The Clare Echo 07/03/19

065 671 9021

lALL SMILES: Journalist, writer and broadcaster Mary Kenny chatting to Templegate Book Club members Joanne Casey, Clara Gleeson, Edel Malone and Mascha Heijnen after the Literary Lunch at the Ennis Book Club Festival in the Old Ground Hotel on Sunday afternoon

Photo by Eamon Ward

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7 Mar 2019

Lifeline to reinstate Ennis A&E PĂ RAIC MCMAHON

T

news@clareecho.ie

HE reopening of a 24 hour Accident and Emergency Unit at Ennis General Hospital has received a potential new lifeline.

Following on from the draft Regional Spatial Economic Strategy (RSES) compiled by the Southern Regional Assembly, Clare County Council

have made a submission highlighting some changes they would like made to the document before it is finalised.

One such requested alteration came from Cllr Johnny Flynn at Monday’s meeting of the Economic Development SPC. He referred to requirements outlined in the National Planning Framework and the projected population for Ennis would demand an A&E in the town.

Full story PAGE 2

2 NEWS

THURSDAY, MAR 7 2019

Index DOONBEG IN FOCUS

8-9

AOIBHÍN GARRIHY

10-11

ENTERTAINMENT

12-13

WOMEN IN BUSINESS 15-19 PROPERTY

22-23

MOTORING

24-25

EDEL McMAHON CLASSIFIEDS

26 28-29

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

NEWSDESK

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

SALES

Email ger.naughton@clareecho.ie or paul.mccarthy@clareecho.ie

lHAIR WE GO: Local Enterprise Office Clare Student Enterprise Programme County Final – Junior & Intermediate Category at Treacys west County hotel Ennis. Pictured is Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council Michael Begley with Linda Earlie, Senior Enterprise Development Officer LEO Clare and Scoil Muire Ennistymon participant of Lucy’s Braids Photo by Arthur Ellis

Potential lifeline for Ennis A&E PÁRAIC McMAHON

paraic@clareecho.ie

H

OPES of reopening the 24 hour Accident and Emergency Unit at Ennis General Hospital have received a potential new lifeline.

Following on from the draft Regional Spatial Economic Strategy (RSES) compiled by the Southern Regional Assembly, Clare County Council have made a submission highlighting some changes they would like made to the document before it is finalised.

One such requested alteration came from Cllr Johnny Flynn at Monday’s meeting of the Economic Development SPC. The Fine Gael representative highlighted there was “nothing on quality of life that deals with health” in the RSES. He referred to requirements outlined in the National Planning Framework and the projected population for Ennis would demand an A&E in the town.

“NPF page 77 table 5.2 outlines infrastructure needed for settlements, the availability of health is going to affect health services.

When you look at the NPF table for towns with a population over 10,000 it recommends an A&E hospital be in place. Are we

allowed to mention this and ask under quality of life that an A&E hospital in the centre of Ennis be reopened”.

Cathaoirleach of the SPC, Cllr Richard Nagle asked, “are you requesting a model three hospital for Ennis” and Flynn answered, “The reopening of a 24 hour A&E in a town with over 10,000 people is needed”.

Cllr Nagle confirmed that Senior Planner, Brian McCarthy was agreeable to include it in the submission. “Clare, Limerick and Tipperary all have to head to the University Hospital Limerick for the majority of services and that’s why the A&E is chaotic all the time. We have justification looking for a model 3 hospital because we are the only area that doesn’t have one”.

“We’re using their own national standards,” Cllr Flynn stated. “If we look to the NPF it makes perfect sense”, Brian McCarthy acknowledged. Director of Economic Development with the Council, Liam Conneally also backed Cllr Flynn’s proposal, “We should put in what the members have said, it’s clear, crisp and says everything there is to say”.

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NEWS

Former World No1 for Irish Open in Lahinch

PÁRAIC McMAHON

L

paraic@clareecho.ie

EE Westwood, Danny Willett and Shane Lowry have all been confirmed to play the 2019 Dubai Duty Free Irish Open in Lahinch this July.

The trio are the most recent Rolex Series winners join the recently confirmed Tommy Fleetwood on the list of players confirmed for the European Tour event which will be hosted

by Paul McGinley. The Clare Echo previously reported that Lee Westwood was rumoured to be heading for Lahinch in July.

Former World Number One Westwood and the 2016 Masters Champion Willett both enjoyed hugely successful finishes to their 2018 campaigns. Westwood claimed his maiden Rolex Series title, and his 24th European Tour title overall, at the Nedbank Golf Challenge hosted by Gary Player after four years out of the winner’s circle.

Willett, meanwhile, completed a comeback from injury and lack of form at the DP World Tour Championship in Dubai last November as he sealed his first win since famously earning the Green Jacket in 2016. The 30 year old has finished inside the top 10 four times in his last six appearances in The Irish Open.

Both players, alongside the recently-confirmed Tommy Fleetwood, will be hoping to

lCLARE-BOUND: Lee Westwood is among latest to confirm for Irish Open

become the first English winners of the event since Paul Casey emerged victorious at Carton House Golf Club in 2013.

Westhood said he is “really looking forward to the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open this year”. “Lahinch is somewhere I’ve never played, although I’ve heard a lot about it, how good it is. It’s obviously a good links course and with The Open coming up a couple of weeks after it, it will be good preparation. I’ve won a couple of times in Ireland but I’ve never won the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open so it would be

nice to put that tournament on my list of achievements. It’s nice when you go back to these Rolex Series events too and your caddie has a gold bib for winning one”.

For him, playing in Clare is a way of showing support for McGinley. “It’s nice for the players to support Paul. He’s well-respected and is obviously a former Ryder Cup Captain, I played under him at Gleneagles so hopefully he’ll get a strong field and the people will support him.”

Willett, who has not seen Lahinch, has only heard positive reports. “From what I’ve heard, they’ve chosen a beautiful golf course down there in Lahinch and the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open kick-started my year last year a little bit. There was loads of support and it’s a fantastic place to be. To be down in Lahinch and then a couple of weeks later up at Portrush, we’re going to have a few fantastic weeks there with crowds that know golf, know the game and I know they’ll come out in force. It’s worked in the past for me to play links courses before The Open and you often get a lot of Americans coming over to acclimatise. We’re travelling around trying to chase the sun and it’s nice to go a play a true links golf course.

“You can imagine Paul will have dotted all the Is and crossed all the Ts, and it will be well-organised,” Danny added.

THURSDAY, MAR 7 2019

Clare 250 to end after 40 years?

ORGANISERS of the iconic Clare 250 Mile Cycle have raised concerns that the fundraising event could be coming to an end.

In a statement to The Clare Echo entitled, 'Is this the end?', organisers admitted the future of the event is "unknown" due to dwindling numbers over the last decade. The statement, which questions the attitudes of participants, goes on to say that what makes the event unique is "we all support each other to get through it".

"We have heard that the cycle is too long, too boring, stops too much, provides too much food, should provide showers and shouldn’t expect people to sleep on a floor. Sadly we have heard 'I deserve' & 'I expect' more in the last decade than in the last 40 years. When we started the bikes were second hand, the gear was tracksuits and the transport was vans but we were willing to endure because someone out there had it worse off. Now the bikes, the gear, road safety and training has dramatically improved but we have lost what it means to be selfless.

"The event has always been and will always be first and foremost a charity event welcoming all levels of cycling experience.

We do what we do because most of us have personally watched someone we love live with cancer." The statement added, "To say the 'riders' do all the hard work belittles the immense amount of work the backup crew do on the days coming up to the event and on the weekend. Without them there would be no cycle and the Clare 250 certainly would not have lasted this long."

International women's day A PUBLIC talk on the suffragettes will take place at Clare Museum on International Women’s Day (March 8) at 3pm.

The talk will correspond with the unveiling of a quilt made to commemorate the centenary of women securing the right to vote in Ireland in 1918. The quilt was made by a Limerick & Clare Education & Training Board Core skills/ Family Learning textiles class at the Further Education & Training Centre in Ennis.

The inspiration for the quilt came from looking at the history of women’s suffrage, and also from looking at Clare Museum’s

collection of embroidered work from the ‘Clare Embroidery School’, made in the early 1900’s in Ennis.

The quilt will be on display until June, and the public talk is open to all on 8th March at 3pm at Clare Museum. Admission is free.

Meanwhile, Clare County Council, in support of gender equality in the workplace, are inviting staff members to wear a red item of clothing to work. The idea stems from the global ‘Red Shoe Movement’ and was proposed by Ennis Mayor, Cllr Clare Colleran Molloy.

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6 NEWS

THURSDAY, MAR 7 2019

Haven founder to lead Ennis parade

COUNTY CLARE TOURISM STRATEGY PHASE 1 PLANNING WORKSHOP INVITATION Clare County Council, in association with Shannon Heritage, is undertaking a tourism planning process that will result in a ten-year Tourism Strategy for the County.

This is an exciting initiative that will give the tourism industry a unique opportunity to look at emerging opportunities, and to discuss ways of addressing issues and concerns that together will generate a greater return from our visitors and build a stronger industry.

As part of this process, we would like to invite you to participate in one of our forthcoming workshops to be held across the county. These workshops will focus on questions such as: •

What differentiates Clare and gives the county a competitive advantage as a tourism destination?

•

What factors might be hindering the sustainable growth of tourism within the county?

•

How do we build on our advantages and strengthen the return on our markets?

•

What does success in tourism development look like?

TEAM Tourism Consulting is working with Clare County Council on the planning process and will facilitate these workshops. We invite you to participate in a workshop at a convenient time and location to discuss your aspirations and thoughts for tourism in County Clare and to assist in identifying the most appropriate steps that should be taken in the next ten years.

These workshops are the initial phase of consultation and we are looking forward to working with you in the ongoing process of developing the strategy.

The workshops are being held in the following locations: •

ENNISTYMON, Falls Hotel, Monday 11th March 2pm – 4.30 pm

•

SHANNON, Oakwood Arms, Tuesday 12th March 2.00pm – 4.30pm

•

ENNIS, Templegate Hotel, Tuesday 12th March 6.30pm – 9.00pm

•

KILLALOE, Lakeside Hotel, Wednesday 13th March 10.30am – 1.00 pm

•

KILRUSH, Vandeleur Walled Garden, Thursday 14th March 2.00 – 4.30.pm

•

ENNIS, Templegate Hotel, Friday 15th March 10.30am – 1.00 pm.

To confirm attendance and for further information please contact Sile, Tourism Unit, Clare County Council on 065 6846283, email tourism@clarecoco.ie

Clare Champion 22x2 83mm Clare People 20x2 103.3

STUART HOLLY

M editor@clareecho.ie

ARY Fitzgerald, the founder of Clare Haven Services and Haven Horizons, has been named Grand Marshal of this year's Ennis St. Patrick's Day Parade.

Mayor of Ennis Municipal District, Councillor Clare Colleran Molloy said Mary is receiving the honour in recognition of her work in providing front-line services, refuge, support and information to women and children experiencing domestic abuse through Clare Haven Services, which she established in 1993.

The Mayor also acknowledged Mary’s central role in setting up Haven Horizons in 2016. The service researches, develops and pilots best-practice, evidence-based solutions which effect measurable change necessary for the elimination of relationship abuse and associated gender inequality Reacting to the invitation to be this year’s Grand Marshal, Mary said, “I am truly honoured and thankful. It is especially significant to those I represent as it is not just one person. There is a marvellous team of people who I am privileged to work beside. We just want to give a voice to those affected in any way by domestic abuse.”

In excess of 10,000 people are expected to

line the streets of Ennis on Sunday, March 17 when more than 50 groups representing the many aspects of life in Co Clare participate in the 2019 Ennis St Patrick’s Day Parade. This year there will be prizes awarded for the entrants that provide the 'Most Musical & Colourful Spectacle' (1st Prize - €500, 2nd Prize - €300, 3rd Prize - €200).

The parade commences at 11am from Clare County Council’s Headquarters at Áras Contae an Chláir before proceeding via New Road, Newbridge Road, Club Bridge, Abbey Street, O’Connell Square, O’Connell Street, with participants finishing in the grounds of the Holy Family School, Station Road. Special traffic arrangements will be in place (details at www.clarecoco.ie).

The reviewing stand for 2019 is at The Height, O Connell Square, Ennis.

There will be a large designated viewing area along Newbridge road between Club Bridge and Steele’s Terrace. The location is in close proximity to the Stage at Steele’s Terrace where live traditional music will be performed from around 10am. The designated Disabled parking area is located at Ennis Courthouse, Lifford Road.

A Designated Disabled Viewing Area also will be established in O’Connell Square for disabled spectators for the duration of the parade. Spaces will be limited so spectators wishing to avail of this facility should arrive early. Disabled parking will be available nearby in the Council’s car park at Friars Walk, Ennis.

THURSDAY, MAR 7 2019

Drone fears for airport FOLLOWING closures to Dublin and Gatwick Airport due to drone activity in the last two months, the Fianna Fáil General Election candidate Cllr Cathal Crowe has stressed the need to to enact legislation to tackle the problem. He referred to the publication by the party of the Small Unmanned Aircraft (Drones) Bill 2017 “over two years ago and it’s now at second stage in the Dáil” which ensures they are all registered with the Irish Aviation Authority.

In a statement to The Clare Echo, Cllr Crowe commented, “Despite the Taoiseach’s claim that we have quite robust legislation, the closure of Dublin Airport sent a clear signal that the law does not go far enough. Until robust legislation is brought into force a threat is still posed, and Shannon Airport could be the next target”.

He felt Ireland was slow in dealing with the threat. “Other countries have responded to this emerging threat more rapidly, the UK has granted more powers to police forces to intercept drones and their operators, while Canada passed emergency legislation after Christmas. It’s time for the government here to act”.

NEWS

Shannon hasn’t moved on in 10 years - English PÁRAIC McMAHON

S

paraic@clareecho.ie

HANNON is in need of a focal point according to RTÉ broadcaster, Rachael English.

Rachael - who grew up in the town, attended St Conaire’s National School and St Patrick’s Comprehensive - was home to chair a public meeting on the future of The Venue, a proposed community, civic, cultural and interpretative centre. During the meeting, Gerry Murphy of EI Electronics dubbed Rachael “one of Shannon’s best exports” along with TV journalist Aishling O’Loughlin and Inter Milan’s Ryan Nolan.

“It was a great turnout of people who were clearly very passionate about the subject, the town, and their concerns that there have been a lot of plans and a lot of talk and they feel perhaps there is something missing.

“When I was growing up here, it really was a great place to grow up and at the time we didn’t feel that

we were missing out in any way but there isn’t a lot in the town now that wasn’t there in the 1980s and there are very few places that you could say that about,” she told The Clare Echo after the gathering.

Recalling her youth, Rachael said, “As a child I lived in Finian Park, there was a playground in Finian Park, there was a playground in Aidan Park and a playground in Tola Park. At that time it was a very, very young population here but I feel like for all the good things that have happened that... in the last 10 years or there’s a feeling that Shannon has needed to move on and it hasn’t.”

Having listened to the points raised by those in attendance, the presenter of Ireland’s most listened to radio show, Morning Ireland, agreed that the Government would determine whether the project lives or dies.

She continued, “You do need a focal point and I think other towns of a similar size tend to have something at their heart. Somebody made the point to me earlier that if you were to try and represent

7

l VOCAL SUPPORT: English discusses the future of The Venue with Cllr Gerry Flynn Photo by Joe Buckley

Shannon in a photograph it would be very hard to do because what do you do, show a picture of the estuary, the airport? Well neither of those are the town so what do you show to represent the town,” she added.

“Towns of broadly a similar population size between 9-11,000,

most of them seem to have something that Shannon doesn’t have, be that a cinema or there’s a theatre in Longford, quite a few Municipal Buildings in a place like Athy, Ballina has an Arts Centre. Shannon, which is a broadly similar size doesn’t have anything similar,” she told The Clare Echo.

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8

NEWS

THURSDAY, MAR 7 2019

‘We’re a united group in parish of Doonbeg’ Four business people sit down with Páraic McMahon to discuss coastal protection, Donald Trump and the impact his hotel has had on Doonbeg

A

you go you can see there is less and less it’s just fantastic. off four local farmers, what was the mood LL over the world Doonbeg people. Doonbeg is a great village and there P Mc: A taxi fare from Ennis Train Station like in 2002 and the lead-up to 2004 when ye may be known for its links to to Doonbeg village would cost €70, Bus Éire- knew something was going to happen? the President of the USA, Don- is so much going on here. If I’m anywhere and asked what is my address, once you say ann route 333 links the village to Ennis via ald Trump and Vice President Deirdre: I don’t think I was surprised you’re from Doonbeg you don’t have to exLahinch & Kilfenora with one two-hour jour- because I remember coming up here as Mike Pence but for the locals plain it anymore, we’re on the map for sure. ney each way daily and there is the Tuesday it is a place oozing with potential that can a kid and the place was spectacular, any P Mc: Doonbeg properties for sale vary in route to Kilrush. Do ye think that the lack of only be tapped by getting the green light for person that looked at it would say this place connectivity in a way cuts the area off? planning applications for coastal protection price from €39,000 to €395,000, why should has potential, everyone was excited about it someone relocate here?

Tommy: I think the roads, especially from because people came to see the place. Years work at Doughmore Beach and a €40m Joe Russell: I’m probably best placed to Kilmihil, definitely have to be upgraded. investment at the hotel owned by the family ago there was no access, you were trespassanswer that. When I heard about Doonbeg It’s a disgrace especially with our TDs in of the Whitehouse resident. ing if you were trying to get into the beach.

The Clare Echo visited Trump Internafirst up in Dublin I had no clue, but I had West Clare, they should be pushing for it to Tommy: There are so many acres fenced tional Golf Links & Hotel Doonbeg Ireland vaguely remembered Greg Norman had be upgraded, it is very important to have a off the famous snail we have here, Vertigo to get the thoughts of shopowner and been associated with something in West good road infrastructure coming into the Augustus. I remember as a young lad drawFianna Fáil general election candidate Rita Clare. The week before I met the people golf resort and into West Clare. ing sand out of here with my dad and we’d McInerney, publican and former county from Kiawah [former Doonbeg owners] I Joe: I think it’s more of a community see the tractors, trailers and lorries taking footballer Tommy Tubridy, fitness instrucdrove down here myself with my son who question for people. For here it’s either self sand out, it was brought all towards West tor and surfer Deirdre Fitzpatrick plus was two and a half at the time. I went back drive, taxi or public transport coming from Clare, it is probably in every football field Tipperary native and General Manager of up to my wife in Maynooth and thought the Airport. On Tommy’s point, drive some in Co Clare, it’s in the church grounds in the hotel, Joe Russell. ‘this is different’. I couldn’t get over it, it was of the roads in Kerry and drive some of the Doonbeg. This snail has done very well for Páraic McMahon (P McM): I mentioned just stunning, my friends and family hadn’t roads in West Clare. itself, he has travelled all over West Clare to a couple of people that I was coming back seen the beauty that was down here. People Rita: If you leave Shannon Airport the and unfortunately there is 70 to 80 acres to Doonbeg and I just asked them ‘what did would have said to me ‘that was a brave first sign you see for the Wild Atlantic fenced off here over him. What’s happening they first think of when you say Doonbeg’, it’s move you were making’ but I had an inner Way is at junction 17 for Ardrahan which at the moment he is being washed out to not a scientific poll but the two most comconfidence that if they do these premises is ridiculous, there should be signage at sea and the Trump family are trying to promon answers were GAA and Donald Trump. and do that golfcourse in that location it junction 12 to say this is the start of the tect him by putting in a defence barrier.

How does that make ye feel as locals? was going to be something special and it’s Wild Atlantic Way...When you mentioned After a year or two when the defence barRita McInerney: I was hoping they would turned out so. Then I moved down my wife connectivity, I thought you were going to rier is there you won’t even notice it, it will also mention drama because we have a and three children, the local community talk about broadband, it’s a good and a bad be covered over by sand and the boulders long tradition of drama in Doonbeg. GAA embraced them, we still have great friends thing. When you go into Doonbeg there is that were there which were there back in around the country brings communities that we made in the first week and month nobody on their phones in the pubs and it’s the 40s... all we’re asking is to put back what together. In terms of Donald Trump, it has we were here... The other thing is that it’s not because everyone dropped social mewas taken away in the 40s, restore it. brought positives and negatives - it certain- so enjoyable, I walk over from my office dia, it’s because you’ve no mobile reception.

Joe: It’s important for people to underly puts the place on the map. to here and I’m looking at the ocean, how Deirdre: Long may it last. stand, people catch on to things, bywords Tommy Tubridy: Since the golf resort has many people can do that in their day job, P Mc: Land for the golf club, that was got become reality, there is no wall going out come to Doonbeg, it has been fantastic for the area and since the Trump family has taken over you can see how the course and hotel has improved. I’m in business over 40 years and I can see how things have improved in those years. Different things have started up like CS Fish which is a big employer. I think things are going to get even better in Doonbeg if the Trump family gets their way, and they will. We’re waiting and waiting for a decision to give us the go ahead on the golf course.

Deirdre Fitzpatrick: For the first time in years the local school has three teachers. It was a two-teacher school for 10 to 15 years and it’s great to see the 50 kids have qualified for the third teacher. I’ve lots of friends employed in the hotel that have families going to school so it’s so important getting l LOCAL INTEREST: (L-R) Publican Tommy Tubridy, hotel manager Joe Russell, businesswomen Rita McInerney and Deirdre Fitzpatrick people to live back here, the further West Photos by Arthur Ellis

NEWS

THURSDAY, MAR 7 2019 there, it is sheet metal piling back from the dune face with rock at the bottom covered over with sand...Every year we submit an annual conservation report which isn’t cheap, I’m here 16 years and nobody has ever come back from an environmental perspective and said ‘you’re doing the wrong thing’, as a General Manager the company’s commitment would be to do what’s agreed in planning.

Tommy: What’s really frustrating the local community is when you see Ballybunnion, Lahinch and fair dues to them they got the go-ahead, Sathill the same way. It’s very frustrating for the people of Doonbeg which is going to be done on a smaller scale, to see this being done all around and we’re not getting the go ahead, I think we’re being discriminated against in the parish of Doonbeg.

Joe: The island of Ireland itself continues to kick the can down the road with regards to the solution for coastal erosion, it’s happening and unless we face up to it as a nation and do something about it, this isn’t the only area where this is happening and it is compromising communities and compromising people’s homes, farmland.

You saw the impact of the 2014 storms, it’s happening, we either move to the middle of the country and decide to abandon the whole place or we do something about, I think the latter is going to have be done.

P Mc: I was at a public meeting and a man from West Clare asked ‘why should an environmentalist living in Dublin put an objection in place that would damage West Clare long term’. What happens if the coastal protection works don’t go ahead?

Joe: Because some people have a difficulty with Mr Trump they are using this as their cause as it relates to this venture. If we don’t get a solution here it’s going to compromise future investment. I asked the question a number of years ago ‘if nothing was done will at some stage the waves be crashing up against this building’ and nobody could give me an answer. The future investment that we have calculated, were we to build the recent planning application for the ballroom, the leisure centre and the housing, you’re talking the guts of €40 million. The answer to your question, would you build a house without protection on the ocean front? You would think a while about it and that’s what the company is doing, thinking hard about it. While that clock is ticking opportunities are being missed, the business we have turned away because we don’t have a permanent ballroom facility is millions.

Tommy: If we get another bad storm, the houses, the farmland could be flooded.

When I mean it could be flooded, it could go right down to Kilrush, to Killimer car ferry. That’s how serious it is and people don’t realise it, the people of Doonbeg realise it. There is an awful lot at jeopardy, from Doonbeg back will be an island.

P Mc: Obviously we have the Donald Trump connection to Doonbeg. He has come out with policies and comments that have annoyed a lot of people all over the world.

How do you react in such an instance?

Joe: Just because somebody owns a business doesn’t mean his employees have to agree or disagree whatever their political views are. The previous ownership, we had one of them a staunch republican and the other a staunch democrat, how do you square that one off when you’re having a conversation over dinner or whatever it is?

Going back to your very first question I feel a tremendous sense of relief because when we opened this business and went into the recession the two original owners separated, it was a very concerning time for everybody; myself, my family, my children, the people working here and then the people in the community. There were some sleepless nights as General Manager, you do feel a

l TABLE TALK: Páraic speaks to locals about Doonbeg Photo by Arthur Ellis

tremendous level of responsibility to ensure that you keep the show on the road. When you have little or no investment going into a property that is a relatively new, business that can be challenging. Trump comes in the door and has consistently year after year invested and improved this premises, whatever anybody thinks about Donald Trump, working with the Trump organisation is a very positive experience and I have to say that, political views are political views.

Tommy: I had the pleasure of meeting Eric and Don, they came into us in the restaurant in Doonbeg and I found them lovely people, really down to earth and chatted away. They said they would be working hand in hand just like the previous owners.

P Mc: The statement of previous owners wouldn’t have garnered as much headlines and once Donald Trump infamously referred to Doonbeg as “small potatoes”. As Doonbeg people, what did ye make of the comparison?

Joe: I’ll answer that. You’re going to love this answer; that is typical media spin. I sat there listening to that entire interview, he was presenting in a vicinity that was formally opened by his company and he talked about the work that was done and in the context of the conversation, he was saying ‘that’s small potatoes now and I’ve a bigger job to do’ that’s what he said. On TV a couple of weeks afterwards he referred to his investment in Ireland and how proud he was of it which didn’t get as much traction.

P Mc: In 2002 with the land being purchased off local farmers, Deirdre you said it was very exciting, when February 2014 came around and a billionaire was coming to buy it, did that excitement multiply?

Deirdre: I feel really privileged to live here and that I didn’t have to move away.

I created my own business in my own community, it’s fantastic and when you saw things like that happening you were like ‘oh God, I potentially could live here I don’t have to leave’ because my sister had already emigrated to the States and those things happen. It was exciting that friends were going to stay around, you weren’t going to get separated and all the little things.

Rita: You have to give credit to the fact that there is a property of this magnitude here because ... the fact you’re able to live in your own area and have a future, it’s the sense of confidence that it gives, Joe referred to it earlier ‘relief ’ because you knew there was an organisation that could further invest so it was relief because it was very questionable for the months before that and the day they arrived ye had no electricity and even after that they stayed!

Tommy: Before he’ll leave the Oval Office we will see him in Doonbeg, I’ve no doubt in my mind.

Joe: I hope so.

P Mc: On the planning applications. The ballroom and leisure centre development, what happens if that doesn’t go ahead?

Joe: The business loses opportunity for rapid advanced growth. We’re crying out for that permanent facility. To put it in practical terms; if you have a person who is a conference organiser for whatever company and that person will not risk a conference into a marquee where it could be a windy day and you won’t be able to hear anything, it’s that basic in terms of the sales and marketing offering.

P Mc: Doughmore Beach, am I wrong to call it a hidden gem? Would you prefer if more people were coming to it, we spoke before about Lahinch.

Deirdre: I don’t think it’s hidden anymore, I can see it from my home. Some days I could see horses on the beach, it’s lovely to see activity on the beach. I ran a retreat at the beginning of the month and we walked the beach as part of it. The more people on the beach would be fantastic.

Rita: The parking is an issue.

Deirdre: In Lahinch there is a whole promenade you can park on.

Rita: In fairness there was planning for additional car parking there and that really needs to be enhanced. It’s very historical from the point of World War 2 and the

9

plane that came down there. It’s a discovery point on the Wild Atlantic Way, it certainly needs to be publicised even more.

P Mc: Two questions in one, are ye all in favour of the two developments and how important are they?

Tommy: Certainly we’re 100 percent behind them. It’s going to be fantastic for the future of the area, for my kids and my grandkids. But for it, my family wouldn’t be staying around here and I wouldn’t have my grandkids now which is fantastic, when you get up in the morning they can walk in the door to you and a lot of that goes to the Doonbeg Golf Course with my daughter and my son working in the business and hopefully my other daughter will be coming back and building a house in the next year or two with her family supporting the local school and the local shops.

Deirdre: I’m in favour. As I said I surf, the surfing community would obviously have their concerns but that’s understandable.

I feel more confident after what Joe said about how the stones are going to be buried.

Rita: You talked earlier about people from other parts of the country and the world objecting and I do have a problem with that, anyone who is living here or investing here should have a say and how far is another question. I do think the people who have concerns need to be listened to.

We love Doonbeg and we love where we live, we’re not going to do things that could jeopardise that, we have seriously looked at the plans that Trump has presented, we have asked questions and they have taken it on board and changed things as a result.

We’re not stupid like, we want to maintain what we have so we’re not going to do things that in the long term will affect it.

Tommy: Look at all the places on the West of Ireland, if they had something like this.

Deirdre: They would hold on to it.

Tommy: They would really hold on to it and I tell you this much, we will hold on to it because we’re one united group in this parish, we work together and we will work for each other, we’re not going to say no.

10 COLUMNIST

THURSDAY, MAR 7 2019

Aoibhín Garrihy

LOVE

CLARE

Celebrating International Women’s Day THE NOTEBOOK

I

T was a very special weekend as we were in Dublin for the annual Clare Association Awards in and were lucky enough to witness the in-

credible Laura Brennan honoured

Laura Brennan: Honoured as Clare Person of the Year

as this years deserving recipient of Clare Person of the Year. What a powerhouse that lady is, despite her life threatening illness. Her campaign efforts in championing the HPV vaccine have continued and despite leaving hospital on Saturday night to accept her award on the condition she would be back by midnight, Laura left a lasting impression on us all. I was completely in awe of her as she took to the podium to share her message and I think those in attendance felt privileged to witness her very emotional, passionate speech. Laura, you are amazing.

This week saw us launch the VHI Women’s Mini Marathon with a whole host of fabulous ambassadors as part of this year’s “Run Squad” and I am delighted to be in a position to run it this year. Last year I was ready to pop with Hanorah due that very month so I was cheering on Mom and the girls on the day

HAPPENINGS DOOLIN SURF FESTIVAL 22nd-24th March - For lovers of the sea run by lovers of the sea, check out the very first Doolin Surf Festival’s three day event. Doolinfestivals.ie

(above)Aoibhín and John dressed for the Clare Association Awards (below) the VHI Women’s Mini Marathon launch

from the sideline but this year I’ll have my competitive hat on and am ready to take them down!! All jokes aside, it’s an amazing event, the biggest all female event of its kind and I will be running this year in aid of the Elevate foundation. Registration is now open at

COVET IN

CLARE

vhiwomensminimarathon.ie Today is International Women’s Day and I’m delighted to share some ladies who inspire me here in Co Clare in this week’s Top Five while sending all the positive vibes to all the female readers of the Clare Echo today...and remember you have two hands; one for helping yourself and the others for helping others.

Together we can do so much.

PARADE PRETTY Fancy sporting your native colours in an uber stylish way this St Patrick’s Day, look no further than this cheerful heart print shirt from Lily’s Boutique available in store and online for just €39.99.

OUT LIKE A LIGHT Explore the technique of sleep with a self cured insomniac, Naturopath and Sleep Coach Lisa Varadi.

This game changing little sleep bible will have you blissfully in the land of nod before you can count sheep. Available at the Kilkenny Shop for €8.95

GREEN FINGERS Need some inspiration to get out gardening?

Look no further than Bud in Bunratty. These new ceramic pots are the perfect addition to your Spring garden.

What are you waiting for? Get those blooms potted!

ST PATRICK’S DAY PARADE, ENNIS With prizes for the most colourful spectacle expect a sea of bright bold floats at this year’s parade. See clare.ie for more.

FITSPO Need some motivation to move? Why not freshen up your gym look with this fabulous pastel and powder pink two piece from Nike available in the women’s studio at Lifestyle Sports.

MY FIRST LOVE One of my favourite Irish designers, Joanne Hynes’ highly anticipated SS19 collections lands in Dunnes Stores today and if you are looking for bright, bold, brilliant statement pieces look no further!

THURSDAY, MAR 7 2019

Women to 5 watch in Clare

Top

Celebrating International Women’s Day, here are five women who inspire me and who I have no doubt have bright futures ahead.

1

LOUISE MCGUANE

Having forged a successful career in the international drinks industry with positions such as global marketing manager at Pernod Ricard and Global head of world class Diageo brand, Louise has now taken up residency back home in Cooraclare where she is managing and developing global sales for her very own JJ Corry brand which sees her now represented on three continents and quickly establishing a reputation as one of Ireland’s leading whiskey brands.

2

3

DR TRIONA MCGRATH

A love of the ocean runs deep in the McGrath/ Acheson household so it’s no surprise that Dr Triona McGrath established her career and pursued her passion, becoming a national and international advocate for oceanic protection.

Triona’s primary area of research is chemical oceanography and is a Fulbright-Marine Institute Scholar. With our oceans future more and more in jeopardy, Triona’s particular area of expertise will become even more invaluable to us all.

TARA HOWLEY

Hailing from Kilfenora, Tara Howley is a multi award winning instrumentalist and singer songwriter who has spent the past number of years touring the world with the internationally acclaimed Riverdance.

To add yet another string to her bow, Tara recently established her own business ‘Stepping Into the West Tours’ forging her passion for music, her love of Clare, her home and her unique energy showcasing the very best this county has to offer. Tara has also recently taken to social media to share her love of music every day with her #365daysbytara videos featuring music by Tara herself, her family and musicians she meets along the way. So not only is she entertaining those lucky enough to hear her live but she is now on a mission to spread her passion to an even wider audience.

4

5

SANDRA MURPHY

Having carved a very successful career in global fashion capitals New York and London, working as a fashion designer with ASOS, Topshop, Gap and Victoria’s Secret, Sandra has returned to Ireland and to Ennis and has begun a brand new creative project in MURALA. Alongside designer Alan Kelly, Sandra has set out to realise an all new beautiful, practical, ethical and sustainable womenswear brand producing garments you can feel good about as well as in.

Creating garments designed for a lifetime of love and made to last, MURALA is a name you will no doubt hear a lot more of in the months and years ahead.

SUSAN KEATING

Susan Keating, originally from Loop Head, is the brains behind Neuú, a unique Clare based, natural seaweed, skincare brand using scientific extraction of lipids and alginic acid from seaweed blended to soothe and rehydrate the most sensitive skin. Inspired by the durable characteristics of seaweed and as someone with sensitized skin herself, Susan has brought this very unique innovation to her brand to create NEUÚ.

Now exporting internationally, NEUÚ is set to establish itself as one of the go to brands for sensitive skin.

COLUMNIST 11

Entertainment

History comes to life at Book Fest

H

istory came alive on Friday as Tomás Mac Conmara presented his research in the form of aural and video interviews.

More than 200 people of all ages attended the Tuamgraney oral historian’s lecture ‘Demons – The Black and Tans in Memory and History’ as part of Ennis Book Club Festival. A fifth year history class from the Coláiste Muire under the supervision of Ann-Marie Hooke and Helen Shiels were the youngest members of the audience.

Amy Browne (Ennis), Áine Dempsey (Quin), Leanne Casey (Kilmaley), Clíona O’Donovan (Doora), Caoimhe McAteer (Quin) and Laura Leonard (Crusheen) were six of the history students present and they shared their thoughts on the lecture with The Clare Echo.

“I found that it was easier to comprehend the time these people went through by hearing them speak about it rather than seeing it in chronological order printed in our textbooks. It gave more colour to the topic and it

l LEARNING EXPERIENCE: Ann-Marie Hooke and Helen Shiels with fifth year history students from Coláiste Muire Photo by Eamon Ward

helped me realise the magnitude of what was going on at the time,” Áine said of the interviews featured during the lecture while Caoimhe added, “If you’re learning through something interactive like the powerpoint it’s so much easier to learn off it and videos. It was interesting the way some of his interviews were in 2016, he’s been going through this for years, there is loads of preparation”.

All six were in agreement that history should be a compulsory subject in secondary schools as Leanne highlighted the role it plays. “It’s necessary because we’re the future and we need to know what happened in the past in order to keep it going, history is constantly changing so we need to know what happened in order to preserve our history, our culture and our heritage”.

It’s not the first time this group

BYRNE SET FOR ENNIS

JASON BYRNE: YOU CAN COME IN, BUT DON’T START ANYTHING A BRAND new show from ‘The Outright King of Live Comedy’ (The Times) is winging its way to glór, Ennis.

The star of ‘Irelands Got Talent’, Jason Byrne is one the most exciting live comedy performers in the world. What he achieves on a stage cannot be adequately described by audience members, critics or fellow comics. Thus his legendary shows become a secret shared experience among his audience. Every night stars are born, friendships are formed, mascara is ruined and pants are binned. Don’t miss the chance to become part of this unique comedy experience but don’t forget to bring spare pants. n Saturday 16 March 8pm, glór Tickets €22, Suitable for over 15’s

of students have ventured outside the classroom to gain more insight into history as they have recently returned from a trip to Belfast which included visits to museums and Stormont Assembly. “It was really great to be in the environment that the history took place because you get a different feel and talking to different people who are interested about different topics of history because you almost learn more when someone has their own emotion and stories behind it as opposed to reading from a book,” Laura commented while Caoimhe felt “It makes it more personal”.

Mac Conmara urged the students “to read your own landscape and keep it alive” which struck a chord with Clíona. “It was really resonatory how everything had happened there and everything he was talking about could be related to where we live and the people we know, it would definitely give you a reason to explore more about our local history. It would have been a good history topic to have chosen”.

Return of the Fleadh?

FLEADH Cheoil na hÉireann could be returning to “the home of traditional music” in the next five years if Ennis councillors get their way.

Two years since the world’s largest traditional music festival was held in Clare, a proposal will now be drafted to ensure the Fleadh is back in Ennis within the next five years. It comes following a meeting of the Ennis Municipal District (EMD) on Tuesday where Cllr Pat Daly requested the EMD, Council Executive and local Comhaltas branch work on a proposal to bring back the Fleadh to Clare.

“I have no doubt the 2016 and 2017 Fleadh were both the most successful Fleadh in the last 25 years,” Cllr Daly declared. He recalled a conversation with Council Official, Carmel Greene in which she enlightened him that “there isn’t many towns looking for the Fleadh”. “Ennis can do it whether it’s in 2020 or 2024, we had the success and we will again,” the Fianna Fáil councillor stated.

Fine Gael’s Mary Howard seconded the motion. In 2016 it was estimated €38 million was spent in the town while the following year’s event broke records with over 450,000 people attending over the nine days peaking at 100,000 on the Saturday.

Genre-trotting Grammy winner Giddens in town FASTEN your seatbelts as Grammy Award-winning songstress and multi-instrumentalist Rhiannon Giddens and Italian jazz maestro Francesco Turrisi take you on a musical voyage of discovery from Africa and the Middle East across to Europe and the Americas. The duo discovered a shared creative ground after their paths crossed a few years back, spanning gospel, jazz, blues, country and folk, and this is their first time performing in glór, Ennis as part of a nationwide Music Network tour.

Giddens’ debut album was described by the Guardian as a “solo debut of phenomenal vocal power, effortlessly jumping between gospel holler, tender folk song, and lachrymose country ballad”. Her star continues to rise with US TV performances on The Late Show and The Tonight Show, and the Steve Martin Prize for Excellence in Bluegrass and Banjo.

The powerhouse singer’s versatility is matched by accordion and piano player Francesco Turrisi. Dubbed the “musical alchemist”, his lyrical, culture-bridging collaborations include early music, Balkan jazz and contemporary ensembles as well as performing with such luminaries as Bobby McFerrin, Dave Liebman, Wolfgang Muthspiel, The King’s Singers and flamenco master Pepe el Habichuela.

“Her songs are wise and deeply-felt, her singing powerful and refined” – Rolling Stone Buckle up for a globe- and genre-trotting musical tour – meeting rootsy folk, blues and gospel along the way. Tickets on sale at glór Box Office now. n Wednesday March 13 8pm, glór Tickets €16/14 conc / €8 under18s

Scariff Community College Hall 21st - 30th March 2019 Thu 21st March, 2019

auspices e h t r e d Un of the .

A.D.C.I

by Judge

Bryan McMahon

followed by:

Tarbert Theatre Players in THE

ADJUDICATOR:

PAUL BRENNAN A.D.A.

Sat 23rd March, 2019

Skibbereen Theatre Society in

THE BEAUTY QUEEN OF LEENANE

by Martin

McDonagh

Fri 22nd March, 2019

in LIFE

SUCKS

by Aaron

Posner

Sun 24 March, 2019 th

Ballyduff Drama Group A FINE BRIGHT DAY TODAY

Goulding

by Geraldine

Aron

Fri 29 March, 2019 th

Doonbeg Drama Group in FOOL

FOR LOVE

by Sam

Shepard

Contact: 087-268 67 64 Pre-booking not necessary.

Mon 25th March, 2019

Sliabh Aughty Drama Group in SIVE

by John

B. Keane

Thu 28th March, 2019

Kilmeen Drama Group in

Open

OLD MOON

MacMahon

in

Tue 26th March, 2019

in SAME

by Bryan

Corofin Dramatic Society

by Philip

Compántas Lir

HONEYSPIKE

Wed 27th March, 2019

Nenagh Players

THE LIEUTENANT OF INISHMORE

by Martin

McDonagh

in

WHAT HAPPENED BRIDGIE CLEARY

by TOM MCINTYRE

Sat 30th March, 2019

Brideview Drama Group in

PHILADELPHIA, HERE I COME Doors open: 7.15 pm Curtain nightly: 8.00 pm

Doors open final night: 7.00 pm Curtain final night: 7.30 pm

by Brian

Friel

Followed by

ADMISSION: Adults: €10.00 Seniors: €8.00 Students & Children: €5.00 Season Ticket: €70.00 Mountshannon Design & Print 061 921475 info@cybergate.ie

14 THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK

THURSDAY, MAR 7 2019

Ronan Scully

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK Author spreading the word of positivity

RE-CALIBRATE THIS “LENT”

F

OR me the season of Lent is an attitude of honesty and humility and a time where I reflect on where I find God in my life. It is an opportunity to reassess, reflect, review, readjust and realign my heart to Jesus this Lent. But Lent is also an attitude of relief and joy, knowing that our sins have been forgiven, that we have the chance as Pope Francis said, “To get back on track and re-calibrate” and that our slate has been wiped clean as we seek to serve our God with our lives.

“Remember that you are dust and unto dust you shall return” are the words the priest intones as he imprints the cross in ashes on the foreheads of our faithful on Ash Wednesday. In an age of incessant self-promotion and unbridled self-expression, these words may seem strange or even counter-cultural, but we ignore their meaning at our own risk. For the next 40 days of Lent, throughout the world we will be urged to walk together through the desert of our unworthiness, examine our consciences, face our faults, and turn to the Lord for his grace in a broken world mainly caused by all of us in someway or other.

Our lives may be filled with many things, including plenty of food and many material possessions, but none of these things has eternal value. Nor will they satisfy our deepest desires to find lasting peace. Such a desire can only be filled by God’s life in us.

While we may be tempted to think that fasting or giving up something or taking on something is too difficult or simply outdated, let us not forget the millions of people throughout the world and some who I work with and for, who are forced to fast each day because they simply do not have enough food to eat or water to drink. Our fasting, giving up or taking on during lent brings us into solidarity with the poor of our country and our world and should move us to help those who are hungry and thirsty through no fault of their own. Lent asks us to forget the “selfie,” to take ourselves out of the picture. And one of the best ways to do that is through self-sacrifice — not simply by passing up our tea or coffee or sweets, but perhaps by letting go of the certainties and selfishness that cut us off from others and God’s grace. So these next weeks of Lent are a time for us to look deep into our hearts, to think about our lives and how we have been living them. If people want

to temporarily give up certain things for Lent as a sign of love for God, that’s fine.

But what Christ is really concerned about is what’s in our hearts. Resolve this Lent to be emptied out, to make room in your heart and soul for God to bring about great work in you for the good of yourself and others especially those most in need in our world.

What I have found in reflecting on my life especially during times like Lent is that I find God in helping others. On one of these occasions of finding God I remember one cold morning when I worked with the Mother Teresa’s Missionaries of Charity on the streets of Calcutta, I went to Sealdah Railway station to reserve my ticket for a short holiday to Darjeeling to follow the footsteps, so to speak, of the journey of Mother Teresa’s beginnings. It was cold, foggy weather which was unusual for Calcutta.

My taxi dropped me near the station and I tried to go inside to the ticket counter.

Suddenly, I saw a middle aged woman, trying to get relief from the cold with a torn blanket, lying on the ground at the entrance of the toilet area.

She was suffering from leprosy and the fingers of her hands were falling off, and one of her feet was also falling off and hanging by its sinews and she was trembling from the cold. She was trying to cover her body with the torn blanket so that no one would see her deformity or her leprosy, but she failed every time to do it. She wished for someone to come and help her. So many people passed by her, but no one helped. I forgot all about the cold and I was whispering to myself, “God, why are you giving so much pain to this beautiful woman? Why are you not helping her?” Then I suddenly realized that God sent me to help this person and I quickly ran to help her cover her body. She was barely able to whisper the words, “thank you”. I lifted her, cradled her in my arms and carried her to the front of

the station through the crowds and flagged down a taxi and the taxi driver seeing our predicament sped through the streets of Calcutta waving a red flag or handkerchief out the side window of his car so that we could get to the Mother Teresa’s house called Kali-ghat which was also known as the house of the dying. I found out in our journey from Sealdah Railway station to the house of the dying that her name was Mara.

On that journey she told me her life’s story which sadly is the story of many women and girl children in our world and it was a story of abject poverty, abuse and horror.

By the end of the taxi journey I didn’t know whether it was me helping her or her helping me in the way she was profoundly thankful for me been there in her hour of need. I carried her from the taxi among the throng of people on the streets of Calcutta into Mother Teresa’s house of the dying called Kali-ghat. I cleared a spot for her on one of the beds. I was standing near her feet and as the Mother Teresa sister’s cleaned her and cared for her along with a close friend of mine Fr. Eamon Kelly from Donegal who was at that time working with the sisters in Kaligath, I couldn’t help notice or stop looking at the fact that half her left foot was missing. It had been completely eaten away by maggots and as Fr. Eamon and the sisters cleaned it many more maggots were taken out. The bones were sticking out of her foot and some of these had even been worn away because Mara had used her foot to drag her self along because she couldn’t walk in her condition. The foot was eventually amputated that day and Mara died a few days later surrounded by much love and prayers from Fr. Eamon, myself and many of the Mother Teresa sisters present in Kali-ghat.

Repaint and Thin No More!

Paddy, the painter, often would thin his paint so it would go further. So when the

Church decided to do some deferred maintenance, Paddy was able to put in the low bid, and got the job. As always, he secretly thinned his paint way down with turpentine to save on costs and make more of a profit for himself. One day while he was up on the scaffolding -- the job almost finished -- he heard a horrendous clap of thunder, and the sky opened and it lashed rain. The downpour washed the thinned paint off the church and knocked Paddy off his scaffold and onto the lawn among the gravestones and puddles of thinned and worthless paint. Paddy knew this was a warning from the Almighty, so he got on his knees and cried: “Oh, God! Forgive me! I am sorry for thinning the paint. What should I do?”

And from the thunder, a mighty voice said out loud: “REPAINT! REPAINT! AND THIN NO MORE!” Thought for the week As your thought for the week, always remember that each one of us has a purpose and a place in the world. Each of us experiences pain, tiredness, loss, sadness, joyfulness, love, and hope and many other feelings and emotions associated with our human conditions. If we look more intently this Lent at the people we encounter on a typical day, we will see who they truly are, persons loved by God and an opportunity for us to love God in them. Regardless of appearance or situation, the woman, man, or child before you each of the days of our lives are brimming with holy possibility.

Consider that you are gazing into the eyes of God and understand that Jesus comes to us in many faces and places and its there we will find God in our lives. Try doing something good to make things better for yourself and those in genuine need of love and care in our families, our communities and our world. Therefore during Lent we should, as the poet William Arthur Ward said, Fast from fear; Feast on Faith! Fast from despair; Feed on hope! Fast from depressing news; Feed on prayer! Fast from discontent; Feast on gratitude! Fast from anger and worry; Feed on patience! Fast from negative unkind thinking; Feast on kind and positive thinking! Fast from bitterness; Feed on love and forgiveness! Fast from words that wound; Feast on words that heal and give real Life! Fast from gravity; Feast on joy and humor! Happy Lent everyone.

DOROTHY MCCARTHY LEWIS Glamorize

Tell us about your business?

It’s called Glamorize.

Customers come into us from all parts of the country with their outfits and just say ‘Accessorize Me’, other than the dress & shoes , we have everything else.

We have accessories for any occasion , weddings, debs, grads, christening parties etc.

Our most popular jewellery is by Absolute , people come from all over for it, their jewellery is amazing & this year even more so than ever. Prices range from €15 , so affordable & wearable.

Our other accessories include handbags by David Jones, beautiful clutch bags, ideal for any special occasion, headpieces & wraps.

What do you like best about owning

business?

Some customers are not sure how to accessorize , so that is where we help with our advice.

What makes your services special?

The one to one service we give to customers. I have three excellent part time staff who love their jobs & are as passionate about it as I am.

The biggest compliment we get is when our customers say ‘thank you for your help and we will be back’.

How would you describe your business Classic but inexpensive, stylish & elegant, without breaking the bank How do you relax? Long walks on the beach with my toy poodle called Bear and a little yoga.

What tip would you give women who

are starting a business?

Believe in yourself. Don’t let anybody put you off. If you feel you can do it, then you can.

What has been your favourite moment as a business owner?

The satisfaction derived from seeing a satisfied customer What is the biggest challenge you have faced?

Setting up a new business is always a daunting task What 4 words would you choose to describe your business? On-trend Extensive, Treasure Trove, A secret gem 59 O’Connell Street, Ennis (065) 684 8500

Paula Williams & Audrey Flynn Ennis Electrical Tell us about your business?

Ennis Electrical Supplies Ltd -Finance, Director 18 years.

Williams Sport Horses Ltd – PARC Stables – Finance Director 13 years.

Also, with the Mid-Western Cancer Foundation Ltd I’m a Director and Secretary voluntarily with this charity for the last 7 years.

What 5 words would you choose to describe your business?

Quality, traditional, friendly, variety, Flexible What do you like best about owning a business?

It would have to be the privilege of time flexibility. I am fortunate to be able to work hours that enable me to get some time at home. Home life is so busy, with the kids in school, facilitating their training for national & international shows every weekend on top of juggling all the other hobbies & tasks in any one day so not having to sacrifice my time with them by working full time would have to be the best thing about owing a business.

What or who inspired you in business?

My parents, my Mum is one of the hardest workers I know, she is so strong, she has had a huge impact on my life and my Dad equally so too, any idea he ever thought of, he would follow through to the end and that’s so important in everything you do and then my husband,

he is very fortunate to have a job he loves and so he is naturally driven, this is always inspiring on the days you feel like its all uphill.

What makes your products/services special?

The sales team that sell them! We sell some mundane items like washing machines, dryers, cookers, toasters not half as exciting as being in the rag trade,,, but when you leave our store happy with the sales person you have met who has made every effort to ensure you are knowledgeable and confident in your choice, you leave feeling brighter than when you came in - That’s special. We have the best sales teams in all our electrical stores, they are a wonderful bunch who make every effort making our customers happy.

What motivates you on a daily basis?

Family, staff, customers!

Without any of them there would be no business. I am lucky to work with my family every day, we have amazing hard working staff, some of who have been with us over 30years, and of course friendly customers. All make working on a daily basis that bit easier.

Do you think there are any issues for women in the workplace?

Yes, it would be naïve to think there wasn’t, even though we have come a long way throughout history by gaining the right to vote ect there is still an obvious gender bias. I was chatting with

Chanelle McCoy recently, she mentioned she was a key note speaker at an electrical retailer conference in Ireland last year.

She told me she was shocked to see that there were only 3 women in the room, she said “it was very disappointing to see” so even in our own industry is still very clear it exists. I also believe the nomadic caveman notions of women still lurks around along with the stigma that if a woman has a strong opinion about something she is often labelled in a derogatory manner, this wouldn’t happen to a man.

What tip would you give women who are starting a business?

Women are fierce, I see colleagues & friends of mine that have educated themselves to the highest degree, others master of their own craft in business and still keep things going at home.

They are total powerhouses of multitasking and still remember all the smaller details in a day. These women are amazing - I get all my tips from them, but If I had to give a tip or advice in starting a business, I would tell them to make sure your figures add up. Its all great having a wonderfully good idea and deciding to do something you love, but the sad fact is that 30pc of business fail in their first year due to capital issues.

Set sales targets, meet them and watch your expenditure. Keep good account-

ing practices. A new business must be minded like a baby, at the start it needs a lot of care What other female leaders do you admire and why?

As mentioned before we have extremely successful women in business in Ennis.

Jean Mc Cabe of Willow, Sisters, Gwen Culligan and Maeve Flouch of County Boutique, Tina D’auria of Bambinos, Maureen Harrison of Seodin, Aoibhin Garrihy and Sharon Connellan creators of BEO Wellness, all these are leaders in their own right, and ladies to admire, showing huge commitment to their businesses and customers. They are known nationwide and its amazing to think they all came from our little town of Ennis.

Quin rd Business Park T: 065 6829684 Parnell Street Branch, Ennis T: 065 6828640

16 WOMEN IN BUSINESS

Shirley Gillespie & Emily Ryan Supermacs

Tell us about your business: Quick service resturant in the heart of Ennis selling freshly cooked, quilty products.

What are your most popular products or services?

Our new fresh range has been a great success since it was introduced. Freshly cooked meat and chicken products never frozen.

What do you like best about owning a business?

The challenges it brings and learning the skills to cope with same.

What or who inspired you to start your business?

Pat and Una Mc Donagh have been marvelous support over the last 17 years.

What makes your products/services special?

In 2019 it has to be the move away from frozen products and the use of fresh only.

What is your biggest fear?

Don’t have enough time for that one.

What motivates you on a daily basis?

Not knowing what the day will bring.

What is the biggest challenge you have faced?

The rising cost of doing business esp Insurance increases.

Do you think there are any issues for women in the workplace?

Even do we are a Franchise we have a very strong network behind us and we both agree we havent found any issues for women in the work place.

How do you relax?

Any form of travel, Lahinch Beach, the coast line from doolin to fanore.

People may be surprised to know...

Been involved in 2 very successful Fleadhs it was a very spacial time mad but realy enjoyable.

What has been your favourite moment as a business owner?

This year we won a major award from we had been nomanated over the

years which was always an hunor but this year we won it was nice to get the reconiction out of over a 127 shops little old Ennis won (now we have to keep up the standards).

What are your future plans and what do you want to accomplish in business?

To continue to grow our business and enjoy the opperatunity that are around the conner 9 O’Connell Street, Ennis (065) 682 0914

Fatima Haloui Hughes LeCroque

Tell us about your business: It is a fusion of French and Moroccan food but still with Irish classics.

What 5 words would you choose to describe your business?

Traditional, creative, Quality, Focused, Homely.

What are your most popular products or services?

Our croque sandwiches and our salads sell very well, but the Moroccan soups and pastillas also the tajines have become really popular.

What do you like best about owning a business?

I can determine what direction my family and myself take any benefits are for me and my family.

What or who inspired you to start your business?

All my life my father (who has passed away) helped to direct me my mother taught me how to cook and still does also my husband.

What makes your products/services special?

We use traditional recipes for our soup’s tajines and pastillas and we make all our sandwiches and salads to order we try to make people feel at home and just to feel relaxed for the little time they spend with us.

What is your biggest fear?

To stand still and not to be able to develop the business.

What motivates you on a daily basis?

Success, belief in the business and the people who work with us.

What is the biggest challenge you have faced?

Getting the doors open after my husband ended in hospital.

Do you think there are any issues for women in the workplace?

Yes, women are still underappreciated but this is not unique to Ireland or Europe but an international problem. We forget that in most households our mother are the people who manage the books organize the food arrange the development of the home and now

hold down a job because it is to expensive survive without a second income.

What tip would you give women who are starting a business?

Believe in yourself believe in your product and focus on what you believe be patient give your business time.

What other female leaders do you admire and why?

I admire Michelle Obama and Amal Clooney they are intelligent eloquent and elegant ladies fighting for human rights.

How do you relax?

I like to walk I like saunas but I feel most relaxed when I pray and read the Quran.

What place inspires you and why?

It is a small café near nice called café Max it was simple place with simple food all done right.

People may be surprised to know...

My family are very very distantly related to the royal family of Morocco.

What has been your favourite moment as a business owner?

Opening the doors.

What are your future plans and what do you want to accomplish in business?

My future plans are my present plans and that is for the business to be a success and I can only focus that.

Lower Market Street Ennis (065) 688 4743

WOMEN IN BUSINESS

17

Gillian Ennis

Carrygerry Country House Tell us about your business: We are a country house owned by myself and my husband Niall. With 11 bedrooms all en-suite and individually decorated in keeping with the charm and character of the 18th century house we pride ourselves on giving each individual the best experience possible. Our conservatory restaurant overlooks green fields with the Fergus Estuary in the distance which creates a beautiful setting and very relaxing atmosphere . Our functions room has the ability to cater for all types of events including family gatherings and weddings.

What 5 words would you choose to describe your business?

Welcoming , Intimate, Charming, Elegant, Quaint What are your most popular products or services?

We have an array of products all created here in house – including our award winning seafood chowder, pates, jams, marmalades and chutneys.

What do you like best about owning a business?

When we receive wonderful comments from guests and diners the satisfaction from this is very rewarding.

What or who inspired you to start your

business?

As a teen I worked in Haydens Hotel in Ballinasloe and loved the buzz of the hospitality industry and always dreamed of one day marrying a chef and running our own business together. And so here we are, married with two wonderful boys owning our own country house for the last 16years.

What makes your products/services special?

At Carrygerry we have a wonderful team of loyal staff who are just as passionate about Carrygerry as my husband and I are.

What is your biggest fear?

In this industry there are always fears, but with sheer determination and the fact that I am so driven to keep my business going I try not to let fear take me over and instead take on the challenge that we are faced with!

What motivates you on a daily basis?

My main motivation is my children. They are the reason I get up every day. Also the customers of Carrrygerry are my motivation.

What is the biggest challenge you have faced?

I suppose the obvious challenge that

most businesses faced over the last few years was the economic down turn. But turning that corner and riding out the recession has made us stronger as a business and we are more determined to make it work.

What tip would you give women who are starting a business?

You can do anything you put your mind to. Don’t let negativity sway your judgement. Even though there are days when you may want to throw in the towel the satisfaction when you succeed makes it all worthwhile.

How do you relax?

As a business owner it is very hard to take a step back but when I do have free time I love to go walking and I really enjoy pilates. It is very important as a business owner to ensure that you do look after yourself to ensure that you are mentally capable and able to take on the challenges that may arise.

What place inspires you and why?

Ballynahinch Castle has always been one of my favourite properties in Ireland as they do everything so well What has been your favourite moment as a business owner?

Winning our first award back in 2006 it

was Country House of the Year What are your future plans and what do you want to accomplish in business?

We have lots of plans for the future, as the house was built in 1793 there are always maintenance and upkeep throughout the year. This year we are renovating our bedrooms in the main house in keeping with the character of the house. We are also doing some work on our front garden and also our orchard area.

We supply a number of local shops with our Carrygerry Range of homemade products, we are planning to expand further in 2019.

Newmarket-on-Fergus Shannon (061) 360 500

Julie Kilmartin

Kilmartin Educational Services Tell us about your business: Kilmartin Educational Services is a Munster based educational services based in Ennis and Limerick. We offer a wide range of services for primary-second & third level students. Our aim is to maximise the academic ability of every student in a friendly, professional environment. Removing the distractions of the modern world from the study hall, offering expert tuition in all subjects.

What are your most popular products or services?

Evening and weekend tuition, providing students with the opportunity to maximise their academic ability. Our Intensive Revision Courses over the Christmas & Easter holiday periods are in demand especially for the Junior and Leaving Certificate students. Of course our Summer Courses are now growing in popularity along with our Study Skills Seminars & Career Guidance.

This month our Oral Leaving Certificate courses are in high demand and these courses are run by top state examiners.

What do you like best about owning a business?

Having the opportunity to chose our team of expert teachers and to be able to provide a wide range of educational services to meet the growing demand

of students. To have the ability to make decisions on the creation of a new product or service without having to seek approval from a higher power.

What or who inspired you to start your business?

The goal to provide an exceptional educational services for students at all levels and respond to their academic needs. To be one of the best, if not the best educational services in Ireland. We aim to be the best.

What makes your products/services special?

Our team of amazing teachers who are highly experienced in their subject matter with the ability to impart knowledge.

Our study supervisors who are themselves parents and know how to look after our students. Of course, our wonderful inter-generational administration team. We combine the energy of the youth with the wisdom of the older experienced staff members. Our Revision Courses are probably the best in the country as we revise more vital exam topics and give students exceptional subject choice at a very competitive, affordable price.

What is your biggest fear?

None really. I guess if i had to give an answer, it would be ill health and not

been able to do what I love, which is teaching and making a difference to the lives of our youth.

What motivates you on a daily basis?

When I see all our wonderful students excelling in their subjects. To see them going out of a class room knowing that they fully understand the topic and that we have removed a stress in their lives, the worry of failing an exam. To see students achieve their academic ability. To be able to offer students subjects that are not available in their school. Basically, to know that we have made a difference to the lives of a young person and their family and indeed their future.

What is the biggest challenge you have faced?

I am currently facing it. We are about to launch one of the most revolutionary educational databases/app/booking engine over the next few weeks. It has taken over 2 years to date to build and we are nearly there!. It has consumed a lot of our time and finances but it is going to be amazing.

What tip would you give women who are starting a business?

Build a strong team around you - from the solicitor to the accountant, to your Health and Safety Officers. You will need good advice along the road to your

success.

What other female leaders do you admire and why?

There are so many but in this modern world and the fact that I am in the educational business, I must mention Malala Yousafzai, the young Pakistani activist for female education and the youngest Nobel Prize laureate. Closer to home and in our business, the one and only Clare woman, Marie Moloney from Broadford. She is the back bone of our team, a great leader, administrator and a friend.

Kilmartin Educational Services Ennis & Limerick 061 444989

18 WOMEN IN BUSINESS

May & Summer Mallee Thai Tell us about your business: We are a new restaurant in Ennis providing fast, tasty and healthy dishes.

What 5 words would you choose to describe your business?

Warm , Modern ,value , traditional, wholesome.

What are your most popular products or services?

Stir frys , Dumplings and Home made Deserts , Pad Thai, Firecracker Prawn.

What do you like best about owning a business?

Freedom to create great dishes and reward good customers.

What or who inspired you to start your business?

I had years of experience in catering and I felt we had something to offer Ennis people .

What makes your products/ services special?

We make everything fresh, we

tailor dishes to our customers needs. We seek feedback and I think people like that. It demonstrates our commitment. We really love our repeat customers and we like to give a warm welcome.

What is your biggest fear?

My biggest fear is fear itself. Lets not go there. grrrrrrrrr What motivates you on a daily basis?

I dont know but I am driven.

Sometimes I look up at our great ceiling and around the rom at the beautiful colours and I think , my god this is mine and I get that warm feeling. It lifts me up.

What is the biggest challenge you have faced?

Sometimes machines break and water appears from nowhere so in time we might fully understand our building but it has a mind of its own sometimes.

Do you think there are any is-

sues for women in the workplace?

I dont think so. We have a lot of female staff and they get on well with the guys. One of our best Chefs is a woman and she is probably one of our main assets in the kitchen.

What tip would you give women who are starting a business?

Brace yourself and plan your moves well , reach out to people for help and take advice where you can . People are good and always have good advice.

What other female leaders do you admire and why?

You wouldnt know their names but we have some strong Thai women and leaders in Business and politics How do you relax?

I eat ha ha.

What place inspires you and why?

Maeve Wilson

Fairgreen Stoves and Fireplaces

W

hen Maeve Wilson was looking for inspiration to establish Fairgreen Stoves, she didn’t have to go far.

She comes from a long line of entrepreneurs, including her great grandmother who had her embroidered cloth stocked in Macy’s in New York City and Harrods in London.

Her great grandmother started a cottage industry in Donegal and providing employment for women who embroidered cloth.

As well as having a shop in Donegal where she sold her wares, there is also a story that Maeve Wilson’s great grandmother used to smuggle embroidered cloth over the border to Northern Ireland.

“You always kind of think back. It’s quite inspirational that in my great grandmother’s time she was running a business,” Maeve said.

Maeve and her husband Donagh worked for a stove company in Scotland before moving home to Ennis to start their own company.

Fairgreen Stoves stock solid fuel, free standing, electric and pellet stoves. They also have a range of stunning fireplaces and accessories.

The Fairgreen Stoves team offer a unique service that Maeve and Donagh brought home from Scotland. It’s common practise in Ireland that customers buy their stove from one company and

employ someone else to install it.

However Fairgreen Stoves is a one-stop shop for all of the customers’ needs. Not only can customers make their purchase at the Ennis showroom, the Fairgreen Stoves team can then install the product and talk you through your servicing requirements.

“When people come in to the shop we give them the best advice that we possibly can to make sure they are getting the right stove for their needs and my husband goes out to complete the survey at the customer’s home,” Maeve said.

The Fairgreen Stoves fitters are trained to HETAS standard; this means that the installation that you get will comply with Irish Building Regulations and comply with house insurance requirements.

Maeve believes that being successful in business comes down to working hard and surrounding yourself with the best people.

“It’s in my experience that the key to running a successful business is surrounding yourself with the strongest team possible, and that couldn’t be more true of everyone here at Fairgreen Stoves.

They’re the best in the business and we couldn’t provide such a comprehensive and personable service without them.

For any enquiries, call Maeve on 065 6797 453.

Big cities and bright lights People may be surprised to know...

That I have been in Ireland over 18 years.

What has been your favourite moment as a business owner?

They day we opened Mallee Thai Ennis.

What are your future plans and what do you want to accomplish in business?

Whatever the future holds im ready. I am in the long game For more information about mallee Thai, please visit www.malleethai. Com or call 0656862099, Fb:malleethai, Instagram

WOMEN IN BUSINESS

Slimming World Caroline Caroline joined her Slimming World group in October 2016 and has dropped 3 stone in weight since. Now she has trained as a consultant for Slimming World. She says when I first joined Slimming World as a member I never dreamed that I would end up helping other people to lose weight but now I just can’t wait to get started.

Support is really the most important thing, it all starts with feeling you are not alone. I couldn’t have lost 3 stone without the weekly help, encouragement and understanding of my own Consultant and my group.

Louise My Slimming World Journey started back on November 6th 2016. Having been over weight for as long as I could remember I didn’t have great expectations with Slimming World. I started that day weighing 12 Stone 10lbs – quite heavy for my 5 foot 2 frame . Having been told I could eat all the rice and pasta I wanted I can safely say I put it to the test and was more than happy with the outcome. I lost 6.5lbs in my first week and and on May 23rd 2017 I got to my target weighing in at 9 Stone 13 lbs.

Louise Hi I’m Louise and my Slimming World journey began in 2009. After a few false starts I rejoined in Shannon in January 2017. I was nervous about rejoining as I had given up before but was met with such warmth and friendliness I knew it was going to be my time.My weight was at its all time highest weighing in over 16 stone. I knew I could still eat all my favourites though including pasta, chips and even homemade pizzas and still lose weight. And I did! I lost over 3 stone.

19

Fidelma O’Donovans Function Room (Brian Boru On the hill), Ballina. Thursdays at 5:30pm & 7:30pm. Fidelma 087-4395322.

After dropping 10 dress sizes, Killimor native, Fidelma O’Brien was thrilled to open her Slimming World Group in O’Donovans Function Room, Ballina Every Thursday at 5.30pm 7.30pm, giving her the chance to help her members lose weight and gain a new life by following slimming worlds amazing food plan. Fidelma is very proud to announce her members have lost a staggering 673 stone over the last 12 months!

Elizabeth Hi, a warm welcome awaits you at Slimming World Ennis in the Auburn Lodge. I’m Elizabeth, 52years old and have been running classes now for 5yrs every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday in Ennis.. like so many others I had tried pretty much every diet going but they were never sustainable long term because they were too restrictive, at nearly 20st I was desperate for help... Finding Slimming World changed my life, I couldn’t believe I’d found a way to lose weight without starving myself, it never felt like I was on a diet.

Maura My Slimming World experience began when I joined (very nervously) as a member in January 2017. I had struggled with my weight for years and despite multiple attempts at various diets, I didn’t really know what to expect with Slimming World. I couldn’t believe that I could eat all of my favourite foods like pasta, potatoes and fish and still lose weight - I was blown away when I lost 7lbs in my first week! I went on to lose 4 stone over that year and I loved the fact that I wasn’t “dieting”. I never felt hungry or deprived.

Losing the weight has also given me the self-belief to change my life in other ways too. I left my previous job and trained as a consultant with Slimming World.

Ruth Hi my name is Ruth Sheridan and I have been a Slimming World member since January 2015. I was extremely nervous the first night I walked into my group, I was not in a good place, my weight had spiralled since the birth of my son and I was really at my lowest point. I didn’t know what to expect. I couldn’t belive it when I found out that I could still enjoy all my favourite meals, even chips! I left group that night feeling so welcome and reassured that I would get all the support I needed to achieve my dream. I went on to lose 5st 10lbs.

20 COMMUNITY

Community DROMOLAND

l CONNECTING: Hospitality and tourism sector representatives from all over Clare gathered for a Tourism Networking Evening at The Inn in Dromoland on Thursday 28 February 2019.

Organised by Clare County Council, in association with Clare Tourism, the free business-to-business event provided tourism providers with the opportunity to showcase their respective operations to the wider County Clare tourism Industry.

The event also featured a number of presentations from tourism sector representatives. Jennifer Houliellebecq of TEAM Tourism & Consulting provided a progress update on the new Tourism Strategy for County Clare which is being developed by Clare County Council, Eoin O’Hagan provided a sector update as Chair of Clare Tourism, and Margaret Jenkins of Fáilte Ireland provided advice for attendees on how to leverage business.

Photo by Eamon Ward

NORTH/WEST CLARE

RCB HELPS LEAVING CERT STUDENTS RCB Radio is proud to present ‘Cleachtadh a dhéanann máistreacht Vol 5’ . This is a 20 part radio series which is aimed at leaving certificate students.

Each 15 minute episode focuses on a different Sraith Pictiúr (Picture Sequence) for the examination and will help students in preparing for the Irish Oral exams which start on 25th March.

This series was produced by Gaeilgeoir Mairead Ni Mhathuna.

Tune in to RCB Radio on 92.5 or 94.8 FM in the South West area of Clare on Saturday 16th March at 2 pm to hear the first six (15 minute) episodes and on Sunday 17th March at 4pm to hear the next four (15 minute) episodes. The

remaining ten episodes will be broadcast at the same times the following week.

Alternatively, you can listen live online at www.

RCB.ie. The TuneIn app can also be used on your phone, tablet or laptop to listen in to the station and can be downloaded for free from www. tunein.com ADULT LEARNERS FREE TASTER WORKSHOP Clare County Council and Kilrush & District Historical Society have been successful in securing funding for a heritage-led regeneration project in Kilrush.

Minister for Culture, Heritage and the

THURSDAY, MAR 7 2019

CONTACT NEWSDESK

065 671 9021 news@clareecho.ie

Gaeltacht, Josepha Madigan TD and Michael Parsons, Chair of the Heritage Council, announced that six historic towns, including Kilrush, will share in €1million in capital funding under the Historic Towns Initiative 2019. €190,000 has been allocated for the conservation of Terret Lodge and the conversion of the gate lodge, which dates back to 1845, to a genealogy and exhibition space. An additional €50,000 is being provided by Clare County Council towards the project.

INIS CATHAIGH FEIS Ríona Davoren (right) from Kilfenora won 3 first place medals and Noel Birmingham Shield for Banjo in Kilrush.

ENNIS ENNIS PLAYERS SET FOR SIVE Ennis Players are currently in rehearsal for John B. Keane’s Sive, in the year that marks the 60th anniversary of its very first staging.

Ennis Players previously performed Sive in 1976 and at the recent launch of the current production; members from the original cast met with the current cast and reminisced on their enjoyment of the play and the production. The 1976 production was directed by Hugh Gallagher who plays Sean Dota in the current production which is directed by Bernie Harten. The production also features Maeve Plunkett as the conniving Mena who along with Thomasheen Sean Rua, played by Jackie Scanlan contrive to sell Sive (Sinead Finn) to the old man.

The production is highly energetic and balances the wit and humour of John B.’s writing with the poignancy and tragedy of the story.

Sive will be staged in glor from March 20th – 23rd at 8pm nightly and tickets (€18/€15) are available through the box office. – 065 684 3103. In keeping with the annual tradition Ennis Players will donate proceeds from opening night to charity and this year’s chosen charities are Sláinte an Chláir and Breast Cancer Research.

FREE EVENT FOR INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY ‘That’s How I Lived’: Cuimhneamh an Chláir with support of Clare County Library will host this free event to mark International Women’s Day in the building next to Waterpark House in Ennis on Friday 8th March from 6 to 8pm. Paula Carroll will play clips from our archive which showcases the work of women and its role in society. Refreshments provided and all welcome.

ENNIS DUATHLON 2019 Barefield was bustling with activity on Sunday last as duathletes braved tough weather conditions at the annual Ennis Duathlon.

Ennis Triathlon Club members Ella Doherty and Ger Troy took the spoils in a field that included a large mix of athletes from around the country.

It was a great day for Ennis Tri Club with Mick Davis and Marko Horvat also finishing in the top 10. Meanwhile, last year’s junior winner Sabian Kulczynski was busy flying the flag for Ireland at the ETU Indoor Triathlon Junior European Cup in Lievin. The future is certainly very bright for Ennis Tri Club.

Ennis Tri Club would like to thank everyone who took part.

They are always looking forward to meeting new members of all abilities and would encourage you to come along to any of their training sessions. See more @ www.ennistriclub.com.

THURSDAY, MAR 7 2019

BUSINESS AND RECRUITMENT

CONTACT US FACEBOOK, TWITTER AND INSTAGRAM #CE

Ennis Chamber to host Tourism talk

E

NNIS Chamber will host ‘Spending Trends: Tourism, Retail & Hospitality Industry Insights & Marketing Trends’ on Monday March 11 at 5.45pm in the Civic Room, Waterpark House, Ennis, in association with AIB. David McCarthy, head of Hospitality and Tourism, AIB, said “AIB is delighted to partner with Ennis Chamber to provide guests of the event with useful and up to date statistical insights on the Hospitality & Tourism Sector in Ireland and will also specifically provide insights for the Clare market. AIB is using data to inform ourselves and our customers on trends in the various subsectors of hospitality and tourism.

“As the largest lender to this sector in Ireland, we continue to support existing and new customers to achieve their business goals and ambitions.”

Diarmuid McMahon, President Ennis

Chamber commented “This promises to be a very informative and insightful session with a great line up of speakers. It will particularly appeal to decision makers across the industry sectors in focus, as well as professional service providers who support those businesses. It will provide apt and powerful information to help steer businesses in the right direction “ There will be plenty of Clare specific information shared on the night. Using anonymised information from card processing machines in Clare, David McCarthy of AIB will take a look at the average spend in retail, food and hotels, as well as demographic information on who those spenders are and where they come from.

The event will be chaired by Tina O’Dwyer of The Tourism Space. This event is also open to non-chamber members alike and it is free to attend. However booking is necessary through Eventbrite or by email to: mobrien@ennischamber.ie

The Clare Echo welcomes newest member of staff

THE Clare Echo is delighted to welcome on board Paul McCarthy, our new Sales Executive.

Continuing our very strong theme of employing West Clare people in the office, Paul McCarthy currently resides in Ennis while his family is based in Quilty.

Paul is originally from Tipperary.

But don’t hold that against him – Paul insists he’s a neutral when the two meet.

The married father of one is a former business development consultant with successful online start-ups including Dealrush.ie and Escapes.ie.

Now delving into the world of media ad sales, Paul is committed to offering customers tailored campaigns to strengthen their business brand.

For any advertising enquiries, call Paul on 085 2551215.

New Frankfurt route

SHANNON Airport has announced that its first ever scheduled Lufthansa service is to have its capacity doubled this year with the announcement of a second weekly service to Frankfurt.

The service will now operate to Frankfurt on Thursdays as well as Saturdays, with the outbound leg on Thursdays arriving in Frankfurt in time to meet onward connections at one of Europe’s largest and most important airport hubs.

The service will operate weekly using an Embraer190 aircraft on Thursdays and an Airbus A319 on Saturdays and will run from the May 2 to October 12.

Commenting on the enhanced commitment, Andreas Koester, Senior Director Sales UK, Ireland & Iceland: “We look forward to building on this success to further expand our footprint in Ireland.”

BUSINESS 21

22

PROPERTY

THURSDAY, MAR 7 2019

DARACH HONAN

N

EW Central Bank consumer protection rules encourage Switch-toSave on Mortgages!

Central Bank is Putting Customers First!

New Central Bank rules relating to current mortgage holders have come into force since January 2019. These rules are in response to 2015 findings that more than one fifth of borrowers could save money by switching. The new rules will make it easier for bank customers to get information about savings on their mortgages. Furthermore, this will encourage competitiveness in the market and better mortgage rates for customers.

Key points under the new requirements: • 60 days before a fixed-rate mortgage term ends, the bank will have to provide details of the new rate and possible other options.

• Variable rate mortgage customers will have to be informed by the bank every year whether they can move to a cheaper interest rate.

• Current customers may request their lender to provide a comparison of the total interest payable on the customer’s existing

mortgage and the interest payable on the new or alternative rate on offer.

• Banks will be required to alert customers to the relevant section of the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission website where they can compare prices.

Are You Paying More Than You Should?

Many people with existing mortgages in Ireland are paying much higher interest on their repayments than they should. The 2015 analysis of over half a million mortgages found approximately 16,000 could save over €1,000 in the first 12 months, and around 27,000 switchers have the potential to save in excess of €10,000 over the lifetime of the mortgage.

What many mortgage holders do not realise is that they are not obliged to stay with the same lender for the remainder of their mortgage term. Indeed, they can re-negotiate the mortgage conditions and term by switching to another lender.

‘80% loan to value ratio on your mortgage gives you a good chance to qualify for great savings and even if you have limited equity and only 90% loan to value it will still work ’ The new lending institution will want to ensure that you have been able to meet your mortgage repayments and that your property is not in negative equity. Hence, switching will not be an option for borrowers in arrears, or for properties with current market value lower than the outstanding mortgage loan on them, however with recent increases in property prices people

may not realise how much their property has increased in value, a good broker can help you with this.

‘No cost for switching!’

A drop of only a fraction of percent can bring significant savings over the term of a mortgage and maybe a decrease in the term at the same time. All of this without any cost to borrowers in doing so!

Some banks are now covering the costs associated with switching, meaning no cost to the borrower and you may even have monies from cash backs currently available to buy new furniture or book a well deserved holiday.

Why Use a Mortgage Broker?

An unbiased source of information Intermediaries are unbiased parties, who have access to a wide range of lender rates at their fingertips. This means they can advise you on the best lender for your situation. And if you’re not ready to apply, they will certainly give you the heads up and will even help you get organised for the future.

They will do the hard work for you At the beginning, an intermediary will assess your situation and will do depth research into the market. Further down the line, you can rely on an intermediary to keep the process moving and to keep communication lines open, so you can avoid running to the post office or making calls during your lunch hour. And after your intermediary has received your mortgage approval in principle, they will liaise with the lender, the lender’s valuer and your solicitor.

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MOTORING EXPERT NEIL BRISCOE GIVES HIS VIEWS

SKODA SHOWS OFF ITS NEW KAMIQ COMPACT CROSSOVER IS THE TRUE YETI SUCCESSOR

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KODA is adding a third model to its European SUV portfolio: the Skoda Kamiq. Just like with the successful Skoda Kodiaq and Karoq, the name Kamiq also originates from the language of the Inuit people who live in northern Canada and Greenland: it means something that fits perfectly. The Skoda Kamiq perfectly combines the advantages of a sports utility vehicle – such as higher ground clearance and an elevated seat position – with the agility of a compact car. With an emotive design, state-of-the-art assistance and infotainment systems, a generous amount of space and numerous Simply Clever features, the new Kamiq equally fulfils the needs of both families and lifestyle-oriented customers.

Skoda’s CEO, Bernhard Maier, said, “By introducing the

Skoda Kamiq, we are completing our successful European SUV portfolio at the lower end. The Skoda Kamiq will captivate new customer groups for the Skoda brand, and it is, therefore, an important component of our model campaign.

The Skoda Kamiq offers an attractive overall package and combines SUV typical characteristics such as the elevated seat position and a good view of the road with agile handling, an emotive design, a high level of safety and state-ofthe-art connectivity. Furthermore, its generous amount of space and many Simply Clever features make it a real Skoda.”

Skoda Ireland Head of Marketing & Product, Raymond Leddy, said, “sales of the Karoq and Kodiaq have proved very strong since they arrived into the Irish market and we feel that the Kamiq will serve to add to this success. There is a huge appetite from buyers in this segment, and the Kamiq will offer great quality and refinement to this rapidly-growing small SUV segment, and we are confident, like all Skoda models, that it will be very competitive in terms of price, too.”

With the Kamiq, Skoda is tapping into a new, younger target group that pursues a modern, adventure-oriented lifestyle. Apart from a car’s off-road appearance, a high level of efficiency is essential in this segment; therefore the Kamiq is offered exclusively with front-wheel drive.

The Kamiq Interior is dominated by a 9.2-inch free-standing screen providing infotainment and performance information in the driver’s field of view. The Skoda Kamiq is equipped with the latest generation of infotainment systems that are always online via the most advanced Connect online services in the Skoda range. An optional Virtual Cockpit is also offered.

Despite compact exterior dimensions, the Kamiq possesses generous interior space with a boot capacity of 400 litres,

which increases to 1,395 litres when the rear seats are folded down.

All of the Skoda Kamiq’s engines are direct-injection units with turbochargers. They come with brake energy recovery as well as Stop/Start technology. The entry-level engine is a three-cylinder 1.0 TSI delivering 95bhp. A more powerful 1.0 TSI with a power output of115bhp with a 6-speed manual; or a 7-speed DSG is also offered. A four-cylinder 1.5 TSI with 150bhp tops the petrol line-up. A four-cylinder 1.6 TDI diesel engine delivering 115bhp coupled with a 6-speed manual or a 7-speed DSG automatic gearbox is also part of the offering.

The new Skoda Kamiq will be available to order in Ireland from October 2019. Prices are to be confirmed, but indicators suggest it will be positioned below the bestselling Octavia.

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Accidental rugby star Edel hoping for further call-ups with PÁRAIC McMAHON

I

MAGINE taking up a sport and within five years representing your country on the international stage. It’s no Hollywood blockbuster but rather part of Edel McMahon’s story.

When she began studying at NUIG, her foray into rugby was more by accident than design. As the Kilmihil native made her way to football training, it was a chance interaction with two rugby players - and an invitation to that night’s training - that would ultimately turn her priorities upside down.

Edel takes up the story, “So I went, and honest to God, I did not miss a training session from then on for the rest of the year and I didn’t go back to football.

“Everything fell in place. The first year of playing rugby was purely to meet people and do something different. Then I realised I was kind of decent at it and from then on with Connacht, that was my pathway into the Irish squad.”

Winning the Grand Slam in 2013 was a turning point for women’s rugby in the country while Ireland getting to host the 2017 World Cup was a landmark moment.

It was one McMahon could have been involved in, had it not been for an Achilles injury. Though it was “a big setback”, the Galwegians flanker didn’t waste any time feeling sorry for herself. “In hindsight missing the 6 Nations and the World Cup was obviously hard but I didn’t know if I was good enough at the time to make it, that was a lot easier deal with. It would have been harder if I had been in the squad or had been capped.”

Getting to represent the first ever female Barbarians side “was surreal” as the first rugby game she attended with her father was in 2010 as Ireland faced off with the Baa-Baas in Thomond Park. “The history and the ethos behind it is legendary so to have been a part of it was something I will always remember”.

After getting the nod, she phoned her father.

He would also be the first number she dialled when an international call-up followed.

Although she had to watch the 2017 World Cup from a distance, Edel could sense all was not well in the camp. “There was a lot of controversy with the coaching and burnout with the players.

“Definitely there wasn’t something right with the setup and that’s what it looked like come gameday, it didn’t flow... It was disappointing for the girls because there are some

In the second of our series focusing on figures in female sport, we speak to Kilmihil athlete Edel McMahon, who has started to carve a successful international career on the back of a chance interaction in her University days l LOOKING TO FUTURE: Edel pictured at glór, Ennis where she discussed her fledgling rugby career in a sit-down interview with us

Photo by Martin Connolly

that have fallen away or have fallen out of love with the game since or are just getting back to where they were before.”

She’s adamant that the setup under Adam Griggs has “a fresh buzz” which seemed to have been missing in Tom Tierney’s final few months as head coach. “The negativity and all the stuff from the World Cup is in the past. We don’t care about it anymore, we’re looking to build on the future.”

A first international cap in the 2018 6 Nations followed Edel’s Barbarians nod when introduced against Italy and a second appearance came against Wales. The November Internationals saw Edel wear a starting jersey for the first time against the USA and then versus England in Twickenham. Injury would get in her way once again and is the reason for the ex-St Michael’s Community College student’s absence from the current squad. She is back in action ahead of schedule and lining out with her club in the hope of getting a call for their final 6 Nations game against Wales on St Patrick’s Day. Having lost two out of three games so far,

the question is put to Edel ‘what are Ireland playing for with hopes of a Grand Slam and Triple Crowd dead and buried?’ “It is the honour of wearing the Irish jersey, it doesn’t matter whether you’re fighting for last position, you still want to go out perform and play in the green no matter what it’s for. Because we’re not professional that’s why we give up all this time to do it.”

With mention of the ‘P’ word, she then admits “It is crazy” to see that her male counterparts are getting paid for doing the same thing. “I don’t complain about it because I know what I’m getting into, I know it’s not paid so why would I complain that I’m not getting paid, don’t do it like. Obviously it would be nice to get paid, it would be great to get a sleep in on a Monday after training on Sunday but you have to get up and go to work. I’m lucky that I do love my work so it isn’t a problem at the minute, but it is trying to organise your life and training around the recovery.

“And then when you see the lads get to have almost normal lives and put in maxi-

mum effort so that they can be in peak position for gameday, it is hard. We want young girls looking up to the sport saying this could be my job, that it is a possible proper career for a girl to want to do rather than having to give up sport to focus on school”.

Now working as a Diagnostic Laboratory Scientist with O’Byrne & Halley Veterinary Clinic in Tipperary, the 24 year old admits there’s huge sacrifice involved in committing to top level sport. Such dedication can discourage girls from staying in sport, she conceded. “It’s definitely something that happens to the 17-19 age group, heading off to college, you have to have a social life and enjoy college while you’re young and find the balance between playing competitively if you want and playing sport in general.”

RTÉ’s coverage of women’s rugby “is brilliant” and the Connacht player can see an increase in the amount of supporters coming to games, though there is always room for improvement in this regard. “You can’t beat a crowd at a game. When we played England in Twickenham it was straight after the men’s so when we came to warm up on the pitch Twickenham was full, it was unbelievable with 80,000 people inside the place, you just fed off the noise level. It is great that people are sitting down and watching it but you have to get out and support, actively be there and see the girls playing”.

Last year she received a request from James Murrihy to return to the county ladies footballers, “I really did want to play” comes the confession but constant travelling coupled with maintaining her focus on the 2021 World Cup has seen her put the football aside in favour of the oval ball, for now at least.

Sporting commitments have put off any travel plans for this summer, though the one trip she wants to make is to Wales next weekend. No doubt another phonecall to her father would result in further twists in the story of Edel McMahon.

SPORT

THURSDAY, MAR 7 2019

27

Banner held by neighbours Clare 2-11 Limerick 1-14

National Hurling League At Cusack Park

Hurling JAMES MULVIHILL

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LARE and Limerick played out a thrilling draw at a snowy Cusack Park on Sunday. Clare will have to play the waiting game to find out if this result is enough to progress into the knockout stages as the other games in this division were postponed due to bad weather.

Shane Golden was outstanding at midfield scoring 1-1 from play and he was the assist for Clare’s second goal. Gary Cooney made a significant contribution when introduced, he scored a point and won crucial frees which proved decisive. Donal Tuohy was excellent in terms of producing top-class saves which included a penalty from Aaron Gillane.

Limerick had already qualified for

the Quarter-Finals, but they clearly wanted to get back to winning ways following their loss to Cork last time out. Peter Casey excelled for the Treaty men scoring three points from play. Cian Lynch, Aaron Gillane and Kyle Hayes played very well throughout this contest.

Limerick will take on Laois in the Quarter-Finals in a fortnight’s time.

An early Limerick goal cancelled out Clare’s opening two points, when Gearoid Hegarty broke onto a loose ball and he made no mistake in rifling the ball past Donal Tuohy. The Treaty men extended their lead thanks to a placed ball from Aaron Gillane. An equal exchange left the score at 1-02 to 0-04 midway through the half.

Limerick kicked on the better in challenging conditions and a final

flourish before the half-time whistle by Paddy O’Loughlin, Peter Casey and Aaron Gillane left the score at 1-07 to 0-06 in favour of Limerick.

Clare started the second half with intent and scored their opening goal when Shane Golden burst through the Limerick defence and he made no mistake in batting the ball past Nickie Quaid.

Clare got back on level terms once again through Gary Cooney. Limerick regained the upper hand thanks to two placed balls from Aaron Gillane and he was awarded a penalty soon after he was taken down by Jack Browne. However, the penalty attempt was brilliantly saved by Donal Tuohy.

Limerick were four points ahead again thanks to the impressive Peter Casey (two). Clare hit back with two points of their own through Peter Duggan (free) and Diarmuid Ryan to leave the score at 1-11 to 1-09 after 56 minutes. The Banner men closed the gap to a single point through another placed

l SWINGING IN THE RAIN: Patrick O’Connor gets a birds eye view of Photo by Martin Connolly proceedings as rain lashes down at Cusack Park ball from Peter Duggan. Clare scored their second goal of this game when a great move involving Podge Collins and Shane Golden who delivered the perfect pass to Peter Duggan and the Clooney-Quin man made no mistake in dispatching the ball past Nickie Quaid.

As the game was closing out, Limerick, one point behind, were awarded a late free and Aaron Gillane showed nerves of steel to slot the ball over the bar to ensure that this contest ended with a share of the spoils. The attendance was a healthy 8,409.

Clare: Donal Tuohy; Rory Hayes, David McInerney, Jack Browne; Patrick O’Connor, Conor Cleary, David Fitzgerald; Shane Golden (1-1), Colm Galvin; Peter Duggan (1-6,6fs), Tony Kelly (0-1), Diarmuid Ryan (0-2); Ian Galvin, Niall Deasy, Podge Collins.

Subs: Gary Cooney (0-1) for I. Galvin (35 mins), Oisin O’Brien for McInerney (H/T), Cathal Malone for O’Connor (51 mins), Aidan McCarthy for Deasy (56 mins), Aron Shanagher for Ryan (66 mins).

Limerick: Nickie Quaid; Tom Condon, Sean Finn, Richie English; Paddy O’Loughlin (0-1), Declan Hannon, Dan Morrissey; Cian Lynch, Colin Ryan (0-1 ‘65’); Gearoid Hegarty (1-0), Kyle Hayes (0-1), Tom Morrissey, Aaron Gillane (0-8fs), Seamus Flanagan, Peter Casey (0-3). Subs: William O’Meara for Finn (injured), (6 mins), Darragh O’Donovan for Ryan (49 mins), Graeme Mulcahy for Flanagan (59 mins), David Dempsey for Hegarty (62 mins), Shane Dowling for T. Morrissey (66 mins).

Cleary content with draw The Scorecard

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in association with

BY PÁRAIC McMAHON

T’S never easy against the All-Ireland champions, as such Conor Cleary and his Clare comrades were well aware of the challenge Limerick would pose in Cusack Park on Sunday.

“We knew coming in today Limerick being All-Ireland champions it was going to be a battle and it was. At the end we were happy with the draw in a way with the pressure Limerick had on us, with 10 minutes to go we were really coming into it, we’ll take a draw at the end of the day because it was a tough, physical battle and we have a point out of it,” the centre back commented after the weekend’s draw.

One thing that did catch Cleary and co by surprise was having to play in Cusack Park in difficult conditions. “We’re so used to Cusack Park being a carpet and today was that bit more softer with the ball skidding off it which made it more of a battle. I think we dealt a bit better with the conditions but at the start we took a while to get into it”.

“All the rain that built in the last week it was sitting on the field but in fairness to Cusack Park if that game was played anywhere else it might not have been played because Cusack Park is in such good condition, fair play to the lads for having it in such good nick,” he added.

Early points from Tony Kelly and Shane Golden plus a strong start from his fellow defenders had Clare in control at the beginning though that all changed when Gearoid Hegarty raised a green flag on the seventh minute.

“That goal came against the run of play that really brought Limerick into the game, it showed serious battling qualities from us that we did respond from that and got a foothold in the game and didn’t let the heads drop”.

As time was ticking towards the end of the game, the Miltown man won a free in their halfback line and a typical fist pump followed, a sign that he thought they had done enough to secure the win. “You always do (think you’ve won) when you win a ball near the end like that and you’re a point up, Limerick are All-Ireland champions for a reason, they didn’t drop their heads and they manufactured a good free in fairness to them, I suppose it was a fair result at the end of the day, it was a very even game and a good battle”.

On what to expect from the Banner in the remainder of the League, Conor stated, “We’re going to be going all out for the quarter-final and see from there”.

EAST CLARE GOLF CLUB Men’s 14 hole singles 1st John Fahy (19) 38 pts 2nd Seamus O Dwyer (23) 35pts Men’s Seniors 1st Tony McNulty, Michael Cleary, John Nihil 2nd Terry Coughlan, Paddy Moloney, Jim Bradley, Ladies Wednesday 1st Kathleen Reddan,Mary Bugler, Mary Hogan, Patsy King 2nd Noreen Skehan, Mary Stritch, 3rd Eileen Donnellan,Pauline Nugent, Maureen Clune Friday Scramble 1st Michael Drew, Willie Roche, Bridget Hayes 2nd Kevin Mannion, Kevin Burke, Marie Donnellan, Pat McNamara, 3rd Tony McNulty, Paul Husband, Noreen Skehan KILRUSH GOLF CLUB Result of KGC 12 Holes Men’s Singles 25/02/18 – 03/03/19 1. John Saunders 29pts 2 Michael McNamara 27pts (Back 9) Senior Ladies Scramble 26/02/2019.

1. Margaret Hehir, Mary McCarthy, Agnes Shannon, Loretta Browne 41.25 2. Clare Pyne, Pauline Kirk, Muriel Kiely, 42.67 3. Marie Bartlett, Mary Collins, Jean Lorigan, Carmel Lillis 42.75

l REARGUARD: Conor Cleary in action at the weekend Photo by Martin Connolly

Senior Mens Scramble 27/02/2019.

1. Bernard Coleman, Noel Cooney, Tom Coffey and Gerry Duffy. 62 pts 2. Michael Ryan, Michael McNamara and Tom O’Dea 59 pts 3. Finbar McMahon, Pat Shannon (Cranny) and Bill O’Reilly 59 pts WOODSTOCK Club Singles 3/3/19 1st Frankie Slattery 33pts Spring League Rumble Result 3/3/19 1st Jason Considine, Brian Keogh, Brian Lynch, Shane Power ENNIS Results Weekend 3rd March 2019 Gent’s 4 Ball B/B(9/10hdc) 17 Holes 1st Seamus Conway(15), Martin Moran(7) 35pts 2nd John Coleman(17), Mark Geraghty(10) 33pts 3rd Darragh Carmody(17), Martin Moran(7) 32pts Ladies 14 Hole Re-entry 1st Patricia Moroney (26) 23 Pts 2nd Mary Glynn (30) 23 Pts 3rd Ann O’Loughlin (14) 21 Pts Senior Ladies Scramble 5/3/19 1st Bernie Brooks, Deidre Molyneaux Della Burns 53 2/3 2nd Nuala D’Auria, Mary Lenihan Claire Ruane 56 5/6 3rd Eileen Corry, Anna Gynn Alice D’Arcy, Mary McMahon 57 1/10

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LEARNING THANKSGIVING St Jude - prayer said for nine consecutive days

O Holy St Jude!

RELIGION

MAINTENANCE

Apostle and Martyr, great in virtue and rich in miracles, near kinsman of Jesus Christ, faithful intercessor for all who invoke you, special patron in time of need; to you I have recourse from the depth of my heart, and humbly beg you, to whom God has given such great power, to come to my assistance; help me now in my urgent need and grant my earnest petition.

In return I promise to make your name known and cause you to be invoked.

St. Jude, pray for us and all who honor thee and invoke thy aid.

(Say 3 Our Father’s, 3 Hail Mary’s, and 3 Glory Be’s after this.)

St Anthony - prayer said for nine consecutive days

O Holy St. Anthony,

The Clare Echo Classifieds

gentlest of Saints, your love for God and Charity for His creatures, made you worthy, when on earth, to possess miraculous powers.

Encouraged by this thought, I implore you to obtain for me (request).

O gentle and loving St. Anthony, whose heart was ever full of human sympathy, whisper my petition into the ears of the sweet Infant Jesus, who loved to be folded in your arms; and the gratitude of my heart will ever be yours.

Amen.

Say 3 Our Father’s, 3 Hail Mary’s, and 3 Glory Be’s after this.

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QUIZ 31

THURSDAY, MAR 7 2019

The Clare Echo Quiz CLARE GAA QUIZ

year did Clare hurlers 1 Infirstwhat win an All-Ireland title?

1914, 1924, 1934

2

What year did Ger Loughnane take over the senior hurling team?

1994, 1995, 1996

3

How many years did Davy Fitzgerald manage Clare for?

2years ,3years ,4years

Tipperary, Offaly, Kilkenny

many lions feature on the 9 How Clare GAA crest?

Who scored the 4th goal in 10 Clare’s win vs Cork in the All-Ireland replay?

2, 3, 4

Darach Honan, Tony Kelly, Shane O’Donnell

is the capaci4 What ty of Cusack Park?

18,000 , 25,000 , 28,000

what year did the Clare football 5 Inteam win their first Munster title?

lQUESTION 1: (above) In what year did Clare hurlers first win an All-Ire-

1905, 1912, 1917

land title?

How many All-Ireland junior titles 6 have the Clare Camogie team won?

lQUESTION 3: (left) How many years did Davy Fitzgerald manage Clare

2, 3, 4

for?

ANSWERS

what year did the Clare G.A.A 7 Inemblem come into being?

10.Darach Honan 9. 3

4. 28,000

8. Offaly

3. 4 years

7. about 1926

2. 1995

6. 4

1. 1914

did Clare beat in 1995 to 8 Who win the All-Ireland hurling final?

5. 1917

about 1926, 1936, 1946

OLD IMAGES OF COUNTY CLARE

The Square in Kilrush, Co. Clare

Image NLI.ie / Collection: The Lawrence Photograph Collection