinking only about ourselves, but helping others enjoy the blessings of summertime. Lord God, Creator of all things, guide our steps and strengthen our hearts, during these months of summer and time of holidays. Grant us refreshment of mind and body. May we constantly strive to make a meaningful difference in the lives of our loved ones and in the world around us as we enjoy the warm days of summertime. Amen.”

An Bhoirinn ar TG4 san oíche amárach

The Burren on TG4 tomorrow evening

Macalla an Chláir

LE MACDARA Ó CONAOLA

IS Í an tEarrach í sa mBoirinn, agus go tobann, tá chuile rud faoi bhláth.

Cuirfidh muid eolas sa tsraith seo ar an gceantar draíochtúil seo in iarthar na hÉireann, ar mhuintir na háite a dhéanann cúram dhe agus orthu siúd a tháinig tamall ann agus a d’fhan / In Spring, a great adventure unfolds as we explore the unique landscape of the Burren with its true custodians, the community of local people and the visitors who came for a while and ended up living here, drawn by some indefinable magic. Dé hAoine, 7ú Meitheamh, TG4, 20:50

l Ceantar gleoite na Boirne ar TG4 san oíche amárach ag 8.50pm

Imeachtaí/Events:

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

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

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

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

With alarming figures currently indicating that 1 in 3 people in Ireland meet the criteria for Metabolic Syndrome, we are compelled to examine this topic more closely.

We need to translate it into basic language and help people unpack it in a way that positively impacts their health.

Everything we do requires energy. Whether you’re running, jumping, thinking, or sitting silently, your body needs a reliable power supply to function. It gets this supply by converting food into energy through a set of biological processes known as metabolism.

Good metabolic health means that your body can efficiently produce and use energy, helping your cells—and you—function at full capacity. Poor metabolic health, or Metabolic Syndrome, by contrast, means that cells aren’t getting the energy they need, leading to numerous mental and physical challenges. Poor metabolic health also increases your risk for chronic conditions like Alzheimer’s disease, fatty liver disease, heart disease, and stroke.

People often use the term "low metabolism" in relation to being overweight or gaining weight. However, this is only one side of the coin. In fact, being metabolically healthy saves you from worrying about chronic or life-threatening diseases like cancer, cardiovascular disease, or diabetes. Focusing on staying

start, and what are the best healthy habits to cultivate?

The causes of metabolic syndrome are classified into two types: genetic conditions and lifestyle conditions. The good news is that the science of epigenetics teaches us that genes are not decisive in the case of metabolic syndrome. Just because you have a parent with diabetes or a high risk of cardiovascular disease, or any other metabolic health-related condition, you are not doomed to have it as well. There is a saying: "genes load the gun, but lifestyle pulls the trigger." This leads us to the lifestyle and environmental changes that can support our metabolic health.

metabolically healthy should be the key goal of your overall health.

You might be asking what causes poor metabolic health and how you can prevent it. Where should you

If you have a metabolic risk due to your genetic background, you might feel like a victim of circumstances with little choice. Nothing could be further from the truth. It takes personal decision and willpower to work towards

your health. If metabolism means how our bodies convert resources into energy, we should investigate two aspects: the resources we use and the process of converting those resources inside our own bodies.

When we talk about the resources we use, the main ones that keep our body alive and functioning are oxygen, water, and food. These are already three controversial topics. Regarding oxygen and water, it can be trickier to get it right and more daunting to manage, especially if you rely on the quality of air you breathe daily in a town or near an airport. Water, even though tap water must meet certain requirements, requires caution to increase our chances of staying healthy. A water filter system is worth considering.

But my expertise is food. Every single bite of food we put into our bodies can either trigger genes for disease or genes for health. The quality and quantity of the foods directly impact our metabolic health. Metabolic syndrome is what

I personally call the syndrome of an overfed and undernourished body.

My first recommendation to someone looking to improve or maintain their metabolic health is to examine their eating style and habits. Eliminating all ultra-processed foods and understanding the difference between food-like ingredients and actual food ingredients is a good starting point. Simply swapping ready-to-eat meals bought in your supermarket with homemade, simple, nourishing meals will help you eat less and nourish your body more. Adding a daily 20-30 minute exercise session or a walk and managing your stress levels during the day are other impactful tools for improving your metabolic health. I invite you to take charge of your health today because your health is your wealth. It may take a visit to your GP or a session with a health coach or nutritionist. Take one step now, and your body will thank you for the rest of your life. And remember, the best time to start is NOW.

would like to thank everyone that was involved in making

50 year celebration a fantastic

We would also like to thank everyone who supported the events and we look forward to seeing you all again next year.

THE Fleadh Nua Committee

Fleadh Nua's

success.

lFLEADH NUA: Thousands of music lovers flocked to Ennis to enjoy the 50th anniversary of the Fleadh Nua.

Predictions show Fianna Fáil will

FIANNA FÁIL are on course to retain their majority of councillors in Clare, writes Páraic McMahon

On the latest episode of The Electoral Chair, ex Junior Minister Pat Breen (FG), current Clare TD, Cathal Crowe (FF) and former Kilrush Town councillor, Deirdre Culligan (IND) donned their political pundit hats to predict who will be the 28 councillors elected in Clare and who will be successful in becoming the five MEPs to represent Ireland South in the European Union.

To access the full podcast which includes plenty of insight and analysis, become a Clare Echo subscriber today.

None of the pundits predicted that Cllr Michael Begley (IND) will retain his seat despite the Truagh native becoming the third elected representative in the Shannon MD five years ago. Val Gillane (FG) may nab his seat, the panel suggested while also tipping Fianna Fáil to elect a first-time candidate in the Shannon MD.

Sinn Féin are on course to double their representation on the County Council according to the trio with Cllr Donna McGettigan (SF) expected to top the poll in the Shannon MD and Tommy Guilfoyle (SF) on course to do likewise in the Ennis MD.

All five sitting councillors will be returned in the Killaloe MD, they forecasted while the final seat in the Ennistymon LEA will come down to a “shootout” between Cllr Liam Grant (GP) and Bill Slattery (FG).

WHAT OUR PUNDITS THINK

ENNIS MUNICIPAL DISTRICT (SEVEN SEATS)

PAT BREEN:

Cllr Pat Daly (FF)

Tommy Guilfoyle (SF)

Cllr Mary Howard (FG)

Cllr Paul Murphy (FG)

Cllr Tom O’Callaghan (FF)

Cllr Clare Colleran Molloy (FF) Hilary Tonge (SD) or Bridget Ginnity (GP)

CATHAL CROWE: Tommy Guilfoyle (SF)

Cllr Mary Howard (FG)

Cllr Pat Daly (FF)

Cllr Clare Colleran Molloy (FF)

Cllr Paul Murphy (FG)

Cllr Tom O’Callaghan (FF)

Antoinette Baker Bashua (FF)

DEIRDRE CULLIGAN:

Tommy Guilfoyle (SF)

Cllr Tom O’Callaghan (FF)

Cllr Pat Daly (FF)

Cllr Clare Colleran Molloy (FF)

Cllr Paul Murphy (FG)

Cllr Mary Howard (FG)

Antoinette Baker Bashua (FF)

ENNISTYMON LEA (FOUR SEATS)

PAT BREEN: Cllr Shane Talty (FF)

Cllr Joe Garrihy (FG)

Cllr Joe Killeen (FF) Bill Slattery (FG) or Cllr Liam Grant (GP)

CATHAL CROWE:

Cllr Shane Talty (FF)

Cllr Joe Garrihy (FG)

Cllr Joe Killeen (FF)

Bill Slattery (FG) or Cllr Liam Grant (GP)

DEIRDRE CULLIGAN:

Cllr Shane Talty (FF)

Cllr Joe Garrihy (FG)

Cllr Joe Killeen (FF)

Cllr Liam Grant (GP) or Bill Slattery (FG)

KILLALOE MD (FIVE SEATS)

PAT BREEN:

Cllr Joe Cooney (FG)

Cllr Pat Hayes (FF)

Cllr Alan O’Callaghan (FF)

Cllr Pat Burke (FG)

Cllr Tony O’Brien (FF)

CATHAL CROWE:

Cllr Joe Cooney (FG)

Cllr Pat Hayes (FF)

Cllr Tony O’Brien (FF)

Cllr Pat Burke (FG)

Cllr Alan O’Callaghan (FF)

DEIRDRE CULLIGAN:

Cllr Joe Cooney (FG)

Cllr Pat Hayes (FF)

Cllr Tony O’Brien (FF)

Cllr Pat Burke (FG)

Cllr Alan O’Callaghan (FF)

KILRUSH LEA: (FIVE SEATS)

PAT BREEN:

Cllr Cillian Murphy (FF)

Cllr Gabriel Keating (FG)

Cllr Ian Lynch (IND)

Dinny Gould (IND)

Either Alan Troy (FF) or Michael Shannon (FF) or Therese Doohan (FG)

CATHAL CROWE:

Cllr Gabriel Keating (FG)

Cllr Cillian Murphy (FF)

Dinny Gould (IND)

Last two seats between – Dawn Bennett (SF), Michael Shannon (FF), Alan Troy (FF), Cllr Ian Lynch

(IND) and Cllr Rita McInerney (FF)

DEIRDRE CULLIGAN:

Cllr Cillian Murphy (FF)

Cllr Ian Lynch (IND)

Cllr Gabriel Keating (FG)

Alan Troy (FF)

Cllr Rita McInerney (FF)

SHANNON MD (SEVEN SEATS)

PAT BREEN:

Cllr John Crowe (FG)

Cllr Donna McGettigan (SF)

Cllr PJ Ryan (IND)

Tony Mulcahy (FG)

David Griffin (FF)

Val Gillane (FG)

Pat O’Gorman (FF)

lPUNDITS: Cathal Crowe TD (FF), Páraic McMahon, Deirdre Culligan and Pat Breen

keep majority

CATHAL CROWE:

Cllr Donna McGettigan (SF)

Cllr PJ Ryan (IND)

Pat O’Gorman (FF)

David Griffin (FF)

Rachel Hartigan (FF)

Cllr John Crowe (FG)

Either Cllr Michael Begley (IND) / Tony Mulcahy (FG) / Val Gillane (FG)

DEIRDRE CULLIGAN:

Cllr Donna McGettigan (SF)

David Griffin (FF)

Cllr PJ Ryan (IND)

Tony Mulcahy (FG)

Rachel Hartigan (FF)

Cllr John Crowe (FG) or Val Gillane (FG)

Cllr Pat O’Gorman (FF)

IRELAND SOUTH (FIVE SEATS)

PAT BREEN:

Sean Kelly MEP (FG)

Billy Kelleher MEP (FF)

Kathleen Funchion (SF)

Michael McNamara (IND)

John Mullins (FG) or Cynthia Ní Mhurchú (FF)

CATHAL CROWE:

Billy Kelleher MEP (FF)

Sean Kelly MEP (FG)

Kathleen Funchion (SF)

Cynthia Ní Mhurchú (FF)

Mick Wallace (IND)

DEIRDRE CULLIGAN

Billy Kelleher MEP (FF)

Sean Kelly MEP (FG)

Kathleen Funchion (SF)

Michael McNamara (IND)

Eddie Punch (II)

‘A big name will fall in Clare’ for local elections believes Crowe

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

A BIG casualty is expected in Clare with at least one sitting councillor tipped to lose out in the local elections.

Speaking on The Electoral Chair, Clare TD, Cathal Crowe (FF) predicted, “There will be a big name to fall”.

In 2019, of the twenty three sitting councillors that sought re-election, only Bill Slattery (FG) was unsuccessful in a bid to return to Clare County Council.

Once again, twenty three sitting councillors are on the ballot paper following the exits of Cllr PJ Kelly (FF), Cllr Pat McMahon (FF), Cllr Gerry Flynn (IND), Cllr Johnny Flynn (FG) and Cllr Ann Norton (IND). This time round, it is anticipated that more than one of the twenty three will lose out.

Sinn Féin are on course to double their representation on the County Council with Tommy Guilfoyle (SF) touted as a potential poll-topper in the Ennis Municipal District.

Another first-time candidate Antoinette Baker Bashua (FF) is gaining momentum and received a major boost with Mark Nestor (FF) assisting her canvass over the weekend. The Hermitage woman also has strong family links to Barefield, an area that will have a big influence this time round following the retirement from politics of Cllr Norton.

Sitting Mayor of the Ennis MD, Cllr Pat Daly (FF) is expected to retain his seat, even though he struggled to get over the line in 2019.

This tees up a major battle for four seats in the Ennis MD with Cllr Paul Murphy (FG), Cllr Clare Colleran Molloy (FF), Cllr Mary Howard (FG) and Cllr Tom O’Callaghan (FF) all involved in this along with Hilary Tonge (SD), Bridget Ginnity (GP) and Seamus Ryan (LAB) with Tonge viewed as the strongest of the challenging trio. The ballot is completed by the county’s youngest candidate Ruairí Keenan (IND), Amanda Major (IND) and Jacek Kazimierz Kwaśny (IND).

Kilrush LEA which has been described as a bloodbath is set to elect a first-time candidate in the guise of Dinny Gould (IND), success for the Cree bookie would see Fine Gael come under criticism for failing to add him to their ticket, this despite the high chance that Cllr Gabriel Keating (FG) will top the poll in the five-seat constituency.

Fianna Fáil elected three councillors in 2019 in Kilrush LEA but party officials expect that a seat will be lost. Cllr Cillian Murphy (FF) is viewed as their strongest candidate, Cllr Rita McInerney (FF)’s six month stint on the Council will stand to her, Alan Troy (FF) is benefitting from having Cllr Kelly in his corner while Michael Shannon (FF) has received a boost with a number of high-profile Clare footballers among his supporters.

Shannon is one of three candidates in the parish of Kilmurry Ibrickane alongside Therese Doohan (FG) and Joseph Woulfe (II), whichever one of the trio is ahead following

the first count will be in the shake-up.

How Dawn Bennett (SF) fares in the town of Kilrush will have a big bearing on the final outcome, both she and Cllr McInerney are anticipated to nab votes from Cllr Ian Lynch (IND) but Lynch is still on course to hold his seat.

Others vying to cause an upset in West Clare include Kevin Hassett (II) and John Hill (IFP). Susan Griffin (GP) has come across as a strong performer in election debates but it is felt that the Green Party left it too late to add her to the ticket.

from 2019 on offer, the anti-establishment candidate that can benefit from these will be leading the chasing pack against the sitting five. Fiona Levie (SD) has been touted as a dark-horse with Martina Cleary (SF) and Matt Moroney (II) also in the mix but Moroney’s absence from election debates organised by The Clare Echo, Clare FM and Scariff Bay Community Radio could limit his cause. Audrey Flynn (GP) is unlikely to match the strong performance of O’Donovan from five years ago.

One of the most intriguing battle grounds

East Clare for the third election in a row is forecast to return the same sitting five elected representatives. Cllr Joe Cooney (FG), Cllr Pat Hayes (FF), Cllr Tony O’Brien (FF), Cllr Pat Burke (FG) and Cllr Alan O’Callaghan (FF) are all tipped to be back in situ when counting is concluded for the Killaloe Municipal District.

With a combined 1,039 of votes from Barry O’Donovan (GP) and Joe Floyd (IND)

in Clare that has gone quietly under the radar is the Shannon MD. Poll-toppers here are likely to be Cllr Donna McGettigan (SF), Cllr PJ Ryan (IND) or Cllr John Crowe (FG). Matters are expected to be very tight in filling the remaining four seats. Cllr Michael Begley (IND) according to pundits will be under pressure to retain his seat but the position of Cllr Pat O’Gorman (FF) who lost elections in 2009 and 2014 polling under 800

votes is expected to be in a tighter spot. How David Griffin (FF) fares in the village of Newmarket-on-Fergus will determine if he wins a seat. The first-time candidate has received a positive reception on the doors, he will poll well in Stonehall along with picking up votes in Shannon and Sixmilebridge but the ‘village vote’ will decide his fate. John Haugh (AON) based in the parish of Newmarket-on-Fergus would benefit more from a Bunratty base rather than the village which could curb his chances.

After eight years out of politics, Tony Mulcahy (FG) is back on the ballot paper. The ex-Senator has not canvassed and may be at risk of an unsuccessful comeback if Val Gillane (FG) receives a strong vote and he is expected to get higher than Eugene Long’s (FG) first preference vote of 619 in 2019.

Five years ago, Cathal Crowe (FF) amassed 2,575 votes and was elected on the first count. The TD indicated that a lot of this is a personal vote but it will scatter along South Clare in Meelick, Westbury, Parteen, Ardnacrusha and Clonlara. Hoping to benefit is Rachel Hartigan (FF) who has worked in his constituency office along but Cllr Begley is expected to gain here along with Gillane.

Sinn Féin’s standing in South Clare will become clearer with the performance of James Ryan (SF) who could emerge in contention with a strong first preference coupled with transfers from McGettigan.

Should Shannon Town come out in force with a determination to elect its own then that would fare very well for Keith McNamara (IND) and to a lesser extent Pat Barry (IND).

Both Fursa Cavanagh (GP) and Conor O’Brien (IND) have done little to enhance their profile and will be among the first candidates eliminated in the Shannon MD.

Labelled as “a grudge match”, “a shootout” and “a battle royale” there is less competition but as much friction for the four seats in the Ennistymon LEA. Cllr Shane Talty (FF) topped the poll with 1,977 in 2019, while his chances of replicating this are reduced, he will do enough to retain his seat alongside Cllr Joe Killeen (FF) and Cllr Joe Garrihy (FG).

This leaves Cllr Liam Grant (GP) and Bill Slattery (FG) battling for the final seat, defeat for Grant would leave the Greens without a voice on the Council unless there is a shock elsewhere in the county. Conor O’Sullivan (SF) is viewed as the strongest of the other contenders followed by Denis Vaughan (LAB), Pam O’Loughlin (IND) and Michael Loughrey (IP).

Within Ireland South, Clare TD, Michael McNamara (IND) is touted to take one of the five seats alongside Billy Kelleher (FF), Sean Kelly (FG) and Kathleen Function (SF) with the final spot expected to take days to deliver an outcome.

Polling stations will be open across Clare from 7am to 10pm on Friday.

lFINAL COUNTDOWN: David Griffin (FF), Tony Mulcahy (FG) and Rita McInerney (FF)

CAP Budget must be increased says Punch

A SIGNIFICANT increase in the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) represents a key objective that the next parliament must address, writes Páraic McMahon

That’s according to Cratloe’s Eddie Punch who is bidding to become an MEP and is contesting the Ireland South electon.

He said, “CAP spending, as a percentage of EU GDP, has fallen from 0.54% in the 1990s to 0.36% in 2022. That’s short-changing farmers at a time when production costs have escalated. The next EU parliament will have to strongly campaign for increased CAP spending, if we want to take food security seriously.

Negotiating the Multi Annual Financial Framework (EU Budget) in 2025 will be the first step in delivering such an objective. “This will really test out whether established politicians are serious about the CAP or not because it requires Member State governments to make choices about whether they will increase contributions to the EU budget or not,” he added.

“The next step however, is the debate about what proportion of the EU budget is allocated to CAP.I believe

that this is a critical debate and must be informed by the risk to food security and the value provided by the CAP to EU consumers and the EU economy”.

Punch continued, “The CAP costs 33c per day for every citizen of the EU which is remarkable value for plentiful, nutritious food. But there’s more to it than that. In 2023, the EU had a net trade surplus of €70 billion for agri-food products while the CAP is actually costing €56 billion/ annum. That means that we are es-

sentially getting EU food for free, in terms of public expenditure and the EU economy.

“The problem is that this is not translating into farm incomes and unless this is fixed, we are rapidly heading towards a scenario where very few young farmers will take on the job of feeding the EU. This would prove catastrophic and that’s why this issue should feature among the most pressing priorities of all European Parliament candidates,” he concluded.

Farmers ‘hit on the double’ by Shannon to Dublin water pipeline

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

EUROPEAN election candidate, Michael McNamara (IND) has warned that the proposed Shannon to Dublin water pipeline will result in farmers being hit on the double if it proceeds as planned.

During his time as a TD, Deputy McNamara has been vocal in his opposition to the Water Supply Project, says farm holdings along the proposed route of the pipeline may be made unviable for the duration of its construction, or even permanently at a time when the viability of many farmers’ livelihoods is already being jeopardised by changes to Ireland’s nitrates derogation.

He stated, “Ireland has one of the highest leakage rates of drinking water in Europe and

the Dublin City Council area has one of the highest leakage rates in Ireland. As a result of that, it is proposed to build a pipeline across Ireland to ship water from Lough Derg and the River Shannon. That, obviously, would cause huge disruption to landowners, a huge cost to the economy and unforeseeable consequences for the environment”.

“Shannon stocks are already plummeting without further reducing the flow of water along the natural course of the Shannon,” he pointed out, adding “there would be a larger draw on this pipeline during summer months when water levels are already very low along the Lower Shannon”.

Scariff native Michael explained, “Farmers are being largely blamed for the ongoing deterioration in water quality across the coun-

try, while there is rarely any mention of the volume of raw sewage discharged daily into Irish waterways”.

Deputy McNamara continued, “Instead of spending millions on piping water to Dublin where it will simply leak into the ground, this government should be investing in delivering the necessary wastewater infrastructure to unsewered communities and upgrading the many facilities that are no longer fit-forpurpose. Not only does the construction of the needed new wastewater treatment plants alleviate the pressure on the future development of vitally important infrastructure in local communities, but it also tackles one of the primary causes of declining water quality in Ireland’s waterways”.

“I cannot support any proposal to divert

water from the Shannon until local authorities in Dublin and Uisce Éireann / Irish Water get their act together and put their system in order,” he added. “Otherwise, this project will just further punish farmers by making their holdings unviable while they continue to be squarely and unfairly blamed for water quality issues which could be redressed by diverting proposed expenditure on this pipeline into funding infrastructure that will significantly decrease the amount of wastewater entering our waterways”.

l Eddie Punch

New Ennis library fit-out commences

Stricter controls needed for AirBnB in Ennis

STRONGER controls are needed for full homes rented on Air BnB in Ennis, writes Páraic McMahon

Tougher controls are needed in the rental sector, insisted local election candidate Seamus Ryan (LAB).

He stated, “Right now there are only 20 properties to rent advertised on Daft in the entirety of County Clare whereas there are three hundred and eighty three full homes available on the Airbnb website. With homelessness and hidden homelessness across the country at over 14,000 people in emergency accommodation and over 4,000 children in homelessness we cannot afford to have this many houses taken out of the overall housing supply”.

Ennis and Shannon were established as rent pressure zones in August and

Notes

ALZHEIMERS INFORMATION CAFE

November 2023. He said the legislation should be encouraging property owners to move back into the long-term rental market and out of tourism market.

“All property owners who are engaged in short-term letting in Rent Pressure Zones are required to register with the County Council even if they are entitled to an exemption. I will be seeking that the council examine the register of shortterm lets to ensure that properties in these zones are in compliance with the law and open to local families for homes,” Seamus stated.

ELECTED members in Clare got a first glimpse at the new de Valera library in Ennis during a site visit on Friday, writes Páraic McMahon Councillors, Oireachtas members, senior management and staff with Clare County Council plus representatives of glór’s board attended a tour of the library and art gallery located at the Causeway Link in Ennis.

They were guided through the new building by members of the project team who briefed those in attendance on the layout and proposed finish of the impressive multi-functional space. The 2,321sqm building comprises a public library over two floors which includes the local studies centre, a 100sqm art gallery and incorporates the County Library headquarters on the top floor.

London based, Keith Williams Architects designed the building. Keating Construction successfully tendered for the initial construction contract but the company entered liquidation, construction re-commenced with Coolsivna Construction in April 2022.

Late 2021 was the original target for the finishing of the library which has a price tag close to €14m. The onset of COVID-19 and the pause in construction greatly disrupted these plans.

Friday’s site visit marked the ending of the construction phase and the commencement of library fitout which will take several weeks to complete.

Work Rest Play based in Belfast was awarded the tender fit-out and the vis-

itors were shown aspects of shelving, desking, and seating which have arrived recently to site and are presently being installed. It is expected that the library will decant the three service points of public library, local studies centre and library headquarters onto the site over the coming weeks, with an anticipated opening date of later in the summer.

Cllr Joe Cooney (FG), Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council, expressed his satisfaction with the building stating that, “I’m delighted to see that the interior reflects the scale and ambition of the exterior of the building and I would like to acknowledge that for myself and my fellow Councillors we feel we have contributed to creating a lasting legacy for the people of Ennis and the county”.

Pat Dowling, Chief Executive, Clare County Council, added that, “This new County Library project is a landmark initiative aimed at providing a modern, engaging and inclusive space for learning, community engagement and cultural enrichment. I am especially pleased to have delivered this project during my term as Chief Execuitve and I look forward to watching the community make it their own and embrace the many opportunities it will afford in the future”.

Anne Haugh, Director of Rural Development with responsibility for libraries, Clare County Council, stated that, the long-anticipated project “represents a significant investment in the future of our community. The new library is

designed to cater to the diverse and changing needs of the population, offering a wide range of facilities and services that reflect the evolving role of libraries in the 21st century”.

Currently, the present library holds a book stock of 49,000 items, of which 19,000 are devoted to children’s services, the local studies centre holds a stock of 15,000. The new branch will combine the public library and local studies centre. The library recorded close to 80,000 visits last year by the public, and it is anticipated that with the new facilities and services available in the new building this figure will double when it opens.

Helen Walsh, Clare County Librarian, added that, “The new library will now hold a stock of 70,000 items.

“The branch will also hold an additional store of 22,000 books which will supplement the public offering.” She added that “the dedicated children’s area will contain a cubby sensory hub providing an immersive multi-sensory space as well as access to sensory toys, board games and a dedicated ‘maker space’.”

Other items of note include laptops and hublets which will be provided for use in the library and there will be ample seating and study spaces provided throughout the building. There is a dedicated teenage space and a multi-purpose meeting room available for use for lectures and library clubs while three single booths, which provide privacy.

Corpus Christi Procession

THE Clare Branch of the Alzheimer Society are delighted to have our Ennis Information Cafe returning on the third Wednesday of each Month, in our Ennis Centre, Cuan An Chlair, Cahercalla, from 11.30-13.30. Guest speaker on the 20th of March is Sharon Cahir, Solicitor, covering Planning ahead, including Enduring Power of Attorney. Join us for tea and a chat. For more information contact Linda Murphy 0879152151, e-mail : linda.murphy@alzheimer.ie

ON THURSDAY 30th May the annual Corpus Christi festivity in Doora-Barefield saw about 80 pilgrims commencing at St. Joseph’s well, joined together to continue the tradition of Eucharistic procession. The feast day draws particular attention to the true presence of Jesus in the Eucharist and the centrality of the Eucharist in Catholic life. The feast was first promulgated in the 1930’s by St. Juliana of Liege, a 13th century Belgian nun, who received a divine vision, was promoted for universal celebration through the then Pope Urban IV. As the entourage left the entrance of the well singing the Latin hymn O Salutaris Hostia (O, saving victim), the sun burst through the clouds, up until then an overcast day. A joyous gathering of the faithful in great colour, with national and Christian flag and banners added great colour to the town. The 2-mile walk passed through the Gort Road, Clonroad and Tulla road enroute to the Church of Our Lady, Roslevan with rosaries, litanies and joyous hymns in fine voice. During the processions, there were short stops and water breaks at Kincora Park and Oakleigh wood for solemn benediction, prayers and Eucharistic hymns.

Many homes passing the route were

beautifully adorned with pious displays including sacred heart pictures and statues of Our Lady, this participation added greatly to the festivities. Families stood at their gateways to greet the Blessed Sacrament passing their home. Fr. Tom carried the Blessed Sacrament in a monstrance, blessing the people, homes, motorists and businesses on the processional route. The processional witness and most importantly the presence of Our Lord in the Eucharist caused a noticeable reaction from passing motorists as the procession proceeded through a busy Thursday evening in Ennis. The arrival of the entourage at the Church of Our Lady singing ‘Oh, sacrament most Holy’ was greeted by a great crowd from the locality gathered in the church and those who did not walk. The beautiful local choir took over with Tantum ergo, the great Thomistic hymn. Ceremonies concluded with Holy mass and a wonderful Homily from Fr. Tom Fitzpatrick on the importance of the Eucharist in our lives and our giving our little contributions to the Lords work, so that he can multiply them. Thanks to the organisation committee and especially to His Excellency Bishop of Killaloe, Fintan Monaghan & Fr. Tom Fitzpatrick for their leadership.

lFIRST GLIMPSE: Clare County Librarian Helen Walsh, Clare County Council CEO Pat Dowling and Anne Haugh, Director of Rural Development with responsibility for libraries, Clare County Council

Use your vote for a Greener Clare

THE key tip from the Green Team is to vote for a Greener Clare.

With a candidate in the every local electoral area in Clare and in Europe, we want to make a Green difference. We want to promote a sustainable, fairer, healthier way of life in ways that support climate and nature. We want to take practical steps for nature restoration, with thriving wildlife and prosperous farms producing nutritious food. We want clean water in our taps, rivers, lakes and seas.

We will work for better public transport, safer roads, pleasant walking and cycling, less pollution from cars to make our lives better, save money and be good for the climate.

We will promote greener energy and energy security by supporting the Shannon Estuary Task Force aims and helping you avail of the energy upgrade and solar panel grants introduced by the Green Party. We need services restored in Ennis Hospital, and where there is illness and disability we want to support and protect your needs and the needs of carers. We

will promote physical and mental wellbeing through reduced air pollution, clean water and inclusive community, sports and recreational amenities.

We will be your voice for affordable housing and social housing, including cost rental options. We want our towns and villages to be safe and welcoming with accessible and living streets where families and businesses thrive. We want tourism that works for communities and tourists alike.

We will listen. We will be a voice for women and young people, our most vulnerable, our youngest and our oldest and the nature we all depend on. We will actively engage with you and promote genuine public consultation.

In Europe, MEP Grace O’Sullivan will continue to champion climate, nature and environmental action, promote social justice and wellbeing and support the transition to clean energy, zero pollution and zero waste. Vote number one for your Green Party candidate on Friday 7th June.

Rachael English announced as new RTÉ News at One host

SHANNON’s Rachael English has been announced as the new presenter of RTÉ Radio One’s News at One, writes Páraic McMahon

Rachael will take on the mantle as the new presenter of RTÉ Radio One’s lunchtime programme from July 15th succeeding Bryan Dobson. The show attracts 300,000 listeners daily and was presented by Dobbo up until his retirement at the beginning of May. Since 2010, Rachael has been a presenter on Ireland’s most listened to radio show, Morning Ireland. She joined RTÉ in 1991 as a 2FM news reader and later worked as a reporter for Morning Ireland; the News at One, Today With Pat Kenny and RTÉ Television News. Her first full-time presenting job was on Five Seven Live on RTÉ Radio 1. She presented The Late Debate and Saturday View before joining Morning Ireland as a presenter. She has also worked on a number of spe-

cial series. These include The Constituency, which focused on the issues and candidates in all of the Dail’s constituencies, and The Big Science Debate, where an expert panel discussed the ethical challenges presented by scientific developments.

For the past 22 years, she has been a presenter on RTÉ Radio 1’s General Election results programmes. She has also presented coverage of local, European and presidential election counts and has anchored election coverage from Belfast, London and Washington.

As a reporter and presenter, she has worked on a vast range of national and international stories, from the signing of the Good Friday Agreement to the Olympics Games to the Cop 26 Climate Summit. She was also given the honour of presenting a tribute show for Marian Finucane following the beloved presenter’s death in January 2020.

In 2022, Ms English was inducted into the IMRO Awards Radio Hall of Fame. She is also the author of seven novels, most recently the top-ten bestseller, Whatever Happened to Birdy Troy? Her career in journalism began in Clare FM.

Speaking about the move, Ms English said: “One of my first jobs in RTÉ was as a reporter on the News at One. It was also where I first worked as a stand-in presenter. I’ve always hoped that one day I’d get to return, so I’m delighted to be doing so now. It feels like coming home.

“It’s been a privilege to present Morning Ireland, and I’d like to thank the colleagues who have made getting up at 4am bearable. I’m looking forward to working with the fantastic team on the News at One”.

Managing Director of News and Current Affairs Deirdre McCarthy said: “Rachael is a highly respected journalist and outstanding

broadcaster. I am delighted that she will now be joining the exceptional team of journalists on our flagship News at One programme.

“Recently inducted into the IMRO Radio Awards Hall of Fame, Rachael is very familiar to our listeners from presenting Morning Ireland. She will continue to bring her focus and integrity in this new role, representing the public interest on the programme.

“She is exceptional at asking the probing questions, the questions the listeners want answers to and holding those in power to account. Her extensive broadcast experience along with her measured tone, reassuring and calm delivery will ensure listeners will continue to tune in everyday,” she added.

A past pupil of St Conaires NS and St Patrick’s Comprehensive School, the Comp were among the many well-wishers on social media.

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Photo by Arthur Ellis

lNEW ROLE: Shannon native Rachael English

GOULD Dinny

A strong, independent voice for West Clare Vote

Kilrush candidate hits out at Govt’s handling of energy crisis

THE government has been accused of failing to get to grips with the chaos in Ireland’s energy markets. Irish energy costs far outstrip the European average and are frequently some of the most expensive in the EU. That’s according to Sinn Féin candidate for West Clare, Dawn Bennett.

Reacting to news that energy provider SSE Airtricity is set to cut its charges for standard household electricity and gas by 10%, Dawn said, “While these price cuts are welcome, the reality is they go nowhere near far enough to provide the relief ordinary workers, families and small businesses desperately need.”

“Prices here remain a staggering 70% higher for electricity and 80% higher for gas than they were before the energy crisis hit. This means households will still pay around €1000 a year more for gas and electricity than they did just a few years ago. High energy bills will continue to be a key component in Ireland’s enduring cost-ofliving crisis.”

“This is confirmed by this week’s Barnardos report which claims that 70% of families worry about not being able to provide daily essentials and more alarmingly, 47% of families have already had to cut back. Energy prices are a key component of this.”

“The government has argued that this is inevitable, that Ireland’s stubbornly high energy costs are due to external factors that they have little to no control over. However, in Sinn Féin, we know that this is not the case”, Dawn continued.

“We know that wholesale energy prices

l Dawn Bennett of Sinn Féin

have fallen by approximately 77% since their peak in August 2022 yet retail prices have not fallen by anywhere near a comparable amount. In contrast, energy prices in other states have not only fallen faster but have fallen further, and from a lower base rate.”

“The reason Ireland is an outlier in this context, we are told, is because of Irish energy companies’ so-called ‘hedging strategies.’ Yet the government has absolutely

zero oversight of this. Instead, we are just supposed to take energy companies on their word that they can’t reduce their prices further all the while they continue to make exorbitant profits.”

“Sinn Féin would change this.”

“The government’s ‘once-off’, sticking-plaster measures are not good enough. We need a seismic shift towards real, sustainable change for good. Sinn Féin has introduced a five-point plan to take control and bring the much needed relief for ordinary workers, houses and businesses.”

“First and foremost, we would work to fundamentally reorganise the electricity market. Sinn Féin would implement changes to uplift families rather than the corporate balance sheet. Secondly, we would reform the mandate and increase the power and resources of the regulator in order to hold energy companies to account. Sinn Féin wants to rein in the chaos in the energy market rather than letting energy companies ride roughshod over consumers. Thirdly, we would radically overhaul the government’s retrofitting programme. We propose a tiered plan targeting those most in need, including an increase in the budget for local authority homes and the establishment of a standalone fund for solid fuel homes.”

“Finally, Sinn Féin’s plan also incorporates measures to increase the accessibility of the green transition by increasing domestic, community and public ownership of renewables, as well as proposals to tackle energy poverty including the prioritisation of bottom-up approaches.”

Water supply returned in Doonbeg

REPAIRS have been successfully completed to a burst water main which impacted up to forty properties in the Doonbeg area.

Following reports of a supply disruption on Tuesday, dedicated crews from Uisce Éireann were immediately deployed and worked hard to restore normal water supply to impacted customers as quickly as possible.

Repairs have successfully been completed and water supply has returned to the majority of customers at Glascoune, Baltard, Bealaha, Farrihy, Doonmore, Doonbeg, Kilrush and surrounding areas.

Some households were expected to be without supply until later on Wednesday evening, especially for those on higher ground or at the end of the network.

Darragh Conneely, Water Operations Lead at Uisce Éireann, acknowledged the impact to customers. “On behalf of Uisce Éireann, I’d like to thank customers who were impacted by his unplanned outage for their patience, co-operation, and assistance while we worked to complete the repairs as quickly as possible and regret any inconvenience caused”. a

Distraught West Clare driver ‘lost control’ in crash which claimed grandmother’s life

by Gordon Deegan news@clareecho.ie

A “very upset and distraught” grandson and driver was heard saying ‘why didn’t I hit the fox?” at a crash scene in west Clare where his 73 year old grand-mother died.

On June 18th last, rear seat passenger, Margaret Wright died from blunt force injuries sustained after the car being driven by her grand-son, Connor Wright (32) of Pella Rd, Kilrush, crashed in the single car accident.

An inquest was told that Mr Wright had lived with his ‘nana’, Margaret Wright, since he was four days old.

Mr Wright had brought Margaret Wright and his girl-

friend, Chantelle Burke for a Sunday drive on Father’s Day last year.

In a Garda interview after the road traffic accident, Mr Wright said: “A fox or a badger came out onto the road while I was driving home from the chipper past Cree - instead of just hitting the fox I swerved in and hit the brakes.

“I turned my car in instead of turning out and crashed my car.”

He said: “I moved the car to the right as there was nothing coming against me. I felt in control of the car and all of a sudden I lost control.

I remember the impact but nothing else.”

One of the first on the scene was off-duty nurse,

Maureen Nagle who performed CPR in an attempt to revive an unresponsive Margaret Wright on a sleeping bag laid out on the road.

Ms Nagle said that the young man at the scene at Ballinagun West, Cree in west Clare didn’t say anything, only “why didn’t I hit the fox?”

Connor Wright said that he had brought his granny and girl-friend, Chantelle Burke to a pub in Cooraclare where he said that his grand-mother had five pints and a glass of Coors Light while Chantelle had five pints of Bulmers.

He said: “We had a good time there as we did most Sundays when we were out.”

Ms Burke’s deposition said that herself and Margaret

Wright of Pella Rd, Kilrush had two to three drinks each in the pub and Connor had only two drinks all day as he wasn’t feeling well.

Ms Burke said on the way home from the pub and chipper while a front seat passenger, she saw out of corner of her left eye, a fox came across the road.

She said that her recollection is a little bit fuzzy but “all of a sudden a bang happened - we went across the road and hit a ditch or something - I don’t know exactly what we hit”.

Ms Burke said that Margaret Wright was not wearing a seat belt.

In separate proceedings at Ennis District Court in April concerning the fatal crash,

Mr Wright pleaded guilty to drink driving at Ballinagun West, Cree in west Clare on June 18th last.

Judge Alec Gabbett imposed a two year mandatory driving ban after the construction worker was found to be driving over the alcohol limit at the time.

Judge Gabbett said that Mr Wright’s alcohol reading “was not a particularly high reading” but comes into the mandatory two year driving ban range.

Solicitor for Mr Wright, Joe Chambers told the court that Mr Wright “was very close” to his grand-mother.

Connor Wright was not present at the inquest and County Coroner, Isobel O’Dea asked “how is Connor

doing?” and in response was told “he is okay - he is holding his own - he is doing day to day”.

Connor’s mother, Catherine arrived at the scene and in a deposition said that Conor was “very upset and distraught”.

Catherine said that when medics removed her mother, Margaret’s top to perform CPR, she told Connor to leave the scene “as he didn’t need to see this plus my mother would be mortified - Conor seeing her with no top on”.

Catherine said that she genuinely thought her mother would be fine and she didn’t want Connor to see his grandmother naked on the ground.

€11m to be invested in Ballyvaughan wastewater treatment plant

AN INVESTMENT

of €11m in a new wastewater plant for Ballyvaughan has been confirmed, writes Páraic McMahon

Construction of a new wastewater treatment plant for Ballyvaughan is to commence in the coming weeks, Uisce Éireann have confirmed. This multi-million-euro investment will see the construction of a new wastewater plant that will service a population equivalent of almost 1,050 in the picturesque coastal village. The works will be completed in partnership with Clare County Council.

A spokesperson for Uisce Éireann said they were “committed to ending the unacceptable practice of untreated wastewater being discharged into Ballyvaughan Bay”.

Water quality will be improved in Ballyvaughan as a result while it will also ensure there is capacity available for future social

and economic growth in the area.

Along with the construction of a new wastewater treatment plant with storm water storage, solar panels will be installed to provide the plant with renewable energy. New sewer pipelines will be constructed along the R477 to bring wastewater for treatment at the new wastewater treatment plant.

As Ballyvaughan is an important tourist destination, the project will also improve water quality for recreational swimming, surfers, fishing, boating, and sightseeing. The project will ensure compliance with national and EU regulations relating to the treatment of wastewater.

Esther White, Programme Manager at Uisce Éireann, said, “We are delighted to be commencing construction of this significant project for the local community in Ballyvaughan. This project will

end the current practice of discharging untreated wastewater into the Ballyvaughan Bay, thereby, improving water quality and protecting marine life”.

Cllr Joe Garrihy (FG) acknowledged that it was a “long journey to this point but most welcome. There will be inconvenience but will be managed best as possible and the result will be exceptional for environment and the community”. He said the next move is with “urgency to ramping all pressure possible on our North Clare settlements needing similar investment now” such as Miltown Malbay, Spanish Point, Ennistymon, Lahinch, Ruan and Doolin. Inclusion of solar panels to power the plant were praised by Cllr Liam Grant (GP). Cllr Shane Talty (FF) said the announcement was “good news” for Ballyvaughan but maintained “similar projects are needed across North Clare”.

Lisdoonvarna’s Tina takes 2024 Global Travel Award

LISDOONVARNA’s Tina O’Connell has been named as the winner of the 2024 Global Travel Award, writes Páraic McMahon

Tina who is a Limerick School of Art and Design Graduate in Sculpture & Combined Media, was named as the recipient of the award on Saturday. The bursary for Fine Arts graduates, now in its second year, was announced by Aoife Ruane, Curator and Director of Highlanes Gallery.

O’Connell’s winning piece ‘Odysseys of Self’ was selected by a respected panel of artists and curators Laura Fitzgerald (Artist), Paul McAree (Curator, Lismore Castle Arts) and Patrick Murphy (Director Royal Hibernian Academy) and Aoife Ruane.

The Global Travel Award of €5,000, is open to all students graduating from its BA in Fine Art and B.Ed Art and Design Teacher Education in 2024. The Award has been designed to offer the chosen graduate a unique opportunity to

develop their future career.

This philanthropic funding has been made available for students with support from The Ireland Funds. LSAD is honoured to be the only Art School in Ireland to offer such a prestigious travel award.

In order to enter for the Award, BA in Fine Art and BEd Art and Design Teacher Education students prepared a submission package with images of their work and most importantly provide a statement outlining what they could achieve with the travel bursary and how this will assist with their future creative development.

300 students from Ireland and beyond will attend the Limerick School of Art and Design (LSAD TUS) Graduate Show over the coming week. Hosted at TUS Clare St. Campus in Limerick City, the Show opened to the public at 1pm on June 1, and will be available to view from 10am to 5pm daily until Sunday, June 9.

lTHE BAY: Ballyvaughan pier

lARTIST: Tina O’Connell

Photo by Brian Arthur

Speed survey planned for Kilkishen estate

A SPEED survey is to be undertaken in Kilkishen following appeals for traffic calming measures, writes Páraic McMahon

Cllr Joe Cooney (FG) urged Clare County Council to introduce traffic calming measures to the Cluain na Laoi estate in Kilkishen “where recently new housing has been introduced. This is in the interest of road safety and the safety of residents in the estate”.

Acting senior executive engineer, Declan Flanagan outlined that following Cooney’s proposal that staff in the Killaloe Municipal District would carry out a speed survey. “Arising from this survey an assessment will be conducted and the location reviewed for potential traffic calming measures if necessary whilst taking into consideration the location of open space and green areas and potential locations where speeding may be an issue”.

Flanagan explained that any traffic calming measures would require that a Section 38 of the Road Traffic Act 1994 be passed while a funding stream would need to be sourced.

Speaking at a meeting of the Killaloe MD, Cllr Cooney com-

lROAD SAFETY:

mented, “there are sixteen new houses gone into the development, hopefully something can be done sooner rather than later”. He continued, “We need to take this strongly, driver behaviour needs to be looked at as well. It is important to put road safety measures into the development.

There is an average of two cars per house here”. Speeding in estates and on side roads is an issue in East Clare, Cllr Alan O’Callaghan (FF) observed. “It is something we need to address going forward,” he maintained.

Big Toddle hits Killaloe

MOTHER Goose Creche, Clonfadda, Killaloe, was bustling with excitement as they participated in the Barnardos Big Toddle this week, writes Páraic McMahon

Seventy five children aged from under a year old to five years old were all involved in the sponsorship walk and were toddling for the cause of Barnardos.

Since 2008, the Killaloe creche

has taken part in the Barnardos Big Toddle. This year’s event was held in Clarisford Park. The Barnardos Big Toddle is a fun half-mile sponsored walk for crèche and pre-school aged children, raising funds for Barnardos Early Years services.

Over the past 21 years, toddlers across Ireland have raised €4.7 million, making a significant impact on the lives of vulnerable children.

Tips for combatting hay fever in June

HAY fever, or allergic rhinitis, can be particularly bothersome in the west of Ireland during June, as pollen counts typically peak.

Here are some practical tips brought to you in association with Duffy’s Pharmacy Ennis to help alleviate symptoms and make the most of the beautiful summer weather.

1. MONITOR POLLEN COUNTS:

Stay informed about daily pollen forecasts. Websites and mobile apps such as pollen.ie and met.ie provide up-to-date pollen levels, allowing you to plan outdoor activities when counts are lower, typically early morning or late evening.

2. KEEP WINDOWS CLOSED:

To prevent pollen from entering your home or car, keep windows shut, especially during high pollen

times. Use air conditioning if available, and consider installing a pollen filter.

3. SHOWER AND CHANGE CLOTHES:

After spending time outdoors, shower and change your clothes to remove pollen that has accumulated on your skin and fabric. This helps reduce indoor pollen levels and alleviates nighttime symptoms.

4. USE OVER-THE-COUNTER MEDICATIONS: Antihistamines can relieve sneezing, itching, and runny nose. Non-drowsy options are available, making them suitable for daytime use. Nasal sprays and eye drops can also provide targeted relief. For more tips on managing hay fever this summer, check back in next week as we continue this series.

Cluain na Laoi, Kilkishen

lEARLY YEARS: Two friends enjoy their walk Photo by Brian Arthur

Clare farmers are under extreme pressure, public meeting hears

FARMERS in Clare are under extreme pressure due to regulations being imposed on them by European officials and the Irish Government, a meeting has heard, writes Stuart Holly

A meeting was held on the farm of Rosaleen O’Reilly, Castlefergus, Quin, last Wednesday evening as part of the Irish Farmer’s Association (IFA) ‘Enough is Enough’ campaign which aims to highlight the positives of farming while raising awareness around the red tape restrictions local farmers are faced with.

The meeting was chaired by Clare IFA Co-chairman Stephen Walshe, a beef farmer from Feakle. Mr Walshe was highly critical of the decision to cut Ireland’s nitrates derogation limits from 250kg of organic nitrogen per hectare to 220kg per hectare.

Speaking about the decision to host the meeting at Ms O’Reilly’s farm, Mr Walshe said, “Rosaleen is a dairy farmer and has huge concerns around this nitrate derogation. What that means is basically she’ll be asked to keep less cows than she currently has.

“Rosaleen has 52 cows so any reduction in her herd will have a huge impact on her income and a huge impact in terms of whether she will be able to continue farming or not,” he told The Clare Echo. “Rosaleen farms to a very high standard, (...) obviously water quality is very important to her. She is doing her bit for biodiversity, she is planting hedgerows and planting trees, and talked about investing in solar.”

There are 70,000 beef cows in Clare and 190,000 other cattle and Mr Walshe outlined that beef farmers are also under “extreme pressure”. “They’re frustrated because no matter which way they go there’s an attitude of a problem with the way they farm. There’s even a suggestion of a cull which is ridiculous.”

He argued that farmers and policy-makers need to work together to work towards the common goal of reducing emissions, “In terms of climate change, the agriculture sector probably has the most to offer but they think we can do it on a shoe-string and that area has to be looked at.”

There are 6,297 farming families in Clare with over 20 per cent of the working population in Clare involved in agri-related jobs. Mr Walshe warned that the future of farming practices in Clare are very much in danger at the moment.

“When you go back to the average age of a farmer, it’s 59 years. That in itself tells its own story. Why is it so high? It’s so high because the younger generation are better educated and they’re not going to spend their lives living with this stuff and if that is the case, who is going to produce our food in the future?”

The meeting was attended by a number of local politicians however of the three MEP candidates who were all invited, only Eddie Punch attended while Michael Leahy and Independent TD Michael McNamara did not.

Mr Walshe noted, “If we’re to get our message across in Europe, they need to hear what we’ve to say and obviously if they don’t turn up, how can they hear what we’ve to say?”

Mr Walshe and local IFA representatives met with Clare county councillors in February of this year to highlight the campaign and the meeting at Ms O’Reilly’s farm was a result of that.

In March, protests by farmers in Brussels turned violent and Mr Walshe stressed, “We saw what happened across Europe and how they’re trying to fight, really do we want to see that level of anger out on the streets in Ireland?

I don’t want to be involved in that space and isn’t it sad if we have to go down that road.”

lFARMING: Clockwise from top left: Conor O’Leary, Munster IFA Chairman; John Curran, IFA National Rural Development Chairman; Senator Timmy Dooley (FF); Cllr Pat Hayes (FF); Conor O’Leary IFA & Tom Costelloe Clare IFA County Secretary; Declan Hanrahan, IFA National Livestock Chairman; Cllr Tom O’Callaghan (FF)

Photos by Tom Micks

Civic reception for radio presenter

RETIRING broadcaster, Keith Finnegan was honoured with a civic reception by Galway County Council.

With a career spanning more than three decades, Finnegan hosted the long-running ‘Galway Talks’ programme on Galway Bay FM until April.

Keith was joined by family and friends at the ceremony held in Áras an Chontae.

Launching his broadcasting career in 1989 with Galway Bay FM, then called Radio West, Keith hosted weekend music shows and was later appointed CEO of the radio station and the anchor presenter of the popular morning current affairs programme. The Mervue native received an IMRO Hall of Fame award in 2022 for his distinguished service to the industry.

Councillor Liam Carroll (FG), Cathaoirleach of the County of Galway said, “A Civic Reception is the highest honour that Galway County Council can bestow on any organisation, group or individualand one that is - for Keith Finnegan

- thoroughly deserved”.

Liam Conneally, Chief Executive of Galway County Council commented, “For 34 years, Keith has

been a familiar voice to the people of Galway. His programme reached tens of thousands of people every day and, importantly for listeners,

they too were able to reach him. Combining social media and local radio has been central to the success of Galway Talks as it helped

to strengthen community participation, especially for those whose voices otherwise would have gone unheard”.

He added, “Throughout my career, I have always valued the importance role that local media plays in Irish society. Galway Bay FM affords local authorities like Galway County Council with a platform to communicate our message to the wider public but, more significantly, it also holds us to account in the work we do”.

“I wish Keith the very best for the future as I know he has plans for new projects and new adventures. His voice and the passion he showed for everything Galway over the past 34 years will be sorely missed from the airwaves,” the Quin man concluded.

Digital StoryMaps bring Galway's heritage to life

STUDENTS from the University of Galway are playing a key role in an innovative new digital project that brings Co Galway’s unique heritage to life, writes Páraic McMahon Spearheaded by Galway County Council in conjunction with Galway County Heritage Forum, The Heritage Council and local community and heritage groups, ‘Galway County Heritage Trails’ showcases the cultural and historical significance of almost half of County Galway’s 4,556 townlands through

meticulous research and the application of cutting-edge technologies.

One of the standout features of the project is the creation of StoryMaps, a series of interactive maps combining geographical data with multimedia elements to guide users through the historical landscapes of County Galway’s townlands, towns and villages.

In recent months, University of Galway students Dylan Reilly, Joseph Ennis and Natalie Cyrkle have been working with the Heritage

and GIS teams of Galway County Council to convert historical data from sources, including O’Donovan’s Ordnance Survey Letters, Griffiths Valuation, the Down Survey, and the 1901 and 1911 censuses, into digital formats.

161 townlands in the civil parishes of Kiltartan, Kinvaradooras, Kilcolgan, Kilthomas and Killinny have recently been digitised while online StoryMaps also have been created for Oranmore, Mountbellew, Monivea and Ballyglunin, bringing to 2,000 the number of townlands now digitised through the project.

Cllr Liam Carroll (FG), Cathaoirleach of the County of Galway said, “StoryMaps is a simple yet powerful way to share information and enlighten, engage, and inspire people with stories that relate to locations of interest around us. Incorporating location and mapping into the context of a story, each StoryMaps is designed to provide an immersive experience, shedding light on the cultural and historical significance of various locations.”

“Placements such as those with the Heritage Office allow students from the College of Arts, Social Sciences and Celtic Studies to develop important skills and broaden their horizons in terms of longer-term career options open to them. The positivity shown by students in their presentations in Áras an Chontae only serves to demonstrate the value of their experience in this project,” added the Cathaoirleach.

Liam Hanrahan, Director of Services, Director of Services for Economic Development & Planning added, “By combining academic rigor with local authority and community collaboration, this project underscores the power of digital technology in preserving and

sharing local history. The digitised sources and StoryMaps not only honour the past but also pave the way for dynamic, future-oriented research and learning and are an invaluable resource for researchers, educators, the diaspora and history enthusiasts.”

Marc Mellotte, Head of Engagement at the University of Galway commented, “Our engagement with organisations and businesses is a very important part of our students’ development and our own commitments as a university. Our B.Sc. (Social Sciences) graduates see their careers and futures in many different areas of work and the placements and internships offered by Galway County Council really help to broaden their perspective and allow them to see new opportunities for their future”.

Meanwhile, Galway County Council is inviting members of the public to contribute to ‘Galway County Heritage Trails’ with the objective of digitising heritage information relating to all 4,556 County Galway townlands. To date, the Heritage Office has worked with community heritage groups, active retirement groups, Forum Connemara, Galway Rural Development, schools, University of Galway students, and The Heritage Council in digitising 2,000 of the County’s townlands.

“Making heritage more accessible to everyone is one of our main goals,” explained Marie Mannion, Heritage Officer with Galway County Council.

To view the StoryMaps and Townland research, visit www.galwaycoco.maps.arcgis. com.

lHONOURED: Pictured at the Civic Reception: Liam Conneally, Chief Executive of Galway County Council; Keith and Joan Finnegan; and Alison and Liam Carroll (Councillor and Cathaoirleach)

lHONOURED: Cllr Liam Carroll, Cathaoirleach of the County of Galway and University of Galway students Dylan Reilly, Joseph Ennis and Natalie Cyrkle Photo by Sean Lydon

Groups initiate judicial review against Ennis Data Centre

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

APPLICANTS seeking a judicial review to the proposed Ennis Data Centre will present their case before the High Court on Monday.

In April, An Bord Pleanála approved plans for a new 200MW €1.2 billion data centre campus on the outskirts of Ennis.

The Ennis data centre campus is to comprise six data halls covering 145 acres or 1.3 million sq ft on lands adjacent to the Tulla Road on

the eastern outskirts of Ennis near Junction 13 on the M18 motorway connecting Galway to Limerick.

Developers, Art Data Centres Ltd said that the project will create between 400- 450 permanent jobs when the data centre campus is fully operational with up to 1,200 jobs in construction. These figures have been disputed by opponents to the development.

Construction work on the scheme is to take six years. The planned Ennis data centre has been moving for six years through vari-

ous stages including strategic site assessment, zoning and planning.

Friends of the Irish Environment and Futureproof Clare are among the applicants seeking a judicial review. The grounds for the application will be presented to the High Court on June 10th.

Sinéad Sheehan of Futureproof Clare stated, “The Ennis Data Centre is proposed to be built in an area of international importance for biodiversity. The area has a small pond, lots of native trees and a thriving ecosystem. Moreover the proposed facility could use as much water as a million homes. This can put undue pressure on the water supply to residential homes.

We don’t believe this

development is in the best interests of the people in Clare - it isn’t of economic value to the ordinary citizen, and it makes a mockery of already unattainable emissions targets. A 120MW gas plant on the outskirts of Ennis town could be a health risk”.

She added, “The Ennis Data Centre is proposed to be built in an area of significant importance for biodiversity. The area is home to a variety of important species whose lives will be greatly endangered if this data centre is developed”.

Christine Sharp who is also part of the group undertaking the review, commented, “Ennis residents have to suffer the worst quality of air in the country because of high levels of particulate matter, while industries in the Shannon Estuary continue to pollute and even seek

to expand. The introduction of an additional methane gas source will counter any hopes of improving air quality and people’s health in this low lying area”.

Local election candidate, Bridget Ginnity (GP) commended the persons involved for trying to overturn the decision made by both Clare County Council and An Bord Pleanála. “The twenty month delay so far is equivalent to 250,000 flights to Sydney in terms of carbon emissions. I’m hopeful that this legal challenge will not only give more savings due to delays, but quash the proposal entirely until we have additional renewable energy to power a data centre. I’m very grateful to the organisations and individuals who have taken this further”.

l CAMPUS: An artist’s impression of Ennis Data Centre

Dumping ‘accelerated beyond belief’

NECESSARY support needs to be introduced via the use of CCTV and drone technology to clamp down on illegal dumping in Clarecastle, writes Páraic McMahon

Dumping in Clareabbey “has accelerated almost beyond belief,” Cllr Paul Murphy (FG) stated when proposing measures to tackle the “ongoing and persistent pattern of illegal dumping of refuse and waste” along its approach road.

He sought the use of CCTV and drone technology to be introduced as a matter of urgency with any such approval to include Clareabbey as a priority area. “Since the construction of the Ennis Bypass and associated road network the level of dumping here has accelerated almost beyond belief,” he said.

Senior executive engineer in the environment section of Clare County Council, Brendan Flynn explained, “The Waste Management Act, 1996 as amended by the Circular Economy and Miscellaneous Provisions Act, 2022 identifies the role and functions of Local Authorities in protecting the environment and human health by preventing or reducing the adverse impacts of the generation and management of waste. Under section 14A of the Act of 1996 Local Authorities may

operate CCTV Schemes for the purposes of deterring environmental pollution and facilitating the deterrence, prevention, detection, and prosecution of offences under the Act of 1996”.

Required criteria for appropriate uses of CCTV systems is covered in ‘Operation of CCTV for the Purposes of Prevention, Detection & Prosecution of Waste Offences’ that was prepared by the Local Government Management Association (LGMA). “The statutory code sets out guidance on the necessity, proportionality of use, standard operating procedures, data impact assessment requirements and proposed business case submission before CCTV use can be determined”, Flynn said.

Key points from the code include that the local authority must first establish an oversight board, less intrusive measures to deter, prevent, detect, and prosecute offences under the Act of 1996 must be considered, standard operating procedures must be developed locally by the relevant local authority.

Local Authorities are required to engage in appropriate consultation with the public, as part of the Local Data Protection Impact Assessments (DPIA) process. Local DPIAs

must be undertaken in advance of a CCTV proposal being submitted to the Oversight Board and well before any procurement or installation. Each Local Authority operating CCTV shall provide all passers-by with sufficient and adequate notice by way of placing appropriate signage outside the boundary of the line of sight of cameras operating in relation to an Approved CCTV Scheme prior

to entering or coming into contact with any Local Authority CCTV operations. Use of CCTV for Waste Management offences is a temporary measure and cannot be not used for general patrol/surveillance.

Clare County Council will “continue to review the use of CCTV for the purposes of Prevention, Detection and Prosecution of Waste Offences,” Flynn advised.

Speaking at a meeting of the Ennis Municipal District, Cllr Murphy remarked, “illegal dumping here just keeps going on and on, I am putting in the request that we can use technology, reading the response it is not straight forward, we’re waiting for the LGMA to give their feedback, I’m requesting that we do this as a matter of urgency, this is one of our historic locations in the county, to see this behaviour going on is sickening and disheartening”.

Persons involved with voluntary groups are losing motivation at constantly having to clean up the area and support is needed from relevant authorities, Murphy maintained.

Concluding the discussion, Cllr Murphy stated, “It is not just a problem with Clareabbey, it is across the county, we need the support and to get the systems in place”.

l CCTV: Cllr Paul Murphy (FG)

Number of cancer survivors to double

CANCER Survivors Day is recognised on June 2nd every year.

A cancer survivor is described as someone living with and beyond cancer, writes Sláinte an Chláir’s Anne Murphy Cancer survivors’ day is dedicated to providing a platform to raise awareness of cancer and how it affects the lives of those diagnosed and living with cancer and supporting them through challenging times. More people are living beyond cancer than ever before. According to the National Cancer Registry (2023) there are currently more than 215,000 cancer survivors living in Ireland. This represents al-

most 4% of the population, a 50% increase in the number of cancer survivors compared to 10 years ago.

The number of survivors is predicted to double over the next 25 years; this is due to an ageing population and improved early detection of cancers and improved treatments, advances in research and survivorship programs that have contributed to higher survival rates and better quality of life for cancer survivors. It is important to recognise that cancer survivors can experience challenges beyond treatment, such as ongoing side-effects from cancer treatments, psychological and emotional issues and pos-

sibly living with fear of recurrence. Each person’s experience of cancer is different and for many patients adjusting to life after treatment may not be simple, so it’s important that each patient gets the support they need.

Cancer support centres have been recognised as playing a significant role in supporting patients and meeting some of the identified needs. Sláinte an Chláir, Clare Cancer Support is a Voluntary Cancer Support Centre providing many evidence-based services supporting cancer patients and their families to improve their health and well-being and overall quality of life. By

providing high quality survivorship services patients can be empowered to achieve the best possible health outcomes while living with and beyond a cancer diagnosis. Sláinte an Chláir, Clare Cancer Support provide a range of services, listed below.

“These services are free of charge to the people of Clare diagnosed with cancer, which support the survivorship continuum of their cancer journey”, says Anne Murphy, Cancer Support Nurse, Sláinte an Chláir.

In relation to funding, Anne added, “Most of our funding comes from community fundraising, sin-

cere thanks to all our supporters. This service would not exist without you all! We recently celebrated our 15-year anniversary, a remarkable achievement and testament to the services provided and to the community that support us. We have also been successful in our applications for Healthy Ireland Grants which have contributed towards the running of our mental health and physical health supports”.

For further information on SláinteanChláir,ClareCancerSupport, please contact 087 6912396.

Clare Age Friendly extends open inviation to information workshop on Clare Older People’s Council

THE Clare Older People’s Council is a representative group of older people, supported by the Local Authority as part of the Clare Age Friendly County Programme, to bring the voice of older people into local government and to help to inform private and public ser-

vice provision.

This voluntary group provides the opportunity for people to share their concerns as older people living in the community and to work with key agencies and service providers at a strategic level to co-design solutions in response to barriers and challenges faced. An underpinning aim of the Clare Older People’s Council is to ensure that Clare is a great place in which to grow old.

The Clare Older People’s Council participates in decisions with key agencies through the Clare Age Friendly Programme and has representation on the Clare Age Friendly Alliance Board and the Clare Joint Policing Committee. It represents the views of older people at local, regional, and national level.

The Clare Older People’s Council is structured to be representative of the diversity of the older population of County Clare, linked to local older people’s groups and supportive of the participation of the most marginalised.

The membership is made up of individual older people and representatives of older people’s groups, for example, community and voluntary groups, active retirement groups,

people with dementia, people living in residential care, men’s sheds, women’s sheds, and people of different ethnicities. The Executive Committee members are elected by the full membership every two years.

Additionally, the Clare Older People’s Council nominates a representative to sit on the National Network of Older People’s Councils. This National Network convenes three times annually to discuss policy issues of national significance and seeks to work in partnership to resolve issues identified by older people that cannot be resolved at local level.

Ahead of the Clare Older People’s Council’s upcoming AGM on Tuesday 9th July 2024, the Clare Age Friendly Programme team are holding an information workshop in the Civic Room, Buttermarket Building, Drumbiggle, Ennis on Tuesday 11th of June 2024, from 11:00am to 1:00pm. Light refreshments will be provided afterwards.

Please contact a member of the Clare Age Friendly Team on 065 6846240 or agefriendlyclare@clarecoco.ie to confirm attendance.

AS A leadership development consultant, I often work with organisations looking to attract and retain top talent.

However, I’ve found that investing in leadership training and development alone is not enough. Organisations need to have certain elements in place before leadership development programs will be truly effective. My recent visit to my nail technician for a monthly appointment inspired me to reflect on this concept. While many salons might complete a manicure in just one hour, I choose to spend two hours at my technician’s salon because of her exceptional attention to detail, the high quality of her work, and the satisfaction I get from knowing my nails are well-cared for.

During our conversation, she shared an insightful observation: “Even with the best products, a poor manicurist will still provide a below-average result for the client.” This resonated with me, as it highlights the importance of having the right foundation in place to deliver exceptional results.

In the context of leadership development, this analogy holds true. A HR director could employ the best firm to deliver a program, but if the foundations are not in place, such as a clear strategy, a robust management and employee development framework, and a culture of psychological safety, then the results of these programs can be negligible and a waste of time and money for all involved. If you are in a position to decide on what type of management and leadership development interventions to bring into your

company, there are some basics which need to be in place first, such as:

1. A CLEAR, WELL-COMMUNICATED STRATEGY

It’s critical that the organization’s overall strategy is clearly defined and cascaded throughout the company. Everyone from the C-suite to the front lines needs to understand the vision, mission, and key objectives. Without this clarity, leadership development efforts will lack focus and alignment.

I often find that even senior leaders are unclear on the strategy. If they can’t articulate it, how can they lead their teams towards it? Effective communication of the strategy is key - it needs to be repeated often through multiple channels. Only then can leadership development be targeted to support the strategic priorities.

2. A ROBUST MANAGEMENT AND EMPLOYEE DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK

Developing great leaders requires a holistic approach to talent management. There needs to be a clear framework in place for hiring, onboarding, performance management, learning and development, succession planning, and more.

Too often, organisations take a piecemeal approach, investing in leadership training without the supporting processes and systems. It’s like trying to build a house without a solid foundation - the structure won’t hold up. A robust talent management

Doolin FolkFest to generate €2 million for the village

Doolin FolkFest will return next weekend, writes Elaine Tubridy.

Organised by Hotel Doolin established Doolin Arts, the event will run from June 14 to June 16, with thousands of people from all over the world expected to descend on the village, generating an estimated €2 million in economic impact for the region. Although small, carbon neutral FolkFest is known to punch above its weight when it comes to its line-up of musicians. This year is no different with Jack L, The Scratch and Eddi Reader in place as headliners, whilst an eclectic collection of more than 50 local and international traditional and folk acts including Aldoc, Síomha and Niamh Bury will support the diverse festival programme.

As Donal Minihane, the director of Doolin Arts explains, the FolkFest is a chance to promote all that is unique about Doolin and give back to the local community.

He said, “Although we’re in our 11th year, we’re still

not interested in being a big, mainstream festival or making a profit. Doolin FolkFest is about giving people who appreciate great music the opportunity to come together. It’s that unique communal experience, paired with the unrivalled setting of the village, that keeps people coming back.

“We’re incredibly proud that our festival contributes

framework provides the structure to support leadership development and ensure it has a lasting impact.

3. A CULTURE OF PSYCHOLOGICAL SAFETY

Finally, and perhaps most importantly, there needs to be a culture where people feel safe to take risks, make mistakes, and speak up. Psychological safety is the belief that you

won’t be punished or humiliated for making a mistake. It’s the foundation for learning, innovation, and high performance.

If people are afraid to fail, they’ll never stretch themselves to grow as leaders. If they don’t feel heard, they’ll disengage.

A culture of psychological safety allows people to be vulnerable, to ask for help, and to challenge the status quo. It’s the soil in which great leadership can flourish.

So, in summary, while leadership development is critical, it’s not enough on its own. Organisations need to invest in building strong foundations first. In the words of Leonardo da Vinci, who famously said, “Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication”, we can see both the power and elegance in building a strong foundation and achieving excellence in any endeavours, including corporate settings. Without the right foundations in place, even the best training won’t deliver the desired results.

If you’re looking to attract and retain top talent, start by assessing the strength of your foundations. Do you have a clear strategy that’s well-communicated? A robust talent management framework? A culture of psychological safety? If not, focus on shoring up those foundations first. Then, leadership development will have a solid base to build upon and deliver lasting impact.

At O’Brien Learning Solutions we deliver holistic solutions that address the root causes of organisational issues. Contact us today to discuss these solutions in more detail: denise@obrienlearningsolutions.ie.

to the local economy, whilst also providing an important platform for local artists to share their talents..”

Doolin FolkFest takes place June 14 – June 16 at Hotel Doolin. Weekend tickets are priced at €149 plus booking fee and day tickets are €60 plus booking fee. For bookings and more information visit doolinarts.ie

lNAIL TECH: The right foundation is key

lDoolin FolkFest

Two Clare companies win €4,000 at Digital Town awards in Athlone

TWO Clare based companies were among the winners at the Digital Town Awards, writes Páraic McMahon.

Held at the Sheraton Hotel in Athlone on May 24th, the Digital Town Awards recognise and reward projects with a digital element created by town groups and local communities.

Ennistymon based Waywsyer won the top accolade in the Digital Tourism category while Future Mobility Campus Ireland (FMCI) which is headquartered in Shannon took the top gong in the Digital Business category. Both companies were awarded €4,000. FMCI was recognised for its innovative digital strategies that promote business growth and enhance the local economy. This award is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our team in driving digital transformation and mobility solutions. FMCI is excited to continue its pioneering advancements in digital technology and making a positive impact in the community.

WayWyser grew from Geopark LIFE, an EU-funded project that combines tourism development with conservation. The earliest version was piloted in the Burren, county Clare as a geopark monitoring system, as part of a collaboration between the National Parks and Wildlife Service, Clare County Geologist, Clare Local Development Company and the county’s Rural Recreation Officer.

After the basic version of the app was piloted, the Clare-based software development

company Evolve Technologies came on board to enhance the software and add more features to what would become the WayWyser app. The work to date has been funded by

the Department of Rural and Community Development.

Working out of the digital hub on Parliament Street in Ennistymon, WayWyser

makes it easy to monitor and maintain tracks and trails, hiking paths, geoparks, recreation resources, agricultural land, heritage sites and waterways.

CRUINNIÚ GINEARÁLTA BLIANTÚIL

COISTE CHEANTAR BARDASACH INSE

Cuirfear Cruinniú Bliantúil Cheantar Bardasach Inse ar siúl Déardaoin an 27ú lá de mhí an Mheithimh 2024 ag 14:30. Is é an chéad phointe gnó go dtoghfar an Cathaoirleach, ar ina dhiaidh a thoghfar an Leas-Chathaoirleach. Is é an cruinniú seo an chéad chruinniú de chuid na gcomhaltaí nuathofa, ag teacht sna sála ar na toghcháin áitiúla a cuireadh ar siúl an 7ú lá de mhí an Mheithimh 2024. De bhua a sainordaithe dhaonlathaigh, déanann na húdaráis áitiúla ceapacháin chuig comhlachtaí éagsúla.

Le linn an chruinnithe bhliantúil seo, breithneoidh na comhaltaí ceapacháin chuig comhlachtaí éagsúla. Ba cheart a thabhairt faoi deara, áfach, gurb amhlaidh, maidir le ceapacháin chuig an gcéanna faoi na forálacha reachtúla nó eile iomchuí is infheidhme nó faoi lánrogha na Comhairle, is féidir go mbreithneofar iad agus go ndéanfar iad ag dáta is déanaí ná an cruinniú bliantúil.

Oifigeach Riaracháin, Ceantar Bardasach Inse

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING MUNICIPAL DISTRICT OF ENNIS

The Annual Meeting of the Municipal District of Ennis will be held on Thursday the 27th day of June, 2024 at 14:30. The first business will be the election of the Cathaoirleach followed by the election of the Leas-Chathaoirleach. This meeting is the first meeting of the newly elected members following the local elections held on the 7th day of June, 2024.

Local authorities by virtue of their democratic mandate make appointments to a range of bodies.

At this annual meeting, members will consider appointments to a range of bodies. It should be noted however that appointment to same, under the relevant statutory or other provisions applicable or at the Council’s discretion, may fall to be considered and made at a later date to the annual meeting.

Administrative Officer, Municipal District of Ennis

Ennis students light up ESB Science Blast

were

from

Science and Technology

Their project investigated the science behind the question “How does the light bulb work, how does electricity get to it and are LED bulds more efficient” and was one of almost 130 projects showcased at the event, held at the

of

for

first time, between 21st-23rd May 2024

l GOING DIGITAL: Ciara Linnane, Mike Linnane and Eoin Hogan from Clare’s Digital Ennistymon with Waywyser, Winner in Digital Tourism category at the .ie Digital Town Awards 2024 alongside (left) Orla O’Keeffe, Head of Industry Digitalisation at Fáilte Ireland, category sponsor and Oonagh McCutcheon, National Director, .ie Digital Town Programme

Pictured at ESB Science Blast Limerick, the RDS Foundation’s flagship

Programme,

pupils

Knockanean NS, Ennis.

University

Limerick

the

Photo by Eamon Ward

Oxygeneration’s Jennifer gets award nod

by Stuart Holly editor@clareecho.ie

OXYGENERATION’S Jennifer Flaherty has been shortlisted for a Businesswoman of the Year award.

Senior Clinic Executive at the Galway-based clinic, Jennifer is a finalist in the Employee Shining Star category at the Network Ireland Galway ceremony to be held on June 28.

Oxygeneration is a hyperbaric oxygenation clinic which has filled a critical gap in the healthcare sector since opening six years ago in Galway. Jennifer has been with Oxygeneration since its establishment and is passionate about promoting the benefits of hyperbaric oxygen. “I have the luxury of having seen it change people’s lives,” she tells The Clare Echo

“We promote natural responses at a more accelerated and efficient rate. It’s very good for the likes of non-healing wounds and post-radiation and it is covered by Irish Life for a number of conditions.

“It’s non-invasive and it really has been life-changing for people.”

Galway native Jennifer has upskilled during her time at Oxygeneration, gaining qualifications in applied laboratory sciences and quality assurances at Athlone IT, which she notes has given her great confidence in liaising with medical practitioners.

Reacting to her nomination, Jennifer said, “I’m surrounded by very talented and amazing ladies in that group. Network Ireland is such a phenomenal environment for ladies in

business. The support is amazing and there are categories specifically for employees who want to develop and want to showcase their skills and achievements and that’s exactly what this award is.

Mother of one Jennifer says being part of the group has been a ”phenomenal addition” to her life both personally and professionally.

“When you are a woman in business, you feel you need to be strong and you say ‘just get on with it, you don’t need that pat on the back’. But when you get acknowledged, it feels good. And to see the batch of ladies I’ve been shortlisted with, it does a lot for your confidence and pushes you to heighten your own standards.”

Jennifer believes that hyperbaric oxygen treatment should be made more widely available to the public.

“We find people make their way to our clinic after years of suffering unnecessarily. The science is there to say that it needs to be evaluated more in how the HSE do apply it and use it and link in with private clinics like ourselves. I definitely see hyperbaric oxygen being on the tip of people’s tongues over the next year or two.”

Jennifer also acknowledged the support she receives from her colleagues at Oxygeneration, adding “We’ve helped people return to work, we’ve helped people avoid limb amputation. Really the feel-good factor contributes to why I’m so happy coming to work every day, we see amazing things happening here at the clinic and I’m so fortunate to be part of that.”

Denise O’Brien goes forward for national awards

DENISE O’Brien has won the Network Ireland Limerick Solo Businesswoman of the Year Award, writes Stuart Holly Shannon-based Denise of O’Brien Learning Solutions came out on top at the awards evening at the Clayton Hotel where 43 finalists were competing across nine categories.

Denise, who was also a regional finalist for Networker of the Year, will now go on to the national finals for Network Ireland which will be announced at a black-tie gala ceremony in Lyrath Estate, Kilkenny.

Reacting to her win, Denise said, “While I’m thrilled to represent Limerick at the national event in Dublin in September, I believe true success is not about reaching the final destination, but rather the journey itself. Creating business strategy means aiming high and thinking big, but we must not forget to celebrate the wins and milestones along the way.”

O’Brien Learning Solutions was established eight years ago and supports corporate businesses in creating an award-winning culture through supports including audits, workshops, and coaching to support them on that journey.

There was a record number of entrants to this year’s awards and Denise told The Clare Echo there is a great sense of achievement to be selected.

l SHORTLISTED: Oxygeneration Senior Clinic Executive Jennifer Flaherty

l CELEBRATIONS: At the Network Ireland Limerick, Business women of the year awards, in association with LEO Limerick and AIB, at the Clayton Hotel, was Network Limerick President, Fiona Doyle and Vice president, Eve Stafford, with Denise O’Brien, Solo Business women branch winner

ONE of the most common issues people come to me with is anxiety and/or panic attacks.

It seems to be more prevalent than ever, especially in younger people. There are a number of factors contributing to this including social media and recovering from a global pandemic to name a few. There seems to be growing pressure on young people now to have everything figured out and to constantly be happy and grateful for the life they have, and it can feel like you are the only one who is feeling anxiety when all you see are peoples highlights on instagram.

The first thing I ask people is, do you have any time to switch off?

Usually they may think that they are having down time by watching tv, or scrolling on their phones, or spending time with friends. But what I mean when I say switch off is; having time where you can remove yourself from all devices, and all other people, and experience pure stillness. No distractions, and no expectations. Most people don’t do this or feel like they can’t, and that’s probably because they have never tried.

I have dealt with anxiety myself now for ten years, and have found a few places and techniques that really help my mind to switch off, and to feel a sense of calm wash over my body. Examples of these are; being in the ocean, being in the woods, sitting in my garden, and also holistic therapies. Some days it is harder than others to achieve that sense of calm and ease by simply sitting in nature or floating in the water, and

if that is the case, I know I need a little bit of extra support to help me get back to that level where my anxiety is under control enough so that I can benefit from these simple things.

There have often been times where I go for a reiki session or a massage because I know I am really stressed, thinking I will never be able to relax, and ten minutes into the session it’s like my body re-

members the ability it has to go into a deep state of calm. Maybe there has been a particular stressor, or something has been on my mind, and it is as if that energy needs to be shifted from my body and sometimes I need someone else to do the body work for me, to get me back to where I was, and back connected with myself. Also when you are particularly stressed or busy, it’s most likely you are operating in a state of “fight or flight” and that there is excess adrenaline and cortisol in your body. Sometimes this needs more than five minutes in the garden or fifteen minutes in the sea. After a session like this, it’s like I have hit the reset button or had the “top-up” I needed. I find in the days after this it’s easier to switch off my mind, to bring myself to go to the woods or the beach, and over time it becomes a habit again. Whenever I have clients who are new to all of this, I never suggest anything extreme like meditating for an hour a day or cold water exposure. My favourite thing to recommend, especially to people who say they have no time to dedicate to themselves, is to stand outside on the grass at

the end of the day, for 3-5 minutes. Take off your shoes and socks, so your feet can feel the grass and the earth, and take a few deep breaths. If it feels right, maybe even shaking off the day, as if you’re shaking it into the earth. There are scientific studies on the benefit of grounding (bare skin on the earth) that show its impact on our overall health and wellbeing. Next time you feel anxiety or panic start to build up, try this for 5 minutes and see how you feel.

If you find this difficult, to be alone with yourself or to experience quiet and stillness, you may need the help of a therapist. Talk therapy, reiki, massage, reflexology and other therapies can really help you to shift emotions or energy blocks that may be stopping you from being able to switch off and experience inner peace. Please feel free to reach out if you feel you can relate to this article and need some help with managing anxiety and panic, I know all too well how it can impact your life and thats why I love to help people with my therapies and also give them tools that will suit their lifestyle.

At OxyGeneration, a hyperbaric oxygenation clinic in Galway, we’ve had the privilege of helping people with a wide range of conditions and injuries. What’s truly remarkable is that while they come seeking relief for a specific issue, they often experience multiple health benefits throughout their bodies.

One gentleman who stands out in my memory suffered a serious neck injury in a bicycle accident. He came to OxyGeneration seeking relief from his neck pain and to enhance his healing outcomes. After consecutive HBOT sessions, not only did his neck pain improve significantly, but he also experienced unexpected pain relief in his foot. This was particularly surprising because the foot pain was from an injury that had occurred over a decade ago and had been a persistent source of discomfort. This extra benefit was a delightful surprise for him and highlighted the comprehensive healing power of HBOT. Another inspiring story involves a lady who came to our clinic for a non-healing wound. Traditional treatments had failed to provide the healing she need-

ed, so she turned to HBOT. Not only did her wound start to heal, but she also noticed a significant improvement in her sleep quality and energy levels. The boost in her overall well-being was an added bonus, demonstrating how HBOT can enhance multiple aspects of health.

The treatment involves breathing high levels of oxygen in a pressurised room. This process increases the amount of oxygen your blood can carry, allowing it to dissolve more efficiently and reach areas of the body that might be deprived of oxygen due to inflammation, trauma, or other conditions. The pressurised environment helps oxygen penetrate deeper into tissues, promoting faster and more effective healing.

What’s fascinating is that oxygen is essential for every cell in our bodies to function and repair itself. When you undergo HBOT, you’re not just targeting a specific condition; you’re enhancing the oxygenation of your entire body. This means that oxygen travels to where it’s needed most, often leading to improvements in areas you might not have considered.

It’s not just a treatment for isolated issues; it’s a holistic approach to enhancing your body’s natural healing processes. Whether you’re recovering from an injury, dealing with chronic pain, or aiming to improve your general wellness, HBOT can offer a wide range of benefits. It acts like a tonic for your cells, promoting rejuvenation and better health overall.

To further showcase these unexpected benefits, here’s what our client Kate had to say: “When I started here from day one I had relief from the pain in my hand and my knee. I suffer with Fibromyalgia which is the main reason I came. When I checked in I didn’t even mention the arthritis in my knee or my hand because I wasn’t even thinking about it but the first time I stood up off the chair I had no pain. It works for me. If I continue to have the relief that I have I will definitely continue to do sessions. I firmly believe in it now.”

If you have any questions about hyperbaric oxygenation, give OxyGeneration a call at 091394444. Our wonderful team is always more than happy to help.

St Francis Credit Union Clare Community Games

THE St Francis Credit Union Clare Community Games Annual County Athletic Finals were held on Sunday last in John O’Sullivan Park, Lees Road, Ennis. Hundreds of children from 26areas across the county participated in relays and track and field events.

Chairman Rob Stephen thanked the volunteers and St Francis Credit Union for their continued support, as well as Clare County Council, and the caretaker at John O’Sullivan Park. The first placed in individual track events will qualify for National Finals in Carlow while the second and third qualify for the Munster Regional finals which will be held in Clonmel shortly. The first two in Field events will go forward to the National finals in Carlow in August as will the first in each relay.

lON YOUR MARKS: Enjoying the St Francis Credit Union Clare Community Games Annual County Athletic Finals at John O’Sullivan Park, Lees Rd, Ennis were: Hurdlers take a leap of faith; Brendan Meilican, Eamonn Donnelly, Timmy Ryan, Paul Reidy, Clodagh Meilican, Norah Jane Donnelly, Tadhy Ryan, Jack Reidy, Aoibhin Reidy and Caoimhe Reidy; Tommy McCarthy gives out the medals; Volunteers take a well earned break; Sally Sexton and Tommy McCarthy; Charlie Vaughan, Aidan Reynolds, Colm O’Neill, Calum Cronin, Sean Carey, Rhys Smith and Barra Gallagher; A competitor gives it her all; Ready for take off

Photos by Joe Buckley

Clare must have multiple threats on fire to beat Limerick

by

WHEN O’Callaghans Mills clubman Patrick Donnellan lifted the Liam McCarthy Cup following Clare’s All-Ireland final replay win over Cork back in September 2013, Clare fans were confident that many titles would be added in the ensuing decade.

While Clare teams have delivered many memorable performances since then there have been no titles won at senior championship level, the county reaching five Munster finals and three All-Ireland semi-finals since then.

Agonising narrow defeats there have been plenty of and most of these have been inflicted by the Banner’s great rivals and near neighbours, Limerick.

For the third year in a row they clash in the Munster final on this Sunday and Clare’s All-Ireland winning captain from eleven years ago is eagerly looking forward to the clash.

“They have met in the last few finals, all their meetings in recent

times have been classics really, close and exciting. That’s the way it has panned out with Cork showing late form. It’s great for both counties and the rivalry has built up of the last few years”, Pat told The Clare Echo this week.

That said, he was quick to point out “Limerick are winning most of the games and they will be favourites going into Sunday’s final. They have the subs and they seem to be able to get over whatever hiccups appear.

“Clare have shown good form in patches and they will be trying to get a consistent performance over eighty minutes on Sunday while also hoping to get more out of lads coming back from injury like Tony (Kelly) and Davy Mac (McInerney). They will have to make sure that they match Limerick’s intensity”.

Pat believes that “both teams would have been eyeing each other up since the start of the year. To be fair they would have seeing each other as the two strongest in Munster at present. Clare have matched Limerick for the most part. They

will have been disappointed with the result in the first round this year. They were going well and let Limerick back into that game”.

Donnellan continued, “Clare have a settled team but everyone performing well for a full eighty

exciting to watch. I hope they express themselves, embrace the day and give us a really good game”.

Commenting on the outstanding form been shown by Shane O’Donnell, the O’Callaghans Mills clubman said

“SOD doesn’t need to prove anything. He is a team player and a goal getter. Limerick will be aware of that. We will need six forwards, two midfielders and our half backs pitching in with scores. Diarmuid Ryan has been getting forward a bit more in recent games. Making sure there are multiple threats in areas is the only way to beat teams.

minutes is key as well as getting more from lads who haven’t had much game time. They have been in the last few finals, they won the league and they are well versed on what is needed and they know what they are doing. They are really

“We must have the ability to read the game as one or two performing won’t do it. We must test Limerick in all sectors of the field, their forwards are good. We must apply fierce pressure all around the field and make sure we are performing in all areas”, he concluded.

Seamus Hayes news@clareecho.ie

l Shane O’Donnell has ‘nothing to prove’ says former Clare hurler Paddy Donnellan (inset)

Photo by Gerard O’Neill

Lyons appointed referee for

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

CORK’s Colm Lyons has been appointed as the referee for Sunday’s Munster senior hurling final between Clare and Limerick.

Lyons is a familiar man in the middle for meetings of the two counties, he was on duty in Cusack Park when Limerick produced a twelve point turnaround to defeat Clare 3-15 1-18 in the opening round of the Munster championship.

Indeed Colm has done the last three round robin ties involving Clare and Limerick in the Munster SHC including Clare’s 1-24 2-20 victory against the Treaty County in the Gaelic Grounds last April and their 2022 draw in Cusack Park when Gearoid Hegarty was dismissed on a straight red card.

It will be the second time the Nemo Rangers clubman officiates the Munster SHC final having officiated the 2020 decider where Limerick ran out 0-25 0-21 winners against Waterford who were then managed by Liam Cahill.

Elsewhere, Thomas Walsh of Waterford has been appointed as the referee for the Leinster SHC final between Kilkenny and Dublin which takes place at 6pm on Saturday in Croke Park. The Modeligo man has handled Kilkenny’s draw with Galway in the Leinster round-robin this year plus Cork’s 4-30 1-21 trouncing of Tipperary while he was in charge of the 2023 Joe McDonagh Cup final between Carlow and Offaly.

Antrim’s Colm McDonald will referee this year’s Joe McDonagh Cup final in Croke Park on Saturday which pits Laois against Offaly.

l Clare vs Limerick throws in at FBD

Semple Stadium, Thurles on Sunday at 4pm. Pictured is the Clare panel which faced Limerick in

Thurles

CLARE PLAYERS USED AND MINUTES PLAYED

CLARE SCORERS

Photo by Gerard O’Neill

Kelly in line for first Clare start of 2024

TONY KELLY is pushing for a place in the Clare starting team for Sunday’s Munster SHC final while David McInerney remains an injury doubt, writes Páraic McMahon

Four-time All Star Kelly has yet to start a championship game for Clare in 2024 but that is expected to change this weekend as Brian Lohan’s side lock horns with Limerick for the third successive Munster final and look to win the provincial title for the first time since 1998.

In December, the Ballyea man underwent an operation on his ankle, missing out on the entire Allianz National Hurling League.

He made his first appearance for the county this year on April 21st in the opening round of the Munster championship, coming on a substitute and lifting the crowd in Cusack Park when Clare were leading Limerick 1-15 0-11 but they ended up losing to the All-Ireland champions by three points. He scored two points in this contest.

A slight setback kept the St Flannan’s College teacher out of action for the second round while he was brought on for twenty two and twenty three minutes respectively in Clare’s wins over Waterford and Tipperary scoring 1-0 and 0-2 in these games.

With injury concerns still clouding over the involvement of wing back David McInerney, a return of Kelly to the fold may

see Darragh Lohan or Cian Galvin miss out with the potential of Lohan moving to wing back also an option.

After impressing with a composed display in Thurles two weeks ago, Conor Leen is fighting off competition from Rory Hayes and Paul Flanagan to keep a spot at corner back. He is set to join Adam Hogan and Conor Cleary in the full-back line with Eibhear Quilligan between the posts.

Nailed on starters in the Clare attack include Shane O’Donnell, David Fitzgerald and Mark Rodgers while the return of Kelly may see different roles for Peter Duggan and David Reidy with Aidan McCarthy to remain in the full-forward line.

Diarmuid Ryan and John Conlon will occupy roles in the halfback line while Cathal Malone will remain at midfield.

Limerick manager, John Kiely has said it is “highly unlikely” that full-forward Seamus Flanagan will feature in Sunday’s final due to a hamstring injury. “He has to just go now and get his rehab done and there’s no better team of people than the people we have with us to look after him”.

An All Star in 2021, Flanagan has scored 12-103 in over seventy matches for his county since making his senior debut in 2018, three of those goals came in their third round loss to Cork this year.

Doon’s Darragh O’Donovan who has yet to feature in this year’s championship is unlikely to make his 2024 bow this weekend, Kiely stated. “He needs more time, more game time, more training. He’s in great form, he’s making great progress every day we are on the pitch. He had a great session again this (Sunday) morning, he’ll do more next week. The most important thing is that he is fit and healthy and we’ll get him ready. We won’t play him until he is ready”. This leaves Cian Lynch and William O’Donoghue as their most likely midfield pairing.

Shane O’Brien who hit 0-3 against Waterford when introduced for Flanagan is among those vying for a starting berth alongside Adam English and Donnacha Ó Dalaigh.

Question marks remain on the availability of four-time All Star Seán Finn in the Limerick defence. Mike Casey returned to their full-back line versus Waterford and is expected to remain there alongside Dan Morrissey and Barry Nash. Captain Declan Hannon will man the centre back berth with Diarmaid Byrnes and Kyle Hayes on either side.

Cathal O’Neill who has enjoyed a stellar championship so far will lead the Limerick attack with Gearoid Hegarty, Tom Morrissey, Aaron Gillane and David Reidy all hoping to cause Clare problems this weekend.

'Nobody is along for the ride' - Galvin points to

by Seamus Hayes news@clareecho.ie

IAN GALVIN would have a cause to be frustrated with the lack of game time he has received in this year’s championship but he’s quick to point out that the competition for places has been central to Clare’s run this season.

Galvin was arguably Clonlara’s best player last season and one of the top players in the club championship when Donal Madden’s side claimed the Canon Hamilton for the first time since 2008.

However in the county colours, Ian has yet to start a championship game in 2024. He has picked off crucial scores including a point off the bench in Clare’s last outing, a three point win against Tipperary.

Speaking to The Clare Echo, Ian stated, “It’s great to be in a Munster final again, that’s where we wanted to be since the start of the year”.

“It was never going to be easy against Tipperary. This is our first time beating them in a number of years (2022). Every single match in the Munster champion-

ship is difficult.

“We were under no illusions coming here but that it was going to be a tough game and that’s what it was”, the skillful forward added.

Looking ahead to Sunday’s Munster final he noted, “games between Clare and Limerick have been very tight.

“In our meetings in finals in recent years we haven’t got over the line. That is something we are going to have to rectify if we are to beat the best that is there at present”.

Galvin believes that the competition for places is key to the progress the team has made in recent times.

“It’s not just the twenty that are used on match days, there are twenty-six on the panel for each game and there is another fifteen pushing to get into that group.

“That’s where it needs to be and I presume that is the same with any successful team, everyone pushing everyone and making each other better every day. There is no one going along

strength of panel in Clare's Munster final run

just for the ride”.

Having lined out with many of the Limerick team such as Cian Lynch and Mike Casey during his time as a student in Ard Scoil Rís, Ian is well aware of the talent at the disposal of their neighbours.

“Our total focus is on Limerick now. We have to keep the performances coming. It’s eight weeks to the All-Ireland final and we have a maximum of four games left if we are to get that far. We want to take the shortest route and by winning the Munster final we will get a break.

“The focus is very much on Limerick and next week’s meeting,” he concluded.

PICTURED: (Opposite page) Ian Galvin has been limited in gametime but has picked off crucial scores off the bench; (right) Tony Kelly has also started on the bench up to this point as he continues to return to full fitness

Photos by Gerard O’Neill

'Awful lot of work to do' in taking

by Seamus Hayes

MILTOWN Malbay’s Conor Cleary who plays his club hurling with Kilmaley admits that playing in the Munster final has been Clare’s target since the championship got under way.

“We had a very disappointing first day out. It’s great to be back in the final but we have an awful lot of work to do”, Cleary told The Clare Echo in advance of Sunday’s Munster senior hurling final.

Cleary has captained Clare to glory already this year after the county won the Allianz National Hurling League title for the first time since 2016.

Reflecting on their most recent outing, a three point win against Tipperary in Semple Stadium, Thurles, Conor said, “We knew that our game against Tipperary would be as tough as it was.

“Tipperary are a fine team and they showed that. For forty minutes of their last two games they put it up to Cork and Limerick. We knew they were going to do that. We were lucky to come out with the

result and we are delighted to be back in the Munster final.”

A midfielder with his native St Joseph’s Miltown senior football side, Cleary has been the first choice full-back during Brian Lohan’s five years in charge of the county senior side.

A shoulder injury ruled him out the 2023 Munster final against Limerick. Cleary admits that it was a relief to get over the line against a side which disposed of Clare in the round robin series last year.

“Tipperary are a very good team and they have shown that. They beat us well last year, and we knew they were going to be ready for us today. It’s not so much that we managed the game as Tipperary came with a performance, there was never going to be more than three or four points in it”.

Looking ahead to the Munster final where they will face Limerick in the provincial decider for the third season in succession, Cleary commented, “After losing the first day, we will focus on our own performance.

“There is an awful lot of improvement

news@clareecho.ie

down Limerick, admits Cleary

needed and we know that. We will be focussing on trying to reach our own targets and improve our performance. We must hit our own targets”.

One of the team’s most experienced players, the Rice College Ennis teacher said “the league has been very good for us this year as a lot of players have got valuable game time. That has stood to us and you saw last week hoe the subs impacted straight away”.

He admitted that they didn’t look beyond the game against Tipperary even though Liam Cahill’s side were already eliminated from the championship.

“We were focussed on our game with Tipperary as we knew if we didn’t win we would be out. It’s great to be back in the final but we have an awful lot of work to do”.

PICTURED: (Opposite page) A shoulder injury ruled Conor Cleary out of the 2023 Munster final against Limerick; (right) the crucial victory over Tipperary last week which Conor admits will need to be improved on if Clare are to progress

Photos by Gerard O’Neill

'Something different about Clare this year'

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

CRUSHEEN mentor and former Clare selector Michael Browne can’t wait for Sunday’s Munster final.

An experienced coach who has steered both Tulla and Crusheen to Clare senior hurling titles he believes the outcome of Sunday’s Munster final “is a tough one to call”.

That said he says “there is something a bit different about Clare this year. In the last few years they have been playing really well but when the real pressure came on

things didn’t seem to work out right but there is a different air about them this year”.

Continuing he said “they have been scraping through games they were winning easily last year but they have been getting that little bit of luck which was escaping us in the past and you don’t win anything with it”.

Michael agrees that “Limerick are an excellent team but so are Clare and that is due to the work the management team did over the winter months. That work has strengthened the squad as seen with the arrival of players

like Darragh Lohan, Conor Leen and Cian Galvin to mention some. These are big additions to the overall squad. They have added energy and new life to the whole set up”.

“I am not the most optimistic person ever but I am feeling confident about the weekend and looking forward to the game with confidence. Yes, Limerick are going for six in a row and one can’t take that away from them but we are the one team able to put it up to them. We don’t fear Limerick for sure”, commented Michael.

A selector with

Clare when they won the National Hurling League title in 2016, Browne stated, “if you give Limerick a chance, that’s it. In the game in Ennis the subs they brought on transformed the game. They may have lost a few big players but they have such talent in depth. They have players who would start in any other team in the country”.

The Crusheen man believes that “having Tony Kelly available to play is a big boost and I suspect that they will start him. He is a huge player”.

Michael is particularly impressed

by the performances of Shane O’Donnell. “The amount of work he is getting through and the number of scores that he is involved in is something else. It’s a pleasure to sit back and watch him play”. Concluding he said “all of our big players haven’t hit form fully together in games and when most of them do, they are an awesome force. As I said earlier I can’t wait for Sunday. Bring it on”.

PICTURED: Michael Browne

Allow for extra time & use alternative routes

SPECTATORS attending Sunday’s Munster SHC final between Clare and Limerick have been encouraged to use alternative routes and allow for extra time on their journey to Thurles.

Throw-in for Sunday’s tie at Semple Stadium is 4pm. Supporters have been asked to arrive in plenty of time for this game.

Acting Superintendent, James White of Thurles Garda Station stated, “I want to appeal to all patrons attending these matches to be patient and allow sufficient time for their journey and to be guided by Gardai on Traffic Duty. I especially want to make the following appeal to all patrons attending the game - if you must park on the road ensure your car is turned for home, this is to ensure the minimum delay after the matches”.

Gardaí are appealing for supporters to use alternative routes and to allow for extra time on their travels with a large crowd expected at Semple Stadium.

Double yellow lines are in place around Kennedy Park to allow for access for Emergency Vehicles, drivers are not allowed to park on these lines.

Match traffic is not permitted to park on footpaths in the vicinity of Semple Stadium. Parking tickets will be issued to vehicles parked on footpaths.

Car parks will be available on all approach routes, “we urge that they be used by all patrons on their particular route thus avoiding unnecessary delays after the match,” Supt White said.

Patrons have been requested to co-operate with the car park attendants and Gardai to en-

sure the free flow of traffic.

The area in the immediate vicinity of Semple Stadium will be kept completely free of parked vehicles and controlled by Garda Barriers. The housing estates at the rear of Semple Stadium form an emergency route from the Stadium and any vehicles not belonging to residents will be towed, without exception.

“Please do not abandon cars on the main routes. Keep driving until you meet Gardai on duty at relevant car parks. If you must park on the road ensure your car is turned for home, this is to ensure the minimum of delay after the matches. A traffic diversion programme will be in place within Thurles and all motorists are asked to be patient during its operation. Every effort will be made to ensure that motorists can transgress the town with a minimum of delay,” Supt White added.

Gardaí are encouraging Clare supporters to take one of five routes. The first is via Limerick, travel the N24 to Tipperary, the N74 to Cashel, the M8 to Exit 6 for Horse & Jockey and the N62 to Thurles. The second is via Limerick, travel the N24 to Tipperary, the N74 to Cashel, the R639 (Old N 8) to Horse & Jockey and the N62 to Thurles.

Option three is via Limerick, travel the N24 to Tipperary, the R661 to Dundrum, the R661 to Holycross and either the R659 or R661 to Thurles. The fourth route is from Ennis or Killaloe and Birdhill, and travel the R503 to Newport and via Milestone to Thurles. The last option identified is via Limerick or Ennis, Killaloe and Birdhill travel the M7 to Nenagh and the R498 via Borrisoleigh and the Ragg to Thurles.

GAAGO may have finally met its match, warns Éire Óg man Conor McQuillan

ONCE again a major talking point for this year’s Munster senior hurling championship has been GAAGO with the streaming platform criticised by the Taoiseach but an Ennis man has warned that the service may have finally met its match.

This year a total of 38 championship games have been broadcast exclusively on GAAGO including Clare’s win over Cork and the Leesiders victory against Limerick, both games that were held in Páirc Uí Chaoimh.

Cork’s 3-28 3-26 win over Limerick has been one of the games of the championship so far was aired only on GAAGO which prompted Taoiseach, Simon Harris (FG) to urge the GAA to reflect. "It has always been a grassroots organisation and I think the grassroots are really, really, really angry and really disappointed and really frustrated that matches that the kids want to watch, that the family want to watch, are being put behind a paywall. The GAA really need to revisit this, they really need to listen to their grassroots members. That's always been their strength, and I think they've gotten this wrong”.

GAA President, Jarlath Burns said he was “very surprised” with the Taoiseach’s contribution “considering last year we actually sat in front of an Oireachtas committee, we were asked to do so, we did so”.

Ennis’ Conor McQuillan is a second year student at University College Cork. A footballer with Éire Óg, the operations of GAAGO tweaked his interest this year when studying Economic Law of the European Union.

Speaking to The Clare Echo, Conor flagged, “GAAGO, the highly criticised on demand GAA streaming platform may have finally met its match, coming face to face with the double edged sword of Irish Competition watchdog, CCPC and European Union law”. He explained, “July saw the announcement from the CCPC that they would be investigating the broadcasting service on the basis of potentially being an anticompetitive merger to the market. This is due to Sky Sports pulling out of the GAA streaming market in 2020 and leaving a large gap in the market. GAAGO, originally intended for Irish expats and GAA fans abroad, filled this gap. There are two major issues arising from this which can be detrimental to the consumer. Firstly, GAAGO is jointly owned by RTÉ and the GAA. Both organisations are non-profit, while GAAGO is a profit-making company. Since GAAGO changed its function from streaming solely abroad to a mix, prices have increased by around 300% since 2021, while offering a worse selection of games”.

According to Conor, there have been “questionable decisions” on the part of RTÉ in choosing to pick their matches. “Kerry’s quarter final matchup with Tyrone in 2023 saw it locked behind the GAAGO paywall. Three of Cork’s four Munster SHC matches this year were on demand and not selected for RTÉ broadcast, even when the demand to watch Cork games will be highest in Munster’s most populous county. Furthermore, Clare’s clash with Limerick in the 2023 Munster SHC round robin stage was not selected for broadcast. It is a clear conflict of interest”.

Further question marks cloud GAAGO, Conor said. “The second issue arising is that GAAGO not seeking approval from the CCPC may be a breach of European Union law known as ‘Gunjumping’. Under the strictly policed EU laws on mergers, GAAGO may be guilty of failing to abide by a standstill obligation. CCPC argues that GAAGO should have sought CCPC approval as they changed the overall function of their company, switching from a company catering almost wholly for an international audience to selling 500,000 passes in Ireland to watch Kerry versus Tyrone, a drastic change”.

Since the investigation was announced, GAAGO have stayed firm in their stance and are adamant no wrongdoing has occurred. Conor noted, “The enforcement of European Merger Law is a tight ship and it is likely that they will find GAAGO guilty of failing to abide by the mandatory standstill obligation, and if this is the case, the CCPC would not have approved the merger in the first place.

Virgin Media have made the claim that Sky’s previous contract for on demand games was never put out to tender, however GAAGO have contested this, stating they ‘bias toward free to air’. This further puts the image of the company into disrepute”.

He continued, “Although there is much scepticism surrounding the legality of the increase in prices, for example, in 2021, 60 championship games were available for the annual membership price of €25. In 2023, only 38 games were available and the price has increased an exponential 300% to €79, it is unlikely that the CCPC will make any recommendations on illegality on this basis. While EU law is also extremely favourable to the consumer in the area of seeking if there are potential breaches of dominant market

positions, which GAAGO have, it is rare to see a penalty on the basis of simply increasing prices. This is due to the argument made by academics that having a tight fist around a firm’s ability to control prices is detrimental to the overall market and discourages innovation”.

Now running for eleven months, a decision is imminent on the CCPC investigation. On what the future holds for the streaming service, Conor outlined, “While GAAGO is safe for the 2024 season, its future as we know it may be up in the air. A potential solution is to find another on demand streaming service by putting the contract out to tender, or another is to expand the legislation protecting free to air rights that major tournaments such as the World Cup and games such as the semi-finals and finals of the All-Irelands in both grades to align it with the more modern Australian approach, who’s ‘anti-siphoning’ laws give national broadcasters of AFL first refusal over every game. It is clear that by this time next year viewers of the upcoming provincial championships will have a much more accessible and cheaper way of viewing”.

l Conor McQuillan

Photo by Tom Micks

LIMERICK SCORERS

Aidan O’Connor – 3 / 2 / 0 / 0 / Total = 5 minutes

Coughlan – 0 / 0 / 4 / 0 / Total = 4 minutes

Total

Spread

Ennis Golf Club. Est. 1907

AT ENNIS Golf Club, recently described by Padraig McGrath in the Clare Echo as the Heartbeat of Ennis Town, we are enjoying the extended daylight hours of the Summer Season as we embrace the Golfing Challenges at our club.

Our Greens are now at their very best, our Course Superintendent, Jack Hanrahan, is applying the very latest in Course Science Expertise and the results are plain to see. We are proud to have a perfectively manicured 18 Hole Course situated close to the centre of Ennis Town.

So come and play our Course and enjoy a round in the most pleasant of surroundings, on the Course and in our Clubhouse. We have ‘Open Days’ every Friday. Our Club Classic is scheduled for the weekend 14th – 16th June incl. and there will be fantastic prizes on offer, and, planning ahead for your summer golf, we have scheduled our Open Week for 1st – 7 th July. Our restaurant and Bar facilities are available on completion of your golf and our Caterers Gihan provide the very best of food and

beverages to suit all tastes. We at Ennis Golf Club are keen to embrace the importance of Sustainability on our Course and we are the 1st Golf Club in Ireland to sign up for a ‘Sustainability in Golf Programme’, being carried out by ‘Wildlife Conservation & Science’ Ltd. under the auspices of Golf Ireland. We have had our first visit from the Director Alan Lauder and received great praise for our efforts. We are also engaged in a Climate Action Programme and have carried out an Energy Efficiency Audit through the SEAI. Climate & Sustainability are vital for the survival of our planet and we at Ennis Golf are determined to play our part.

All roads lead to Thurles next Sunday and we at Ennis Golf Club want to join the people of Clare in wishing the best of luck to our ‘Hurling Heroes’ as they go in search of Munster Glory. We hope to be celebrating their success throughout the Championship, right up to and including ‘The Liam McCarthy Cup. ‘Hon The Banner.

l Lahinch leisure Centre would like to wish all the Clare Hurling Team and Management the very best of luck in the Munster Hurling Final. We would especially like to wish our members David Fitzgerald, Cathal Malone, and Peter Duggan all the best on the day.

Robert McIntyre Triumphs at Canadian Open

by PÁDRAIG MCGRATH

In a heartwarming display of talent, determination, and a strong family bond, Robert McIntyre clinched the Canadian Open title yesterday at the prestigious Hamilton Golf & Country Club. The 27-year-old Scottish golfer’s victory was made even more special with his father, Dougie McIntyre, serving as his caddy. Dougie, a lifelong greenkeeper at Glencruitten Golf Club in Scotland, proudly supported his son from tee to green. Dougie received a call from his son while chilling on his couch on the Saturday night before the Canadian event, to come out to caddy for Robert. Robert has kept it no secret of his struggles playing on the PGA Tour and how he has struggled with being home sick being away from his home. Having Dougie travel out to caddy for his son had clearly helped Robert to settle and definitely lead to this victory. Robert admitted in his interview after his round how he wanted to win this so much for his father.

The final round was a nail-biting affair, a series of precise drives, pinpoint iron shots, and precise putting saw him gradually climb the leaderboard separating him from the pack. On the back nine however Robert dropped a few strokes and Benjamin Griffin birdied three in a row to close the gap to one shot going up the final hole. The father and son duo's chemistry were evident though to help calm Robert in the final stretch as he never panicked and did exactly what he needed to in order to win.

McIntyre’s journey to the title wasn’t without its challenges. On the 14th hole, a wayward iron shot into a hazard forced him to take a penalty drop, but a miraculous recovery shot he sliced around the trees from the rough set up a critical bogie. His composed demeanour under pressure, coupled with Dougie’s calming presence, was a testament to their strong bond and mutual trust between the two.

The defining moment came on the final hole the

par-4 18th. Needing a par to secure the win, McIntyre hit a towering fairway wood followed by a crisp mid iron that landed just outside 10ft from the pin closing out the tournament in style.

Speaking to reporters after the win, an emotional Robert McIntyre dedicated the triumph to his father. “Having my dad on the bag this week has been incredible. His experience and support were invaluable, especially under pressure. This win is as much his as it is mine,” McIntyre said, his voice wavering with pride and gratitude. Dougie, whose career as a greenkeeper provided the backdrop for Robert’s early immersion in golf, expressed his immense pride. “Watching Robert grow up around the course and now

seeing him win at this level is beyond my wildest dreams. Being part of this moment as his caddy is a memory I’ll cherish forever,” he said.

The victory at the Canadian Open marks McIntyre’s first professional win on the PGA Tour and it will catapult him into the top 50 of the world rankings. The young golfer’s blend of skill, humility, and strong family values has endeared him to fans worldwide.

As the sun set over Hamilton Golf & Country Club, Robert and Dougie McIntyre’s embrace on the 18th green symbolized more than a tournament win; it celebrated the culmination of a lifelong journey, nurtured by love, hard work, and a shared passion for the game of golf.

Barry Nugent claims Captain’s prize at Dromoland Golf Club

by Seamus Hayes news@clareecho.ie

Captain John O’Neill’s prize was played for men, ladies and junior boys was played for at Dromoland at the weekend. The competition produced some impressive scoring before Barry Nugent emerged as the overall winner with 103 to win by a stroke from Brian Hassett with David Browne a further three shots back in third place.

They were followed by Mike Tobin with 108, David McNamara with 109, Neil Slattery, also with 109, Dermot O'Neill with 111. Tom Sayers with 111 and Enda Heneghan with 112.

EAST CLARE GOLF CLUB

East Clare’s men's captain Maurice Costelloe's prize was also played for on Sunday when Paul Hayes emerged as the overall winner with 61. He had five to spare over second placed Tony Duggan with Tony Nelson in third place with 69. Kevin McMillan won the gross with 71.

WOODSTOCK GOLF CLUB

Cathal Nagle (11) was the winner of the Ozone Health and Fitness May medal at Woodstock with 65. The winner of the gross

was Mathew McGrath (3) with 77.

Category 1(0 to 10) was won by Jason Dormer (5) with 76 from Callum Hayes (4) with 77.

ENNIS GOLF CLUB

Lady captain Kathleen Pyne’s prize to the men was played for at Ennis on Saturday and Sunday and resulted in victory for Gerard O'Brien (14) with 61. He had four to spare over Liam McCannon (20) with third spot filled by Cuan O’Glaisne (20) also with 65 which was also returned by fourth placed Michael Moroney (15). The gross was won by Dave Kenneally with 69.

GORT GOLF CLUB

Friday’s open 18-hole singles stableford at Gort, sponsored by Ward & Burke was won by Chris Murphy (13) with 45 points with the gross won by Joe Moran (0) with 39 points. A similar competition on Saturday and Sunday, sponsored by Glenn Cahill Cars was won by Declan O'Halloran (12) with 44 points. The category winners were Rob Boyce (11) with 39 points, Brendan Hannify (18) with 42 points and Declan Moran (43) with 40 points. The gross was won by Robert McDonagh (0) with 32 points.

Dryland Podge victorious in Niall McInerney memorial race

by Michael Maher news@clareecho.ie

SOME of Galway’s great gaels including Sixmilebridge native Niall McInerney were remembered at a gala fundraiser on Friday.

Friday night’s Galway card was a Gala fundraising night organised by Liam Mellows hurling and camogie club, a huge crowd descended on the Collage Road venue. Eleven exciting races took place, a number of which were run in memory of some of the great patrons of the club throughout its history Michael O’Brien, MickeyEllwood, Dermot McSweeney, Jimmy Duggan, Niall McInerney and Pat Hughes.

Racing towards the opening bend in the Niall McInerney memorial race which was an A3 graded contest Moneygall Aaron and Shanakyle Park disputed the lead with the latter holding a fractional advantage on the inner rounding the opening bend. Turning down the back the leader ran a little wide but he still led the improving Dryland Podge by two lengths at halfway.

Rounding the home turn the leader again ran wide and this gave the Johnny Burke & Noel Coote of Ennis owned Dryland Podge (Confident Rankin & Cronoly Bolt) his chance and he gradually gain the upper hand to prevail by three parts of a length in 29.57.

As the traps rose for the A9 graded affair Swinford Mike and Malt Sally were both smartly into stride with Rathmeehan Molly and Montrore Star also close up as they approached the opening bend.

The top graded contest of the night was the A2 graded ninth contest over 525 yards and as the traps rose Fast Fit Pennie was

just a bout best away along the inner ahead of Show No Fear with Ballygraigue Ten also prominent as they approached the opening bend. Racing along the back straight Fast Fit Pennie increased her advantage with every stride and she maintained the tempo all the way to the line to score by eight lengths in 29.20.

Saturday night’s Galway card featured three sets of mini stake semi-finals, the second semi-final of the A5 Dual Distance Stake produced a right ding dong battle with the John Croker owned Crokers Barky just getting the better of Fast Fit Rex by a head with Fantasy Penny two and half lengths adrift in third place in 29.76.

The outcome of the Novice 525 yards contest was in little doubt from as early as the second bend as the Donal Duggan of Tulla trained Gob Smacked had her rivals on the stretch from an early stage. Racing towards the opening bend in the A7 graded contest Lissatouk Suzy and Pierview Brindy disputed the lead on either side of the track but rounding the bend the former ran slightly off the rails allowing Glasheen Magic to briefly strike the front before Lissatouk Suzy regained the advantage racing passing the halfway mark.

There was three Clare winners at the Limerick Track on last Thursday night last, first up was Inslokey Petal for Mary Crotty from O’Briensbridge, a daughter of Grangeview Ten and Blastoff Rosinio this was career win number four in 29.15. Knoppogue Blue came up trumps for Donie Duggan with a 29.15 victory, a son of Magical Bale and Notimetotalk this was her sixth career success. Snuggie Archie recorded his thirteenth career win in 29.57 for’ Myles Cummins, he is a homebred son of Paddys Magic and Miles Girl.

l Robert McIntyre and father Dougie McIntyre

'We tried to adjust a couple of things and see could we remedy it and I thought for a bit, but you can't keep missing those set pieces'

ALL-IRELAND SENIOR FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP GROUP 3 ROUND 2

Clare 0-10 Tyrone 3-15

Venue: Healy Park, Omagh

Compiled by Páraic McMahon

STORY OF THE GAME

CLARE

Frees for: 24 (13/11)

Wides: 7 (2/5)

Scores from play: 0-6

Spread of scorers: 5

Top scorer: Emmet McMahon (0-5, 3f's)

Bookings: Ikem Ugwueru (3),

Darragh Bohannon (66)

Black Card: Ikem Ugwueru (3)

Red Card: Darragh Bohannon (66)

Own kickouts won: 15 out of 17 (88%)

REFEREE: Jerome Henry (Mayo)

TYRONE Frees for: 8 (5/3)

Wides: 6 (5/1)

Scores from play: 3-12

Spread of scorers: 7

Top scorer: Niall Devlin (2-2)

Bookings: None

Own kickouts won: 22 out of 24 (92%)

“ MANAGER COMMENT

“I’m disappointed with the end result, I don’t think it was a 3-15 0-10 game, at one stage we hit the post which would have brought it back to three points and I think that was a killer punch, we missed a couple of real easy frees and ultimately you can’t do that against those teams, Tyrone showed their quality at the end when we were chasing the game”.

“We weren’t happy to concede goals because the two of them came down the middle but we felt we were getting a bit of joy while still saying we weren’t brilliant up front and around the middle we were struggling a little bit coming out with the ball. I wasn’t happy at half time but you were saying it wasn’t the end of the world to be four points down, we tried to adjust a couple of things and see could we remedy it and I thought for a bit we did but you can’t keep missing those set pieces, we only had two or three from seven or nine, you can’t do that against these teams and that is ultimately what happened”.

“Basic turnovers, we spoke about it and we highlighted that Tyrone are very good at turning the ball over. You can tell lads all you want but they have to have the experience of playing at

this level, there are some fierce lessons to be learned but lads need to play these games to get these lessons”.

“We felt that we only played for thirty five minutes against Cork, we didn’t do ourselves justice and Cork went and got a good result against Donegal".

“Our last three games have been Kerry, Cork and Tyrone, Tyrone were in the quarter-final of the All-Ireland last year, Kerry were All-Ireland finalists and Cork were in the quarter-final of the All-Ireland, we haven’t met anything like that all year, it will take a while to adjust it, I accept we’re turning the ball over a little bit silly but I think that was part of the way we wanted to play in Division 3 and as you see we’re playing a different way now because we have to, you’d be hoping the lads will learn all the time because they are good lads and you’d be hoping next year will be much better for this squad”.

'There's still a place in All-Ireland championship' says captain Cillian Brennan

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

“THERE IS still a place in the All-Ireland championship for us,” insisted Clare senior football captain Cillian Brennan in the wake of a disappointing fourteen point loss to Tyrone.

Both Clare and Tyrone were level in terms of amount of scores by half time in Sunday’s second round All-Ireland SFC tie in Omagh but crucially two of the Ulster finalist’s five scores were green flags, both scored by corner back Niall Devlin.

Brian Dooher’s side produced a strong final quarter, outscoring Clare 1-9 0-2 to power to a fourteen point victory which undid the positive aspects of Clare’s showing earlier in the contest.

Speaking to The Clare Echo, Brennan admitted, “We’re very disappointed, we came up here to try win the game. Looking back on the first half, we probably thought we had been punished for a small few lapses where they got through,

we felt we were still in the game and there was plenty to compete for, it was very disappointing the nature of the way it ended and the scoreline for a finish. We didn’t do ourselves justice”.

He outlined, “We knew there was a huge battle ahead of us today, there was a huge amount on the line for both teams but we’re still in it, there’s another opportunity in two

weeks time and it’s just a case of us refocusing the minds and being ready for that”.

Losing Ikem Ugwueru to a black card on the third minute was a blow for Clare but Cillian felt they handled it well.

“The nature of going down a man quite early we dealt with that quite well, we showed a bit of maturity in how we did it but at the same time we felt we could have extended things a bit further, some of the things that challenged us against Cork where they dropped back and we tried inject a bit of pace into it with numbers and get runners on the ball, we struggled with that a bit at times and I suppose it is important we learn from that especially ahead of Donegal in two weeks”.

Once again it was Clare’s use of the ball and decisions when in possession were part of their downfall, the Clondegad clubman acknowledged.

“You have to be very careful in how you mind the ball against teams of this quality because they will punish you if you give the ball away. In the first

PLAYER WATCH

GAVIN MURRAY (WINGFORWARD)

Minutes played: Possessions:

Passess: Short Pass: (7/5)

Foot Pass: Hand Pass: 10 (5/5)

Shots: 1 (0/1)

Off Upright: Frees For: Tackles: 1 (1/0)

Footage will determine if Clare appeal Bohannon sending off

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

CLARE will review the footage of Darragh Bohannon’s late sending off before considering if it is worth appealing the dismissal. Midfielder Bohannon was sent off on sixty six minutes in Clare’s 3-15 0-10 loss to Tyrone on Sunday. His challenge on centre forward Michael O’Neill was deemed as a straight red card by Mayo referee Jerome Henry. Both Bohannon and O’Neill had clashed earlier in the second half with the Shannon Gaels clubman requiring minor treatment following their first collision. O’Neill was due to be substituted before he was met with a tackle by Bohannon and he exited the field while the marching orders were extended to Darragh who missed all of Clare’s National Football League campaign due to injury.

half, we possibly got away with that at times but we were still naïve in bringing it into contact in areas when we knew they would congest it and set traps for us and try swarm us by getting bodies in. Again towards the end we gave away a few soft turnovers when we committed to try chase the game, you’re left open then and it is a pity to get some of those scores and stretch it to a scoreline like that”.

Next Saturday, McHale Park in Castlebar will host their meeting with Donegal who will be keen to bounce back following a shock loss to Cork. Qualification hopes for Clare are still alive, they just need to ensure Jim McGuinness’ side fall to successive defeats. “There’s still a place in the All-Ireland championship for us, we’re not gone and it is all to play for. We know the quality that Donegal have, we have to be in the right frame of mind for everything we do over the next two weeks, recover well and have a right crack at it, there’s nothing to lose, we’ll have a go”.

Speaking to The Clare Echo, Clare manager Mark Fitzgerald admitted he did see the incident in real-time. “It was at such pace that I didn’t know if he got it, I just spoke to the ref there and he said it was a bit dangerous and I think he put it down as reckless and to be fair I think the GAA are cracking down on those challenges”. Fitzgerald continued, “We’ll review it and see if we feel that it is harsh we’ll have a look at it but if it is a straight red then it is a straight red and there is nothing we can do about it”.

l Darragh Bohannon in action against Tyrone

Photo by Gerard O'Neill

Mark Fitzgerald, Clare manager

l Ronan Lanigan gathers the ball ahead of Michael O’Neill.

Photo by Gerard O'Neill

SCAN HERE FOR MATCH REPORT

l Cillian Brennan.

Photo by Gerard O'Neill

CLARE’S MINOR HURLERS MARCH

INAMONA STILL UNBEATEN WITH FURTHER CLARE CUP WINS FOR BRIDGE, SCARIFF, MILLS & BLUES

ENNISTYMON MAKE CUSACK CUP FINAL WITH SEMI-FINAL SPOTS FOR LISSYCASEY & MILTOWN

Considine Brothers finish Nationals as Finalists

by Séamus Hayes news@clareecho.ie

CONSIDINE Brothers David and Seán got to play together in the Men’s B doubles and with four wins on the way got to the final losing out to Irish pair John Bosco Hurley of Liscaroll and Jack Neela of Moycullen.

It was David’s first Internationals also and he won his way to the final of the Men’s C singles losing in a tie break, 11-9. The younger Considine brother played in the men’s B losing to a San Fransico player in the second round.

All-Ireland champions

There was action in the All-Ireland 60x30 Adult handball championships at the weekend when Clare captured two titles.

In the men’s masters B Mike Baker (Kilkishen) and Shane Walsh (Tuamgraney) defeated the Wexford pair of JR Flynn and Alan O’Neill at Crinkle in Offaly.

The game was close throughout, but the Clare pair held out and won in two games, 21-17, 21-14.

In the ladies junior B doubles the Kilkishen/Tuamgraney pair of Chloe Philpott and Amber Nolan defeated Tyrone’s Claire Conway and Catherine Kelly in Abbeylara, Longford. The Clare girls won the

11-1.

Munster championships

The Munster juvenile 60x30 semi-finals and finals were played over the weekend. Clare have, for the second year, taken part in this category as a group and participated in 6 grades. The results are;

U14 girls’ singles; Chloe Hannon, Kilkishen defeated Tipperary’s Erin Neville; U14 girls’ doubles; Tracy Tuohy and Jane Hogan, Kilkishen defeated Tipperary’s Katelyn Ryan and Chloe O’Brien; U14 boys’ doubles; Charlie Collins, Tuamgraney and Jack Cahill, Clooney-Quin defeated Tipperary’s Shane Harrington and Ronan O’Mahony; U16 boys’ doubles; Cathal Noonan, Toonagh and Liam Madden, Tuamgraney defeated Cork in semi-final and Tipperary’s Joshua Moroney and James Delaney in the final;

U17 boys’ doubles; Oisin Fahy, Newmarket and Martin Bon, Kilkishen defeated Cork’s Will McElligott Egan and Micheal Enright.

These players along with Claire Minogue will now contest the All-Ireland semi-finals in early July with Munster at home to Ulster.

In the U16 boys singles Sean Considine (Clooney) lost to Tipperary’s, Dean Carey. American Nationals and Invitationals.

The 74th Internationals took place in Los Cabos sports village on the outskirts of Los Angeles recently and as usual a strong Irish contingent travelled to the games.

Clare was represented by Diarmaid Nash in the men’s Pro/Open.

Diarmaid, having a bye in round one, won his opening game but lost to American professional Leo Canales of Arizona in the quarter final stage. Leah Minogue, taking part in her first Internationals, won her opening game in the ladies open against top American Jennifer Schmitt of Florida. Leah then lost in the quarter final to Irish ladies’ finalist Fiona Tully Roscommon.

Leah partnered with Holly Hynes of Wexford in the doubles losing to winners Fiona Tully and Clodagh Munroe in a tie break.

Munster Singles

U21 players Tiarnan Slattery and Cathal McKenna unfortunately picked up injuries during the week and ended up giving walkovers in their Munster championship games.

Vitalograph sponsor Newmarket Celtic Girls’ Soccer Team

by Adam Maloney news@clareecho.ie

The Newmarket Celtic Girl’s Soccer Team have been recently sponsored by spirometer manufactured company Vitalograph.

Technical Support Administator for the Ennis based company, Kaylee McCoy manages the Newmarket Celtic girls’ U13 & U14 squads.

The side won the Clare Girls Soccer League in 2023, with some of the players earning call ups to the Centre of Excellence in Limerick.

Some of the girls are on the start-

ing eleven for the Clare side lining out in the Gaynor Cup next week.

Pictured: Starting at the back row left to right; Grainne Hayes (club secretary), Alison Tighe, Kendra Feeley, Aimee Glynn, Holly Earls, Lily Fahy, Olivia Darcy, Holly Shier, Kornelia Truchel, Aisling Fitzpatrick, Kaylee McCoy (Manager) Front Row left to right; Sadie Hoban, Evie O'Malley, Eva Considine, Robyn Hannon, Katie Jane Purcell, Leah Feehily.

Other girls on the squad but are missing from the photo are; Darcy Ryan, Olivia McMahon, Dani Jennings, and Alannah Neylon.

first set, but the Tyrone girls got a run in the second and levelled the tie. Clare dominated the tie break winning

l The Newmarket Celtic U13's & U14's squad sporting the new Newmarket Celtic kits sponsored by Vitalograph.

l Considine Brothers David & Seán

l Amber Nolan & Chloe Philpott

l Mike Baker & Shane Walsh

CLARE

COUNTY COUNCIL

SHANNON AIRPORT, RINEANNA SOUTH, SHANNON, CO CLARE

The Shannon Airport Authority DAC intend to apply for a proposed development (planning permission for removal of existing signage and provision of new Wayfinding and associated site works) to be located on their lands at Shannon Airport, Rineanna South, Shannon, Co Clare.

The development will consist of the removal of existing signage, provision of 4 No. new Gantry signs, the provision of 5 No. new Directional Totem signs, new Road directional signage and refurbishment works to existing Gantries, directional signs, and all associated ancillary works.

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 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

KEEVAGH, QUIN, CO.

CLARE

Take notice that Shane & Kay Broderick intend to apply to the planning authority for permission to construct an extension to the rear of an existing dwelling house and carry out alterations to the existing dwelling along with ancillary works at the above address. The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority, Clare County Council, Aras Contae an Chlair, New Road, Ennis during its public opening hours and that a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks begin-

ning on the date of receipt by the planning authority of the application.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL

BALLYTARSNA, KILSHANNY, CO

CLARE V95K6X0

Take notice that Marie Enright intends to apply for retention permission for the extension to the existing dwelling & all other associated site and ancillary works at the above address. The planning application

may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority, during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the authority on payment of the prescribed fee of €20.00, within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL

SRAGH, KILRUSH

Take notice that B. Lillis intends to apply to the Planning Authority for permission to extend existing dwelling house, install foul sewerage treatment plant and percolation area at the above address. The Planning Application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority

during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee, €20, within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application and such submissions or observations will be considered by the planning 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.

PRAYER

THE MIRACLE PRAYER

Dear Heart of Jesus, In the past, I have asked for many favours. This time, I ask you This special favour. (Mention Favour) Take it dear Heart of Jesus, And place it within Your own broken heart Where your Father sees it, Then in His Merciful Eyes It will become your favour Not mine. Amen. Say this prayer for 3 days. Promise publication.

Recent Deaths

O’Shea, Michael Ballynacally

Byrne (née Deer), Joy Clarecastle

Kelly, Bill (William) Cree

Kelly (née Dease), Olive Cree

Macbeth, Louise Sixmilebridge

Macbeth, Louise Shannon

Wickham, Patrick Edward Quilty

CLEARY (née Keniry), Mairéad Labasheeda

CLEARY (née Keniry), Mairéad Killimer

Darcy, Jack Sixmilebridge

Horan (née Purcell), Bridie Killaloe

Horan (née Purcell), Bridie Bodyke

Monaghan (née Bradley), Marcella ‘Massie’ Kilkee

Moran, Noel Ballyvaughan

Myers, Daniel (Danny) Newmarket-on-Fergus

Myers, Daniel (Danny) Shannon

Hartnett, Michael Ennis

Nesbitt (née Phillips), Margaret Shannon

O’Brien, Christy Lisdoonvarna

Kealy, Kathleen Ennis

Minogue, Paddy Whitegate

Clare Echo Quiz

1

Icarus statue in Ennis was gifted to Ennis Town Council by Guinness Peat Aviation in 1990 to mark what?

Ennis’ 750-year celebration

50 years of Shannon Airport

A record year for peat sales

2

The statue is often referred to as another mythical Greek figure named Daedalus. He was what relation to Icarus?

Son Father

Second cousin once removed

3 The monument on Frances Street in Kilrush is dedicated to what?

Manchester Martyrs

Easter Rising

The Peru Two

4 According to a recent survey, which Clare town has the most pubs per head in Ireland (one for every 26 people!)

Lahinch Scariff

Liscannor

5How old is the sign hanging over the door of Knox’s Pub in Ennis?

118 years

218 years 15 years

6 In the 1800s, what was located inpresent day Abbey Street Car Park?

An outdoor theatre

Roman baths A brewery

7 What is the area known as Cora Chaitlín (Caitlín’s weir) in Irish?

Lisdoonvarna Newmarket on Fergus Cooraclare

8Clarecastle was once known simply as... Castletown Clare Magaluf

9 In 1881, two men digging a drain near Lissycasey discovered what?

A box full of gold coins

A bear’s skeleton The book of Kells

10 The name Scariff is derived from the Gaelic “Scairbh” which means what?

A rocky ford House of Scars House of Scarfs

Spot the Difference

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

THIS WEEKS PUZZLES June 6th

The Clare Echo Crossword

Canaletto

Chagall

Dali

Degas

El Greco

Gauguin

Goya

Ingres

Manet

Matisse

Monet

Picasso

Pollock

Renoir

Rubens

Sargent

Seurat

Turner

Van Gogh Warhol

Whistler

PLAY

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

DOWN

1 Humorous verse form (8)

2 Direction indicator (5)

4 Cut in two (6)

5 Lag behind (5)

6 Game played on a lawn (7)

7 Sicilian volcano (4)

8 Vulgar, unrefined (6)

13 Relating to the home or family (8)

15 Mozart’s middle name (7)

17 Waylay (6)

18 Sea trip (6)

20 Legal right to property (5)

22 Doctrine accepted without question (5)

23 Slay (4)