Activists say ‘out of date’ data being used to advise against reopening of Ennis ED
by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ieHEALTH activists with Friends of Ennis Hospital have claimed the HSE’s Chief Clinical Officer was “relying on out of date data” when issuing advice to the Minister for Health not to reopen the emergency department at Ennis Hospital.
Dr Colm Henry, the HSE’s Chief Clinical Officer, Dr Colm Henry advised the Minister for Health, Stephen Donnelly (FF) not to reopen 24-hour emergency departments in Ennis, Nenagh and St John’s.
Of the 80,000 patients which attended the consistently under-pressure University Hospital Limerick (UHL), Friends of Ennis Hospital
have calculated that at least 28,000 are from Co Clare. Capacity issues will not be addressed by pouring more money into UHL, the group stated while pointing out population increases have been ignored by the HSE in their arguments.
“From our perspective the solution is obvious. Yes, it will be expensive, but throwing money at UHL over the last ten plus years has not made the slightest dent in trolley numbers and we must consider alternative pathways to providing adequate, safe care for the growing population in the Mid-West.
“In our view that means the upgrading of Ennis to a Model 3 with all that that will entails.”
BAREFIELD’S Dr Ivanna McMahon is captivating audiences at the Miss World final in New Delhi, India this week.
The Clare woman, now known as Miss Ireland, performed the harp at the prestigious global event which secured her a top 10 placement for talent, ensuring her a spot to perform at the esteemed Miss World ball this weekend.
Dr. McMahon is poised to make a lasting impression before the final selection of Miss World on Saturday night.
Ivanna also placed as a finalist in the public speaking challenge this week and stood out as one of the most highly educated and articulate contestants this year.
Ivanna has already been tipped as a contender for the world crown by international pageant experts to follow in the footsteps of our previous Irish Miss World; Rosanna Davison. Ivanna (29) was crowned Miss Ireland 2022 and now finally she will get her moment on the world stage. The competition was due to take place in 2023 but was postponed as a knock on effect of the pandemic.
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A NEW book co-produced by the Clare Leader Forum has delved into the dark reality of neglect, abuse and deprivation of liberty faced by disabled people in Ireland.
Launched as part of Ennis Book Club Festival to a crowd of over 100 people in The Temple Gate Hotel, ‘We Are Human Too’ is edited by Ennistymon woman Ann Marie Flanagan and is co-produced by Clare Leader Forum. It’s a testament to the activists who challenged limiting attitudes and fought for emancipation, independent living, and human rights.
Addressing the crowd, Ann Marie admitted she was “nervous and so emotional, it is both an honour and profound privilege to be before you all, all my comrades and people who made it happen”.
She said, “the journey to this moment has been nothing short of extraordinary, it is testament to the collective commitment”.
Ann Marie was critical of politicians during her address. “The hidden discrimination we have to live with every day is shocking and we have to do something about it”. She add-
ed, “TDs and Senators don’t actually give a damn, they just take the script”. Newmarket-on-Fergus native Martin Tobin read aloud a poem during the launch which touched on cruel revolutions.
Sarah Clancy of the Clare PPN remarked of the Clare Leader Forum, “there is not a group of people that I’ve learned more from in my life”.
Disability equality activist Jacqui Browne described it as “a day to be proud of, you can see by the crowd that it is wonderful”. She has been campaigning for disability rights for nearly 35 years, “my eyes were opened and I found my own place with people cam-
paigning for disability rights”.
According to Jacqui there is an ever growing number of disabled persons organisations (DPOs) in Ireland. “We need DPOs at every level, our role is to keep reminding the State of their obligation to engage and collaborate with us forever more, remind them of the opportunities for change which must be implemented. Such changes must include empowering and building capacity for people with disabilities”.
She added, “these rights are not privileges, they are the birth right of each and every individual regardless of our abilities or disabilities”. Jacquie said disabled people today are
Still denied the right to education and employment.
Davy Fitzgerald, the twotime All-Ireland winning Clare goalkeeper in 1995 and 1997 also addressed the launch. “In
life we take things granted for too much at times, we don’t tend to remember there’s people in society who should play a bigger part in society, the work gone in but this group of people who are incredible”. He added, “For a lot of years, things have been ignored and people have been ignored”.
‘We Are Human Too’ was described by Davy as “a ground-breaking publication”. The Sixmilebridge man said he had “immense joy and a sense of honour” that Co Clare was launching such a book. “We’re falling short when it comes to supporting disabled people, it is your time to get off the bench and come on the field,” he stated.
A clear path in society where every child and adult is afforded an equal opportunity must become visible, Fitzgerald added.
DOWN Syndrome Clare and Club Rothaíochta na Sionainne have confirmed that the third annual ‘Odd Socks Cycle’ will take place on April 14th, writes Páraic McMahon
It is anticipated that over 200 cyclists will leave Shannon at 9.30am and once again take to the roads of East Clare with an option of a 50km or 100k cycle. All cyclists are asked to wear odd socks as people with Down Syndrome have three copies of chromosome 21, and chromosomes just so hap-
pen to look like odd socks when observed under a microscope! There are prizes on the day for the most adventurous socks on display.
Down Syndrome Clare are very grateful to Club Rothaíochta na Sionainne and the cyclists who take part in the cycle which helps raise funds for the branch which is funded solely by events such as this and does not receive Government or DSI funding.
All funds raised are used to help pay for essential therapies for our members in
County Clare such Speech and Language Therapy, Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy and swimming in addition to recreational events. The branch has a very exciting year ahead as it has sourced a property in Ennis which will act as a central hub for all its members in Clare. All therapies, administration, training and social activities will take place at the headquarters which will be transformative for the branch as it seeks to enhance the lives of members.
PRICELESS volunteers were honoured at a mayoral reception in Ennis on Friday.
Hosted by Mayor of the Ennis Municipal District, Cllr Pat Daly (FF), the reception honoured Ennis Town FC’s U12 side who tasted national glory, St Michael’s Villas Choir, Marie Roche of Clare Community Games and Tidy Town groups within the MD.
‘Clare My Heart My Home’ was the opening song performed by the Choir seated in the public gallery of the Council Chamber.
Mayor Daly commending the “outstanding volunteers” who were worthy of recognition. He said the achievement of Ennis Town winning the U12 National Cup was “great”, villages would be lost without Tidy Towns who are a credit to their respective areas, he labelled Marie Roche as “one of the greatest athletes Ennis ever produced”, she won U16 and U18 national titles before venturing into coaching when her competitive running career concluded. The formation of the St Michael’s Villas Choir has helped its members look “ten years younger” such is the benefits of their social gatherings.
Terry Considine, a founding member of Ennis Town FC recalled that they were established in 2003. “There are a lot of clubs in Clare founded way before us that have never won a national title, this is the first in my memory of any schoolboy national title in Clare”. He said the final which went to extra time was “one of the best games I’ve witnessed in all my life”. Nine of the players from the squad have represented the county with two playing for the region. “We’ve great hopes of some of these becoming professional footballers in the future, they are a credit to their families and community, they are brave and courageous,” TC stated. Personnel involved included Willie Treacy, Amy Horgan, Damien Maxwell and Odhran O’Dwyer.
“Winning this competition is the icing on the cake in my lifetime,” TC remarked.
President of Ennis and Clare Community Games, Cecelia O’Sullivan was among the proud spectators as Marie Roche’s achievements were recalled by Flan Brennan. “Volunteers are a very important thing for all organisations, without doubt Community Games is very fortunate to have volunteers,” he said, chief among them is Marie Roche who was encouraged to get involved at local and national level by her late father Christy Gormley”.
wonder where she gets the energy which is a key motivation to others, she has demonstrated these qualities down through the years”.
After her youngest son Jamie took up athletics, Marie joined Ennis Track and she continues to coach their U8 athletes, Dean Casey, Dylan Casey and Mark Hanrahan who have gone on to run at national and European level were among the first group of athletes in the club coached by Marie.
No member of St Michael’s Villas Choir was afforded the opportunity to speak despite a representative
volved in the community and make them realise how much we can get out of volunteering in the community, we’ve been working very well with the school and the younger residents in the area”.
Chairperson of Ennis Tidy Towns, Cllr Mary Howard (FG) noted, “There is a common thread going through here today and it is volunteers. Volunteers are not paid not because they are worthless but because they are priceless”. She said she was “incredibly proud and humbled” at the work of Tidy Towns volunteers in Ennis who
A winner of a gold medal as part of the Ennis team in Mosney in 1992, Marie continues to volunteer with the Community Games. “Marie has helped co-ordinate many events, she also got many Ennis relay teams to win gold medals over the years, she takes great pride in presenting the Christy Gormley Cup each year”. Flan said, “I often
having prepared a script in advance of the reception.
Speaking on behalf of Barefield Tidy Towns, Cllr Ann Norton (IND) said they were “extremely proud” of their achievements in recent years. “In the last four years we’ve made huge efforts to integrate older residents with younger residents.”We need to get them in-
give “countless hours”. She added, “sheer love for the town drives the work our volunteers do. It takes hard work, sweat and a fair bit of elbow grease”.
Founded in 2019, the Clooney/ Spancilhill/Maghera Tidy Towns group was formed as a sub-group of the Clooney/Spancilhill Community Group. Evelyn Skehan outlined,
“the group’s main action goal was to create a village”. She explained that they have worked with the main community group to “create focal points”.
She added, “We do not use pesticides and are committed to sustainable planting and a bee-friendly environment”. New projects they are working on include rock-bridge cleaning at Clooney Church and the Clooney House wall renovation.
Kilnamona Development Association was established in 2019 following a community survey, Chairperson Trina Rynne detailed. “Our role is to enhance the lives of those living in our communities”. They are currently fundraising to get a defibrillator.
A “significant step forward” was made by Clarecastle Tidy Towns in 2023 by winning a bronze medal, Christy Leyden said. In 2011, they re-entered the national competition after a 17 year absence. Economic activity in the village experienced “a detrimental impact” due to the bypass and recession, he said.
“We learned the hard way of having to have projects shovel ready when funding applications arise,” Christy reflected. He welcomed the recently published Climate Action Plan by Clare County Council. “We see the competition as a bonus, the important work is the management of the community plan,” he added. “The gap between Clarecastle and the national winners is narrowing, we’re chasing our neighbours and I must say Ennis Tidy Towns are role models”.
Speaking at the reception, Cllr Paul Murphy (FG) said the Ennis Town team have memories to last a lifetime, “when ye get older and get bad knees ye will remember winning the All-Ireland. The work of Tidy Towns in their communities was labelled as “fantastic” by the Clarecastle native, “it can be unseen because not everybody wants to put on a pair of gloves, it makes all our communities tick, it is unparalleled really”.
NIGERIAN born Amanda Major (IND) has criticised the lack of diversity within Clare County Council while pitching herself to become the first Nigerian born elected member of the local authority.
Amanda received just 200 first preferences in the 2019 local elections and was eliminated on the third count. She maintained that has been “so active” over the past five years to try build up her profile.
“I’ve been involved in different groups and meeting different people, getting involved in solution making and trying to get help in different areas, I’ve been involved in the community. Hopefully with that level of involvement and knocking on the doors, I’ll be listening to the people and take what they are saying on the board”. Groups Amanda is involved with include the Association of Nigeria in Co Clare, the women’s network, Clare PPN and the Clare Volunteer Centre.
Clare’s 28 councillors fail to represent how diverse the county is, the former Direct Provision resident stated. “I’ve been here for 21 years now, Ireland is a different place, you won’t go into Tesco and see just one set of people, there’s different people and faces you will see, there’s so much diversity in Clare and all over Ireland. Other countries are doing good but I think Clare County Council should represent the community, they are representing the people of Clare, that is not just one set of people”.
An Irish citizen since 2015, Amanda admitted she feels a sense of pride at being Irish when abroad but not within local government in Clare. “Anytime I go to Spain and see an Irish bar, there is a joy in me that I have to go in there and sit down for a pint of Guinness, I can relate to being Irish, this is representing me in a foreign country, that is the same feeling when I walk into an organisation like a Government office, I want to feel that sense of representation which Clare County Council doesn’t have, we don’t have it in Ennis or Clare, there’s no foreigner or any other nationalities as a councillor”.
On three occasions, Amanda has unsuccessfully applied for jobs with the local authority. “I’m advocating that Clare County Council needs to have that diversity, I was speaking to somebody, one of the staff and she goes ‘there is diversity,
FUTURE FOOD EVENYT
she said we have people that come into work’ and I said ‘as what the cleaner’, are we saying immigrants are only good enough to be the cleaner”.
She emphasised that the Council needs to try harder to demonstrate it is diverse, “We need to do more than put it down on paper, I need to be able to come into an office and see a Chinese, African or a Spanish person”.
Over the past five years, Amanda has been a member of both the Green Party and Fianna Fáil but has left both, she resigned as a party member of Fianna Fáil in the past fornight prior to launching her election bid.
LOCAL media in Clare are not helping Ennis’ reputation by putting out a negative picture about the county town, a senior official in Clare County Council has said, writes Páraic McMahon
In a surprising contribution at Tuesday’s meeting of the Ennis Municipal District, senior executive officer Seán Lenihan took aim at the local media.
“Sometimes the negative gets out more from the media,” the Miltown Malbay native remarked when airing his disappointment with ongoing coverage of the county town.
He confirmed the Council would be carrying a two page advert in The Clare Champion this week to try assist with messaging on the ongoing works in the town centre which has greatly impacted on businesses and mobility. “We’re here and available to meet with Clare FM when they want a speaker, I’ve never refused Clare FM an interview when they put it to me,” he added.
Lenihan said works can sometimes be completed prior to the release of local newspapers on Thursday and as such the information can
be inaccurate.
“I don’t think the Champion is the place,” he admitted. “I would appeal to all media to positively promote Ennis because to do otherwise is not helpful at all”.
Mayor of the Ennis MD, Cllr Pat Daly (FF) had proposed that the MD consider doing “a PR job” with so many roadworks taking place across the town “by putting notices on the Ennis page of The Clare Champion, The Clare Echo and the news bulletin of Clare FM, stating where the works will be happening in the town in the coming days, which no doubt will give a lot of people the opportunity to avoid those areas, thus reducing queues that are occurring presently”.
Acting senior executive engineer, Paddy Tiernan said the Ennis MD currently advertise all individual road closures, traffic diversions and road works on local papers, social media and Clare FM in accordance with statutory requirements.
“Depending on the nature of the works considerable consultation is also undertaken with local schools, hospitals, emergency services and
local businesses by both Ennis Municipal District and utility providers such as Úisce Eireann”.
Tiernan continued, “In light of the significant and important construction projects currently ongoing within Ennis we do see the merit in a coordinated approach as per the suggestion.
Going forward Ennis MD commits to utilizing social media and Clare FM in order to inform the public of all current road works.
“This will provide an overview of all road works including road closures within the town. Live updates will also be listed on the Ennis Municipal District section of Clare County Council website”.
Addressing Tuesday’s meeting, Cllr Daly commented, “in recent times all I’m hearing is Ennis is like a warzone all over the town, it is good to see the works happening because it shows a town is expanding”.
Ongoing works “show how progressive Ennis is,” ascerted Cllr Clare Colleran Molloy (FF). “If your proposal can get clearer PR messaging then it is worth supporting,” the Quin native stated.
WITH Shannon school as maximum capacity, there is a need for a new secondary school in Sixmilebridge, a Clare TD has said, writes Jack O’Halloran
Limitations to second level places to secondary schools in Ennis and Shannon has left sixth class students “devastated” every year when trying to enrol, Deputy Cathal Crowe (FF) stated.
FOR anyone living in or around Miltown - come invent the future with us! This month's Kitchen Table Conversation is all about food; what are the recipes you've inherited and what are the ingredients you can't live without. Join us at The Community Centre for a bit of craic and some unusual 'future food'... will we all be eating insects in the future? Will there still be coffee? 7pm on Friday at the Miltown Malbay Community Centre, 8th March.
COMMUNITY GAMES
THE St Francis Credit Union Clare Community Games Indoor Soccer competitions for both boys and girls U10 and U13 will be held Saturday 9th and Sunday 10th. The entries in the boys competitions that the Boys U 10 will be held in Colaiste Muire, Ennis on Sat 9th with first match at 9am. The Boys U13 will be held also on Sat 9th in Corofin GAA Hall with first match at 8.30am. Both of the competitions for girls will be held on Sunday in Corofin GAA Hall with the first game for the U10’s is 8.30am and 11am for U13 girls.
DOONBEG ST PATRICK’S DAY PARADE
DOONBEG is gearing up for the annual St. Patrick’s Parade prepares to take the streets on Saturday, March 16th. This year’s parade is themed “Going Back to our Roots”. Kicking off at 3:30pm, the floats will parade through Doonbeg and leading the procession will be the wonderful Tulla Pipe Band, returning to Doonbeg again this year. €1,000 in prize money and trophies are up for grabs, with awards presented at a special ceremony at the Igoe Inn following the parade. Assembly will begin at 3:00 PM in Doonbeg GAA field. All are welcome to join in the revelry and experience the magic of St. Patrick’s Day in Doonbeg. For more information visit Doonbeg Community Development’s Facebook Page or contact Nuala Hayes on 086 383 3314.
Crowe a former primary school teacher in Parteen NS commented, “Most young people in South-East Clare have two options they either go to school in Limerick City or they enrol in one of the two schools in Shannon, there are limitations to both options just because in Shannon in recent years both of the schools have been maxed out in terms of their enrolment every September leaving many children without a place in those schools”.
Putting forward the case on why a new secondary school in Clare should be situated in Sixmilebridge, Crowe explained, “It’s the largest growing population base in the county with a huge amount of young people and its centrally positioned between Ennis, Limerick and Shannon so that it could offer education to teenagers from a broad sweeping community”.
On the costs of such a project, Deputy Crowe estimated a new secondary
school in The Bridge would leave a bill in excess of €10m which would be funded by the Department of Education.
Subject specific rooms for woodwork, technical drawing, science and home economics are part of the reason for the cost, he said. “I think cost shouldn’t be a barrier here, anecdotally I don’t believe we have enough space in the existing secondary schools to meet that need and therefore that’s why I’m pushing for a new school in the Sixmilebridge area”.
Significant traffic issues at peak rush hour times are a common source of complaint in The Bridge. Additional traffic measures would need to be created and implemented were a school to be built, the Clare TD maintained. “Sixmilebridge in the mornings and afternoons can be a disaster in terms of traffic”.
Provision of a new school will take some time, Deputy Crowe has raised the matter with the Minister for Education, Norma Foley (FF) and at the Oireachtas Education Committee.
He concluded, “From what I’ve seen in my four years as a Government TD is that if there’s a good idea and there’s community demand for it. Funding can often be found where people didn’t think it was possible”.
TEN year old Shannon schoolboy, Dylan Coady Coleman “has worked five or six miracles by giving new life and hope” to others with the donation of his organs.
That is according to Shannon co-parish priest, Fr Michael Geraghty who made his tribute to “loving child” Dylan at the end of the funeral mass at a packed Mary Immaculate Church in Shannon on Sunday to celebrate the life of the “precious member” of the local community.
Dylan died on Wednesday from injuries sustained in a tragic road accident in Shannon last Sunday at the Children’s Health Ireland hospital at Temple Street, Dublin - just one day after Dylan’s mother, Laura gave birth to his new brother, Shane.
Laura cradled six day old Shane in her arms as she walked behind Dylan’s white coffin up the church aisle to the sound of the Liverpool FC anthem, ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’ at the start of the funeral mass. The Liverpool colours were draped over Dylan’s small coffin and the packed church later heard a poignant tribute “Why we love Dylan’ that his young sister, Zoe had put together while he lay in hospital during the week.
Read out to mourners by Claire, Zoe said they love Dylan “because he is the best, because he helps when I’m hurt and because he cares about us”. Zoe said they love Dylan because he is super funny “and how he reads me books and how he annoys Dad with his quirky ways”. Zoe wrote, “We just love him”.
At the mass, mourners complied with the
family’s wishes to wear jersey tops and odd socks in tribute to Dylan.
Jerseys presented as symbols of Dylan’s life at the start of the mass included a Liverpool top, an Ireland rugby top and Dylan’s blue Shannon Town Utd soccer jersey.
Other gifts included Dylan’s Xbox controller, a pair of binoculars he used to watch aircraft with, lego and two small cuddly toys.
In his words, co-parish priest for Shannon, Fr Tom Whelan said that “Dylan’s accident and subsequent passing has certainly brought a stop to this parish”.
He said, “It is almost as if a dark cloud just covered Shannon. And the people are most
assuredly lost for words and that great sense that all we want to do something has been evident here today and every day since”.
Fr Whelan said, “All we want to do is to do something to help but sadly we can’t change the reality that is now present.
He said, “There is a huge sense in this community of shock, sadness and loss. Sadness is present everywhere and I found it especially during the week in Dylan’s school, St Tola’s”.
He said, “And I just think of the care and the devotion of all teaching staff to the pupils in their care. It is so obvious in St Tola’s and all of the schools in the Shannon parish. They have such a close bond to the children
they are looking after. Certainly when I went into St Tola’s the tears in the eyes of so many teachers on my visit said it all. Their hearts are with you Garry and with Laura and with all of the family”.
Fr Whelan said that Dylan was a very normal, very loving child and “there was something very caring about Dylan”. He said, “there was something easy to attach to - a loving child, so highly regarded in his school”.
Fr Whelan revealed that there was recently a discussion in Dylan’s class about organ donation. Fr Whelan said that “when Dylan came home that day - that was what he talked about with his family. It really was top of his agenda that day and saying that he would certainly want to be an organ donor. Sadly no one thought that it would happen so, so quickly.
“But Dylan has now given life to a number of other people by being a donor. This is extremely important to his family and they would certainly encourage everyone to think seriously about being an organ donor”.
Fr Whelan said, “The people who know Dylan best are his family and it is parents Garry and Laura who will forever have the most beautiful memories of Dylan”.
Fr Whelan said that the family are so grateful for all the support they have received from the Shannon community and are especially grateful of the air ambulance service last Sunday, the support of An Garda Siochana and all those in the health service including staff at Temple Street Hospital.
Dylan’s remains were later laid to rest at the nearby Illaunmanagh Cemetery.
DYSART Church was packed to capacity on Monday morning as hundreds of mourners gathered to pay their respects to the traditional music maestro Frank Custy, writes Páraic McMahon
Queues began to gather out-
side Dysart Church shortly before 11am at the same church that he was baptised in back in 1939. Ruan GAA club provided a guard of honour as did Toonagh NS and Ruan NS. His funeral mass was also a celebration of music with beautiful
sounds heard before, during and after. Frank died on Thursday last (February 29th) surrounded by his loving family in Galway Clinic. He is sadly missed by his beloved wife Teresa, sister Carmel Linnane and brother Sean Custy, children, grandchildren, in laws, nephews, nieces, relatives, neighbours and friends.
Regarded as one of the greatest music teachers in the county, well-known musicians such as Sharon Shannon, Garry Shannon, Siobhan Peoples, Sean Conway and Yvonne Casey plus two of his children, Tola and Mary Custy are among those to have learned their craft under Frank’s watch. He inspired hundreds of more to begin to play music. His Friday night music lessons in Toonagh are still fondly remembered.
In 2009, Frank was honoured with the Clare Association Dublin Hall of Fame award and in 2016 for his outstanding contribution to Irish traditional music, he was presented with the MÓRglór award. He was one of the key personnel involved in the development of Cois na hAbhna. During the Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann in 2016, the Frank Custy sessions were a lunchtime favourite.
In June 1999, Frank retired as principal of Toonagh NS, for nearly forty years he was the driving force of the small school. It was originally built as a two teacher school but was extended following the closure of Dysart NS in the early 1970s.
Frank presided over the merger and the school’s development following his appointment as principal in 1961, teaching numbers were enhanced when Mary Marrinan joined the staff in 1965 while the closure of Dysart NS resulted in the addition of Eileen Barry to Toonagh’s ranks.
Among those gathered in Dysart on Monday morning were Cyril Lyons, a past pupil of Frank’s who won a Munster and All-Ireland title in 1995 with Clare’s senior hurlers. Frank’s ex colleague Mary Marrinan, former Ennis NS principal Gary Stack and ex Clonmoney NS principal Michael Kilmartin remembered their former colleague while well-known musical figures including Siobhán Peoples, Eoin O’Neill and Blackie O’Connell were also present.
Hurling was a big passion of Frank’s, he won three Clare SHC titles with Ruan as their goalkeeper in 1959, 1960 and 1962. Prior to this we won a minor championship with Ruan in 1953 when lining out in goals at the age of fourteen. He also won a Dr Harty Cup with St Flannan’s College.
Modify, fix and put in your lap were the three items referred to by Tola Custy when he began speaking about his father. “He put people into circles and elevated them to superstardom”, he said.
Tola admitted if he ever had a time machine he would use it go back to when Frank was a young child with his siblings Sean and Carmel, “they were active and their
Dad was a fixer, they turned out the same, they fixed things and they even fixed people’s hair,” Tola quipped.
On more than one occasion, Tola managed to drive over his fiddle with his car. He recalled of his father’s response, “he went about fixing it the Frank way, it wasn’t the finish but the function that was important”. He added, “it doesn’t matter if you talk about Frank the teacher or Frank the musician because the same rules apply”.
Meeting Teresa was “a magic time” for his father, Tola stated. He said, “you never saw them without each other except when Frank was in the classroom”.
Miltown Malbay native, Fr Joe McMahon was the chief celebrant for Monday’s mass. Frank was “a rock” in the lives of those that knew him, Fr McMahon said.
Items brought before the altar to symbolise Frank’s life included flowers, he was not a tidy gardener “but loved to see things grow”, his diary which he used to take notes of teams and scores when watching hurling matches, the hurley which he used in the three county finals and his fiddle described as “the greatest momento”.
Frank was the first born son of Jim and Kathleen, “if they could see ahead they would be thankful and proud that their son lived up to his Christian calling,” Fr McMahon reflected. “He brought, hope, confidence and joy to the people that surrounded him young and old”.
THE death has occurred of Gerry McNamara, Corrovorrin, Ennis and Crusheen.
Gerry lined out with Crusheen for many years and was involved in a number of championship games when the club came to prominence as a senior team in the 1960s and 1970s and was a life-long member of Crusheen GAA club and one of its most loyal supporters.
Gerry was one of the better-known figures on the
Clare GAA circuit mainly through stewarding in Cusack Park and umpiring with referees throughout the county and was always willing to work with anyone who required his services.
His love of Crusheen GAA was matched by very few and bettered by none. He often travelled out to Crusheen to see the teams train and knew players three generations below him. His views on hurling were legendary and one of his best-known sayings included “If we don’t have ground hurling, we
don’t have hurling” and “If we don’t keep our traditions alive, we have nothing”.
Former inter-county referee, Seanie McMahon from Newmarket-on-Fergus was one of Gerry’s closest friends and counted on him as one of his loyal umpires for over 15 years. “I was shocked to hear dear Gerry had passed to his eternal reward. Gerry loved his family, the GAA, playing cards, hunting and singing. He was a proud Shranagaloon man and one of his favourite sayings was ‘For you will never learn anything at home, get out and meet people’.
Gerry lived by this belief and loved nothing more than travelling, meeting and talking to anyone who wanted to talk. Gerry was completely honest, which made him a great umpire. Gerry acted with me for over 15 years and also helped out many other referees when needed. His main day was the 2004 Munster senior hurling final as well as a number of county finals we worked together on”.
Seanie goes to refer to another Gerryism, “If you need a solid foundation build from the base, others build from the roof and all collapses”.
McMahon recalled that while Gerry was not involved as an umpire with him when officiating the 2010 Clare SHC final it was “so so special” for Gerry as Crusheen were crowned county champions.
Another of his great passions was beagling. He travelled all over Ireland where ever there was a hunt. Places such as Cavan, Kerry and Cork were home to Gerry and those who love the sport.
One of his great friends in this passion included twotime All-Ireland SHC winning manager Ger Loughnane and numerous times they went hunting together with their beagles.
Loughnane recalled, “We travelled to Kerry, to Ar-
vagh in Cavan and to Cork to name but a few places. One story I have was we were on a trip to Ballinskelligs in Cork for a hunt and I collected Gerry along with four dogs in the jeep and as we were going into the Limerick tunnel he started singing a song.
“As Gerry kept singing one of the dogs, a white bitch came up on her own from the back of the jeep curious to the noise and started licking Gerry on the face. He never once blinked and kept singing”.
Gerry’s love of Shranagaloon was also remembered by Loughnane and how he loved hunting with the Fitzgibbon’s and others growing up and travelling all over Ireland in the 1950s and from then on to hunts. The former Clare manager went on to say “Gerry dropped in a CD of songs which he recorded in Miltown in one session. I asked him how did he manage it. His response was swift. A glass of orange and keep going”. Loughnane added, “Gerry loved to go to the big hunts with us but rarely hunted but sang and entertained all with stories and songs. He would then go out on his own to Maghera and the East Clare hills with two or three dogs. He was one of a kind and we will miss him”.
Gerry was famous for his love of singing and could break into song at a moment’s notice and had an innate ability to compose songs about people, places and activities Robbie McMahon and Brendan Vaughan were two well-known Clare people that he composed songs about that are famous in Clare singing clubs and beyond.
He sung all over Ireland from Cork to Derry. Clare singing clubs organisers such as John Condon, Mikey Whelan (Shanaglish), John Madden, Anne Hayes, and Anne Whelan were amongst those who offered their
sympathies and remembered their connections to Gerry.
Anne Whelan mentioned that the Ennis Singers Club that was set up by Peadar McNamara in Brandons is 30 years old this year and Gerry was a member from day one. She repeated one of Gerry’s statements about singing, “Any person that considers themselves a singer that isn’t able to write a song about their native place is not worth his weight in sawdust”.
His beloved Crusheen GAA for which he held so much affection for especially when they won the 2010 and 2011 county titles referred to his passing.
“All in Crusheen GAA club would like to offer their sympathies to the Mc-
Namara family especially Patricia, Sarah, Louise, Darren and Barry in this sad time. Gerry comes from one of the great GAA families of the parish and he never diluted his love of Crusheen and all that the community of Crusheen meant to him. We welcomed him back all the time to our pitch to watch adult and underage games or simply talk to anyone involved in the club. Ar Dheis De ar a anam,” a statement from the club read. He is survived by his wife Patricia, Daughters Sarah and Louise, son in law Darren and beloved grandson Barry. He will also be missed by his brothers Michael, Kevin and Aidan, nieces, relatives and huge circle of friends throughout Ireland.
A PROTEST highlighting the lack of resources for eating disorder patients was held outside University Hospital Limerick on Monday, following the publication of a new MindEverybody poll, writes Elaine Tubridy
The organisation, which advocates for urgent reforms in eating disorder services, revealed that 53% of respondents believe they or their loved ones would be fully recovered if the illness had been appropriately treated in its early stages.
The implications of delayed or unavailable public care have forced 73% of individuals to resort to private treatment options for their eating disorders,
with a further 13% saying they could not afford to go private, according to the MindEverybody research.
“The findings echo the sentiments of countless families and sufferers who have been navigating a system fraught with obstacles, leading to profound consequences on both physical and mental well-being,” said Amy Hanley, the Dublin mother behind the Mind Everybody campaign, whose teenage daughter was diagnosed with anorexia in 2022.
“The Eating Disorder Protests have been organised to amplify these voices, demanding systemic changes that ensure equitable, timely, and accessible treatment for all.”
A Change.org petition has also been set up to be delivered to Minister for Health, Stephen Donnelly and Minster of State for Mental Health and Older People, Mary Butler.
“The survey findings serve as a stark call to action, reinforcing the urgency of the demands from those participating in the Eating Disorder Protests.
"The nationwide movement seeks to bring attention to the systemic flaws that perpetuate the suffering of individuals and families dealing with eating disorders and advocates for comprehensive reforms that prioritise accessibility, early intervention, and equitable care,” Amy added.
Disabled women’s rights activist
Ann Marie Flanagan is advocating for a No vote in the March 8th referendum. Here she outlines her reasoning for why the Constitution should not change
Iam exhausted by the Yes campaign, particularly by the national representative women’s organisation and opposition parties who claim feminist values.
It marks an unprecedented low in the discourse surrounding the rights and dignity of Women as it blatantly ignores Disabled women in Ireland.
This campaign starkly unveils the underlying biases and misconceptions held about Disabled Women by other women in leadership roles, showcasing a blatant disregard for our rights, autonomy, and dignity. By simplistically equating our legitimate and legally substantiated concerns with baseless ‘women’s lib really cries’ not only misrepresents but also endangers the very fabric of justice and equality that they claim to uphold.
It is utterly reprehensible to compromise the autonomy and dignity of countless women, leveraging a narrow and exclusionary view of women’s rights to further their agenda.
Supporting wording that implies the responsibility of a Disabled Woman’s support should fall solely on the shoulders of our
family members is a gross misinterpretation of what it means to live a dignified, equal, autonomous life. This archaic notion undermines the essence of independence and self-determination that every woman, including Disabled women, rightfully deserves.
The proposal to enshrine “the provision of care, by members of a family to one another by reason of the bonds that exist among them” in the constitution is not only backward but dangerously regressive, setting a precedent that could undo decades of progress by Disabled women and men.
“ As a fervent advocate for feminism, I find myself grappling with a profound sense of betrayal
I challenge the non-disabled women who are part of the ‘Yes’ campaign to deeply reflect on the implications of their advocacy. Consider the invasive nature of having a family member provide intimate care daily, the erosion of personal boundaries, and
the profound impact on one’s autonomy and privacy. This is not a hypothetical exercise but a reality for many, which the proposed constitutional change seeks to institutionalise without consent, will and preference, or dignity. The term ‘care’ in this context is a misnomer, a veneer for a system that institutionalises dependency and strips away the individual agency Disabled women and people. This campaign transcends mere political discourse; it is a moral issue that challenges the core principles of human rights, dignity, and equality. It seeks to entrench a deeply flawed system that devalues and discriminates against Disabled Women, under the guise of reform.
This is the epitome of ableism, wrapped in the false flag of progress. The constitutional amendment as proposed threatens to solidify these biases into the
bedrock of our society, making it exceedingly difficult to dismantle these oppressive structures in the future.
As a fervent advocate for feminism and equality, I find myself grappling with a profound sense of betrayal and heartbreak. The path being pursued by the ‘Yes’ campaign, spear-
headed by organizations like the NWCI, is not one of progress but regression, one that seeks to narrow the scope of women’s rights to fit a predefined and exclusionary mold.
This is not the feminism I believe in; this is not the progress we have fought for. The campaign’s approach is
not only dehumanizing and discriminatory but represents the worst manifestation of ableism.
The ongoing campaign by Yes 42B starkly illustrates a profound disrespect for bodily autonomy and a troubling disregard for the privacy that is foundational to human dignity. Despite
It’s time to recognise not all families
Clare’s youngest candidate for the June local elections, Rachel Hartigan (FF) advocates for a Yes vote on March 8th
OUR country’s Constitution came into force in 1937 and it has largely stood the test of time. But it is clear that not all of its articles are reflective of our society today. Some of the Constitution’s language is clearly outdated and on March 8, we will have the opportunity to replace that outdated language with a broader understanding of what ‘family’ and ‘care’ means.
On March 8, the Irish people will be asked two questions. First, whether we wish to redefine the concept of “family” as
being something other than that which is only based on marriage. Secondly, we will be asked whether we wish to redefine the concept of ‘care’.
The ‘Family’ amendment means a great deal to many people because in every community in Ireland, you will find a blend of families that are not founded on marriage and our Constitution should reflect this reality.
The ‘Care’ amendment matters because in your own home or in your neighbour’s, you will find that care is provided by family members to one another and not solely by women.
On this basis, it is proposed to delete references such as “by her life within the home” from the Constitution. Those outdated references would be replaced by a new article that acknowledges the importance to the common good of the care provided by family members to each other. The new article would also provide that the State will “strive to support” the provision of such care within families.
A “Yes” vote on March 8 matters because at present, our Constitution fails to recognise the reality that not all families are founded on marriage and it is time to correct that flaw. It matters because it is well past time for us to consign the reference in the Constitution to a mother’s “duties in the home” to the dustbin of history.
I know that some people will ask what these changes will mean in real terms if passed. If you are wondering whether the “Family” amendment will undermine the institution of marriage, the answer is no. Marriage will still be recognised under the Constitution as “an institution which the State must guard with special care and protect against attack”.
There has also been a suggestion that polygamous relationships will be recognised under Irish law if the ‘Family’ amendment is passed. To be clear, polygamous relationships have never been recognised under Irish law and nor will they be.
the contributions to combating domestic violence and acknowledging the severity of intimate partner violence, the Yes campaign seems to have overlooked the critical intersectionality of disability and gender-based violence.
The journey to secure recognition, services, and funding for victims of domestic violence has been
arduous, highlighting the entrenched powerlessness of women, the perilous conditions faced by those attempting to escape abusive environments, and the financial constraints that bind many to their abusers.
Yet, despite these strides, Disabled women remain conspicuously marginalized, their pleas for accessible refuges, the provision of sign language interpreters, and personal assistance to facilitate escape from abusive situations largely unheeded.
This glaring omission in the narrative perpetuated by Yes 42B not only minimises the experiences of Disabled women but also egregiously denies the reality of domestic violence for many Disabled women.
It is a stark reminder of the persistent exclusion of Disabled women from the broader women’s movement, a painful echo of neglect.
The insistence on limiting the discourse to non-disabled perspectives on autonomy and care fundamentally misunderstands the nuanced needs of Disabled individuals, particularly in the context of the powerlessness of many Disabled women.
Many couples, where one partner is Disabled, initially attempt to navigate support from the other partner. However, as many have come to realize, such arrangements are often unsustainable and detrimental both partners.
Of course this is not the case for all. Employment, personal aspirations, and the simple desire for a
relationship that transcends caregiver and care recipient dynamics necessitate independent support systems. This reality underscores the urgent need for solidarity among non-disabled women with their Disabled counterparts.
It is not merely a call for inclusive policies but a plea for recognition, respect, and genuine support that acknowledges the diverse experiences of women across the spectrum.
The call to action is clear: We must not allow the narrative of women’s equality to be dominated by voices that fail to recognise the intersecting oppressions faced by Disabled women in relation to the proposed wording in 42B. Instead, we need a women’s movement that champions the rights of all women. It is time for the women’s movement to fully embrace this responsibility, ensuring that no woman, is forced to compromise her autonomy and personal safety.
I urge a re-evaluation of the women’s movement strategies with an inclusive, respectful dialogue that truly considers the rights, dignity, and autonomy of all women. The fabric of our society is measured by how we treat people who need support. Let us not entrench discrimination and inequality in our constitution but stand firm in our commitment to rights for all’.
The term “durable relationships”, which is proposed to be inserted into the Constitution under the “Family” amendment, has also been the subject of debate. However, the nature of a constitution is to set out a broad framework for the country to operate under and to set out broad principles and rights. You will not find every one of the country’s laws in our Constitution and nor does it tend to be overly prescriptive.
In real terms, what is meant by a “durable relationships” are relationships other than marriage which are based on different types of committed and continuing relationships. For example, a child raised by a lone parent or by unmarried parents does not currently have their family recognised under the Constitution and that needs to change.
You might be wondering what the role of the Supreme Court is in all of this. In the event that the “Family” and “Care” referendums are passed, the Supreme Court could find itself interpreting those revised articles in the constitution, just like it can interpret any other article of the Constitution. This the
hallmark of any well-functioning democracy and there is nothing to be feared from it.
If the “Yes” campaign succeeds on March 8, it will not be a win for the Government but a win for the many different types of families that exist in every Irish community and I welcome the decision by most opposition parties to advocate for a “Yes” vote in this regard.
So why does a “Yes” vote on March 8 matter? A “Yes” vote on March 8 matters because every family matters, not just those founded on marriage and our Constitution should reflect this. A “Yes” vote on 8 March matters because the bedrock document of our state should not continue to refer to a mother’s “duties in the home” and speak of “her life within the home” in reference to women.
Your vote on March 8 matters because the Irish people alone are empowered with the ability to change our Constitution. I encourage you to take the opportunity to change our Constitution for the better by voting “Yes” on 8 March’.
IAM thinking about this week of women all over the world on International Women’s Day which is Friday the 8th of March.
The fighting spirit, the grit and determination, the love and care and the pure wonder of women is powerful. And on this Sunday the 10th of March, it’s Mother’s Day, a special day to think of mother figures in our lives.
There is work yet to be done on behalf of millions upon millions of women and mother’s around the world.
Seeking their protection and honor is a worthy and Christlike endeavor. Girls, women and mother’s are so precious to our God, and their well-being is vital to the well-being of all people everywhere. Many women across the World are still denied of their basic rights and face threats to life at every stage starting in some areas with the right to be born, access to education, domestic violence, inadequate healthcare, access to a nourishing diet and the ability to make decisions about their own lives and that of their families. Throughout the Gospels we see that Jesus was sensitive to the social and religious exclusion which women faced daily. He both pur-
posely and publicly and both included and celebrated the influence of the many women amongst his followers and supporters.
As a final thought, even if we have great worries all around us at present make your Mother feel the most special woman in the world by showing your care, love and affection, especially during these our most worrying times. Most of all let your Mother know how much you love her not just for Mothers Day but for all time. Spend as much time as you can loving and caring for the people who truly love you. Enjoy each moment with them before
it’s too late. There is nothing more important than family, especially during this time of uncertainty and anxiety!!! Make your mother and the mother of your children feel the most special woman in the world by showing your care, love and affection. Most of all let your mother know how much you love her, for life is short and time is running out. Most of us have been blessed by a mother or someone like a mother in our lives. Mother’s Day is a time to pause, remember, give thanks to God, and share our gratitude with those who have shaped us.
And, let them know you love them and thank God for them. A very Happy Mother’s Day to all our Mother’s
both living here on earth and those who, like Jesus, have been lifted up from the earth, forever to be with us in our hearts.
For all of them - mothers by blood, mothers by heart—a blessing on this Mother’s Day...”Blessing our Mothers, Who are our first sanctuary. Who fashion a space of blessing with their own being: with the belly, the bone and the blood or, if not with these, then with the durable heart that offers itself to break and grow wide, to gather itself around another as refuge, as home. Who lean into the wonder and terror of loving what they can hold but cannot contain. Who remain in some part of themselves always awake, a corner of consciousness
lBoxingkeeping perpetual vigil. Who knows that the story is what endures, is what binds us, is what runs deeper even than blood and so they spin them in celebration of what abides and benediction on what remains: a simple gladness that latches onto us and graces us on our way. Loving God, we thank you for the love of the mothers you have given us whose love is so precious it can never be measured, whose patience seems to have no end.
May we see your loving hand behind them and guide them. We pray for those mothers who fear they will run out of love or time or patience. We ask you to bless them with your own special love. We ask this in the name of Jesus. Amen.
IS AR an t-ochtú lá de mhí Mhárta, sa mbliain 1960, a chuaigh an ''Plassy'' ar Charraig na Finise in Inis Oírr. Shábháil fir an oileáin an
t-aon fhear d'éag de chriú a bhí uirthi an oíche stoirmiúil sin. Tá cáil bainte amach ag an soitheach le blianta anuas mar go bhfuil sí le feiceáil ag tús an chláir grinn teilifíse, ''Father Ted''. Tagann na mílte chuig an oileán len í a fheiceáil. Agus anois, a mhuintir Chondae an Chláir, is féidir libh fhéin cuairt a thabhairt
ar Inis Oírr mar go bhfuil an tseirbhís farantóireachta as Dúlainn tosaigh aríst don tséasúr ag Muintir Uí Bhriain agus an Doolin Ferry Company! Turas Sona! Bon voyage!
Imeachtaí/Events:
• INIS DÍOMÁIN – Scéalta agus rannta do ghasúir 0-5 mbliana d’aois, sa Leabharlann, ón 11am go 11.30am, Dé Sathairn, an 9ú lá de Mhárta.
• 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.
• INIS - Fiachna Ó Braonáin agus a chuid cairde, Dé Sathairn, 9ú lá de Mhárta, 8pm, Glór
CREDIT Unions continue to be cornerstones of local communities across all corners of the island.
They provide an exceptional and personal service to their members. For many years, members say they want to do more and more of their daily banking with their local credit union. The good news is, now they can!
Kilrush Credit Union is now excited to offer a Current account to its members. The Current Account is fully approved by the Central Bank of Ireland, includes a globally accepted Mastercard Debit Card with contactless payments, Apple pay, Google pay, standing orders and direct debits. Kilrush Credit Union members will be able to open an account online or in person in the Kilrush office. Non-members can also open the account and even switch from their current provider.
The Kilrush Current Account offers simple and transparent pricing including a low monthly (standard) fee of €4, which covers up to five euro ATM withdrawals, unlimited (euro) point of sale and contactless transactions, unlimited mobile and online banking, unlimited standing orders and direct debits, per month. There are no maintenance charges for <18years, students and 66+.
The Credit Union movement has seen huge change in the last number of years as they sought to expand their member services. As part of their expansion, the roll-out of the Credit Union Current Account service commenced in 2019 and there are almost 80 Credit Unions, with 274 offices throughout the country, offering this service today. Kilrush Credit Union has been serving the West Clare community for over 55 years. Kilrush Credit Union already offers a fully functional online banking service and mobile app to open a new account, apply for and draw down a loan online, and all other normal banking services.
Claire Neylon, Business Development Officer, said; “For Kilrush Credit Union to continue to thrive, we need to compete with the mainstream banks, for products and services. We need to show the younger generation that we are relevant as a one-stop shop for all their financial needs. The introduction of our Current Account is a huge step on this journey. We exist solely for the benefit of our members, not profit, therefore we need to continue to attract new members to ensure the continued success of Kilrush Credit Union”.
The CX company survey named credit unions as best in class for member experience in Ireland for 9 consecutive years, 20152023, as did RepTrak® 2023 for the fifth year in a row.
Matt Heslin, CEO, said “The Central Bank sees the risk in the Irish market, with limited financial offering and competition. They have been actively encouraging credit unions to be a viable alternative. We have come a long way since 1958, and now the sector is beginning to fulfil that role.“
Want to join Kilrush Credit Union today but are too busy to pop into the office? You can become a member online, just visit our website today and set up your account within minutes by following a simple stepby-step guide. Some documentation will be required, but nothing you shouldn’t already have. Visit www.kilrushcreditunion.ie to begin.
For further information and enquiries visit the office in Kilrush or contact a member of our team on 0659051242 or email info@ kilrushcreditunion.ie
LAHINCH Leisure Centre have recently developed a new functional fitness facility and basketball court in the heart of Lahinch. With the launch of Pulse Functional Fitness Arena on Friday the 1st of March.
Pulse is a Multi-Sport Arena with functional fitness at its core. It is designed to promote and provide a new perspective on fitness and physical activity.
Pulse includes- a new gym space which is concentrated on giving the individual and groups the room to further develop their overall fitness and hone their skills. This area can be specific for either sports clubs or corporate groups for any team bonding activities or strength and conditioning.
Lahinch Leisure Centre has something for all fitness enthusiasts.
We focus on a whole-body perspective, whether you want to book a fitness class, go for a swim, relax in our sauna, steam room and jacuzzi or have a fantastic workout in our two-story state of the art gym. No matter what your ability is, we can help you to figure out what works for you.
l LAHINCH LEISURE CENTRE: Pictured at the launch of Pulse Functional Fitness were (clockwise from top): General Manager Eoin Conlon, Assistant Manager Dervlla Considine and Clare hurler Cathal Malone; testing out the new equipment; U14 Euro Champion Joshua Karbus; Edith Hornsby, Eoin Conlan, Dervlla Considine, Susan Harrington, Anastasia Gordeeva, Joey Fitzgerald, Alan Coyne, and Lenka Grmanova; Caoilinn Considine, U7 Cowhie Ryan McCole Clare School Of Irish Dance Photos by Tom Micks
COROFIN’s Leonard Cleary’s appointment as the new Chief Executive of Galway City Council has been approved by elected members of the local authority, writes Páraic McMahon
Cleary was appointed following a recruitment process conducted by the Public Appointments Service, and assumes the role held by Brendan McGrath from 2013 until his retirement in 2023.
Leonard has over 26 years of experience in local government having held several senior roles in Clare County Council, including in Housing, Tourism, Human Resources, and Community and Rural Development. He was Town Clerk in Ennis Town Council with a significant interest in urban economic regeneration. Under his stewardship as Director of Services, Clare County Council was the first local authority in the country to produce a Rural Development Strategy supported by a full
Directorate. Subsequently, he led the first dedicated Tourism Development Directorate in a local authority in the country guided by a 10-year County Tourism Strategy.
The graduate of DCU, UCC, NUI Maynooth, NUI Galway and the Institute of Public Administration (IPA) also oversaw the development of a Digital Hub network across Clare, and the transfer of the Shannon Heritage portfolio from Shannon Airport Group to Clare County Council. Under his Tourism Development remit, Mr Cleary was responsible for the management of Clare’s leading tourism attractions including the Cliffs of Moher Experience, Bunratty Castle and Folk Park, Loop Head Lighthouse, and Vandeleur Walled Garden and Visitor Centre.
The Mayor of the City of Galway, Cllr Eddie Hoare (FG) said, “Galway City Council will greatly benefit from his wealth of experience in all areas of
local authority work from community to housing and from tourism to enterprise. My colleagues and I look forward to working with Leonard Cleary when he takes up his new position in May”.
Mr Cleary said he was “honoured and excited” about the role, “The scale and ambition of the projects undertaken by Galway City Council in recent years underlines the central role it plays in the economic and social development of the country’s fourth largest city,” he said.
“A thriving Galway City has significant positive implications for the wider hinterland in the West of Ireland, and I look forward to developing a close and proactive working relationship with the Elected Members, staff of the local authority and community and business stakeholders over the coming years.
“I wish to acknowledge and thank my colleague, Patricia Philbin, who has served as
LACK OF STAFF meant respite care could not be provided at Ennistymon Community Hospital for 12 of the last 34 months, a North Clare representative has claimed.
Ennistymon Community Hospital has a bed capacity of 27. Of this, there are 17 longstay beds, nine respite beds and one palliative care bed.
Cllr Liam Grant (GP) at a sitting of the Regional Health Forum sought a comprehensive report on the services provided at Ennistymon Community Hospital and plans for future development.
Chief Officer, HSE Mid West Community Healthcare with Maria Bridgeman stated, “The long stay beds have been operating at full capacity. There is a high level of demand for long-stay beds in the area and there is a waiting
list for access to these beds”. Demand for respite service “has been affected by the pandemic, as many older people have been reluctant to leave their homes and access respite in a community setting. In spite of this, respite services in Ennistymon CNU were offered during the pandemic in line with public health guidelines and have continued to be offered since then.
The average occupancy of the unit over the last 12 months is 90% for the 27 beds”.
She continued, “Recruitment and retention of staff remains an issue at Ennistymon CNU, as has been the case for many smaller units in rural areas. Staff shortages have led to the cessation of respite services on two particular occasions in recent times, August 2022 to January 2023 and August 2023 to January 2024.
The palliative care bed and
five respite beds are currently available for admission”.
To meet the demand for long stay care, a refurbishment of one room to repurpose four respite beds to longstay beds has been completed. “This will reduce the number of respite beds from 9 to 5 and increase the number of longstay beds to 19. Whilst in the short term this will reduce the overall bed capacity to 25 beds, it will ensure a targeted response to local population demand,” Maria stated.
An application has also been submitted to HIQA to register six new beds, she confirmed. HIQA conducted an announced inspection at the North Clare facility on February 7. “Some additional refurbishment is required to meet the standards in order to secure registration. These beds cannot be occupied until they are successfully regis-
tered with HIQA.”
To safely open the new beds, a business case has been submitted to secure additional staffing of 6.5 whole time equivalent staff. With the addition of six beds to the stock in Ennistymon, it will have a total capacity of 31 beds comprised of 25 long stay, five respite and one palliative care.
Certain people have been unable to get respite care, Cllr Grant flagged. “For 12 of the last 34 months they have been unable to provide respite care with the lack of staff,” he said. “The response is hinging towards people less likely to take up respite care since COVID, I find that ironic,” the Lahinch representative remarked.
Ms Bridgeman noted they had approval for additional staff but that “the challenge is getting staff to Ennistymon”.
Interim Chief Executive since June 2023 for her excellent stewardship, and to especially acknowledge the huge commitment to Galway City Council of my predecessor Brendan McGrath,” he added.
Speaking at Tuesday’s meeting of the West Clare Municipal District, Cllr Ian Lynch (IND) said it was “good news” for Cleary and “bad news” for elected represenatives in West and North Clare.
“You’ve been a great assistance to us all in West Clare, the first rural directorate in the country was led by you, we’re sorry to see you go”.
Cleary told the meeting he would remain working with Clare County Council and the West Clare MD for another two months, “there is a lot of work to be done before then”. He noted that their setting in Kilrush Town Hall was “the very room I started in 27 years ago”, where he worked as a marketing officer with Kilrush Town Council.
A FUTURE use of the current county library which is due to be vacated in the coming months, has yet to be decided.
Work continues on the construction of a state of the art new County Library which will also be located in Ennis. The project consists of a 2,321-square-metre building on the glór site comprising two public floors of library space incorporating the local studies centre, a separate art gallery and the County Library
lCHANGING TIMES: Ennis Library
AT THE inquest in Kilrush into the death of Eoin Boylan (32) of Clancy Park, Ennis, Susan Ahmed told the inquest that she obtained a Barring Order in the past against convicted murderer and her ex-husband, Nassar Ahmed (pictured right).
In June 2022 at the Central Criminal Court, Nassar Ahmed - who is originally from Sudan in north Africa - was convicted of the murder of Eoin Boylan at Gordon Drive, Cloughleigh, Ennis on April 14, 2020 after a unanimous jury guilty verdict.
In her deposition at the inquest, Ms Ahmed said that Nassar Ahmed (42) formerly of The Mews, Kilrush Road, Ennis, "can’t fight with his hands - he has gone down to other people with knives”. She said, "He has put a knife up to me a good few times”.
Ms Ahmed said that in a row with a neighbour in 2018, "Nassar went down to the house and I saw him put a long knife down his trousers before he went”. She said, "He is a very violent person”.
At the Clare Coroner’s inquest, eye witness accounts recounted how at around 3pm on April 14, 2020 Mr Ahmed had a knife concealed on him before making three lunges at Mr Boylan who pleaded with Mr Ahmed to stop after being stabbed.
Ahmed stabbed Mr Boylan in front of his mother, Catherine Martin, who told the inquest that her son told her at the scene 'He stabbed me mum. Why did he stab me? Why did he stab me?’”
Mrs Martin said that during the row, Nassar Ahmed had called his ex-wife “a whore”. The three young Ahmed children were in the back-garden and were ‘balling’ pleading with their father to stop arguing.
Eoin Boylan had recently begun a relationship with Susan Ahmed. In her own deposition, Susan Ahmed who provided support to Mrs Martin at the inquest - said that despite Eoin Boylan asking Nassar Ahmed to stop, he continued to hit him.
Nassar Ahmed walked away from the scene and presented himself at Ennis Garda Station the same afternoon.
Ms Martin comforted her son at the scene before first responders removed her son to an ambulance at the scene.
Mrs Martin told the inquest, "I got the strangest feeling before he went into the ambulance that he wouldn't be coming back”.
In the stationary ambulance, Mr Boylan went into cardiac arrest and was pronounced dead shortly at 4.35pm.
Susan Ahmed said that when she first introduced Nassar Ahmed to her new partner, Eoin Boylan “he shook Eoin’s hands and said 'once you are happy, it doesn’t matter’ he said to me and Eoin”. She said however that Nassar Ahmed’s attitude towards Mr Boylan changed.
Ms Ahmed said that she first met Nassar Ahmed aged 19 and within six months he asked her to marry him. The two got married and moved to Cork and in her deposition "when I was in Cork, Nassar started to abuse me".
"I had to go to the Gardai when the ‘big one’ happened and I had to go to Clarecare to get help. I had marks all over my neck and my body”.
Ms Ahmed said that Nassar Ahmed "didn’t like Clarecare being involved and after a while he said that he wanted Clarecare gone. He didn’t want them calling to the house and I would have to tell them everything was fine”.
She said, "Clarecare were with us for about five years because there was a lot going on. There was still abuse every day but I had to lie to Clarecare to get rid of them. I had to tell them that we were doing a lot better when we weren’t”.
She said, "Clarecare stopped calling and the abuse kept going”. She said, "He has been gone since December 28th 2018.”
At the inquest a jury found that Mr Boylan died as a result of murder.
HQ on the third floor.
Existing library facilities at Harmony Row in Ennis are housed in a former Presbyterian Church and were officially opened on 16th July 1975. The site has historically been prone to flooding, most recently in 2009 when floodwaters damaged considerable stock and led to the decommissioning of the Clare Room in the Local Studies Centre.
Chief Executive of Clare County Council, Pat Dowling told The Clare Echo that they are assessing potential future uses for the current library.
He said, “the current library is, that is a very unique location, where in fact the original headquarters is across the road and the
local studies centre right next door to where TUS operate a third level programme and across from the secondary school, it is very much an educational and cultural quarter in my view, any further uses of the building that will be available after we move into our new library must be consistent with that theme.
“I think very much that will continue to be a quarter and cultural centre of learning, education and third level and other levels of education, we’re dealing with other like-minded bodies on possible uses of those buildings, that is my thinking on it at the moment, detailed designs will be developed as we go forward”.
CLARE Haven Services are the only domestic abuse service serving the women and children in Co Clare.
Providing the well-known refuge, 24hr helpline and outreach service to 6 towns, and a myriad of other supports they believe they have succeeded in growing and developing a formidable service over almost 30 years. Their work has been honed and tailored to meet the specific needs of women and children in Clare, developing into a robust and needs led organisation supporting them to live with, move on from and survive the horror of domestic abuse.
The needs of young people aged between 12 and 17 using their services have become more apparent in the last number of years. Clare Haven currently have one to one and group youth workers supporting and advocating on behalf of young victims of abuse, helping them to navigate their way through challenging times. The CYP team meet with the public through various education facilities to raise awareness of domestic abuse,
promote healthy relationships and mitigate the intergenerational harm of domestic abuse. The €11,600 raised for them through the Ennis Lions Club/Clare FM Radio Auction have allowed Clare Haven to focus on the planned development of their offering to this cohort. They have created a specific space for young people (12-17 year olds) who are being subjected to domestic abuse, giving them a place to call their own. The space, at Clare Haven’s Resource, Administration & Training building, consists of a large facilitation/hangout multi-purpose room, a smaller group work/breakout room, a bathroom and a storage room. In that space the young people can meet others with similar experiences and they can explore resilience, healing, and therapeutic tools to assist them on their life path towards adulthood. Thanks to the generous support of the Lions Club, Clare FM and the people of Clare it will serve as a valuable support space for the young people that use Clare Haven Services for many years to come.
in association with
ESTIMATED costs for the Shannon Town and environs flood relief scheme have already jumped from €30m to €40m,
writes Páraic McMahonClose to €40m will have to be spent on the scheme, elected representatives have now been told by officials in Clare County Council whereas local authority staff in April 2023 detailed that costs would be in the region of €30m.
Failure to complete works could leave damages in the region of €270m in a worst-case scenario.
During the development of Shannon Town and Shannon Airport in the 1940s and 1950s, a series of embankments were constructed along the north side of the Shannon Estu-
ary to separate the low-lying lands from the tidal waters to the south. Both the Airport and town are now at risk of flooding from both coastal and fluvial sources.
In July 2020, the OPW in partnership with Clare County Council appointed RPS to further assess the Shannon Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management (CFRAM) Study. RPS were tasked with identifying options and to prepare a detailed scheme for Shannon which is economically viable and environmentally sustainable.
This study initially found that both the town and airport were an Area of Further Assessment (AFA) and IRR Individual Risk Receptor (IRR) respectively and concluded that a flood relief scheme would be
viable and effective for the community.
There are five stages to the project, option assessment/scheme development/design, planning/development/consent process, detailed construction design and tender, construction and finally the handover of works. Stage one commenced in August 2020.
Issuing an update to members of the Shannon Municipal District, Director of Services Alan Farrell outlined that phase three was ongoing, this is the detailed construction design and tender stage.
Farrell said a draft design has been completed. An environmental impact assessment report (EIAR) is due to be completed in the second quarter of 2024, the Director said.
CLARECARE’S plans to develop a community care centre in Shannon “will greatly benefit” the town), writes Páraic McMahon
That was the view expressed by Director of Services in the Shannon Municipal District, Alan Farrell when speaking on the subject for the first time.
In December, The Clare Echo reported on Clarecare’s plans to develop a community care centre in Tullyvarraga adjacent to the Shannon Garda Station. The facility endeavours to deliver addiction treatment services, family support services and care of the older person services which include home support, day centre for over 65s and social work
for older persons.
Over 400 staff are employed by Clarecare in their delivery of services countywide with their Shannon purchased “some years ago” according to Bill Twomey, Chairperson of Clarecare’s Board of Directors.
Referencing the plans at a meeting of the Shannon MD, Director Farrell noted that the development of the site will get underway in 2024 “for a purpose built state of the art facility. The development will greatly benefit the community into the future”.
Welcoming the plans, Cllr Pat O’Gorman (FF) stated, “The more development we can get in Shannon the better”.
PÁRAIC MCMAHON
ONE FINE has been issued in Lahinch beach over the last three years for dog fouling with local politicians insisting members of the public need to be fined in NorthWest Clare to change behaviour over the “disgusting” amount of dog poo left along beaches and public areas.
MINISTER for the Environment, Eamon Ryan (GP) has pinpointed Moneypoint as a vital component in Ireland reducing its energy emissions.
“Serious dog fouling” is occurring in Lahinch, Cllr Liam Grant (GP) flagged while calling on Clare County Council to “target several days to enforce dog fouling fines”. He added, “I would like to see something similar to that done by An Garda Síochána who conduct a number of Slow Down Days each year. That Clare County Council are seen to be enforcing dog foul-
Members of the Shannon Estuary Economic Taskforce are currently assessing the strategic strengths and comparative advantages of the Estuary will be assessed by the Taskforce while also scoping out potential economic opportunities. The group is to have a report compiled by the end of November.
Barry O’Sullivan recently met with Minister Ryan and for the Green Party leader their engagement hammered home the possibilities for the entire region surrounding the Shannon Estuary.
Communications, Energy and Natural Resources from 2007 to 2011, Ryan set a target of 40 per cent of the country’s energy com
ing laws and taking the matter seriously. I would also ask for the data on how many dog fouling fines have been issued in Lahinch over the last three years”.
issued in Lahinch over the last three years.
ing from renewable sources, this was met in 2020. Now, he wants this doubled to 80 percent by 2030.
Senior executive engineer in the environment section of the Council, Brendan Flynn said a community warden is covering the North section of the West Clare Municipal District which is covering Lahinch.
“I’m convinced we can do it, one of the ways we can do it is by switching offshore, our sea area is seven times our land area, there is a limit in Kerry as to how much turbines you can put up in any area but at sea, the resource is huge and the wind power is really strong,” he stated.
“Our Warden will undertake regular patrols in the area to combat dog fouling. The Council have also requested our Dog Warden service provider to carry out additional patrols in Clare beaches. We have also ran a number of specific awareness campaigns around Responsible Dog Ownership”. He said a number of targeted dog fouling days will take place in 2024 and confirmed only one fine has been
Offshore wind energy by Moneypoint is central to this. Speaking on Radio Kerry’s flagship current affairs show, Kerry Today, Minister Ryan outlined, “We will have a lot of offshore wind which will come
An education and enforcement campaign against dog fouling on streets of towns and public areas of the West Clare MD was requested by Cllr Shane Talty (FF).
connecting to both Tarbert and Moneypoint, you can put that electricity onto that grid to power the country.
There has been “extensive education programme” embarked on by the environment section in recent years and months, Flynn advised. This includes providing communities with Green Dog walker packs, regular use of print media to raise awareness on dog fouling, providing free dog bags to local businesses, availability of dog poo bags for free in all MD offices, promotion of Good dog owner responsibilities via Greener Clare social media accounts, promotion through the Green Schools programme, the provision of six mobile tannoy sys-
“When the wind isn’t blowing, the ESB are saying we should do and everyone in Europe is now talking about and starting to do, you convert the electricity into hydrogen and use electrolysis, it is a new but advancing technology, when the wind isn’t blowing you burn the hydrogen to generate power and you run the power out on the same grid, you have a continuous stable electricity source,” he explained. rienced a shutdown, this will cost
tems in 2023 to give a voice recorded message to deter dog fouling and to remind dog owners of their responsibilities. Popular walkways have been stencilled with ‘bag it bin it’.
While involved in the beach clean over St Bridget’s Bank Holiday, Cllr Grant said he counted twenty bags of dog poo. “A new trend is people are picking up their dog poo but hanging it to possibly collect later and forgetting it”. He added, “There is a huge amount of people not picking up the dog fouling, I feel there is a huge lack of enforcement” which he felt is letting people think they can get away with it. “Coming down on a busy fine days and fining people would change people’s behaviour”. He said the cameras from the lifeguard hut in Lahinch could help to catch the offenders.
“We can’t tolerate what is disgraceful behaviour,” remarked Cllr Talty. “We can do as much education but it is going to require enforcement, what has been encountered in Lahinch is nothing short of disgusting”. He said he was on a rural road in North Clare last week and came across a car pulled over at 4pm dumping waste in the ditch, “thankfully I got the car and he will receive a fine in the post,” the postmaster commented.
Consequences are felt by persons with mobility issues on wheelchairs and parents with buggies, said Cllr Cillian Murphy (FF) who labelled the matter as “disgusting”. He stated, “People don’t respond well to a carrot without a stick, maybe we need to bring a couple of people out there like our community and dog warden, do a targeted hour or two, if there’s a problem if someone is giving you crap about it, is there a consequence that you take the dog away”. Such a stance
Minister Ryan insisted that this was necessary. “We will have emergency generators to provide back up as well, we do need that, the really big strategic option by 2030 what we’re planning to have is 5GW of offshore wind and to put that in scale, that is equivalent to the amount of energy we’re using -
el, then the following decade and this is the really big industrial plan for the country, we can use that to go further to really tap into the scale of power that is available”.
will help to spread word very quickly “that this behaviour won’t be tolerated but that word isn’t out there because people don’t think they will be caught,” he added.
How children tend to pick up everything when they’re lower to the ground was referenced by Cllr Rita McInerney (FF). Bringing groups together will strengthen any information campaign, she maintained. “The carrot and stick is where it’s at in terms of dog fouling,” she said. No town or village isn’t affected, Cathaoirleach of the West Clare MD, Cllr Ian Lynch (IND) insisted. He said conditions along Cappa are “a disgrace”. He commented, “We’d love to have more signs up but the dogs don’t read them”. There is no control when it comes to stray dogs, he flagged. Lynch lamented the “push back” he has received from the Council’s environment section over the past seven years on efforts to spend his General Municipal Allocation on dog bins.
Senior executive officer, John O’Malley acknowledged, “There is a need for a dog warden to go around with community warden, there is a need for word to get out that this might happen”. This could be labelled as “a doggie SWAT team,” Cllr Joe Garrihy (FG) said. Vans hired from GPT that don’t display the Council logo could be used, Cllr Lynch suggested and he later shared with the meeting a cartoon image in his head of dogs lined up beside each other having their mug shots taken.
CLARE COUNTY Council has told Uisce Éireann that its planned waste water treatment plant (WWTP) for the seaside town of Kilkee would have “adverse impacts” on the visual amenities of the area and character of the local landscape.
In a setback for Uisce Éireann’s contentious plans, the Council has questioned Uisce Éireann’s location choice for the WWTP and also the level of treatment that it is to be provided by the plant.
Locals have campaigned for many years for proper waste water treatment facilities for Kilkee but over 80 objections have been lodged against the proposed scheme for Dunlicky Rd with locals angry over the proposed location and that Uisce Éireann is proposing only primary treatment of waste water.
As part of the wave of opposition against the proposal, Kilkee resident, Sheila Lardner has branded the WWTP as a “proposed monstrosity”.
Now, taking on board locals’ concerns, the Council state that the proposal is in close proximity to a “Heritage Landscape” and that the Dunlicky Rd also forms part of the Wild Atlantic Way, the EuroVelo Cycle route and is popular with walkers using the Kilkee Cliffs pedestrian path.
As a result, the Council has asked Uisce Éireann to submit a detailed rationale for locating the proposed WWTP at Site B and the technical engineering wastewater treatment requirements for locating the proposed WWTP at the current proposal site.
The Council also points out that Kilkee sees significant increases in population during the peak Sum-
mer months to 15,000 and point out that the maximum design capacity of 7,926PE.
The planning authority state that it is unclear to it how this loading for a population of 15,000 would be adequately accommodated within the current proposal.
The Council state that therefore Uisce Éireann is required to outline how the development as proposed, with a stated maximum capacity of 7,962PE would meet the requirements of these loadings.
The Council state if a redesign of the proposed WWTP is required to accommodation a population in excess of 10,000, it would exceed the threshold for the provision of a mandatory Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA).
The Council that in the event that the threshold of 10,000PE is exceeded, an EIAR should therefore be carried out and submitted to the
Council.
The planning authority has also expressed concerns for potential adverse impacts on a number of dwellings and mobile homes due to the close proximity of the planned Pumping Station and has asked Uisce Éireann to address these concerns.
One of those to object, Michael Duffy on behalf of the Dunlicky Rd Residents Group in Kilkee has described the proposal as “a disgraceful waste of scarce public resources” and will be an “open wound and eye-sore” on the local landscape.
Mr Duffy contends that “this application is an ill-considered, expensive, boxticking exercise by the applicant which simply wants to be seen to be taking steps, no matter how inappropriate, to address its historic inability to provide a basic and fundamental requirement for planning and sustainable develop-
ment in a long established important tourism town”.
Mr Duffy states that “this 10 year application, even if appropriate, which it is not, will not stop many more years of restrictions on Kilkee residents, businesses and visitors”.
He contends that “if a private enterprise was causing such disruption it would be closed immediately and the matter properly resolved. The Applicant is unanswerable to anyone”.
He said, “It is unconscionable, in this day and age, that a new WWTP would be designed for primary treatment only. Would a private householder be permitted to discharge primary effluent from a septic to coastal waters”.
The application will become ‘live’ once more after Uisce Éireann has lodged the further information requested.
TWO award-winning female choirs will present a special Spring choral concert to celebrate International Women’s Day on Friday March 8th in St Mary’s Church, Kilbane.
The Gúnas (Killaloe) and Seoda Chamber Choir (Limerick) are delighted to be joining forces for this special celebration in Mary’s Church, Kilbane, Co. Clare at 7.30pm. (V94 HX75).
Both female choirs who have performed throughout Ireland and beyond are well known for their contributions to the musical and cultural life in the Clare and Limerick areas.
Under the talented direction of Rhoda Clery, (The Gúnas) and Máire Keary Scanlon, (Seoda), the choirs will perform many of their old favourites in the beautiful 19th century church of St. Mary’s, Kilbane. Both choirs will be accompanied by Irina Dernova (piano) and Lucia Murphy (violin),
It is third time lucky for this choral event as concerts scheduled in December 2022 and March 2023 had to be cancelled due to snow! Kilbane is nestled on the southern slopes
of Slieve Bearnagh, and situated midway between the villages of O’Briensbridge and Broadford.
In recent times, St. Mary’s Church has undergone a complete refurbishment by a small group of local volunteers, with minimal funding, and a great deal of local support.
While retaining its liturgical integrity, it has become a centre for music, crafts and community gatherings.
On March 8th, St. Mary’s church community looks forward to continuing the re-imagining of the space by extending a warm welcome to The Gúnas, Seoda and their friends and supporters.
This is a free concert and refreshments will be served after the performance. There will be an opportunity for members of the audience to make a retiring donation.
Beautiful music in beautiful surroundings is guaranteed.
Castle.
Gráinne has come full circle, having first experienced a taste of the hospitality industry in her very first job at the Inn at Dromoland when she was just 16! A graduate of NUI, Galway with a Bachelor of Commerce and a major in Marketing, Gráinne followed an early career path into the retail ses before naturally progressing into marketing roles within the retail and non-for-profit Arts sectors.
After spending seven years promoting the very best of Irish creative talent as Special Projects Manager for IFTA (Irish Film & Television Academy) in Dublin, Gráinne moved back down to the West and took on the role of Marketing & PR Manager for Ireland’s largest regional shopping destination, the Crescent Shopping Centre under the stewardship of Clancourt Management for a further seven years. The role was multi-faceted working with up to 90 retailers supporting their business strategy through marketing, PR initiatives and events along with navigating a turbulent time during Covid with the multitude of challenges faced by the retail sector, putting comms strategies in place to re-assure consumers and support the centre’s retailers in getting back to business.
In her new role as Marketing
Manager at Dromoland Castle, Gráinne will work closely with senior management and the strong marketing team in place, adding her own wealth of experience and utilising her keen interest in digital media and experiential marketing to bring the Estate’s exciting plans to life.
Commenting on her recent appointment Gráinne said: “As someone who is born and bred in County Clare, I am so delighted to join the wonderful team at Dromoland Castle and The Inn at Dromoland who are unbelievably passionate and dedicated about every aspect of hospitality – it permeates through every facet and department and it is truly special to be part of that – I look forward to bringing some new exciting marketing initiatives to fruition to further develop the “experi-
ence” of visiting Dromoland and working with key stakeholders in the region to maintain the already strong positioning in the marketplace as a truly exceptional business and luxury property offering.”
Mr. Mark Nolan of Dromoland Castle on the appointment has said: “We are delighted to welcome Gráinne to the team here at Dromoland Castle, she brings with her a wealth of marketing, event & communications experience and offers great insight to further develop the future plans for Dromoland Castle & Estate in conjunction with our strong marketing and sales department. We are confident her fantastic experience and interest in all things experiential and digital will further enhance our wonderful guest offerings across our estate”.
Haven Pharmacy Hollys Ennis has everything you need to show the mother figure in your life just how much you care this Mother’s Day. There is a huge selection of Clarins skincare in store which is the perfect range to say thank you for everything they do!
The high-performance CryoFlash Cream-Mask (€64) is the perfect start to any pamper session. This face mask is inspired by Cryotherapy and reproduces the benefits of cold on the skin to prevent and fight the signs of ageing and honestly it just feels incredible. Its formula combines powerful active ingredients for skin that feels lifted, firmed and glowing with youth.
While the mask is working its magic on your skin don’t forget about the lips ! This is a perfect time to apply the Clarins Lip Comfort Oil (€26). It is a cocktail of unique oils that provides lips with
thirst-quenching hydration, nourishment, protection and repair. Lips are immediately soothed and moisturised. If you want to wear it out and about it is available in a variety of shades – I love shade ‘strawberry’!
Continue the glow with Beauty Flash vitamin C complex (€42) 7-day facial radiance treatment! This treatment contains highly concentrated vitamin C to help revive the skin’s radiance and even out the complexion. Be sure to follow the morning application with high strength SPF. This complex is perfect for anyone looking for a radiance boost.
Clarins liquid foundation, or as a mask. This gorgeous balm erases signs of fatigue and restores radiance to the complexion. It has a toning action, which help to immediately tighten facial features, helping you feel awake and ready to take on a busy day.
Rachel Porter content
The Beauty Flash Peel (€44.50) is a perfect quick, convenient and effective way to renew your skin at home. This Peel works on all levels of the skin to effectively and visibly target a lack of radiance, uneven skin and visible wrinkles.
Clarins Beauty Flash Balm (€43) can then be used as a day treatment over your regular day cream, mixed in with your
It exfoliates the skin to boost skin regeneration and restore radiance and suppleness. As with the Vit C Complex its important to wear high strength SPF after use.
Be sure to call in to Haven Pharmacy Hollys Ennis where you can create a hamper of exactly what you know your mum will love!
Shirley Brohan, the vibrant force behind Blossoms On the Go Garden Centre, reveals the roots of her success stem from humble beginnings in the local market where she was exploring her hobby.
Today, Shirley's passion for plants has blossomed into a thriving enterprise over 16 years. Blossoms On the Go sprouted from Shirley's love affair with plants. She fondly recalls her early days, "I started in the market in Ennis 16 years ago with a little red van beside a man selling calves and hens." What began as a simple market stall soon germinated into a full-fledged garden center, catering to Ennis's green enthusiasts.
"I opened the garden centre below in the Quin Road Business Park, and we were there for seven years. We opened with what I had and at the time, it was dwarf daffodils, planters and a handful of bedding plants, and I just ex- panded into a massive range of shrubs, bedding trees, compost, concrete ornaments, we had everything and anything to do with a garden. We were there for seven years and then we moved up here to the larger site in Hermitage.” Business was present in Shirley’s family, with her uncle Jimmy successfully running his
renowned Hardware shop on Parnell Street until his passing in 2014. Reflecting on her unexpected journey into entrepreneurship, Shirley reminisces, "I was told at a psychic fair, the young man that was in front of me at the time told me I was going to run my own business and I just laughed at him, like you’re mad!
"Running a business wasn't my plan; it evolved organically. Demand from clients led me to open the garden centre 13 years ago." Her commitment to quality and variety soon transformed the modest establishment into a haven for gardening aficionados, offering everything from shrubs to concrete ornaments.
Shirley’s unwavering dedication to her passion defied conventional wisdom. "I worked five evenings a week at another job while nurturing my hobby. It was my mindful escape," she shares. In fact Shirley only finally said farewell to her role in Essilor late last year. Shirley worked full time for three years and job shared for 10 years following her second child’s arrival, which she was very grateful to be able to do.
"I opened the garden centre six weeks before my second son Morgan was born. When I was coming out of the hospital, the first stop I made was to the garden centre, so my second son was practically reared in the garden centre," she chuckles.
Navigating the business landscape as a woman posed its own challenges. Shirley recalls the skepticism she encountered, with
clients assuming male employees were the proprietors. "It's sad how gender stereotypes persist," she laments. Nonetheless, Shirley's tenacity and commitment to excellence gradually earned her the recognition she deserves. Incorporating feedback and adapting to changing trends have been pivotal to Shirley's success. She emphasizes the importance of biodiversity, noting the rising interest in wildflowers and wildlife-friendly gardening. Despite the economic uncertainties, Shirley's steadfast focus on her passion kept Blossoms On the Go resilient. "Recession was never a concern. I kept products affordable, ensuring everyone could enjoy gardening," she explains. Her dedication to providing quality service amid challenges has solidified her position in the community.
Looking ahead, Shirley remains committed to fostering a welcoming environment at Blossoms On the Go. "I want visitors to experience peace and beauty amidst our vibrant array of plants. It's more than just a business; it's a sanctuary for plant lovers," she enthuses.
“Everyday is a school day and there
is no such thing as a silly question. Everyone is on this planet to learn and I think it’s just lovely. Pre-Covid times, I remember one day I stood out, and I looked around and I had some clients just walking around the garden centre. You could just see they were getting lost in the sense of the different plant structures, and they were really enjoying the peace and quiet. I was thinking, that’s what I want to strive for, something that people can come and just rest their minds and enjoy walking around, like a park for all the world."
As Shirley continues to nurture her garden centre, her journey stands as a testament to the transformative power of passion and perseverance. In celebrating women like Shirley, we honor the spirit of entrepreneurship and resilience that enriches our communities.
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Mary and Róisín Wynne
ROUTE 85 has quickly become a popular coffee stop for motorists travelling between Ennis and North Clare. For some, a Sunday drive to Lahinch wouldn’t be complete without the novel stop for baked goods and a hot drink while for others, a coffee from Route 85 has become an essential part of their daily work commute, writes Stuart Holly What appears as a seamless operation to the customer is the result of dedication and hard work from the Wynne family from Ruan. “What people don’t see is that we spend our nights watching TV and folding green napkins,” admits Mary, the matriarch of this family-run business. A snapshot of the challenges facing business owners is perhaps summed up best by Mary, recalling a day when an insulation problem brought her to tears. “One of the moments that will never leave me is when the decision was made to take apart the entire container to re-insulate it as there were issues with the insulation by the supplier. In 24 hours the electrics, security system, sinks, pipes, wall panels, floor panels, ceiling panels, fridges, ovens, coffee machine, cone machine all had to be taken outside and left there overnight. I cried real tears that day and I really thought it was not going to work out.
“I really didn’t believe it would be possible to take it all apart and put it back together again on time. I want to commend all of the men who came within minutes of the call to them to do their part. It was surreal and I cannot thank all of our friends and family who worked so hard that day.”
Route 85 was set up and self-funded by Mary and her husaband Ted, with “fantastic” help from the Local Enterprise Office, Clare. Mary’s two daughters Gráinne and Aedín attend college and work at the Drive Thru at the weekends whilst her son Conor manages the Accounts/
It’s International Women’s Day – Have you had a cup of coffee today? If not, head to Route 85 in Inagh for a premium coffee served by one of the lovely ladies who run a top class Drive Thru.
the conversations I had to endure during the building stages of Route 85. Most of these conversations were with men and I would like to take this opportunity to thank them for their patience and understanding. Discussions about 3phase electricity and the grade of concrete in kerbs are some that come to mind. Thankfully my husband Ted, was always only a call away for help.”
Mary and Róisín have successfully overcome these challenges and today run a bustling trade. Strong customer service has been central
to their success. “We pride ourselves in being that genuine friendly face you meet for your coffee. We have built up many, many friends and enjoy the daily chats every day, from the pregnant woman who now has her new baby, from the person who is travelling miles for cancer treatment and going on that daily journey with them or meeting the parent who is on their way to visit a sick child in hospital. Whilst we only meet people for a few minutes each day, you would be very surprised how much you get to know
about people and the relationship you develop with them.”
Mary adds, “We have lots of little friends, who all want to come work at Route 85 when they are ‘big’. Having the right staff work with us is critical to our business professionally and personally and thankfully it has all been very positive to date. Our staff are very highly trained Baristas whilst also being friendly and polite, this is of utmost importance to us and this is evident by the feedback reviews on Google.”
HR work and her husband Ted is always available to do the maintenance work. Her sister Siobháin, meanwhile, works in the Route 85 bakery.
Róisín has recently graduated with a Masters in Marketing Management and always had a desire to open her own business. Mum Mary admits, “We love to bake and we love to meet people.” With these two fundamental strengths, Mary took a career break from a very successful career in the HSE and joined Róisín in setting up Route 85.
Mary says anyone that knows her will know of her love for home baked food and her obsession with scones. Route 85 sets itself apart from its competitors as its cakes, treats and savoury products are all freshly made daily in the on-site bakery using the best ingredients from local suppliers. Mary notes that her mother’s love of baking has been passed down to both her and her sister Siobháin, who previously owned Restaurant LeCathelinais in Corofin with her husband Yanne.
Route 85 use the finest coffee supplied by the renowned Old Barracks Roasters while they consistently strive for excellence with the best equipment on the market, which (as it turns out) comes with its own challenges. “Today, coffee machines are elite and it is not easy to repair or replace parts when anything goes wrong, most of the specialist engineers are based in Dublin. To date I have been in Dublin on three emergency occasions with the coffee machine in the boot of my car!”
She continues, “Alan and the staff at Old Barracks Roasters have been very supportive in every possible way since we opened and have managed to get us through some very tough problems.”
Recounting the early months of 2022 when setting up Route 85, Mary admits, “sometimes I laugh to myself at the context of some of
IN A salon on Francis Street in Ennis, amidst the whirlwind of blow-dryers and chatter, lies a testament to the power of sisterhood and the limitless potential of women in business, writes Stuart Holly
As The Clare Echo celebrates International Women’s Day, we spoke to two sets of Lithuanian sisters who run A New You hair and beauty salon in Ennis. Founded almost 13 years ago by Laura Viligurskaite and her sister Renalda Viligurskaite, Indre Grigaityte, and her sister Dovile Burkethe salon has weathered the storms of language barriers and entrepreneurship.
Over a decade later, the four ladies all have young families based in the Ennis area, with two of them marrying local men. And they all admit that their love of the people of Ennis has made their journey all the more enjoyable.
The salon's origins trace back to a leap of faith taken by Laura and Indre over a decade ago. In the years that followed, they were soon joined by Indre’s little sister Dovile, a nail technician, and
"It's easier to do something together than on your own," Laura recalls, “We used to
work in another place in town when we came to Ireland, and Indre left that place and I didn’t want to work without her because my English wasn’t strong enough and she was always backup for me and I said, ‘will we do something together?’. So we started, slowly, bit by bit. Found a place to rent, and began renovating it.”
The pair admit that the fitout and dealing with tradesmen was amongst their biggest challenges to date. “We didn’t know what tiles to buy and what to put on the floor or even the electric works, we were in our early 20s at that point. The workmen were asking us to get certain things and we were going into the wrong places for them!” she laughs.
Fueled by determination, they persisted and together with their younger sisters, the quartet poured their hearts into transforming their vision into reality. "We were working with no days off, from Monday to Sunday, 8am to 8pm" Renalda reminisces, highlighting the sacrifices made in the formative years as they began to carve a niche for themselves in the
competitive beauty industry.
What sets A New You apart isn't just their skillful expertise but the warmth that greets every customer who walks through their doors. "Customers feel like family, like friends," Laura beams, emphasizing the strong bonds forged with their loyal clientele. From haircuts to nail art and eye lashes, the salon offers a range of services, each delivered with a personal touch that keeps patrons coming back for more.
Reflecting on their journey, the sisters acknowledge the unwavering support of the Ennis community. "The people of Ennis have been so good to support our business," Dovile says. They also note that the arrival of the Ukrainian community brought with it a further business opportunity.Indre explains, “Two of us can speak Russian – the younger generation, they don’t – and that was a big bonus because the Ukrainians came with no English and they still want to get their nails done, their hair done.
“One person came in and realised we speak Russian,
next thing half of Lisdoonvarna was into us! It got to the point where we started getting busy and we had to keep a certain amount of hours free for our regulars only.”
In an industry often defined by trends and transformations, A New You stands as a beacon of authenticity. Their advice to young women looking to embark on a business journey is to go for it. "You're better to be sorry for what you have tried than to not try it," Dovile advises, echoing the sentiment of seizing opportunities and embracing challenges head-on.
The girls continue to welcome customers who walked in on their first week in business. Indre says, “People who came in with their little boys, I cut their hair since they were babies and now they are coming in with their girlfriends. There are a lot of people who have supported us from the beginning and we’re very grateful for that.”
As International Women’s Day dawns, it’s fitting to celebrate the remarkable journey of these Lithuanian sisters who have helped to shape Ennis’s beauty landscape and community.
DANIELLE O’Connor, a seasoned property advisor with Sherry Fitzgerald McMahon in Ennis, has navigated the whirlwind industry of real estate for nearly two decades.
Originally from Cork, Danielle has called Clare home for over 20 years, residing in Corofin on the Burren’s edge for almost 10 years. Specializing in North and West Clare, particularly in the realm of holiday homes spanning from Kilkee to Lahinch and beyond, Danielle’s journey to success is marked by an unwavering com mitment to her clients.
Danielle's journey into the prop erty industry began unexpected ly during her Leaving Cert year. With her father working in con struction, her family embarked on building and selling a house after they relocated from Cork to Clare for work. “That’s where the in terest sparked for me, to be honest, going through that whole process with them,” she reminisces. “I found it very interesting from initially renting a property while applying for planning permission, the construction and later the sale of that property and purchase of another. That’s what made me pursue a career in the property market.”
Despite not previous-
ly having a clear career path in mind, Danielle’s curiosity for the property market led her to pursue a degree in the field after sitting her Leaving Cert in Tulla Secondary School.
Upon completing her education at LIT in Limerick where she gained a first class honours degree in property valuations and management and gaining invaluable experience with the forward planning unit of Clare County Council, Danielle found herself at Sherry Fitzgerald McMahon’s offices for an interview.
“Dermot and Diarmuid [McMahon] kindly gave me a start here. Within a year of qualifying I was with Sherry Fitzgerald and have been here ever
Danielle’s tenure at Sherry Fitzgerald McMahon has been marked by versatility and resilience. Starting in the commercial sector under the tutelage of property veteran Paddy Darmody, Danielle swiftly transitioned to a leadership role in the company’s Ennistymon office, where Sherry Fitzgerald McMahon had merged with Evelyn Madden and Aine Hussey of Open Door Properties. There, Danielle says she gained invaluable insights from the two
female entrepreneurs. “They were fantastic business women, they thought me so much and I loved working up there with them” she shares.
“The girls thought me to be yourself with people. People want to work with people. The personal approach is always best. Also buying a property at a young age myself at the peak of the market then having that market deteriorate dramatically meant I had been through good and bad times within the market myself, not just from a professional point of view but a personal one also so I suppose I could commiserate with people or celebrate with them whatever the case maybe as I had been in their shoes.”
Danielle believes her success in the industry comes down to her client care, which remains her guiding principle. “You have to be honest with people from the get-go,” she says. “Being honest and transparent with people from the start, keeping open communication all the way... Sale agreeing a property is only the first part of it, you need to keep it going from start to finish, just keep dedicated to help getting it over the line and sold while keeping both your buyers and sellers happy during the process.”
On the challenges of being a woman in the business world, Danielle acknowledges the unique position she faces as a working mother. She gave birth to her daughter Amelia during Covid-19, and Danielle admits that she’s still learning to juggle the demands of her career with motherhood. “It’s inevitable, as a woman to feel torn I believe, there is a constant guilt when working full time as a mother so it’s important to have a healthy work-life balance, making a conscious effort
to ensure you are present for both and it’s a challenge I’ve never had before. However I’m hoping that in time, when my daughter is older, she will learn, by example, the importance of working hard to get what you want in life and hopefully become a strong, independent women like my mother raised me to be.”
In an industry historically dominated by men, Danielle has witnessed a seismic shift towards gender equality however. “I really don’t think that it is a challenge at all, women really are at the forefront of property now,” she notes.
Reflecting on her proudest achievements, Danielle emphasises the importance of continuous learning and growth. “I’ve made plenty [of mistakes]. We’re all human at the end of the day but I’ve learned from all of them as well, I think that’s why I’ve stayed with it, it’s a challenging career but it’s also exciting, no two days are ever the same.”
Despite the challenges and uncertainties inherent in her profession, Danielle finds solace and rejuvenation in the scenic landscapes of North and West Clare. “It’s beautiful working in North and West Clare,” she enthuses. “When you’re driving from A to B you don’t often get a chance to stop and appreciate it but if I get 10 minutes in Kilkee or Lahinch, I’ll take a walk on the beach. Walking is my therapy. Self care is very important. Sometimes I’ll bring the runners into the office and take my walk at lunchtime just to clear my head and what seemed like a difficult task before lunch seems much more approachable after the walk.”
Contact Danielle by emailing danielle@sherryfitzmcmahon.ie or calling 086 8368837.
Woodrow, the co-founder of O'Gorman Architectural Services, shares her remarkable journey from West Cork to Clare where she has established a busy engineering practice, writes Stuart Holly
Despite encountering obstacles, including failing maths in her Leaving Cert, Deirdre's passion and determination propelled her towards success in a male-dominated field.
Deirdre's story is one of defying expectations. Born in West Cork and later relocating to Waterford and then Shannon where she went to the Comp as a teenager, her childhood was steeped in construction and engineering, thanks to her father's influence who worked for Cork County Council and then McInerney Construction. However, uncertainty loomed as she approached adulthood, unsure of her career path. “It was a chance encounter with a Fás course offering training as a draftsman that ignited her passion.
"I didn’t know what I wanted to do when I was in school or when I left school," Deirdre reflects. “Mam enrolled me in an administration course but as soon as the career guidance councillor mentioned that opportunity [a draftsman course], I was the first to put my hand up, I knew it was meant for me. It’s a job I love and I’m eternally grateful that I work in a job that I love where I meet different people every day and do different things every day."
Her journey took her across continents, from London to Australia, New Zealand, and America, before returning to London to pursue a degree in engineering. However, the birth of her son, Luke, marked a turning point, prompting her to return to her roots in Ennis in 2004 and establish her own architectural services firm alongside her dad.
“I built a house in Clooney and we had no internet so I had to set up the office at my parents house where my dad, Sean O’Gorman, and I start-
ed working together. The rest is history in the making. It was pretty daunting to begin with as I’d always worked for someone else but being self-employed allowed me a degree of flexibility in terms of working hours which was great when Luke was younger.”
O'Gorman Architectural Services offers a range of services, including planning applications, BER assessments and engineering consultations. Deirdre's expertise extends to advising clients on energy-efficient upgrades for their homes, reflecting her deep commitment to sustainability and environmental consciousness. Despite facing challenges as a woman in a traditionally male-dominated industry, Deirdre remains undeterred. "People can call me anything," she says with a smile. "But I've always believed that passion and dedication transcend whether you are a man or a woman, young or old."
Her advice to aspiring entrepreneurs and young women echoes her own jour-
ney of perseverance. "Don't let exam results define you," Deirdre emphasizes. "I’m an engineer who failed maths in the Leaving Cert. When I did the Fás course in Limerick I also took maths grinds every Saturday morning where we lived on Francis Street in Ennis. Bill Clohessy who was a teacher in Rice College came over to our house every Saturday morning to teach me maths so that I could re-sit Leaving Cert maths the following year which I did. Thanks to him I got my maths in the Leaving Cert, albeit a year later.
“My advice to anyone who is doing the Leaving Cert is - there’s always time. I know students are under fierce pressure these days around exams & results, particularly in the senior cycle at school but if at all possible, try not to get too bogged down or upset by results if they don’t go your way on the day. You can always repeat and/ or reconsider your options. College isn’t for everyone. I was lucky my employer sponsored my degree and I
had the best of both worlds as I worked four days a week then went to college one day and two evenings a week. So while I was learning the theory I was also working the reality of engineering. For me it definitely made learning the theory a lot easier. In a way I suppose it was similar to an apprenticeship. I was also very lucky to have worked with fantastic mentors along the way.”
“Also, travel the world if you can, it’s the best education you’ll ever get. There are so many pathways to get to different places in life.”
Deirdre says the “doing a good job” energises her most in her work. “I did a BER yesterday for a lady and today she sent me an email saying, ‘I can’t tell you how much you’ve put me at ease by your advice’. We all like to be appreciated I suppose, but feeling like I’ve done the best job I can do for people is important.”
Whether cheering on her son at Avenue United soccer matches or indulging in downtime with her favorite
soap operas, Deirdre finds satisfaction in the simple things of life.
“I played gaelic football years ago and loved it. I played in London with Clan na Gael Ladies Gaelic football team where I made friends for life. I used to play a lot of tennis, squash and basketball too. My playing days are long behind me now so now my downtime is usually with a good book (crime mainly - I think I’d have been a good detective in another life) or watching tv. It’s just switch-off time. My son plays soccer and I love going to the games although I know he doesn’t love me going so much as I can be quite vocal at times!”
Reflecting on her remarkable journey, Deirdre remains grateful for every challenge as each and every one has been a lesson."
As she continues to inspire the next generation of female leaders in the engineering industry, Deirdre's story serves as a testament to the power of perseverance, passion, and self-belief.
AUTHENTIC, direct, and honest; what you see is what you get with HR expert Elaine Ryan. An enigmatic leading force in the field of Executive, Business Life Coaching and Neuro Linguistic Programming (NLP) as well as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Elaine Ryan has carved a niche as a HR & Business Consultant. Born in Limerick, Elaine moved to Shannon when she was 10. Being the daughter of a strong woman and the mother of two beautiful daughters, Elaine knows the importance of being a role model.
Elaine completed her Leaving Cert in the 80s when the major recession hit. She moved to the UK the following year and returned 18 months later. She worked for a US multinational company where she started as an operator. At that time, universities required full fees and was not a viable option. However, that did not deter Elaine.
She started night courses while working two cycle shifts. Around this time, redundancy was announced so Elaine left to work as a PA in another company. She grew in this role and continued her studies. After the birth of her second daughter, Elaine moved into recruitment whilst continuing to pursue her studies in Employment Law, Business and Employee relations among other courses. Elaine was hired for a role as Chief of Operations including HR/H&S. She worked both locally and internationally. Her impeccable work ethics opened up opportunities.
Juggling work life, personal
life changes, being, working long hours and travelling eventually led to burnout. Feeling like she was just existing and not living, Elaine knew that she needed a fresh start.
The driving force behind this was her desire to be a positive role model for her daughters. She sought an Executive Business coaching based in Dublin. Seeing the value of coaching and personally experiencing how it impacted her in all areas of her life including her leadership skills propelled Elaine to do her Diploma in Executive, Business Life Coaching at UL.
She has since introduced the coaching culture and seen firsthand the impact and benefits for her clients she partners with. She went on to get her NLP Practitioner Licence in Classic Code NLP with Coach Academy Plus. Always ready to better herself, Elaine went on to do her Higher Diploma in Executive Business Life Coaching and did a further NLP Practitioner Licence in New Code NLP. he has also qualified in CBT.
It became clear to Elaine that she wanted to work for herself. She decided to open her own company before she was 40, and she did! She felt that if she worked as hard for herself as she did for her previous employers, then she would be fine. Through sheer grit and determination, she opened her own company, Elaine Ryan and Associates Ltd.
“I’ve walked the walk; I’ve been managed, I have sat at all sides of the table, and I know what it is like. I know the pressures and how important it is to work in a condu-
cive work environment where the values line up with the work ethics” says Elaine.
Elaine wanted to provide a HR service that included Operations expertise encompassing her coaching skills to ensure her clients have the support they need in their business. Consistently providing peace of mind and working onsite with her clients. This approach provides client companies to avail of the various skills and services to allow their company’s to be compliant and to grow. Bringing in systems to ensure teams feel valued and heard and building the culture her clients want for their teams.
Elaine helps to empower her clients and their teams, creating a positive workplace as well as set people up for success. Gap analysis is carried out and simplified systems to run an effective business are put in place. Tailored to each client’s needs, Elaine Ryan and Associates help build partnerships and inspire change. Their methods are preventative in nature and are cost effective. They have award winning clients who have achieved Great Place to work. Bespoke training programmes, cross training and NLP coaching bring skills in house. Coming from an operations background, Elaine has been in the shoes of both sides; employers and employees. She has learned the hard way and cried the tears on her journey. This enables Elaine to be in the unique position of working out the best solutions for all parties involved. She believes that people need to be heard and valued.
‘I’ve found that life is the greatest teacher’
write ‘managing director, O’Brien Learning Solutions’ I realise that I am much more than that as a person.
While I love the work that I do, I also know that the work doesn’t define me and that there is much more to me, and to life than ‘work’.
With that said, I find that running my own business, gives me the desired amounts of growth, challenge, creativity and flexibility that I need from my career at this stage of life.
From the articles I’ve written here for The , you may have already read that I am from Shannon and that I spent my career working in Shannon and raising my daughter,
Eva turns 24 this year and I am now in a new phase of my life where I have more time to myself. It’s an unsettling phase of life in ways too, as you realise that it’s probably less than halfway to the finish line, so to speak. One can get quite reflective at times, wondering ‘Have I done enough?’ in terms of career, family, friendships, hobbies etc. Or ‘What’s next?’.
Thankfully, I am of the mindset, that there is always more to learn and I am open to learning new things.
In this week’s article for International Women’s Day, I am writing more about myself than perhaps I am used to, but as always, I am grateful for the opportunity to share a little part of my story.
The aim of sharing my story is always to inspire others, and to help others to break through any limiting ideas that they may have about themselves. Sometimes we carry baggage with us throughout our lives.
I realised over the last few years, the value of leaving down the metaphorical suitcases, allowing myself to gather in the process, the ways and means to live a contented and fulfilling life.
I grew up in Shannon and I went to school in St Senan’s national school. I then went on to St Patrick’s Comprehensive School, completing my leaving certificate in 1994. I was bright in school and I went to college in UCC at a very young age of just barely 17.
I had undertaken an arts degree and wanted to get into journalism but that wasn’t meant to be. Unfortunately, while I was in university, my mother took very ill with a brain tumour. Looking back, I didn’t have the coping skills needed at that stage of life to deal with living away from home and all the challenges that presented for me as a young person at the time. This, coupled with my mother being so ill resulted in me packing it all in and coming back home to stay with my parents.
I ended up working in Shannon and eventually getting a job in the newly formed GE Insurance Services (which started out as CFI), taking my first ever job in financial services.
I spent the next two decades of my career working for various organisations in Shannon where I learned about training, development, coaching and leadership development among lots of other transferrable skills.
I managed teams of up to 200 staff at one point in my career and learned so much about how to lead people, what to do to support
people in their roles, and also what not to do!
In August 2000, I gave birth to my beautiful baby girl when I was 23 years old. At that stage, I had a good career and eventually I went back to college by distance learning and did a degree in business studies and marketing.
I also became a proud homeowner not too long after Eva was born. I bought a beautiful new townhouse in a lovely area in Shannon, where I still live today.
Just after my daughter’s second birthday, my mum sadly passed away, leaving a gap in the family unit that could never be filled or repaired.
Today, I look back over those last 23 years or so, since I became a mother, and all that has happened since. My career developed and went from strength to strength, until a redundancy offer came my way and gave me a secure foundation to start my own business. I am grateful for the people who supported me at those early stages, and especially those who had faith in me and offered me contract work, which got me off the starting blocks eight years ago.
Next week I will celebrate eight years in business. When I started out, a good friend and mentor told me to give it at least two years. I was terrified! But here I am eight years later, with lots of wins under my belt, still learning and still moving forward. I am proud to be the woman that I am. I never get things perfect, but I am always willing to learn new things. I’ve found that life itself is the greatest teacher and that anything I’ve experienced has shaped me into the person that I am today. Today, I am grateful for it all.
GROWING up in Kilmaley, Jacqueline O’Brien’s career trajectory was anything but straightforward.
In an exclusive interview with The Clare Echo, the Limerick-based dentist shares her remarkable journey from childhood dreams to owning her own practice and the insights she’s gained along the way.
“I always liked teeth when I was younger,” Jacqueline laughs, her journey into dentistry stemming from an appreciation for a nice smile. Yet, her path to becoming a dentist was far from linear. Initially aspiring to be a primary school teacher in her younger years and then veterinary due to her love for animals and family farming background, it was a serendipitous encounter with dentistry during her secondary school years at Coláiste Mhuire in Ennis that set her on her current path.
“I wanted to do Medicine and then my cousin was studying Dentistry and my parents said ‘why don’t you think about that?’. I was good at arts and crafts and making things and just good with working with my hands. The caring aspect of my personality, along with my preference to work practically, meant that dentistry was a very appealing career path for me. The notion that I could help people every day while working in such a hands-on way, really interested me. Once I got that idea into my head, it was something that I really wanted to pursue.”
Despite initial setbacks, including missing out on her desired course by a mere 10 points in her Leaving Cert, Jacqueline’s determination led her to repeat the exams in St Flan-
nan’s and ultimately secure a place to study Dental Science at Trinity College Dublin.
Five years of intensive study followed, during which Jacqueline honed her skills and laid the foundation for her future career.
Post-graduation, she embarked on a twoyear stint in the UK, gaining invaluable experience working in both general dental practice and within the NHS hospital system in a surgical post. However, the pull of home and a blossoming relationship with her now husband, Clonlara native Ronan, prompted her return to Ireland, where she finally settled in Clare and began working in the Ennis Dental
Health Centre.
Jacqueline’s journey took a pivotal turn when she purchased her own practice in Limerick in November 2019 from Dr John O’Callaghan, who had run his dental practice for 50 years. Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic shortly after, she persevered, modernizing the practice and expanding its services.
Today, she proudly oversees a thriving business, supported by a dedicated team of dental nursing support staff-Tommy, Elaine and Haim, along with dental hygienist Lousie Dore and dentist Dr Wiktoria Grabarz.
Reflecting on the transition from associate dentist to business owner, Jacqueline acknowledges the steep learning curve, but credits mentorship from her industry peers and a supportive network for her growth.
“Learning on the job as you go along,” she explains, “has been essential.” Jacqueline sets aside a day a week for administration and business planning. She highlights the importance of work-life balance, dedicating time to both professional development and personal well-being, including her passion for CrossFit and outdoor activities, listening to podcasts and spending time with friends and family.
In navigating the challenges of her profession, Jacqueline emphasizes the significance of communication and patient care especially in terms of managing nervous patients to ensure a positive experience for all.
She also notes the advancements in dentistry including better treatment outcomes thanks to modern magnification techniques, digital scanners and advancements in minimally invasive adhesive dentistry.
She adds, “If someone wants to improve the appearance of their smile there are a number of minimally invasive things we can do.
“We can look at straightening teeth, whitening and using composite bonding to improve the overall smile aesthetic. By following a minimally invasive and preventative approach to dental care, it means that we can preserve and maintain tooth structure for much longer and ultimately prevent tooth loss in many more cases. So it’s just about people being aware of the options available to them, if you’re comfortable with your dentist that should be something you can discuss with them.”
Looking ahead, Jacqueline remains open-minded about the future of her practice.
While content with its current size and scope, she doesn’t rule out the possibility of expansion, mindful of maintaining a balance that aligns with her desired lifestyle.
When asked for a pearl of wisdom on what success means, the Kilmaley native says it simply comes down to enjoying what you do. “I think success to me means, number one, being fulfilled and doing something you actually enjoy, so it’s not a chore to go to work every day,” she tells The Clare Echo
“Then, I suppose to be able to make a living that supports the lifestyle that you want and to be able to have downtime and a good work-life balance would be really important measures of success.”
As she continues to serve her patients with dedication and compassion, her journey stands as a testament to the power of resilience, passion, and unwavering determination.
Aer Lingus CEO Lynne Embleton was the inspiring keynote speaker at the first anniversary celebration of the Women in Aviation Mid-West Region network, writes Elaine Tubridy
The event, which was sponsored by The Shannon Airport Group, was attended by more than 80 members of the Mid-West aviation community and provided a unique opportunity for women working in the sector to come together to collaborate and establish connections.
The Women in Aviation MidWest Region will celebrate its first year in operation on International Women’s Day on the 8th March. Building on its success to date,
the group’s organising committee, in collaboration with The Shannon Airport Group, were delighted to welcome Lynne Embleton to Shannon Airport, where she delivered a powerful keynote address on her career journey in aviation, providing valuable insights and reflections to eventgoers on her experiences in the aviation sector.
Commenting on the event, Lynne Embleton, CEO of Aer Lingus, said: "I was thrilled to be part of the Women in Aviation Mid-West Region networking event at Shannon Airport, and it was an honour to share my reflections with industry colleagues. Although the organisation is only in its second year, it is
On Friday 8 March, International Women’s Day 2024, Cuimhneamh an Chláir will hold an event exploring the rich tapestry of Clare women’s voices. Expect tales of domestic life and home crafts, but also of professional women and business owners in mid 20th century Clare. There are stories of women making their own matches, of childhood illnesses and mortality, of arriving as a young wife from India to 1960s Lahinch, and more. Fri 8th March will also see the launch of Cuimhneamh an Chláir’s Clare Women’s Stories collection at the Digital Repository of Ireland.
Cuimhneamh an Chláir is fortunate to always have had a large number of active women collectors and therefore a strong body of women’s voices in its archive. With support from the Ireland Funds (www.irelandfunds.org) we have recently been able to pilot a project making these oral histories available through the Digital Repository of Ireland. DRI is the national digital repository providing long-term preservation and access to Ireland’s humanities, cultural heritage and social sciences data. (www. dri.ie). Please join us in the Temple Gate Hotel, Ennis, Fri 8 March at 7pm for this International Women’s Day celebration. The event is free and all are welcome.
clear that there are already formidable connections being established by women in aviation in this region. I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the organising committee on their remarkable efforts to champion female leadership in the sector.”
Speaking at the event, Mary Considine, CEO of The Shannon Airport Group said: “It is very fitting to have Lynne Embleton, the first ever female chief executive of Aer Lingus as the keynote speaker for this special event at Shannon Airport to mark the first anniversary of the establishment of the Women in Aviation Mid-West Region organisation. Aer Lingus is a crucial airline
partner for Shannon Airport, and over the years we have enjoyed a very positive relationship with them, and I would like to extend a sincere thanks to Lynne for taking time out to visit Shannon to share her insights and wisdom with members of the region’s aviation community.”
“I would also like to congratulate the Women in Aviation Mid-West Region organising committee on another tremendous event and wish them well as we look forward to more fantastic events this week to mark International Women’s Day with other inspiring speakers like Eva O’Keeffe and Julie Dickerson.”
Rita Meehan, Women in Aviation Mid-West Region Organising Com-
mittee, concluded: “On behalf of all the organising committee, I wish to express our gratitude to Lynne Embleton for being with us to share her story and also to The Shannon Airport Group for their support of the event. The success of the Women in Aviation Mid-West Region network to date is testament to the power of collaboration and the strength of female leadership within our aviation community and we look forward to building on this into the future.”
For more information, visit: https://womeninaviationmid.wixsite. com/women-in-aviation
BAREFIELD woman Dr
Ivanna McMahon is capti vating audiences at the Miss World final in New Delhi, India this week, Elaine Tubridy
Her mesmerizing performance on the harp secured her a top 10 placement for talent, ensuring her a spot to perform at the esteemed Miss World ball this week end.
Ivanna also placed as a finalist in the public speak ing challenge this week and
stood out as one of the most highly educated and articulate contestants this year.
Ivanna was thrilled to be crowned the 75th Miss Ireland.
Ivanna studied medicine at University College Cork and graduated in 2020. She went on to do her internship at Cork University Hospital and did cardiology and neurology. Then she went to University Hospital
Tralee to work in surgery. She worked in the GP Scheme at Tralee General Hospital throughout the pandemic.
During her reign as Miss Ireland she went to South Africa to lend her medical expertise as a doctor for a few months. She also represented the Dyslexia Association of Ireland (DAI) and spoke at a briefing for Oireachtas members to highlight the challenges faced by dyslexic people in Ireland and described her lived experience as a person with dyslexia.
Ivanna wowed guests at the Miss Ireland Diamond ball with her bewitching per-
formance Cosmic Love by Florence and the Machine on the electric Harp. She started playing the Harp at the age of 13 and has played with the National Irish Harp Orchestra and toured Germany and Austria. She also plays 6 other instruments including the Drums, Harmonica, Fiddle, Boughran and Tin Whistle and won all Ireland Championships for Drums and Harmonica. Ivanna is also a fluent Irish speaker.
Established in 1947, Miss Ireland has been the launch pad for many eminent, successful, and inspiring women in Ireland.
AMID the many covid lockdown periods that we experienced over the course of the pandemic, I was approached by the senior leaders at UL Student life (the University of Limerick’s student union for the campus), to help their staff cope with the level of change to their work-life balance that they were experiencing at the time.
After facilitating some successful sessions on the impact of change, the general manager underwent 1:1 executive coaching with me. During these sessions, we explored his goals and ambitions in relation to the strategic direction of the organisation. He had already put a comprehensive strategic plan in place and it became clear that the plan would only be as strong as the team behind it. The team, that would ultimately deliver the results set out in the plan, in the long run.
It was at that point, that we identified the need for a development framework which would support the team to develop the skills and behaviours needed to deliver the aspirations set out in the plan. During a highly consultative process in which all levels of staff within the organisation were engaged, the ‘Evolve’ programme was born. Evolve comprised of a comprehensive development framework which would provide staff with development opportunities in their various roles at UL Student life. ‘Evolve’ became synonymous with performance development, progression, delivery of projects and having fun whilst learning new skills.
Cut to the 28th February 2024 where I had the privilege to join this team at the ‘Best Companies in Ireland’ awards as part of the ‘Great Place to Work Ireland’ framework. Bursting with pride, we listened as the team at UL student life was listed as 7th in Ireland in their category of small enterprises. This makes them one of the best places to work in
Ireland. Not only is this a huge achievement for a team of this size but it is groundbreaking for a team in their industry, as this is a first in Ireland for teams working in this sector.
At O’Brien Learning Solutions we use our bespoke 3-S change model as a diagnostic tool to help teams to assess where they’re at on their journey towards greatness. At a high level, this model also outlines the journey on which the team at UL student life undertook in becoming one of the best places to work in Ireland:
1. Signposting: We look at all the ways in which we can point, direct and lead others on a change journey. Essentially, this means that the senior leadership team must become role models for leading others towards a vision, and through the various changes needed along the way.
2. Supporting: All members of the team must be adequately supported in achieving their specific goals within the change programme. This means that there must be a fully skilled middle-management ‘layer’, who are adept at guiding, managing and directing people towards the achievement of their goals.
3. Safety: The staff within the workplace must feel a sense of psychological safety to participate in the change programme. I.e. things like making a mistake, speaking up or having healthy debate must be present for people to feel that they can show up, bring their best selves and add some creative magic to their day-to-day roles.
Essential to the process is a visionary leader who can see the bigger picture, perhaps before others can. The senior leadership team who rows in behind the leader must be fully bought in to the process also, to make
CLONLARA’S Stephen Keogh has been appointed to the board of the Charities Regulator in Ireland, writes Páraic McMahon Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys (FG) appointed the managing partner of MHP Sellors Solicitors in Ennis (formerly Michael Houlihan & Partners) to the board.
The Charities Regulator is the State organisation responsible for regulating all of Ireland’s charities, with the mandate to promote good governance practice.
Clonlara-based Stephen is an expert in commercial law, and an experienced, independent non-executive director who served as the President and Secretary of the Shannon Chamber of Commerce. He is a former member of the Clare Economic Taskforce. A committed volunteer, Stephen sits on various club and educational boards in the county and he is a Board member of St Gabriel’s Foundation, a charity that supports children who have a developmental delay or who have complex needs arising from a disability.
There are more than 11,500 charities on the register in Ireland. The Charities Regulator’s functions are primarily centred on establishing and upholding a comprehensive public register of charitable entities op-
erating within Ireland. One of its core responsibilities is ensuring compliance with the Charities Acts, furthering their commitment by providing essential services to charities.
lGOVERNANCE: Stephen Keogh
it work. And finally, the staff members who show up day in, day out to achieve operational goals are the most essential ingredient to success.
The team at UL student life had the perfect mix of all of the above ingredients to get them to award winning status at national level.
The next task is to maintain these amazing results, and constantly hone and fine tune the organisational culture. Culture-change
matters, and can be the magic ingredient that sets people out on a pathway of achievement together. This is the start of a process of learning that team members will carry with them wherever their career may take them.
If you’d like help to build an award-winning team culture within your organisation, please get in touch at denise@obrienlearningsolutions.ie.
IRELAND’s post office network is going from “crisis to crisis”, postmasters based in Co Clare have said, writes Páraic McMahon.
Clare County Council have written to the Minister for Communications, Eamon Ryan (GP) following a proposal by Cllr Tom O’Callaghan (FF) who flagged concerns over the post office network’s long-term viability.
He highlighted, “To date the network is dependent on a €10 million subsidy from government that will cease in two years ensuring stability. A long-term viable model needs to be implemented to protect county Clare’s network within both urban and rural communities into the future”.
Speaking on the subject at a sitting of the County Council, O’Callaghan who is Chairman of the Independent Postmasters Group shared his disappointment at having to highlight the topic again, “it is like groundhog day in a way”.
Prior to his co-option to the Council in December 2022, Tom had previously gave presentations to the local authority on the need to support the network and introduce a new funding model, his first presentation to a meeting of the Council was in 2013.
Kildysart native O’Callaghan warned, “within two years time the subsidy keeping the post office going will cease, when we had the COVID crisis and we look at the role of the post office in the communities, we can no longer pay lip service to the realities or gravities of the network”.
Government must come up with “a sustainable plan,” the former Chairman of Fianna Fáil’s Ennis Comhairle Ceantair stressed. “It is costing €10m, look at the other models around,” he added.
Seconding the proposal was Cllr Shane Talty (FF) who runs post offices in Ennistymon and Lahinch. “I have two post offices which are only kept open and subsidised by the €10m subsidy,” he revealed. “It has gone from crisis to crisis,” Talty remarked. He stressed the need for a proper plan to be implemented. “It impacts so many small communities,” he said of the post office network.
Expertise within the Chamber was referenced by Cllr Gerry Flynn (IND). “It is great having someone who lobbied us for many years have the knowledge in this area. Look at how services have been taken away from communities, I do buy into conspiracy theory that the Government are denuding communities of services knowing they will die off”.
Doonbeg businesswoman Cllr Rita McIn-
erney (FF) who runs a post office within her store noted that An Post have done “a very good job of increasing their business, a lot of work is done on the e-commerce side of things yet they are looking to reduce the amount of size, they want to create a profitable business but are ignoring their social responsibility”.
She continued, “I had an agreement with An Post for lodgements, it was very beneficial for me and businesses who are a far distance from a bank, it is very difficult for small businesses to be carrying cash, it allowed us to bank quite competitively in An Post but that service is ending”. This means they can’t lodge rates which will send people back to the banks. “There is business there for An Post but it seems sinister how services like that have been withdrawn from the An Post network,” Cllr McInerney added.
Further support was voiced by Cllr PJ Kelly (FF). He said of O’Callaghan, “he has a long history of fighting for rural post offices and I fully support his effort. I hope the matter will be taken up by members of the Oireachtas”.
Rural post offices could be equipped to take over the mantle in sorting driver licences to further validate their importance, Cllr Pat O’Gorman (FF) suggested. Surprise was expressed by Cllr Pat McMahon (FF) that nobody in Government circles has taken up the
issue and fixed it. Fellow Cratloe man, Cllr PJ Ryan (IND) maintained the Government were not exert-
ing their authority. “It is the tail wagging the dog, the banks are telling the Government what to do, they need to think outside the box and look after rural communities”.
Similar sentiments were expressed by Cllr Johnny Flynn (FG).
“Post offices like our libraries have huge trust from the public who value them far more than the Government. They bailed out the banks but since then they have withdrawn services from the counter”. He believed the Government needed to deal with the power of banks in the Irish market.
Addressing the meeting, Cllr Joe Killeen (FF) recalled that he built a house in the 1980s when the interest rate stood at fifteen percent, “the biggest problem now is the cost of a house.
“€3,000 at four percent interest is €12,000 alone. There is a huge amount of money sitting in accounts which is not generating interest or not supporting Ireland INC, if the money can be diverted into schemes, €6,000 interest a year rather than €12,000. It means the affordability of housing is increased”.
Lack of competition in the banking sector needs to be probed by the Central Bank and its watchdog, Cllr O’Callaghan concluded. “I believe the banking sector is overly concentrated and deprives customer the healthy competition”.
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Local Enterprise Office Clare has announced that teenage entrepreneurs from St John Bosco Community College, Kildysart will represent Co. Clare at this year’s Student Enterprise Programme National Final on Thursday 9th May.
The students all took part in the Clare County Final on 27th February, which was held at the Treacy’s West County Hotel. An estimated 1,200 students from 16 participating schools took part in the annual programme locally.
The enterprise education initiative, funded by the Government of Ireland through Enterprise Ireland and delivered by the 31 Local Enterprise Offices in local authorities throughout the country, saw over 28,000 students from just under 500 secondary schools across the country take part in 2022 / 2023. The programme supports students to create, design and market their own business, all with the hope of reaching the National Final.
In the Junior Category, the students representing Clare at the National Final are Abbie Minogue, Caoimhe O'Halloran and Sophie O'Sullivan from Healthy Hearts at Ennistymon Community School.
In the Intermediate Category, Dylan O'Brien, Gerard McWey, Donnacha Melnyk Murphy and Dawid Maslanek , Cross Crafts from St Annes Community College, Killaloe will be representing Clare at the National Final.
In the Senior Category of the competition,
County Clare will be represented on 9th May by Eimear McGee from Síoda Mara at St. John Bosco Community College, Kildysart. Special guests at the County Final included Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council, Cllr Joe Cooney. He commented on the valuable contribution of teachers in this programme.
Cllr Cooney said: “Mini enterprises displaying here today require great work and effort
and it is a credit to all the teachers and schools who have taken part. The students are also a credit to their parents, teachers and schools.”
Speaking at the County Final, Mr. Padraic McElwee, Head of Local Enterprise Office Clare congratulated the students, saying “We have a very successful student enterprise programme here in Clare, with over 1,200 students from 16 local schools taking part
this year. Our national finalists are excellent ambassadors for the programme and we wish them the very best of luck on the 9th May, and we will all hope to be there to support them. What our students are learning from the programme is that with the right supports and encouragement, they can take an idea from the classroom and develop it into a real-life business. The skills they learn along the way, such as business planning, market research, selling and team-work, will help them become more entrepreneurial throughout their future careers”.
The local students will be competing against hundreds of other student entrepreneurs from all over Ireland at the Student Enterprise Programme National Final, taking place in the Mullingar Park Hotel on the 9th May.
Since the Student Enterprise Programme began in 2003, over 380,000 students have taken part, learning key skills on how to create a business idea, start a business and grow a business. The Student Enterprise Programme also has new range of online resources for 2023 / 2024 at www.StudentEnterprise.ie, which will feature regular blogs and houses a full range of Student Enterprise resources for students and teachers.
Further information around the Student Enterprise Programme is available from www.studententerprise.ie and by searching #studententerprise on social media.
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CLARE County Council has welcomed the inclusion of Kilrush in the Town Centre First programme, writes Elaine Tubridy The government backed programme focuses on the social and economic revival of towns across the country.
The West Clare town is among 26 urban centres across Ireland that will benefit from Phase 2 funding to complete a comprehensive masterplan to help develop their town centres.
Working in collaboration with the local community, Clare County Council has already produced
a Town Centre First plan for Sixmilebridge, which was included in Phase 1 of the programme.
Councillor Ian Lynch, Cathaoirleach of the West Clare Municipal District, Clare County Council, commented, “The Department’s inclusion of Kilrush in the Town Centre First scheme represents an exciting opportunity for the local community, working in partnership with Clare County Council, to play a central role in guiding the future development of the town.”
He added, “Kilrush needs a thriving town centre, both from a commercial activity and residential context, and I look forward to working collaboratively with the community and local stakeholders to realise their vision for the town’s future development. Town Centre First also presents an opportunity to develop recreation and play spaces to benefit all ages.”
Pat Dowling, Chief Executive, Clare County Council, said, “Clare County Council plays a pivotal role in working with towns to help shape their futures.
“I welcome the news that the town of Kilrush is to be added to the Town Centre First programme. It is an exciting time for the people of Kilrush as they embark on the journey of developing a masterplan for their town. Through our Town Regeneration Officer, Rural and Community Development Officers and technical expertise across Clare County Council, we are committed to supporting both Kilrush Town Team in developing a masterplan, and Sixmilebridge Town Team in implementing the actions identified in their plan.”
Joan Tarmey, Town Regeneration Officer for Clare County Council, joined with colleagues from across the country and local community representatives for the official launch of the Sixmilebridge Town Centre First plan and the announcement of the inclusion of Kilrush in the next phase of the programme.
Visit www.clarecoco.ie/services/economic-development/town-centre-first for more information.
FÁILTE Ireland’s accommodation audit for Co Clare has highlighted “a real problem area” in the scarcity of options for visitors to the county.
A potential shortfall of 160 hotel rooms, 120 B&B guest rooms and over 200 bed spaces in outdoor areas for campervans has been highlighted in the audit.
In a proposal before Clare County Council, Cllr Joe Garrihy (FG) asked that the findings, data and recommendations from the audit prompted the local authority to review the implementation of the Clare Tourism 2030 Strategy “with a view to our role in tackling the stark deficits in bed capacity and accommodation identified which are central to Clare’s economy benefiting from our dominant position in the area of successful attractions”. He added, “I further call on Clare County Council to review impacts of our dominant position on small and medium local business across the county with a view to focus on regenerative approach to tourism to discriminate favourably towards sustainable local SME business and communities across our towns and villages”.
Challenges identified in the audit will receive a prioritised focus, Director of Tour-
ism Development, Leonard Cleary stated. He said the next steps “are to identify key investment opportunities in tourism accommodation of all types for the county of Clare with the view to ensuring sustainable tourism development and delivery across the county.
Cleary said the role of the private sector was “key in responding to market demand for accommodation”.
Funded by Clare County
Council, “a significant strategic marketing plan is planned within the third quarter of each year, ahead of the upcoming new year,” Cleary added. ‘Tourism Together in Clare’ has been the focus of this plan in 2023 and 2024. He acknowledged, “the tourism industry has been challenged significantly over the last number of years and working together is a much better solution than businesses working alone”.
In a further effort to promote Clare as a tourism destination, “there are two different national and international television programmes and documentaries being planned for the promotion of the county as well as national radio campaigns being planned and underway,” the Director added.
An approach to get “data driven decisions” was welcomed by Cllr Garrihy. “The proof will be in the eating, where I see the need is a welcome piece of work to try encourage additional beds to be provided, it is a challenging thing”. The Lisdoonvarna native said Clare was “facing serious competition” but that it possessed “real capacity and abilities”. The motion needs to be forwarded to Government so that it receives “tax incentives” or whatever means necessary to progress, he said.
Supporting the proposal, Cllr Pat McMahon (FF) remarked, “To the best of my knowledge there’s no hotels being built in Galway or Limerick. B&Bs have been left behind in the last 20 years, we need an overall look at the B&Bs that we have, the Government must put a special incentive in place for people to look at B&Bs”. There is insufficient accommodation in the county, Cllr Tom O’Callaghan (FF) maintained, “we know we have a problem”.
Potential for micro-tourism businesses around glamping was flagged by Cllr Shane Talty (FF) who admitted that he had to read Cllr Garrihy’s motion a few times to ascertain what he was asking for. “The planning side and economic development need to be involved, we’re talking about rural bed nights but the majority of industries that have come forward for sites for glamping have been refused”.
Shortage of bed nights and B&Bs was also highlighted by Cllr Pat Burke (FG). “Out where we are in East Clare, it is as nice an area as West Clare but you could count the number of B&Bs we have on one hand”. He noted that the hotel is closed in Mountshannon and what was a hotel in Scariff is now home to asylum seekers.
“It is not easy to get people to get to stay in East Clare, my daughter had a gang of people looking to stay a night, she asked me where they could stay, I said I’d ask Leonard Cleary in the hope he might build a hotel for us,” he quipped. Burke added, “someone with a big cheque book is welcome in East Clare”.
Policies around planning need to be altered by the Government and relevant departments, Cllr Rita McInerney (FF) felt. “The area from Moylussa to 12 O’Clock Hills needs to be developed
from a tourism perspective,” the Doonbeg woman asserted.
“It is dire at the minute with regard to accommodation, we’re looking for a hotel in Kilrush for a number of years. We had two hotels there, we recently lost another B&B, a number of tourism operators have pulled out of Kilrush,” lamented Cllr Ian Lynch (IND). A report has been done on tourism but not the needs of the private sector, he flagged. “This year is going to be very tough for tourism in West Clare,” he predicted.
Planning research for the Cliffs of Moher needs to be rolled out for the entire county because “it provides the data for an investor to see why they should come,” Cllr Cillian Murphy (FF) suggested. He said there is “a huge amount” of Air BnBs, self-catering units and holiday homes in the county.
Engagement is needed with private developers but the Council must also liaise with state agencies that have land, Cllr Johnny Flynn (FG) stated. With the Green Bus costing €10 a week to get into Limerick for students, this coupled with the rail network offers opportunities for Clare to use surrounding areas for student accommodation for the academic year and tourism accommodation for the summer season, he believed.
TOURISM is to have its own dedicated Strategic Policy Committee (SPC) set up within Clare County Council, writes Páraic McMahon Chief Executive of the Council, Pat Dowling confirmed to The Clare Echo that this new SPC will be established following the local elections in June.
Currently, there are four SPCs within Clare’s local authority structure – Economic Development, Physical Development, Rural Development and Social Development.
It is the task of the SPCs as committees of the council, to advise and assist the council in the formulation, development and review of policy. They have no remit in relation to routine operational matters regarding the delivery of services. The SPC system is intended to give councillors and relevant sectoral interests an opportunity for full involvement in the policy making process from the early stages.
At the beginning of January, Dowling’s reshuffle of the Council’s senior management came into effect and this included the creation of a Tourism Development directorate.
Speaking to The Clare Echo, Dowling confirmed his plans that this additional directorate will have its own SPC. “We have received approval from Government to add an additional department in the Council, namely tourism, that required a directorate and Director of Services to be appointed, I cannot do that without approval from my parent department, we have received that and I am grateful for it, it has been put in place. I’ve always wanted to make sure that our management structure at an executive level is consistent with that of the elected members and the political structure within the Council, it is my ambition to operate within the guidelines of Government but my ambition is after the local election in June we will be adding a dedicated SPC for tourism”.
Members of the Rural Development SPC which tourism currently falls under within the SPC structure had felt the matter needed clarity.
Anne Haugh who moved from Director of Social Development to Rural Development as part of this reshuffle told the February meeting of the Rural Development SPC that their next sitting would have a
tourism focus and that is was likely to rotate between both subject areas until a new structure was agreed.
Cathaoirleach of the Rural Development SPC, Cllr Pat Hayes (FF) stated, “we’ve held tourism and rural together”.
Cllr Cillian Murphy (FF) a tourism consultant by profession stressed the need for rural items not to be neglected at the expense of tourism. “There is a really relevant thing that needs to be discussed, if we’re going to be focusing every second meeting on rural and tourism then rural gets put on the back burner, given its importance and strategic importance to me it is almost deserving of its own SPC”.
Director Haugh told the meeting, “this could well be the outcome from July”. Cllr Hayes responded, “it changed prior to when Jason and Leonard changed,” referencing Jason Murphy becoming Director of Social Development and Leonard Cleary Director of Tourism Development in the management reshuffle.
Emphasising his views, Cllr Murphy said, “there is merit in a letter to go to the Chief Executive that it is not appropriate, they are two
important things and we are sharing them. I don’t want to be sitting down in a meeting in September fingers crossed that I’m still here and that this hasn’t been sorted, it should be flagged now before election time”.
Haugh advised, “One would expect new structures will be reflected in the new SPC after the local elections. I un derstand what you are saying and we should be putting the groundwork in”.
Ennis native, Cllr Mary Howard (FG) noted, “rural is so broad anyway” when adding her support to Murphy’s request.
Denis Tuohy of the Clare IFA who is the agriculture and farming representative on the SPC countered the proposal from the West
Clare representative. “For me being on here from a farming background the rural is important but so is the tourism, farm diversification is a big opportunity for farmers, having them on the same table I find it as a positive”. Cllr Murphy replied, “I’d imagine you have a farming representative on the other SPC”.
Moves are afoot on new structures, Cllr Hayes told the meeting.
“The issue is creating an extra SPC, we’ve climate change and biodiversity as an agenda item for every meeting that could and should demand its own SPC, it will be a challenge”.
He believed Director Haugh would be able to make the argument for a dedicated Tourism SPC but maintained this discussion needed to be resolved by July when members are appointed to the various SPCs.
A tree is more useful than many things in our lives. When it’s growing, it is home to birds, insects and animals.
It breathes in and stores carbon dioxide, produces oxygen, controls moisture, provides fruit and nuts for food and sheds leaves that return goodness to the soil. At the end of its life it may provide firewood, build homes or simply slowly decay and continue to provide a home to nature. And simply looking at a tree is good for our well-being.
Ireland had been covered in woodlands and we come across stumps in bogs and even beaches, such as near Quilty – meaning coillte/ woods. There is now only 12 per cent tree coverage in Ireland and the government aims to increase this to 18 per cent by 2050 with the largest ever investment in forestry of €1.3 billion.
There are many different grant schemes. Most of them are aimed at farmers and larger landowners and provide annual premiums of typically €1000 per year over 15-20 years as well as a planting grant in the range of €4,000-11,000.
It doesn’t have to be a forest. The native tree area scheme supports planting land currently used for farming purposes between 0.1ha and 1ha (0.25 - 2.5 acres).
The major attraction of this scheme is that you don’t need to apply for a licence, the grant is €6744 and the 10 year annual premium is over €2200.
A scheme of interest to community groups is the NeighbourWoods scheme, with a start grant of €10,200/ ha. This supports the creation and expansion of close-tohome ‘neighbourwoods’, perhaps with a focus on physical exercise and projects such as
forest classrooms for schools. Among local suppliers, Wild Oaks Tree Nursery near Scarriff still have bare root trees in stock for planting this spring. Even if you can only plant one tree, that is a benefit to you, nature and the climate. And if you don’t have space in your own garden to plant trees, consider volunteering in Hometree or supporting their tree planting program. Hometree is an Ennistymon based charity that creates woodlands and regenerates land. For further information see https://www.gov.ie/en/ campaigns/a9d3c-forestry-in-ireland/. Your Green Party representatives in Clare are happy to help you in any way.
REFLEXOLOGY can help alleviate symptoms of respiratory issues like recurring chest infections, long covid, asthma, sinusitis and allergies.
There are reflex points in the feet corresponding to the respiratory system – from the nose, mouth, sinuses, phaynx (throat) and larynx (voicebox) to the bronchi (airways), lungs and diaphragm. Applying pressure to these reflex points can energise and balance the ‘meridian’ lines connected to the corresponding area. Meridians are also known as zones of energy and circulate in the body in a similar way to the blood, nerve and lymphatic circuits. An imbalance in these can lead to symptoms of any of the respiratory issues mentioned above.
The lungs are sometimes known as the ‘tender’ organ because they are the most easily influenced by environmental factors – tox-
ins, bacteria, viruses and moulds.
The diaphragm is king in terms of breathing as it moves down on
inhalation and massages internal organs like the stomach, small intestine, liver, pancreas and kidneys.
It’s also attached to the heart and when you breathe your diaphragm and heart move together which increases blood flow and enhances your heart health.
It might be an idea to develop a daily healthy breathing regime. I’m always encouraging clients to nasal breathe during their reflexology treatment as it deepens relaxation. An interesting breathing exercise is the Magic Ratio 5.5 technique –breathing in to the count of 5 seconds and holding this for 1 second before breathing out to the count of 5 seconds and holding out for 1 second. Do that 5 times and that’s one minute so it’s easy enough to continue 5 whole times for a total of 5 minutes. This is a simple exercise that could be done once a day or even a few times daily. There are lots of exercises like this in Stuart Sandeman’s brilliant book about healthy breathing called Breathe In Breathe Out. Healthy breathing
is responsible for 70% of the body’s cleansing process also known as detoxification. Toxins get transferred from the blood to our lungs to be expelled. If breathing is compromised in some way or is shallow then the body needs to work overtime to release these toxins. That extra work can make the body weaker and lead to illness.
We are very lucky here in County Clare as we are only a drive away from experiencing the benefits of breathing in salty ocean air. An afternoon spent at the coast can improve lung function and increase oxygen absorption as ocean air is charged with negative ions. These ions help clear the airways, reduce symptoms of allergies and asthma and promote healthy breathing all round.
To book a reflexology treatment contact Lorraine at 087 6595417 or check out www.glenina-reflexology.ie for more details.
n 50g flaky sea salt
n 25g demerara sugar
n 2 x 500g skinless, boneless salmon fillets
n 75g watercress, chopped n 200g cream cheese
n 2 tbsp fresh dill sprigs, chopped n 1 lemon, zested and juiced
n pinch smoked salt (optional)
n 500g block all-butter puff pastry
n flour, for dusting
n 2 eggs, yolks only, beaten
1) The day before you want to assemble the en croûte, mix the salt and sugar in a bowl. Scatter half of the mix over a tray, then lay one of the salmon fillets on top, skinnedside down, and scatter with more of the salt mix. Lay the second fillet on top, skinnedside up, and sprinkle over the rest of the salt mix. Cover, then place another tray on top. Weigh the tray down with a couple of tins and put in the fridge for up to 48 hrs, or for at least 12 hrs (the longer you leave it, the firmer the salmon will be).
2) When you’re ready to assemble the en croûte, unwrap the salmon fillets, rinse them in cold water and dry with kitchen paper, then set aside. Put the watercress, cream cheese, dill, lemon zest and juice, smoked salt (if using) and a generous grinding of pepper into a bowl and mix well, then set aside.
3) Line a baking tray with parchment. Roll out half of the pastry on a lightly floured surface so it’s 2.5cm larger in diameter than the salmon fillet, then drape it over the lined baking tray. Place one of the fillets on the pastry, skinned-
side down, and spread with the cream cheese mix, then lay the second fillet on top, skinned-side up. Brush the edge of the pastry with a little of the beaten yolk. Roll out the rest of the pastry to fit, then drape it over the salmon and tuck it in at the sides. Trim the edges and crimp or press with a fork to seal. Brush with more beaten yolk, then put the en croûte in the fridge for 30 mins before using a spoon to create a scale-like effect along the top of the pastry. Chill for up to 24 hrs or for at least another 30 mins.
4) Heat oven to 220C/200C fan/gas 7. Bake for 20 mins,
then glaze with the remaining yolk. Lower the heat to 180C/160C fan/gas 4 and bake for 20 mins more, then remove and leave to stand for 10 mins.
BAREROOT planting will be coming to an end this month, and I know most will have their hedging plants in. However, if you haven’t, we are reaching the end.
If you were hoping to get some bareroot, which is great value at the moment and of great quality, don’t wait too much longer. March can be a very busy month as many of us start sowing seeds in containers and seed trays. It’s great to start them in a tunnel or on a windowsill.
This can be a fabulous time to put some plans into action and expand the variety of flowers in the beds and borders. More and more people are saving seeds from their perennials, and it’s lovely to grow your own seeds.
This month is also a time when many vegetables become available, making it a great time to start your vegetable garden. I know what you’re thinking, that the garden is still swimming, but that’s okay. Some have
tunnels or greenhouses and start vegetables in them. Potato seeds are now available, and it’s a good time to start chitting them. Place the potatoes in an egg box or tray by the windowsill for 6 weeks before planting to encourage sprouting. Some vegetables are also available in plug trays if you don’t want to wait for seeds and can be planted in window boxes or pots to bring
on while we wait for the garden to dry out a bit. Most gardens are still very wet. Some tips I would give are to consider what grew well last year and if something didn’t do well, ask yourself why. Was the ground not suitable? Is it too windy in that part of the garden? Have you been able to rotate the crops each year, and do you need to add more nutrients to the soil? March has so much to offer, and I’m sure you can’t wait to get stuck into starting your vegetable garden. Happy planting!
IN A week when we celebrate International Women’s Day, it’s time to reflect on what feminine energy means and how we can feed our inner strength. Feminine energy refers to a specific set of traits considered to be the opposite of masculine energy. Your masculine side gets expressed when you’re working toward a goal, making progress, getting things done, and pushing forward. Your feminine side gets expressed when you move with the flow of life, embrace
your creative energy, dance, play, and attune to your internal process. We have both, but their proportions differ.
Masculine energy—since it’s often about progress and moving forward—is often “valued” more than feminine energy. This creates a feeling of being off-balance, both individually and culturally, and also creates embarrassment when talking about our feminine body and its traits, especially in the workplace.
How can we cultivate feminine
energy and use it as a strength?
Reflect. Internally connect to who you are. An excellent way to do this is to start journaling.
Go into nature. The feminine is life force energy. Places like the forest, parks, and the ocean are abundant with natural feminine energy. Go there when you’re feeling out of sync and in need of revitalization. Get creative. The feminine is the creative force. Historically, femininity has been associated with women, and, of course, many wom-
en have bodies designed to create life. But creation can occur in many ways—artistic expression, writing, dance, painting, or dreaming up new ideas.
Hone your emotional expression. While the masculine is defined by logic, the feminine is expressed through emotions. We all have emotional selves, but many of us haven’t been taught how to understand our feelings.
Force yourself to transform. Some of us think of the feminine
as being quiet and rejuvenating, but that’s only half the story. Feminine energy is bold as well—it’s the force of transformation. If things in your life are no longer working for you, it is feminine energy that surges to make a change.
For more information on how to tune in and dial up your feminine energy and begin your journey towards emotional health, please reach out to info@authentichealth. ie.
VIDEO surveillance is not a new technology. It has been around for quite some time. One of the first video surveillance systems was used in 1942 to monitor the launch of the V-2 rocket in Germany.
Commercial use of video surveillance systems in the United States began in 1947. By 1957, several companies had implemented video surveillance systems in educational, medical, and industrial sectors.
Color video cameras emerged in the 1950s, sparking debates about their suitability for surveillance. Black-and-white surveillance cameras provided higher resolution and low light sensitivity, whereas color cameras allowed for easier identification of individuals based on clothing color, for example.
The earliest video surveillance systems were primarily used for real-time viewing due to the absence of reliable video recording systems. The reel-to-reel tape recorders by Sony and Ampex at the time were quite cumbersome to use. It was not until the introduction of video cassette recorders (VCR) in 1970 that the popularity of video surveillance systems increased.
Analog surveillance systems were
eventually replaced by IP systems, although the transition took time. One of the first megapixel IP surveillance cameras was released in 2002 by IQinVision. These 1.3-megapixel cameras offered resolution over four times higher than that of old analog cameras. However, their high cost made them affordable only to large corporations.
By 2014, more IP cameras had
been sold than analog ones for the first time. Today, there are over 30 million surveillance cameras in use in the United States alone, and over 100 million worldwide (including both analog and IP cameras). It's remarkable how far we've come in the last 20 years!
In 2011, major Chinese companies Hikvision and Dahua introduced inexpensive surveillance
cameras to the market, leading to a sharp increase in home IP surveillance systems. At the same time, analog technologies such as AHD, HDCVI, Turbo HD (HD-TVI), and HD-SDI began to develop. These technologies allowed analog cameras to compete with IP cameras by offering 2-megapixel images at a third of the price of IP cameras.
In recent years, IP surveillance cameras for the professional security market have emerged. These cameras offer ultra-high resolution, low-light capabilities, wide dynamic range, and other advanced features. In 2015, 4K surveillance cameras with ultra-high resolution were introduced. Sony was one of the first companies to develop sensors for this new class of cameras.
It is important to note that these high-resolution cameras require much better lenses than those used in lower-resolution cameras. Be cautious when you see inexpensive 4K surveillance cameras; they likely have subpar lenses. Lenses account for a significant portion of the camera's total cost and should be relatively expensive. If you find a cheap 4K IP camera, you may not get the resolution you expect.
Modern surveillance systems
are incorporating more and more smart features, such as license plate recognition, people counting, and even body temperature measurement and mask detection due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Functions like line crossing and motion recording have become standard in almost all systems. Face recognition and license plate recognition have allowed surveillance systems to integrate into access control systems.
Fully automatic parking lots have begun to appear, and access to manufacturing plants no longer requires carrying keys. Recently, there has also been active development in color imaging technology in darkness. For example, companies like Hikvision have started producing a range of ColorVu equipment capable of capturing color images in complete darkness.
The popularity of video surveillance is growing. Now almost anyone can install IP video surveillance systems. These systems watch over our homes, schools, businesses, and cities. They are used by law enforcement agencies worldwide. Is this good or bad? Despite concerns about privacy, most agree that video surveillance helps us feel safer.
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'We're getting good at a lot of things but we still have work to do' - Mark Fitzgerald
Clare 1-16 Limerick 0-14
Venue: Mick Neville Park, Rathkeale
Compiled by Páraic McMahon
CLARE Frees for: 13 (5/8)
Wides: 6 (4/2)
Scores from play: 1-15
Spread of scorers: 8
Top scorer: Emmet McMahon (f) & Aaron Griffin (0-4 each)
Bookings: Dermot Coughlan (55)
Own kickouts won: 13 out of 21 (62%)
LIMERICK Frees for: 18 (9/9)
Wides: 7 (3/4)
Scores from play: 0-12
Spread of scorers: 7
Top scorer: James Naughton (0-4, 2f's)
Bookings: Peter Nash (55)
Own kickouts won: 9 from 23 (39%)
REFEREE: Margaret Farrelly (Cavan)
Mark Fitzgerald, Clare manager
“We knew Limerick were going to come at us but we just didn’t come out at all for the first fifteen minutes of the second half, Limerick pinned us in at that stage and we weren’t doing ourselves any favours but it was a hard fought win in the end, it was good character shown by the lads in the second half, Limerick threw everything at us”.
“They squeezed the kickout and there was a bit of a breeze there but there’s lots of that, that you would be unhappy with, we ran into traps and silly stuff, it is the experience and to learn from it”.
“In the second half with Manus Doherty chipped in with two points which eased the pressure, we started to turn them over and get some success over the pitch, we knew it was going to be backs to the wall for Limerick, it is a local derby, we knew there was never going to be much in it”.
“We need to welcome Antrim to Cusack Park in two weeks time and look after that, all we want to do is take it into the last day and see where that goes”.
SCAN
“We’re improving game to game but you need to improve the consistency of the improvements as well, from that point of view we’re getting good at a lot of things but we still have a lot of work to do”.
DERMOT COUGHLAN is among the Clare footballers assuming greater responsibility in the side and emerging as one of their leaders.
Kilmurry Ibrickane’s Coughlan has been part of the senior panel since he was a teenager, with twelve of last year’s panel exiting prior to the 2024 season, he has had no choice but to step up to the plate as one of Clare’s more experienced players.
Speaking following their five point win over Limerick on Saturday, Dermot highlighted the determination within the newlook squad. “We’ve a new group of players this year, so we’re just concentrating on blooding these lads in and you can see from their performance there that they are delighted to put on the Clare jersey, everyone is putting in a performance and we’re eager to try get back up to Division 2 but again showing people that we’re delighted to play for Clare”.
Despite such a high turnover in personnel on the playing and management front, Coughlan said the transition has been plain sailing. “To be honest it has been seamless, the boys have made it easy, they’ve put in great work, they are trying to implement new game plans and tactics, it has taken a few weeks and a few games for it to come into effect but you could see
in the first half and second half some of the moves we’ve put together and some of the points we’ve got, it is all about putting in a performance over seventy minutes, we knew Limerick were going to be tough so we’re delighted to get out of here with two points”.
Clare’s run to date has not surprised Coughlan. “Every player is confident in the ability they have, we set out at the start of the year that we weren’t just there to make up the numbers and we wanted to put in performances, lads are showing they are good enough to play, to make the fifteen or twenty six, it is starting to show and the belief is coming game by game”.
A focus from Mark Fitzgerald and his management has been one bite of the cherry at a time as opposed to overall targets, Dermot said. “At the start of the year the boys were trying to drill into us that it is game by game, it’s two points on the board and that is the route we have been taken, we’re concentrating on putting in the performance and getting as many points as possible to see where it takes us”.
He added, “We’re taking it game by game, they’re going to be tough and tight games, we were unlucky against Westmeath but we got lucky against Offaly so we will try get two points on the board against Antrim”.
Among the group every player is de-
termined to prove their worth in a leadership capacity, the wing forward stated. “Everyone in the starting fifteen and Clare twenty six is eager to be a leader, we’re all around the one age that we’re all leaders in a way. We’re eager to put in a performance as a group”.
Under the Colm Collins regime, Dermot’s role was more of an industrious wing forward whereas this year he is beginning to show his excellent score-taking ability at inter-county, a skill that followers of Kilmurry Ibrickane will have witnessed on several occasions.
Therefore it comes as no surprise that the twenty four year old is relishing the campaign so far. “When you’re winning games you’re going to enjoy the football, the boys in fairness to them Mark, James and Deccy have been great, they’ve given us a lease to play as much as we like and not be silly with the ball at the same time so we’re still trying to get used to it and we’re trying to put in a performance every day for the boys because they’ve been great for us”.
Antrim await in two weeks time, a game that Clare must prevail in to keep their chances of promotion alive when they make the long trip to Newry. “We’ll look ahead to Antrim first before we go to Newry, if we go up there with something to play for it will be great and we’d relish it”.
Minutes played: All
Possessions: 15
Scores: 0-4, f
Passess: 8 (5/3)
Hand Pass: 6 (5/1)
Foot Pass: 2 (0/2)
Shots: 6 (6/0)
Wides: 2 (2/0)
Turnovers for: 1 (0/1)
Turnovers against: 0
Tackles: 2
Frees Won: 2 (0/2)
EX Clare senior football captain, Eoin Cleary has said he is enjoying life away from an inter-county set-up.
For the first time in a decade, Cleary is not part of the county senior football squad having announced in August his decision to take a year out from the Clare panel.
Miltown Malbay native Eoin last year had the frustration of dealing with osteitis pubis, an injury that is becoming increasingly more common among GAA players. It resulted in having no involvement in Clare’s final two championship outings under Colm Collins, he was sidelined for longer than thirteen weeks.
In December, Eoin married his long-time partner Colette, herself an avid ladies football with West Clare Gaels, they travelled to the United States for their honeymoon with further travelling stints to be finalised over the summer months.
Speaking to The Clare Echo, the Limerick based Garda said “It is the first time I’ve been able to avail of the teacher holidays for the past ten years because my wife is a teacher. I’m enjoying the travelling, it opens your eyes a bit to other parts of your life which are neglected for a few years because of your commitment to the football but I’m enjoying it and seeing how it goes, next year can wait for a decision then but I’m happy enough with what I’m doing”.
Clare’s showings so far in the National Football League despite a major revamp of the starting team due to a busy departures door has not surprised the two-time All Star nominee.
He said, “It was funny with all the talk about the lads gone, it was doom and gloom but being around the set-up you knew lads who were there before that have the ability to step up and take on leadership roles, they have that with the likes of Brian McNamara, Ronan Lanigan, Stephen Ryan, that is what you want to see, it shows Clare football is in a good place that you lose twelve players and are still performing at a seriously high level".
l Ciarán Downes attacks the Treaty defence.
Photo by Gerard O'Neill
OFFICERS omitted from sub-committees of Clare GAA was the cause of debate at its March meeting held on Tuesday night.
The removal of AOB (any other business) from the agenda for the March meeting of Clare GAA led to a lively exchange at this week’s board meeting as did the make-up of the finance committee for the year ahead. The setting up of a PR and marketing committee to the exclusion of the outgoing PR committee was also the subject of some debate.
Other items discussed included the ratification of a large number of re-gradings, the granting of permission to almost 200 hundred ‘isolated players’ and plans for the upgrading of GAA headquarters at Clareabbey Finance committee:
The omission of assistant board treasurer Sean Chambers from the new finance committee led to a number of questions.
Ruan’s Michael O’Regan enquired if Chambers has been asked to serve on the committee.
Responding chairman Kieran Keating said there are six members on the committee including Head of Operations Deirdre Murphy whom he said was a non-voting member. This, he said, complied with the byelaw which says the committee should have five people.
Kildysart’s John Meade said it was “unusual to have a person on the committee who was defeated in a contest for the assistant treasurer’s post last year”.
“We are looking to put people with best skills into committees. We are happy with the people we have put into the committee”, the chairman said before adding “that person has proved her record for raising finance with Club Clare”.
“It would appear that you have to be an accountant now to do anything in Clare GAA. All this talk about skillset, I have been involved for seventy years and I have survived. There must be no accountant in West Clare. Look around this room tonight. Am I the only one from West Clare,” Cooraclare’s PJ McGuane asked.
Replying chairman Keating said “John McInerney and Dinny Cullinan are from Ennistymon and you know where I am from”.
Sixmilebridge delegate P.J Fitzpatrick asked if they had considered appointing Robert Frost to the finance committee. “He was a great help to us in Sixmilebridge”, he said Head of Operations Deirdre Murphy replied, “Robert is on the management com-
mittee and he is very good to give us advice”.
The finance committee named by the chairman comprises Brian Fitzpatrick (treasurer), Kieran Keating (chairman), Dinny Cullinan (Ennistymon), John McInerney (Ennistymon), Cathal Kilmartin (Newmarket-on-Fergus), Caroline O’Connor (St. Joseph’s Doora/ Barefield) and Deirdre Murphy (Head of Operations).
Marketing and PR:
The naming of the Marketing and PR committee prompted a number of questions from delegates.
Cooraclare’s P.J McGuane felt there should be two committees. “Marketing should stand on its own as should PR. Were you not happy with the PR committee that was there for the last two years”, he asked.
Responding chairman Kieran Keating said “Byelaw number 5 says it’s a marketing and PR committee. The focus of the PR committee for the past two years was on programmes”.
Clondegad’s Seamus O’Reilly, a member of the outgoing PR committee, was loud in his praise for the quality of the programmes produced by the committee. “In Limerick last week it was just a sheet, in Offaly, just four pages. We mightn’t have colour but our programmes have been as good as any. Anne Hayes has been busy preparing, proofing all on her own time. She deserves every commendation. Her contribution has not been properly recognized”.
“The previous programmes were good as well”, chairman Kieran Keating replied.
The make-up of this committee, named by the chairman, is Mark O’Connell (Clarecastle), Peter O’Connell (Shannon Gaels), Shane Malone (TUS), Anne Hayes (PRO), Aaron Carroll (Assistant PRO) with one more to be appointed;
A number of other committees were ratified at Tuesday’s meeting as follows; Coaching and Games:
Neil O’Brien (chairman), Micheál Duffy, Liam O’Grady, John Enright, Jamesie O’Connor, Paul Reidy, M.J. Malone, Donal Madden, Paul Hogan, Michael Griffin, Ger Keane, Orla Considine, Cormac Heffernan, Fergal O’Brien and Anne Hayes
Culture committee:
Joe Garry, Domhnall Ó Loinsigh, Michael O’Neill, Anne Hayes, Grace Cunningham; Referees committee:
Seanie McMahon (administrator), Rory McGann, Ger Hoey, Ger Lyons, Flann O’Reilly, Rory Hickey, Damian Fox.
Audit and risk committee; Paula McDon-
nell (chairperson), Vincent Delaney (Sixmilebridge), Paul O’Sullivan (Cratloe), Jane Doohan (Eire Og), and Fergal Cahill
Upgrading Clareabbey:
Work on the upgrading of Clare GAA headquarters at Clareabbey will begin in the next two weeks and will cost in excess of €600,000, the March meeting of Clare GAA was told on Tuesday night.
“We have €750,000 to draw down from Munster Council since Páirc Uí Chaoimh was developed. The management committee has approved the project. Bar the shell of the building this is to re-build Clareabbey, to modernise the offices, new dressing rooms, move the stairs and make it the modern building we can be proud of and have meetings there and have our staff based there,” Keating stated.
He continued, “we had a tender process which Ger O’Malley and Tom McNamara and Associates handled and Martin Murphy Construction was awarded the contract".
Replying to Clondegad’s Seamus O’Reilly who asked if any provision had been made to store archives, he said “we don’t have a lot of space there. We want to make the kitchen and canteen suitable for feeding teams after training there and it leaves us with less office space rather than more. We are not planning on having an archive room there. We are just trying to make better use of the space we have. We haven’t gone for costings to extend the space we have there. I don’t know if there is a lot of space for memorabilia there but we have Caherlohan”.
“The first thing is to make the place workable and doing that right is very high on our agenda. There is work to be done in the future on how we manage storing memorabilia”, Head of Operations Deirdre Murphy told the meeting.
In reply to a query from Ruan delegate Michael O’Regan who asked if the building will be wheelchair friendly, the chairman said “it’s something we are working on. Space is tight but we have costed a lift which wasn’t included in the original cost. We are trying to see how we can fit it in”.
Special permission:
The meeting unanimously agreed to give the board permission to consider applications from players seeking permission to continue assisting clubs they have been playing with in recent years, should they return from Australia later in the summer in time for the club championships, provided they have submitted their applications by the end of March
CURRENTLY sitting at top of the table in Division 1A of the Allianz National Hurling League, Clare’s senior hurlers welcome Kilkenny to Ennis this Sunday.
Brian Lohan’s side are unbeaten in three outings following wins over Cork and Waterford plus a third round draw with Wexford keeping this run intact. This tie which throws-in at 1:45pm on Sunday is likely to see management opt with a strong line-up to try cement Clare’s place in the knockout stages of the National Hurling League. Kilkenny now managed by Derek Lyng face Waterford in the final round and will be confident of claiming points in Ennis. Management remain without the injured duo of Tony Kelly and Ryan Taylor while Shane O’Donnell
will not return to the panel until after the league campaign.
Conor Cleary missed out on the Wexford draw due to injury, a tie which saw Lohan welcome back the county’s contingent that was involved in the Fitzgibbon Cup final between Mary Immaculate College and the University of Limerick.
The Banner last met with Kilkenny back in July where they came out second best in three point loss.
Lohan will be looking for redemption off the Cats, following the Leinster outfit knocking his men out of the championship in two consecutive years at the same stage of the competition.
Sunday's fixture will commence as a tasty encounter
l Peter Duggan takes on Tommy
semi-final in July.
deadline.
The chairman informed the delegates that such applications could not be considered now as the players involved had transferred from their home clubs.
Fixture clash for Clare football:
Replying to Kildysart’s John Meade as to why the Clare under 20 and senior footballers are scheduled to play key fixtures on the same afternoon (Saturday March 16), board chairman Kieran Keating explained that the league fixture vs Antrim was originally scheduled for March 17 but was changed so as not to clash with the St. Patrick’s Day parade in Ennis. Antrim agreed to the change. He went on to say that “Waterford had originally indicated to us that they would be looking to have the under 20 fixture moved to Monday because their seniors are in London on the Saturday but they came back and said they were happy to leave the fixture as scheduled. It’s not ideal and we now have three fixtures on the Saturday as the senior hurlers’ league tie with Offaly has been brought forward by a day. Look, it’s great to have three big games and hopefully supporters will come out and support the teams”.
St. Breckan’s development:
St. Breckan’s GAA club sought permission to borrow €149,000 to upgrade their sports complex in Lisdoonvarna.
Kieran Thynne told the meeting that the premises was built in 1974 and it needs to be upgraded, totally re-wired and brought up to safety regulations. The building houses the club gym and meeting room.
Chairman Kieran Keating told the meeting that “the board’s facilities officer Ambrose Heagney is away at the moment and we will get him to look at this when he returns”.
Replying to a query as to whether or not the club’s pitch is vested in the GAA, chairman Keating said “the property they are upgrading is”.
Central Council delegate Robert Frost said “they have got grants so some of their property is vested”.
New teams:
Four clubs were given permission to apply for more than the five regradings allowed as they will be fielding an additional team each this season. The clubs are Sixmilebridge who will be fielding a fifth adult team, Éire Óg, Clonlara and Inagh/Kilnamona, all of whom will be entering a fourth adult side. All will be competing at junior C level. All four will now submit lists of the players they want regraded to the CCC for consideration.
Clare 1-12 Louth 1-08
Venue: Louth GAA Centre of Excellence, Darver
Wayne Freeman, Clare manager
“We’re still unbeaten and that’s the goal. Look, I thought overall we played quite well. They [Louth] were always going to have a purple patch in the second half so we were expecting that but when the goal went in [to put Louth two points clear with five minutes remaining], we actually calmed ourselves down and started playing football.
“We began keeping the ball a lot better because we knew we were under a bit of pressure and it actually made us focus a bit more on what we were doing so I was really happy in how they rallied when the goal went in.
“We actually kept them scoreless after that and kicked 1-3 ourselves. Ciara [Hickey] made a massive block and we ended getting a goal out of it so that really killed them. Louth had lost their legs at that stage really so overall we’re pretty pleased.
“There’s probably a ten minute spell at the start of both halves that we need to look at and try and improve but the result speaks for itself today so we’re happy.
“Look, it’s not easy to come from one side of the country to the other and still have that energy. We probably got out of the blocks a little bit slow but finished the first half really strongly, having played some lovely football. And then at the start of the second half, we were trying and working hard but still making some silly errors.
“Once we got those things fixed, we pushed on again and it was great to have those gears.
I think we’ve used everyone in our squad by this stage with two matches remaining and had some new starters again today we’re really happy with
where we are at this time of year. “One more win would do it so we have to beat Antrim now in two weeks time to seal our place in the final”.
COMPETITIVE club hurling returns this weekend, with games taking place across five different leagues.
On Thursday evening, last year’s beaten finalists Crusheen face Newmarket-on-Fergus in Clarecastle’s Astro-turf facility at 8:30pm in the opening game of Division 1A of the FutureTicketing Clare Cup.
O’Garney Park in Sixmilebridge hosts the meeting of county champions Clonlara and Sixmilebridge from 7pm on Friday.
Reigning Clare Cup champions, O’Callaghans Mills welcome Scariff to Hamilton Park in Kilkishen on Saturday with Clooney/Quin hosting Feakle and Inagh/Kilnamona taking on Kilmaley in Inagh.
Division 1B commences on Friday evening with Tubber welcoming Broadford to North Clare for an 8pm start.
Saturday’s fixtures in this Division all commence at 3pm as newly promoted Bodyke take on Clarecastle in the Evicted Field, Wolfe Tones na Sionna travel to Intermediate county champions Corofin, whilst four time county champions Ballyea host Cratloe. On Sunday morning, St Joseph’s Doora/ Barefield have an early start as Oisin O’Brien’s side travel to Whitegate for a 10:45 throw-in.
Three other leagues will also commence throughout the weekend, as Smith O’Brien’s and Clonlara will
face off in the UL Pavilion at 9pm on Thursday to kick-off the RealPrint Division 2 League.
Cratloe will head to Gurteen to face The Parish for 7:30pm to start the HM Travel Intermediate Division 3 League.
Two Junior ‘B’ sides will begin the Morey Movement Junior ‘A’ League, as Tulla take on Inagh/Kilnamona at Dr Daly Park.
A detailed round-up of the Clare Cup will be available to Clare Echo subscribers by Sunday evening. For just 75c a week you can become a subscriber of The Clare Echo or support us with an annual membership for only €69.99.
Clare’s senior doubles handball pairing of Diarmaid Nash and Colin Crehan are just one step away from being crowned All-Ireland senior doubles champions.
They will return to Croke Park this Saturday to take on a Cork pairing of Daniel Relihan and Michael Hedigan in the national final having won their place in the final with victory over Meath’s Gary McConnell and Brian Carroll in straight sets at headquarters last Saturday.
The East Clare pairing won on a scoreline of 21-14 and 21-8.
There was disappointment for the ladies senior doubles pairing of Cairtiona Millane and Leah Minogue who lost out to Galway’s Ciana Ni Churraoin and Niamh Heffernan on a 21-2 and 21-5 scoreline.
In the golden masters B doubles Clare’s Seamus Ryan and Michael Kenneally defeated Mayo’s Tom Malone and Martin McAndrew 21-19 and 21-6.
In the men’s junior B doubles Clare’s Glen Murray and Kevin O’Callaghan overcame Alan and Michael Gilmaratin from Mayo 21-15 and 21-3. Their final opponents are Tony Flanagan and Johnny McGovern from Meath.
The ladies junior doubles pairing of Leah Minogue and Amber Nolan defeated the Mayo/Roscommon pairing of Alanna Coggeran and Laura Finn, 21-11 and 2110. In the final they will play Cora Doyle and Holly Hynes from Wexford.
In golden masters B Seamus Ryan and Mike Kenneally will play Wexford’s Eugene and Damian Kelly
Juvenile semi-finals:
Clare were victorious in five All-Ireland juvenile semi-finals last weekend and these pairings will be in action in Croke Park on Saturday March 16.
The Clare winners were:
Girls U15 singles; Ellie Frost beat Tyrone 15-10 and 15-2
Girls U16 singles; (Claire Minogue) beat Tyrone’s Lucy McCullagh 21-20; 21-8
Girls U16 doubles; Isabelle McInerney and Tara Lucas) beat Tyrone 21-3; 21-1
Boys U14 singles; Jack Cahill) beat Tyrone(Micheal McCrystal) 4-15; 15-12 and 15-9
Boys U16 doubles; Paul Rodgers and Liam Murphy) beat Tyrone (McGarvey and Mullan) 21-17; 21-17
Meanwhile the following Clare pairings all bowed out at the weekend; Juliet Moroney and Chloe Hannon (girls u-14 doubles), Grainne Cooney (girls u-17 singles) Darragh Casey and Cillian Cummins (boys u-15 doubles) Sean Considine (boys u-16 singles) Donnacha Cantwell and Martin Bon (boys u-17 doubles Donnacha Crotty.
Munster championships continue this week with the following fixtures down for decision, whilst the juvenile B finals take place this weekend with the girls finals on Saturday from 11am in Kilkishen while the boys finals are on Sunday in Clooney.
LAST SIXTEEN pairings have been finalised for the Ennis Carpets Clare Cup.
Bridge Utd’s 4-0 win over Lifford FC eliminated last year’s beaten finalists but also ensured they were the last team to qualify for the third round.
Five fixtures are down for decision this Sunday in the Clare Cup. Mark Culbert’s Bridge Utd side make the short trip to Lynch Park to face Shannon Town Utd (2pm).
David Russell’s Avenue who recorded a 10-0 win over Coole FC face off with Tulla Utd in Roslevan (11am) while Lees Rd Astro (2pm) is the setting for what could be a tight affair between Ennis Dons and Fern Celtic.
In Lahinch (11am), Sporting Ennistymon will bid to take down Premier Division side Kilrush Rangers while Inch Crusaders fresh from overcoming Connolly Celtic in the second round play Avenue Utd B in Lees Rd (2pm).
Meanwhile on Sunday, Newmarket Celtic will look to add more silverware to the trophy cabinet when they meet an in-form Villa FC in Fermoy at 3pm in the Munster Champions Trophy Final.
Ennis Carpets
Clare Cup
Last 16:
Ennis Dons v Fern Celtic; Shannon Olympic B v Bridge Celtic; Avenue Utd A v Tulla Utd A; Shannon Town A v Bridge Utd A; Newmarket Celtic A v Callan Utd; Moher Celtic v Kilkishen Celtic; Inch Crusaders v Avenue Utd B; Sporting Ennistymon v Kilrush Rangers
Saturday will be an historic day for Clare soccer as, for the first time, three teams will represent Clare schoolboys/girls in national finals.
The University of Limerick is the venue for the National finals and Clare teams will be in action at 1.50pm., 4pm. and 6pm.
Both boys teams will face South Belfast in their finals while Sligo/Leitrim will provide the opposition for the Clare girls in their final
Under 14:
Shannon Town’s David Hogan will manage the boys under 14 squad and he is joined in the backroom team by Davy Ryan from Newmarket Celtic, Kieran Connolly from Kildysart and Clare soccer’s full time official Denis Hynes from Ennistymon. The goalkeeping coaches are Fintan Quinn from Bunratty/Cratloe and Johnny Ryan from Newmarket Celtic.
This is the management’s team third year with this twenty nine strong squad which is drawn from eleven clubs. They have rotated the captaincy throughout the campaign. Having suffered a 4-0 loss to Galway on the opening round they bounced back with a
2-0 win over Midlands, victory overs Limerick district by the same margin and they completed the group stage with a 1-0 win over Limerick county. They then received a bye into the national semi-final where they defeated Mayo 4-1.
They will be looking to Iarla Byrne from Burren United; Kaylum Mata from Lifford and Conor Brady from Avenue to lead the way on Saturday.
“We have had two squads for the past two years but we amalgamated into one this year.
The Kennedy cup is coming up in June and we are building towards that”, David Hogan told The Clare Echo. “We have bounced back from a heavy first round defeat and we have conceded just one goal since then. We know we are facing a difficult test on Saturday”.
The game kicks off at 1.50p.m.
Under 16:
Well known Avenue United official, John O’Malley is manager of the boys under 16 squad which will take on South Belfast in the National inter league cup decider which
will kick off at 4p.m.
“The majority of this squad has been with us since they were under 16. In the Kennedy cup two years ago they won the Bowl”, according to the manager whose backroom team includes Barry Downes and Greg Deegan from Bridge United and Denis Hynes.
Nine clubs are represented in the squad which is captained by Avenue United’s Jason Keane Hayes who hails from Kilmaley. The clubs represented in the squad are St. Pats, Corofin, Avenue United, Bridge United, Newmarket Celtic, Shannon Town, Bunratty/Cratloe, Tulla United and Ennis Town.
On the way to the final Clare beat Kerry (6-1), lost to West Cork in Clonakilty (2-3), beat Cork at home (2-1) and beat Kilkenny away from home in the semi-final (5-1).
In addition to the captain, Clare will be looking to goalkeeper Oisin Tierney from Corofin, Luke Deegan and Gavin Downes from Bridge United and Ryan McCarthy from Ennis Town to lead the way.
“We have no illusions about the difficult task we are facing. We saw South Belfast beat Galway in Terryland Park last week in their semi-final. They are a strong side but we are looking forward to the challenge”, according to manager O’Malley.
l Brian Corry celebrates hitting the target for Bridge Utd.
We are truly blessed to have so many wonderful golf courses in County Clare, but Trump International Doonbeg Golf Links is truly one of the gems of the world and is located in Doonbeg in the west of our beautiful County. On the meandering drive towards Doonbeg you drive through the small village of Cree and shortly thereafter you get your first glimpse of the hotel. Once in view you’ll experience a warm sense of ease that comes over you because regardless of who you are, you will be treated like royalty from the moment you arrive at Trump International Doonbeg.
The Course itself was originally designed by Greg Norman but recently course designer Dr. Martin Hawtree's added new changes, which in my mind has taken Trump Doonbeg to another level in the golfing arena. Situated on the west Clare coastline adjacent to the village of Doonbeg this championship golf course will test every aspect of your game. It is not a golf course where you can attack and be aggressive unless you are hitting the ball perfect. Positioning your tee shots and more importantly your approach shots is crucial if you are to have a score because you can easily lose your ball only feet away from the greenside, in the tall rugged vegetation that surrounds the golf course. "Trump International Golf Links Doonbeg is a stunning sight to behold and offers views of the Atlantic from 16 of the 18 holes. The par-72 layout features a single loop of nine holes out and nine back, playing 7,026 yards from the back tees. In line with Norman’s philosophy of ‘least dis-
turbance’, the most natural route was taken in laying the course out through the sand dunes. As a result, the course has a unique combination of five par 3s and five par 5s."
The opening first hole at Doonbeg is one of my favourite golf holes that I've ever played. The amphitheatre surrounding of the first tee is unique and is something you don't experience in too many golf courses. The opening tee shot is from a high elevated tee box located just outside the clubhouse's panoramic window, where everyone inside can enjoy watching the golfers tee off as they enjoy their lavish lunch. The fairway is located well below the high tee box location and it is extremely generous in width up to around 260 yards, where thereafter it almost halves in width making it a truly difficult opening tee shot for any long hitters.
Dr. Martin Hawtree's newly redesigned the 9th and 10th hole in the past couple of years and I have to say both holes now take your full concentration. The 9th hole had a new green wider than the previous green and has plenty of undulating sections to the
green and the new tee box has been pushed some forty yards further back so now you have to hit a mid or long iron into a stiff North Westerly breeze on this magnificent Par 3. The back of the green is surrounded by a steep hill covered in tall fescue grasses waiting for any shots the shoot beyond the target. There are also two pothole bunkers cleverly located to the front left side protecting and flag positions covering the left-hand side of this green. Even if you hit your target on this hole there are no straight putts on this green.
Trump International Doonbeg Golf Links caters for golfers of all levels from the best players in the world who would struggle from the back tees to the recreational golfer who can enjoy the comfort of the forward tees and still have a challenging day ahead of them. Not only is this one of the top courses in the world the whole experience you get at Trump International Doonbeg is beyond everything you could image. Regardless who you are whether you are a local member, green fee guest, hotel guest or simply dining, the staff at Trump Doonbeg
go above and beyond every time. It doesn't matter who you encounter General Manager Joe Russell, Head PGA Golf Professional Brian Shaw, Assistant PGA Golf Professional Paul O'Neill, Golf Shop Manager Kevin Kenny and his team, Membership & Real Estate Director Brendan Murphy, Caddie Master Timmy Killeen, Bar Staff Dermot, John and crew they truly all go above and beyond to make
everyone at Trump Doonbeg welcome. Pop into the bar after your round for a bite also, the food is five star full of flavour and you won't regret sampling the local cuisine all sourced locally. Also, a special mention has to go out to Scott Marr and his greenkeeping team for keeping the course in pristine condition all year round.
Doonbeg Golf Links should definitely be on your bucket list for 2024.
The captain's drive-in for 2024 will take place at Woodstock on this Sunday at 2.30 p.m. and will be followed by a 9 hole scramble. Jarlath Fahy (men’s captain), Eilis Neville (lady captain), John O’Donovan (senior captain), Callum Hayes (junior boys captain), Emma Maloney (junior girls captain) and Ken Horgan (President) will officially begin their seasons on Sunday.
ENNIS GOLF CLUB
In the weekend’s men’s fourball at Ennis the winners were Adrian Rushe (12) and Cathal O'Gorman (15) with 48 points. They were three ahead of David Rushe (9) and Brian O'Gorman (9) with third spot filled by Senan Ryan (10) and David Considine (11) who also scored 45 points.
The winners of Saturday’s scramble were Carmel Verling, Enda Burns and Paul Kenny with 70 points and they had three to spare over Joe O'Brien, Bernadette Morrissey and Ferdie O'Donohue with third place filled by Derek Healy, TJ
Scanlan and Steve Burns who also had 67 points.
In the Pat O’Brien memorial trophy the weekly winners were Patrick Garry, Philip Brigdale and Gerard Hannon with 90 points.
GORT GOLF CLUB
In category 1 in the men’s 18 hole singles stableford competition at Gort last weekend, Trevor Cummns (6) won with 41 points.
Last week’s senior mens competition at East Clare was won by Terry Coughlan, Danny Minogue and Seamus O'Dwyer. In second place were Pat Duggan, John Fielding and John Nihill with third spot filled by Sean Ahern, Donal Fleming and Michael Heffernan.
KILRUSH GOLF CLUB
Week five in the Johnson’s bar Spring league at Kilrush saw victory go to Shane Carey (10) with 30 points. Geremiah Brennan (10) was second with 28 points and they were followed by Jason Gallagher (12) with 27 points, Barry Coleman (15) also with 27 points and Eoin Fitzgerald (10) with 27 points.
CLARE’s top owners and trainers were honoured at the annual awards of the Limerick and Clare GOBA.
The Limerick & Clare GOBA held their annual awards on last Saturday night at Limerick Greyhound Track. The awards have now become an annual event for the local GOBA and are becoming a very popular night out which honours the top trainers , owners and dogs from the previous year’s races. Newmarket-on-Fergus’ Myles Cummins claimed the top private trainer award. In 2023, he had a total of 41 winners. Adding to his title of Top Private trainer Myles also picked up the award of having trained the Top Dog of the year with Snuggy Bunty, who over the course of 2023 managed to win a total of nine races and was placed in a further seven races. April Rain was awarded bitch of the year. This bitch who is trained by Tom Flannagan of Ennistymon also managed to win nine races and went on to be placed in a further eight races.
Shannon’s Timmy Keane was given the Hall of Fame award. Down through the years, he has held many positions on various committees and continues to train and own dogs running in tracks all over the country.
Last week’s Galway action got underway on Thursday night,
over Run For Mary in the A8 graded fourth contest in 29.19. Smartly away from her trap four berth the daughter of Doratos Wildcat and Blundell Bridie quickly grabbed the rails berth racing towards the opening bend where she led by two lengths. Extending her advantage early in the back straight she led by four lengths at halfway as Fast Fit Duke gave chase and tracking well again exiting the back Ballyhealy Star ran out an impressive winner at the line.
The S8 graded sprint contest boiled down to a match from an early stage as both Nady Des and Crinkhill Bobby raced as one towards the opening bend with Lightfoot Ross just in behind the pair as the opening bend loomed. With the benefit of the inside line the Ulick Naughton owned Nady Des led by half a length rounding the opening bend and this margin was maintained by the Stephen Murray of Sixmilebridge trained son of Pestana and Town Clover as he defeated Crinkhill Bobby in 18.25.
The opening contest at the same venue on Friday night’s card was an S9 graded 325 yards contest and from traps Lightfoot Ricky was away well in company with Break The Deal but as they raced towards the opening bend the red jacketed Flyers Tornado owned by the Fitzgeralds of Kilrush slipped through along the inner to lead at the turn. Tacking well the son of Slippery Robert & Hopeful Catch shot clear of his rivals as he eased to a five length success over Lightfoot Ricky in 18.46.
Ennis were crowned the Division Three league’s champions, with a game to spare and were successful with a score of 53 – 12 against the Ardscoil Old Boys.
Ardscoil started strong scoring within the first five minutes. Ennis managed to respond well, though, with a penalty from Dylan Kenny, bringing the score to 7 – 3.
Ardscoil showed a couple of strong carries in the half, however, Ennis’ forwards put their bodies on the line to win the turnover. Ennis displayed some great attacking runs and kick-passed out wide to Kenny, who scored untouched under the post, which he converted. This gave Ennis a dominating 20 – 7 lead. In the second half, Ennis dominated, with Cian Guilfoyle making a great break through the defensive line to score under the post, converted by Kenny. Keane again made a break to get the load-off inside to Oisín Mangan, who scored under the post, converted
by Kenny. Callum Barret managed to make a sneaky break through missed tackles and passed the ball to Jack Scahill, who scored under the post, converted by Kenny. With only ten minutes to go, the referee ended the match and Ennis won the league after a final score of 53 – 12.
U15 BOYS DEVELOPMENT FRIENDLY:
ENNIS RFC 17 – 32 BALLINA RFC
Ennis had an improved performance for
History will be made this March as Coláiste Muire Ennis prepares to field its first-ever Ladies Rugby Team in the Munster Schools Rugby Final. The team has made an impressive entrance into the U19A schools cup competition and is set to face off against Sacred Heart Clonakilty Cork. With Joint captains Lyndsay Clarke and Ellis O’Flaherty at the helm, along with experienced players like Orna Moynihan, Sally Kelly, and Jennifer Weston, the team is very focused towards victory.
While Coláiste Muire Ennis has achieved great success in musical accolades, debating, volleyball, Gaelic Games and Athletics ,the introduction of a Ladies Rugby Team marks a significant milestone. This new venture
showcases how all students can get involved in sports, as rugby encompasses various components of health, including strength, power, speed, and agility. It promotes inclusivity and teaches players to show respect to all. However, one challenge faced by the team is the absence of a dedicated kit. Ennis Rugby Club has kindly offered their kit for the time being, but Coláiste Muire Ennis is actively seeking sponsorship from businesses in Ennis and the surrounding area.
This is a unique opportunity for businesses to contribute to the growth and development of young athletes in the community. By sponsoring the team, local businesses can showcase their commitment to supporting sports and empowering young women in sports. The sponsorship will not only provide the team with a much-needed kit but also
help create a sense of pride and unity within the school and the wider community.
As Coláiste Muire Ennis writes a new chapter in its sporting history, together, we can make this March a memorable month for the team and celebrate the power of inclusivity, respect, and teamwork in the world of sports.
All support welcome 13th march musgrave park cork @2.30pm (TBC) n momentum.
Manager:
Teacher Gemma Hassett
Coaches: John Kelly & Frank Clarke.
Panel: Orna Moynihan, Victoria Burns, Ellís O’Flaherty(J-C), Lucy Power, Ella Courtney, Lyndsay Clarke(J-C), Amy Butler, Fiadh O Shea, Keira O Neill, Caoilinn Cahill, Ciara Frawley, Jennifer Weston, Ellen Byrne, Eabha O Driscoll, Sally Kelly, Anna Byrne , Muireann O'Mullane, Sophie Culleton, Anna Steigerwald, Mary McInerney, Ella Firzgibbon, Elisha Rowland, Sadie Shalloo Murphy.
much of the game against Ballina, who beat them earlier in the season, but unfortunately lost 17 – 32.
In the first half, Tadgh Bane scored two tries, showing excellent footwork, while Ciaran Sheehan scored a good team try.
Both sides were level going into the final third, until the last five minutes of the match, when Ballina scored three break-away tries as they capitalised on momentum.
Other Results:
U14 Boys Pan Munster Competition: Ennis RFC 19 – 12 Shannon RFC.
U14 Girls Cup: Ennis RFC 27 – 7 Ballincollig RFC.
Fixtures:
U14 Girls Munster Cup Competition Quarter-Final: Ennis V Dunmanway; Saturday 9th March; Kick-off at 12pm in Lee's Road.
U18 Boys Pan Munster Competition
Quarter-Final: Ennis V Bandon; Saturday 9th March; Kick-off at 1:30pm in Bandon.
U18 Girls Competition Cup: Ennis V Ballincollig; Saturday 9th March; Kick-off TBC in Ballincollig.
U14 Boys Pan Munster Competition: Ennis V Clonmel; Sunday 10th March; Kick-off at 12:30pm in Clonmel.
Senior Women's Competition League: Ennis/Kilrush V UL Bohemians; Sunday 10th March; Kick-off at 1pm in Bohemians.
U16 Boys Pan Munster Competition
Semi-Final: Ennis V Nenagh; Sunday 10th March; Kick-off at 2pm in Fethard.
Senior Men's Competition League: Ennis V Killarney; Sunday 10th March; Kick-off at 2:30m in Drumbiggle.
ENNIS HOCKEY club has achieved a major milestone by booking its place in the Munster Cup U16 girls final for the very first time.
On Saturday, Ennis Hockey Club clashed with Cork C of I Hockey Club in the Munster U16 semi-final. It was a battle of two evenly matched sides but Ennis emerged victorious with scores in both the first and second quarters. Goals from short corners was central to the success.
Due to the absence of a dedicated hockey pitch in Clare, Ennis have to play their home ties in Limerick but it didn’t deter them.
Anticipation for the final due to be held on March 17th is now building among players, coaches and supporters.
Andrew Osak of Ennis Hockey Club told The Clare Echo, “While we celebrate this historic achievement, we also acknowledge the need for a dedicated hockey pitch in Clare. Such a facility would provide our talented members with the resources and infrastructure needed to fully realize their potential and follow in the footsteps of this remarkable journey to the Munster Cup final.
“As Ennis Hockey Club prepares to make history once again, we extend our gratitude to our dedicated players, coaches, volunteers, and supporters who have made this journey possible. Regardless of the outcome, our collective spirit and determination will continue to propel us forward, as we strive for excellence on and off the field”.
Take notice that D. McCarthy intends to apply to the Planning Authority for permission for the following works a) the change of use of existing ground floor residential area to use as a commercial unit b) the alteration of the front elevation to allow for a revised external façade and raised roof to accommodate a second floor c) the construction of new two and three storey over ground rear extensions which will comprise 3No. apartments along with a basement store area for the new commercial unit along with associated site works at the above.
That the planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours and that a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.
CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL
FURTHER INFORMATION / REVISED PLANS PLANNING REFERENCE:
P 23 / 60529
Development Description:
Planning permission for subdivisions of existing derelict townhouse into two townhouses, construct extensions to both townhouses, demolition of an existing roadside structure, construction of a first floor apartment & access to rear parking, development of parking spaces along with all associated site works at Main Street, Doonbeg, Co. Clare.
Location: Main Street, Doonbeg, Co. Clare.
Take notice that Tommy & Bridget Tubridy has lodged significant further information in respect of planning application P 23 / 60529. This information and planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the offices of the Planning Authority of Clare County Council, Planning Department, Áras Chontae an Chláir, New Road, Ennis, Co. Clare during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the further information or revised plans may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee, not later than 2 weeks after the receipt of the newspaper notice and site notice by the planning authority.
CLARE CO. COUNCIL COOR, ENNIS
Take notice that John O Reilly intends to apply for permission for development, the development consists of the construction of a slatted unit and associated site works at the above address.
The planning application maybe inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the offices of the Planning Authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.
CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL BALLYALLIA, ENNIS, CO. CLARE
Take notice that Robert & Anna O’Brien 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 beginning on the date of receipt by the planning authority of the application.
CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL LACKENNASKAGH, DARRAGH, ENNIS, CO. CLARE.
Take notice that Emma Carey intends to apply to the planning authority for permission to construct a new dwelling house and garage, complete with a sewage treatment system and ancillary works at the above address. The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority, Clare County Council, Aras Contae an Chlair, New Road, Ennis during its public opening hours and that a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the planning authority of the application.
CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL FORTANE MORE, TULLA, CO CLARE
I, Tim Bailey, am applying to the above authority for Permission/Retention Permission for the following development on property at Fortane More, Tulla, Co Clare V94 XP2H: 1.Permission for the construction of a detached domestic garage and new onsite wastewater treatment system, bored well, together with all associated ancillary and incidental site works 2.Retention permission for as-
built alterations to the dwelling previously permitted (Planning Reference 07/2909 refers) comprising the provision of first floor accommodation, installation of rooflights to the front and rear elevations, together with all associated ancillary and incidental site 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 BRIDGETOWN NATIONAL SCHOOL, BRIDGETOWN, CO CLARE
We, Bridge Celtic FC, are applying to the above authority for Permission for the following development on property at Bridgetown National School, Bridgetown, Co Clare V94 CD83: Permission for construction of Multi Use Games Area (MUGA), associated side fencing and netting, artificial grass surface, floodlighting and all associated ancillary and incidental 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 CLAREABBEY, CLARECASTLE, CO. CLARE
Take note that Tom O’Dowd is applying to Clare County Council for planning permission to construct a two storey dwelling house, including all ancillary site works at the above address.
That the planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours and that a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.
CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL LAHINCH ROAD, ENNISTYMON, CO CLARE. V95 K0F8
Take notice that Anna and Paul Ralph intend to apply for permission to convert the existing
basement area to bedroom/ plant room space, extend the building to provide additional storage at basement level, extending the kitchen area over it, with resultant altered/ new fenestration to the building & 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 BALLYVORDA, LISCANNOR, CO CLARE
Take notice that Peadar O Loughlin intends to apply for permission to build a new dwelling, install a waste water treatment system & 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 QUERRIN, KILKEE, CO CLARE
Take notice that John & Rachel Clancy intend to apply for permission for development at the above address.
The development will consist of the construction of a slatted shed.
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 Section, Clare Co. Council Offices, New Road, Ennis, Co. Clare, during its public opening hours.
A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the Planning Authority on payment of the prescribed fee of €20, within 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application and such submissions or observations will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions or may refuse to grant permission.
CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL, FINTRA BEG, MILTOWN MALBAY, CO. CLARE
Take notice that G. Quilligan intends to apply to the Planning Authority for permission to alter and extend his existing dwelling house along with ancillary site
works at the above address.
That the planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours and that a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.
CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL HIGH MEADOWS, GALLOWS HILL, CRATLOE, CO. CLARE
Planning permission is being sought by Gerard & Gemma King for the construction of a new single storey standalone structure to the rear of the existing dwelling to contain a lap swimming pool & sauna and associated site works at High Meadows, Gallows Hill, Cratloe, Co. Clare.
The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours and that a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.
Howard,
Ryan
Cratloe Clare
Ryan
Barry,
Dowler,
Kelleher,
Mulqueen,
ACROSS
Almanac
Commander
Commandos
Demands
Dismantle Egomaniac
Germanium
Humanly Kilimanjaro
Permanent Romance Salamanders
Undemanding
1 Pottery oven (4)
3 Endearing (8)
9 Hug (7)
10 Assisted (5)
11 Employees (5)
12 Material for violin strings (6)
14 Young cat (6)
16 Root vegetable (6)
19 Silly laugh (6)
21 Push roughly (5)
24 Go in (5)
25 Feign (7)
26 Cooked egg dish (8)
27 Difficult (4)
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 Memento (8)
2 North African country (5)
4 Soak (6)
5 Cook in an oven (5)
6 Nomadic Arab (7)
7 Terminates (4)
8 Perplex (6)
13 Magnificent (8)
15 Prickly plant (7)
17 Northern Ireland (6)
18 Tyrant (6)
20 Eat gluttonously (5)
22 Last Greek letter (5)
23 Nought (4)
1In what year was Clare GAA founded?
A: 1901
B: 1896
C: 1884
2The GAA was founded by Clare man Michael Cusack, but where was Cusack born?
A: Ennis
B: Carron
C: Clonlara
3In 1932 the Clare senior hurlers won their third Munster championship, who captained the side?
A: Amby Power
B: John Joe Doyle
C: John Considine
4In 1992 the Clare senior football team shocked Kerry in the Munster final, after the game which famous phrase was uttered during this occasion?
A: “There won’t be a cow milked in Clare tonight”
B: “We’re no longer the whipping boys of Munster”
C: “You can’t win a derby with a donkey”
5In 1995 the Clare senior hurlers made history bridging an 81-year All-Ireland gap defeating Offaly on a scoreline of 1-13 to 2-08, but which substitute scored the winning goal?
A: Cyril Lyons
B: Eamon Taaffe
C: Ger O’Loughlin
6 From that legendary ‘95 team how many players have gone on to manage the Clare senior hurling team?
A: 2
B: 3
C: 5
7What is the name of the Clare senior football championship trophy?
A: Jack Daly
B: Canon Hamilton
C: Sean O’Duffy
8Which club has won the most senior hurling championships since its inception in 1887 with 23 titles?
A: Sixmilebridge
B: Newmarket-on-Fergus
C: Éire Óg
9 Which club has won the most senior football titles since 1887 with 21?
A: Éire Óg
B: Doonbeg
C: Kilrush Shamrocks
10 In the 1970’s the Clare senior hurlers famously went 13 league games unbeaten in which club grounds?
A: Dr Daly Park, Tulla
B: O’ Garney park, Sixmilebridge
C: Clarecastle GAA grounds
l QUESTION 6: From that legendary ‘95 team how many players have gone on to manage the Clare senior hurling team?
10. Dr. Daly Park, Tulla
9. Kilrush Shamrocks
8. Newmarket-on-Fergus
7. Jack Daly
6. 5
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5. Eamon Taaffe
4. “There won’t be a cow milked in Clare tonight”
3. John Joe Doyle
2. Carron
1.1884
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