The Clare Echo 07/09/23

COUNTRY GIRL COMES TO ENNIS

350 make submissions over seaside parking fees

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

352 submissions have been made by the public as backlash intensifies against plans to increase the amount of paid parking at coastal resorts in County Clare.

In a window of just over a month, a total of 352 submissions were received by Clare County Council on the draft parking by-laws prepared by the local authority.

Council officials are preparing a report on the submissions with elected members in the West Clare Municipal District to hold a briefing session on its contents next week.

How parking is enforced in Fanore, Spanish Point, White Strand, Kilkee, Doolin and Lahinch is to change under the by-laws which propose an increased amount of locations where parking fees will become mandatory.

“I’ve received more emails about the proposed paid parking in West Clare than any other issue. Locals and tourists alike are outraged at the proposed changes for many reasons,” said Cllr Liam Grant (GP).

Clare’s longest serving politician, Cllr PJ Kelly (FF) was also seeking for the proposals for the seaside resorts to be discontinued, “we made a mistake and have to correct it”.

Both Grant and Kelly tabled motions on the matter before the West Clare MD but their proposals were not valid according to the Cathaoirleach, Cllr Ian Lynch (IND). He said, “we made a decision to start a statutory process, we can’t stop it at this point”.

l Rice College student Aaliwah Bourke cycles past the new mural to Edna O’Brien in Ennis which was painted by Ana Colomer Photo by John Mangan

CLARIFICATION

THE Clare Echo wishes to apologise to Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne (IND) for stating that the TD was “unavailable to comment” when contacted by this publication for her views on the recommendations of the Electoral Commission.

The initial copy of the article was not updated when the paper was put to print after Deputy Wynne returned the missed call. Deputy Wynne’s views on the matter along with that of fellow politicians are available to read on the online edition of the article.

Daly named Clare Person of the Year

Dr. Peter Daly was presented with the Clare Person of the Year for 2023 award by association chairman, Tom Conway in front of a large attendance of over 200 at the Clare Association Dublin annual awards function at the Falls Hotel, Ennistymon last Saturday night, writes Tony Mulvey “I have been blessed with good fortune and good health and though I have worked hard I had the support of numerous people many of whom I wish to acknowledge to-night, having done so earlier in the case of my wife. Parents generally determine how we fare in life and I was fortunate in that regard,” Dr Daly said.

He told guests that he always welcomed intellectual competition from within and without the family. “When asked what directed me into cancer care, I don’t have a clear answer. My father died of

pancreatic cancer at 58 when I was 21 and that was soon followed by the death in 1973 from malignant melanoma of Tom Galvin who had graduated with John and I just two years earlier,” he added.

Among the distinctions he gained in St Flannan’s College were a college gold medal for Irish, an intermediate certificate scholarship and a Clare County Council university scholarship based on his examination results in 1964. He studied at St.Patrick’s College and UCD and undertook medical training at a number of hospitals in Dublin before becoming a member of the Royal College of Physicians.

Among those remembered at the function were Brother Seán MacNamara, Ennis CBS and Jimmy Gavin, a native of Cree, both long time supporters of the association and whose deaths occurred recently.

WRC terms accepted

RETAINED firefighters have voted to accept proposals from the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) aimed at resolving a dispute over pay and conditions, writes Páraic

McMahon

In a ballot of SIPTU members, 63% voted in favour of the deal.

Since June, around 2,000 retained firefighters had been engaged in industrial action, with pickets placed across 200 retained fire stations. Last month, they suspended their industrial action after agreement was reached at the WRC. Members of the retained service are part-time firefighters who receive an annual retainer for being on-call.

WRC proposals include having a minimum of 12 retained firefighters per station with six available to respond which means the addition approximate 20 per cent increase in staff numbers with an additional 400 new retained firefighters. Fifty additional promotional positions are to be created.

Structured time off is to be agreed enabling a retained firefighter to be away from their station fire-ground area for up to 24 weeks a year, a reduction on the current 48 weeks and flexibility to attend calls when scheduled on leave. New recruits will now enter service with guaranteed fixed minimum earnings of over €18,000 and will reach the top of the scale after eight years.

lDOCTOR IN THE HOUSE: Tom Conway, Chairperson of the Clare Association, Dublin, presenting the Clare Person of the Year Award 2023, to Dr Peter Daly

Talks can stop Chinese whispers

DOOLIN pier’s use as a swimming destination can no longer be ignored with Chinese whispers an obstacle at the North Clare location, writes Páraic McMahon

Lisdoonvarna based Cllr Joe Garrihy (FG) in a proposal this week, called on the West Clare Municipal District to reiterate its commitment to the community and leisure use at the old Doolin Pier “and to place this objective as a priority in overall master planning at the Pier”.

Director of Service, Tourism Development and the West Clare MD, Leonard Cleary said they would work closely with the Council’s environment section “in the support of all functions at Doolin Pier. There is currently a public consultation process being co-ordinated by Environment Section for all swimming areas. A cross-directorate meeting was held recently to brief Elected Members on a range of issues pertaining to Doolin. There are a number of uses at the pier, which need to be considered and balanced within safety and pier/harbour regulations”.

Holding the workshop months back was a positive, Cllr Garrihy acknowledged while he commended Enda MacNamara and John O’Malley of the West Clare MD for meeting the community group which helped to clear “up a lot of misinformation and the rumour mill that spreads in the vacuum because the local community were fully of the view that pier was being taken over by Clare County Council”.

Speaking at Tuesday’s meeting of the West Clare MD, Cllr Garrihy cited one such example, “I had one text that cruise ships were coming in from Crab Island and would be bused to the Cliffs”.

He added, “We got an incredibly engaged community group who came together. My father was involved in the very first pier built there. I welcome the reply, following submissions we have a commitment that there will be another workshop to look at overall master plan”. Garrihy concluded, “The proactive engagement I can’t overstate how valuable that is to fill vacuums and stop Chinese whispers”.

“That is what happens when we leave a vacuum and don’t supply information, there are plenty of willing participants that will fill the vacuum. We can have all the audits that we like but we can’t stick our head in the sand, on a day to day basis people are using Doolin Pier as a destination to swim, how can we come up with a workable solution for those. The gathering on Sunday evening was fantastic, it was labelled as a protest against something which was not on the table,” commented Cllr Shane Talty (FF).

‘We must correct the mistakes’ - parking fee proposals debated

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

A TOTAL of 352 submissions have been received by Clare County Council on the draft parking by-laws for Kilkee, Lahinch, White Strand, Spanish Point, Doolin and Fanore.

Efforts to discontinue plans to introduce paid parking at the coastal locations were made by Cllr Liam Grant (GP) and Cllr PJ Kelly (FF) but withdrawn at the September meeting of the West Clare Municipal District.

Cathaoirleach of the West Clare MD, Cllr Ian Lynch (IND) advised Tuesday’s meeting, “we made a decision to start a statutory process, we can’t stop it at this point. We’ve a meeting next week to go through the full submissions so I can’t take the motion as valid”.

Cllr Grant had sought to stop all plans to introduce additional paid parking in Fanore, Kilkee, Spanish Point, Doolin, Lahinch and White Strand. “I’ve received more emails about the proposed paid parking in West Clare than any other issue. Locals and tourists alike are outraged at the proposed changes for many reasons,” he said.

Cllr Kelly asked “that the present proposals for charges at seaside resorts would be discontinued forthwith”.

John Leahy, senior engineer in the roads department of the Council recalled that at the West Clare MD’s June meeting there was agreement for the draft parking by-laws to go on public consultation. “The draft parking by laws were published on July 7th and members of the public were invited to make submissions up until August 22nd.

A total of 352 submissions have been received to date. A report on the submissions received is being prepared at present and it is proposed that these submissions will be considered at a briefing session with the West Clare Municipal District councillors later

this month”. Noting the amount of submissions, Cllr Grant remarked, “I’ve got the same amount of emails and phonecalls, people are very unhappy with it whether it is locals, business people or people that visit West Clare, it is the most contact I’ve had over anything, it has upset a lot of people. I want to make it clear I’m against paid parking at these seaside resorts”. Mistakes must be rectified, Cllr Kelly insisted. “We all make mistakes but we did make a mistake in allowing it through in the form it was in, I didn’t comment as I was furthest away. There was previous

comments, we made a mistake and have to correct it”. Not alone did he receive phone calls and texts but the Lissycasey had people arrive to his door to air their views. “352 submissions is indicative of the concerns out there, there are basic rights that we should have acknowledged from day one, the right of house owners to have cars parked in their premises”.

Initially reluctant to open a debate on the matter, Cllr Lynch told Cllr Kelly he did not have the “full facts” by saying Cllr Gabriel Keating (FG) was the only representative to air opposition to the by-laws. “My

name was mentioned a lot, when it came up for decision not who debated it, we all debated it, I was the only one who voted against it,” Keating responded.

No objections were made to the minutes of the June meeting when they were adopted, Cllr Shane Talty (FF) flagged.

“As far as I’m aware no one endorsed the draft by laws as a decision we would make, we kicked off a process to encourage the public to give submissions, we don’t have a breakdown of the 352 submissions if they are in the one direction, we need to do the work and give respect to all who gave submissions”.

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Rising crime rate raises tensions

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

RISING levels of crime and anti-social behaviour in the county town served as the main discussion at the first meeting of the Ennis Municipal District following its summer recess.

There may have been a hiatus of one month but it didn’t take long for Ennis MD representatives to return to their now frequent bouts of jibes, all of which have stemmed from disagreements over the Ennis 2040 Strategy.

Claims of ‘exercises for optics’, ‘undermining’ and preparation for next year’s local elections were among the digs thrown around the Council Chamber.

Not for the first time, Cllr Johnny Flynn (FG) issued a proposal seeking the establishment of a sub-committee within the Clare Joint Policing Committee to focus solely on issues within the Ennis MD. “The loss of the successful Ennis JPC in 2014 which had operated effectively and efficiently since 2009 has I believe been detrimental to crime prevention and public safety in Ennis town centre, suburbs and wider Municipal District”.

Waving a file of notes from the meetings of the Ennis JPC which took place from 2009 to 2014, Cllr Flynn recalled that they met four times a year to discuss the issues faced by residents and businesses, “the minutes are there to show what was dealt with”. He continued, “I don’t want to be too negative about what is happening in Ennis, it has been Ireland’s friendliest and tidiest town, it is one we all love and are proud of however acts of violence and local drug dealing are becoming too common”.

According to Cllr Flynn, behaviour in the town has disimproved since COVID-19. “There are urban issues that need to be addressed, 1 in 10 women in rural areas feel unsafe, it is 4 in 10 in urban areas,” he stated.

Seconding the motion, Cllr Tom O’Callaghan (FF) commented, “if it was so successful in 2014 is why was it put aside, it needs to be re-energised. We have a wonderful town here, to deal with issues we need to talk to Gardaí and get to the root of them”. Ennis businesses are struggling with anti-social behaviour presently, he added.

Communication between the Ennis MD and the Gardaí has been

“really good,” said Cllr Ann Norton (IND). A member of the Clare JPC, she said she was against the proposal. “I would have no problem standing aside on the JPC if Cllr Flynn or any members of Ennis MD would

tion”.

Also voicing her opposition was Flynn’s party colleague, Cllr Mary Howard (FG) who said, “You brought this up five years ago before the local elections too. Leon-

Ryan and the elected members to discuss the ideas. This was backed by Cllr Paul Murphy (FG) who admitted he was reluctant to go on another sub-committee but that he was keen to improve matters in the

71% said JPC got progressive work done”. Issues relating to headshops in Ennis from 2007 to 2009 were among items dealt with, he recalled. Addressing the meeting remotely, Cllr Norton said as a sitting member of the JPC that she felt “undermined” with the call to set up a sub-committee. The Barefield woman added, “I feel as a councillor I do a very good job and represent the people of the MD but also the county as a county councillor. I feel very strong about this, I don’t want to be undermined as a councillor, I know other representatives and colleagues do their job and I feel this is a bit of an insult to try undermine us as councillors doing our job on the JPC by trying to bring another forum, I’m very disappointed with Cllr Flynn”.

A bemused Flynn asked, “Why does Cllr Norton need to be undermined or disappointed”. Cllr O’Callaghan added that none of the requests were “to undermine anybody, it is about joined-up thinking to find solutions. It is a problem, there is no point putting our head in the sand”.

Mayor of the Ennis MD, Cllr Pat Daly (FF) believed it was “a worrying time for Ennis. There are cars damaged at train station, people attacked on the street, drugs openly sold in Cloughleigh and throughout the town”.

like to represent the Ennis MD for the next couple of months if they feel they can be of benefit or if they feel they can bring more issues to the JPC. I am open to giving up that opportunity if someone is up for it. The JPC are not open to having a sub-committee”.

When the proposal was previously rejected in 2021, Cllr Clare Colleran Molloy (FF) voiced her disappointment. Two years on from supporting such a bid, she called Cllr Flynn’s motion an “optics exercise”. She felt Ennis was not alone in experiencing instances of crime and drug dealing. “This isn’t optics, this is five years of work that was done, there is no need to be disrespectful,” replied Cllr Flynn.

Quin native Clare in response referred to Cllr Norton’s offer to give up her seat. “We can see from the width of file that there was a lot of meetings that took place. Cllr Norton has come up with good sugges-

ard Cleary was very clear that legislation didn’t allow for another sub-committee”. Clarification was later provided by Council officials that the legislation does indeed allow for its creation.

Cllr Howard said she visited Ennis Garda Station on Monday evening, “I spoke with them about this, they don’t need another talking shop which is what this is. They’ve had huge problems with resources”. She later told the meeting that an in-camera discussion (one which precludes the attendance of the media) needs to happen with the Ennis MD HSE and persons operating the Clare Rd Hostel, “that is the people causing the problems in the town of Ennis, we need to talk about how great our population are at giving their money which is a big problem because they are drunk at 12pm”.

Senior executive officer, Leonore O’Neill suggested that a briefing be organised with Superintendent

town.

Use of the word “optics” was disappointing, Cllr O’Callaghan felt. He referenced the ‘genuine concern’ of residents in Cloughleigh for their safety and believed the population of Ennis warranted such a sub-committee.

How the debate moved away from tackling crime to pot-shots annoyed

Director of Service, Carmel Kirby acknowledged it was “a really important topic”. She stated, “There needs to be a discussion, there is provision in guidelines for sub-committees, it is more for particular types of issues, I can advise councillors that this option may be put forward to Chief Superintendent and discuss the option, this is a formal structure where collaboration takes place. It makes sense to me for anything in Ennis to be dealt with in this structure, I don’t think any of ye are trying to say nobody is doing their job on committees. There is no harm in asking again”.

Cllr Flynn, he remarked, “Cllr Howard who called it a talking shop also attended the meetings from 20092014, it prompted a review in the Department and found 70% that JPCs added value to communities, 83% said meetings were positive,

Concluding the discussion, Cllr Flynn said, “I am disappointed with some of the comments made during the debate. Crime and anti-social behaviour is an emotive and frightening thing. Taking the Director’s recommendation, I will put this back up for the October meeting if we could have briefing with Chief Superintendent prior to this and have discussion with him, a decision needs to be made”.

Ei Electronics to host open day celebrating 60 years

Ei Electronics has announced plans for an Anniversary Open Day to be held on 17th September 2023, celebrating 60 Years manufacturing in Shannon, and 35 Years as an Irish Company.

The Open Day involves an invitation to all employees - past and present, their families, customers, suppliers, members of the local community, local schools, etc. to come together and celebrate these milestone anniversaries of Ei’s presence in Shannon.

In addition to tours of the Ei Campus featuring its iconic new HQ building opened by Taoiseach Micheál Martin in 2022, and Centre of Excellence, there will be a tented

village with BBQ refreshments, fun for the kids, and live entertainment throughout the afternoon.

Over half a century ago, in 1963, General Electric (USA) established a fledgling Irish manufacturing operation in Shannon; the EI or ‘Emerald Isle’ Company as it was originally known. 25 years later in 1988 following a Management Buyout of GE’s Irish interests in Shannon, led by the then MD, Michael ‘Mick’ Guinee and other members of his team, Ei Electronics as we know it today was born.

Commenting on the plans, Founder and CEO Mick Guinee said, “The Ei success story is one of longevity, resilience and reinvention

over 6 decades, giving valuable employment to generations. Although now a Global Irish Multinational, we are particularly proud of the success of the Irish Company, Ei Electronics. The motivation for the Management Buyout (MBO) which established Ei Electronics in 1988 was to save valuable manufacturing jobs in Shannon, and build a successful and sustainable international business. Today, 35 years after the MBO, we are the largest employer in Shannon and very much an Irish success story. Our Anniversary Open Day is an opportunity to celebrate these achievements with our local community, and pay tribute to employees, past and present

who have played an essential role in the Ei success story.”

The Open Day will provide a unique opportunity for a behind scenes view of the largest employer in Shannon, with over 1,100 local employees and exports to 30 countries worldwide, an exemplar of successful indigenous Irish industry. As one of Ireland’s leading indigenous manufacturers and exporters, the company continues to grow, and the Management welcomes any potential candidates to come along on the day and see what exciting career opportunities the Company has to offer. This will be facilitated through a dedicated careers desk.

lARREST: Councillors clashed over the Clare Joint Policing Committee

There is no need to be disrespectful

23 male international protection applicants to be housed in Kilrush

by Paraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

CORLISS House in Kilrush is to be used for accommodating international protection applicants.

The Clare Echo has learned that the repurposed building in the heart of Kilrush is to accommodate 23 people in 10 rooms. The facility will be solely for male international protection applicants.

In a briefing note issued to Clare’s Oireachtas members on Monday evening, Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth outlined that the building “can come into use shortly”.

Claims from the Department officials that the building was used as office accommodation previously has been rejected by individuals including Kilrush historian, Dr Paul O’Brien.

A 12 month contract has been issued to the accommodation provider. The property is owned by David English Electrical Rewinds Ltd. This is the first time that the provider has provided accommodation to IPAS. The Centre Management team in IPAS have developed and rolled out a training programme for all centre managers to take part in and this will be offered to the provider.

Speaking at Tuesday’s meeting of the West Clare Municipal District, Cllr Ian Lynch (IND) said he had a “huge problem” with the IPAS application as he insisted it was not a vacant or derelict property as had been portrayed by the Department, “it was a residence”. He added, “I am not happy to have 23 people in a building attached to a private property, the narrative around it is disingenuous, why put in that it was a commercial property, we’ve already

gone through quite a lot because of the housing department’s decision there, some decisions have been made without the truth”.

Staff are to be on site 24 hours a day with a manager and security staff at Corliss House at all times. Each day, there will be four staff members on site including cleaners and the manager.

Located on Frances Street, the office building consists of 10 bedrooms of varying size. The centre

will be full board and residents will be provided with breakfast, lunch and dinner, residents will be provided with tea/coffee/snacks/cutlery/ crockery.

A valid fire cert is in place and has been provided to the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth. The conditions on the Fire Cert are in the process of being complied with, the Department has stated. All supporting fire and insurance documentation has been received. As part of the granted fire safety certificate no more than 23 residents shall be accommodated in the centre at one time.

Each resident will have toiletries replenished weekly and other essentials such as toilet paper replenished as needed. The facility will have high speed fibre Wi-Fi. Fire alarms, fire-fighting equipment and security cameras are fitted throughout the common walking areas. Each resi dent will have their own lockable bedroom, access to a common room and front door keys for 24 hour access. Each shower and toilet is appro-

priately partitioned for privacy.

Applicants to reside in Corliss House will be eligble to work six months after their arrival in Ireland. Most of the residents will be new arrivals. IP applicants may avail of English language classes through the Education Training Board. IPAS carry out resident clinics at all new and existing accommodation locations.

An adult resident receives an allowance of €38.80 per week. Residents also get three meals per day. Other assistance from the Department of Social Protection, such as bus fares to attend appointments, is available at the discretion of the local community welfare officer.

Senator Martin Conway (FG) told The Clare Echo, “I am calling on all state agencies to put the necessary supports in place to support the residents of Corliss House and to engage and work with the community and the various volunteers and community organisations in Kilrush and the wider west Clare community”.

l REFUGEES: Frances St, Kilrush Photo by Gerard O’Neill

l Cllr Ian Lynch (IND)

Photo by Eamon Ward

Objectors force cancellation of 19th Hole funfair but spirits not dampened

ALTHOUGH the 19th Hole Festival in Newmarket-on-Fergus proved to be warmly welcomed over the weekend, strong disappointment has been voiced with the manner in which

a cohort of local residents forced the cancellation of a children’s funfair, writes

Páraic McMahon

Large crowds attended the two-day 19th Hole Festival in the Green of Newmar-

ket-on-Fergus with traffic restrictions introduced along the Ballycar Rd to enable activities to proceed.

Local singer Clodagh Lawlor was one of the top musical attractions along

with the Shaskeen Céilí Band also impressing those in attendance. Golf, music and a lift to the village were among the positive talking points in Newmarket-on-Fergus across the weekend

but there was also a sense of disappointment with how residents in close proximity to Our Lady of the Rosary Church led to the cancellation of the children’s funfair.

A spokesperson for Clare County Council told The Clare Echo, “Following consultation with local residents late last week, Clare County Council, in consultation with the event company, made the decision to remove the funfair aspect of the 19th Hole festival. The funfair elements that were in place were deemed to be inappropriate for use at the location concerned due to noise nuisance in particular.

“Whilst it is regrettable that this element of the festival had to be withdrawn at a late stage, Clare County Council has received extremely positive feedback from the local community and those that attended the festival from across Clare and further afield. Clare County Council and its Elected Members are proud supporters of community events such as the 19th Hole festival which was hosted in conjunction with the KPMG Women’s Irish Open.’

Kenneth Arthur was

among those to attend both the Women’s Irish Open and the 19th Hole Festival. The Newmarket-on-Fergus native told The Clare Echo, “Clare County Council and all others involved should get great credit for the recently organized festival in Newmarket on Fergus to coincide with Women’s Irish Open in Dromoland. Initiatives like this are vital to bring back some life into a village and the Ballycar Road in particular which has seen the depletion of vital services in recent years. It was however embarrassing to hear of the ‘local’ objections, in particular to the children’s funfair which was cancelled on Saturday to the disgust of many.

“Everyone has the right to object, but how a small few can hold such sway is beyond me, let’s hope it doesn’t put off others from trying to improve the very community that needs it,” Arthur a former resident of the Ballycar Rd added.

Among the jibes thrown in the direction of the objectors was that they held more sway than the residents adjacent to Croke Park in forcing cancellations of local events.

lSTAR: Clodagh Lawlor on stage at the 19th Hole Festival in Newmarket-on-Fergus Photo by Joe Buckley

Siobhán Peoples named as MÓRglór winner

FIDDLE player Siobhán

Peoples has been named as the winner of the 2023 MÓRglór Award, writes

Páraic McMahon

A world-renowned performer and tutor, Siobhán has been an inspiration and mentor to many musicians, locally, nationally and internationally, through her extensive teaching career. A leading ambassador for the traditional arts in Clare, she has been an integral part of

the vibrant session scene for several decades.

In recent years, she has also been one of the driving forces behind the resurgence of the Ennis Trad Festival.

Siobhán is steeped in the musical history of Co. Donegal, through her father Tommy, and of Co. Clare, through her grandmother Kitty Linnane, pianist with the original Kilfenora Céilí Band.

Sean laid to rest

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

For close to two decades, she has been a tutor at the University of Limerick and features annually in a similar capacity at many festivals.

In 2002, Siobhan teamed up with box player, Murty Ryan, to release an acclaimed duet album, Time on our Hands.

Her dedication to the music of Ennis can also be seen in the work she has done on the committee of the Ennis Trad Festival for many years now.

On Saturday 16th December, the people of Clare will come together to acknowledge a debt of gratitude to Siobhán for her tireless efforts in promoting Irish Traditional Music with a concert in glór featuring a host of local and national traditional musicians.

“We are absolutely delighted to recognise and celebrate Siobhán Peoples’ substantial contribution to the development and promotion of traditional music of Co. Clare, locally, nationally and internationally. We very much look forward to a concert which will celebrate Siobhán’s tireless dedication to her art, in the company of many of her closest friends and musical acquaintances,” said Director of glór, Marie O’Byrne. Visit glor.ie for tickets.

SEAN Shannon was remembered as a musician capable of lifting hearts whose talent was clear to see from an early age.

The Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul in Ennis had a younger congregation than a typical Saturday morning funeral for the county town but this gathering was for a self-taught pianist described by those in the industry as a prodigy.

Eighteen year old Sean died while holidaying in the tourist town of Bled in Slovenia two weeks ago. He became the youngest associate artist with glór in August of last year, first playing the grand piano in the foyer of the Ennis theatre at the age of 13.

President Michael D. Higgins was among those to pay tribute to the Ennis teenager. He was able to recall a performance of Sean’s from September 2018 in glór marking the 50th anniversary of ClareCare. Colonel David Noone, an aide de camp of President Higgins represented him at Saturday’s funeral mass.

Cecelia and Frank, the heartbroken parents of Sean paid tribute to their beloved boy. In the eyes of Cecelia he was “a loving, kind and generous son. It’s hurting me so much that I will never see my son grow old, I’ve always

said whatever makes my children happy and hope he is happy where he is now. I will try move forward from this Sean but I will never forget you, I love you so much”.

Frank acknowledged everyone that travelled to attend the mass and who has paid their respects in the last fortnight. “Sean was a beautiful child, I was honoured and privileged to know him growing up, I will always miss him”.

Fr Tom Ryan told the congregation that Sean was “a young man who died far too early”. He recalled, “on this day two weeks ago, the town of Ennis, the county of Clare and indeed the whole country woke up to the shocking news of the unexpected death of Sean in faraway Slovenia. The past two weeks have been difficult for Sean’s parents Frank and Cecilia, his siblings Samuel and Samantha and his many friends”.

Beautiful music was a feature of the mass.

“Sean possessed a musical gift that transcended notes and melodies, it was a language that spoke to our hearts that words could not convey. Sean’s music had the power to lift hearts,” Fr Ryan stated. “His fingers danced effortlessly across the keyboard,” he noted.

Fr Ryan told the mass, “strive to honour Sean’s memory by embracing the beauty of music”.

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Cloonkett green energy community consultation

Irish renewable energy company Cloonkett Green Energy has announced it is commencing pre-planning consultation with the local community and stakeholders, on a proposed wind energy development with the capacity to power up to 50,000 homes.

The proposed project is located in the townlands of Glenconaun More, Craghera and Cloonkett, Cranny, Kilrush, Co.Clare. The project has the capacity for up to 17 turbines.

Onshore wind energy projects such as Cloonkett Green Energy form a key part of the Government’s plan to enhance clean electricity generation, meet Ireland’s environmental targets, and

move to a more secure indigenous energy future. The potential energy output from this project will save approximately 52,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions per year. The proposed project is set to create an estimated community fund of €425,000 to the local area annually.

The Cloonkett Green Energy project will support employment in the energy supply, construction, and maintenance sectors, creating approximately 260 direct and indirect jobs, based on estimates from the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI). The project team is committed to working with local suppliers where possible.

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ect, Communications Manager Nadine Walsh said: “We look forward to meeting with the local community to openly discuss our plans for the proposed Cloonkett Green Energy project. As an indigenous Irish company, we believe in working in partnership with the community to deliver wind energy projects that are socially responsible, with substantial benefits to the community, and where community participation plays a central role in how the development progresses.”

For further information, please visit the project’s website www.cloonkettgreenenergy.ie

l Siobhán Peoples

Photo by Con Kelleher

l Sean Shannon

School bus 'crisis' prompts complaint

A FORMAL compaint has been issued to Bus Éireann and the Department of Education following the cancellation of three routes in South-East Clare, writes Páraic McMahon.

Driver shortages have been cited by Bus Éireann in their decision to cancel different school routes across Co Clare. Two percent of all routes nationwide have been impacted by acute driver shortages. Falling into this category is service E283 from Cratloe and Sixmilebridge to Shannon along with routes from Newmarket-on-Fergus and Ruan despite parents already having purchased school bus tickets for the current aca-

demic year. In total, six school transport routes in Co Clare are impacted.

On Tuesday last, three bus routes in the county were cancelled before the return of schools on Wednesday morning. “One such route covers Cratloe and Sixmilebridge to Shannon which is the route my daughter and 29 others should be on but we now find ourselves having to carpool, miss or be late for work in order to drop and collect our children,” explained Nollette Darcy.

Cratloe woman Nollette said Bus Éireann’s rules are “antiquated” in not allowing sub-contractor drivers over the age of 70 to drive the children on the school run yet they can

drive the children if contacted by the schools directly. “I have also been informed of 1,560 tickets being issued to Limerick students who have not been accommodated on a bus! They bus Eireann claim only 1% of routes are affected”.

Deputy Crowe is seeking a reverse in the policy of Bus Éireann to stop anybody over 70 years of age driving on school bus routes.

Senator Dooley stated, “There’s currently a crisis with school transport due to a shortage of drivers, many army personnel have suitable D & D1 class licences, their skills should be used as a short term measure”.

Toastmasters returns

THE Kilrush and District Toastmasters Club will resume meetings on next Tuesday. Toastmasters members and visitors enjoy the atmosphere and support one gets from listening to the topics and prepared speeches as well as enjoying the cup of tea or coffee and informal chat.

Each year the club invite guests to come along to their meetings which usually attracts people who want to learn some new skills

without pressure or feeling self-conscious in an atmosphere of support and encouragement or just to make new friends.

Many people have a huge fear of speaking in front of a group of people and often actively avoid it but we can all develop this skill if we have the right support which can be found in Toastmasters clubs.

Our club together with the Ennis and Shannon Clubs prides itself on diversity with

all age groups from all walks of life. Anyone feeling even a bit interested are invited to come along to our first meeting of the season on Tuesday next at the Haven Arms (meeting room) at 8pm where you will receive a huge welcome. Meetings are held every second Tuesday and guests are always most welcome. One can also follow the club on Facebook @Toastmasters Kilrush or Whatsap 0860794985 for further details.

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lSCHOOL BUS: Elected representatives attend the public meeting

'There was an appreciation that you were doing something'

by Paraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

ESTABLISHING a connection with young people is among the biggest challenges facing newspapers in Clare and beyond, a former editor and owner maintained.

From 1979 to 2022, Seamus O’Reilly was the Editor and Owner of The Clare County Express. On March 29th, its final edition was published with the headline ‘Thanks for the support and the memories’ adorning the front page.

Remarkably, The Clare Echo was the only media outlet in the county to report on the paper’s closure.

Over 500 editions of the County Express have been published with the Lisheen man attending thousands of GAA games on sidelines across the country during this time.

This week, his latest project, a book on Clare GAA in the championship from 1887 to 2023 is published but long before that O’Reilly sat down with The Clare Echo to discuss his career and that of the monthly freesheet which was delivered to the entire county with 20,000 copies for four decades.

Beginning on his reasons for retiring from the newspaper industry, Seamus stated, “Age would be a factor, I’ve been at it 44 years, it’s been very enjoyable and very little disappointment, it was a natural progression, I always said when I got to 66 I’d do something else, I’m not going to go back to first or second gear because by nature I’m impatient. Costs had gone up slightly which was another factor, I’ve a continuous headache which isn’t the onset of anything but it is like a hangover that remains, I’ve done various scans, none of them are a worry but it is just a factor, for me it is just natural progression”.

Its closure was a source of disappointment but not devastation, he admitted. “When you do something on your own, you don’t see it because there’s no one who you will sit down with and say you should do this or this, I’ve to make a decision myself but that is the way I want it anyway”. One politician who Seamus described as “an adversary” paid a tribute to him in private by saying, ‘what you wrote is what you saw’”. He reflected, “Behind it all there was an appreciation that you were doing something”. Current climates are not generally favourable to newspapers. “I don’t know what papers have to do to revive the connection with young people, maybe online versions, it’s like going to matches, the old folk go to matches and if they don’t have the mechanism to pay cashless sometimes they don’t get into a match. Seamus Hayes hasn’t been replaced and because of that there has been a decline in general, I can’t understand how a freelancer can be employed by a paper to do sport or else hire someone to do it”.

Defamation laws in this country mean legal action is a regular worry for those in the media industry. The County Express was no different, it was “a worry all the time because I hadn’t the expertise to defend it. You would have been very conscious around the time of the Kerry Babies.. I’d be a jack of all trades I wouldn’t be a master, Johnny Callinan was great to lend his advice”.

A particular example when a “a hard-working committee” was incorrectly labelled as “a hard-drinking committee”, after they had been caught staying after hours in one pub months before was one such battle that didn’t make its way to the courts.

O’Reilly recalled that a very prominent clinic also threatened legal action when he was

based out of 25 Abbey Street. “I worked in The Clare News in 1979, Dermot Walsh was the Editor but he was also with The Irish Press, he wrote a book about a Jerry McCabe, the Garda that was shot in Limerick, he said never print an apology, print a correction and when they come into the room never give them a chair. Clare’s leading cleric came in and I was ready, he took off the hat and took out the bag with the article printed, I misunderstood the word and he said ‘my secretary Gerry is not happy with this’ and I began to mock him about his secretary, I asked him what he wanted and he said an apology, I told him we had no deal because an apology meant I could be sued and that I was willing to write a correction. I said a couple of things to him that wouldn’t be printed and said don’t come in here again. The very funny thing about it, a few months later, The Other Clare was being launched in The Old Ground and a girl I knew that was friendly with my sister and she wanted a photograph with the Bishop, I enjoyed it”.

After a year at Mary Immaculate College, Seamus was quick to realise teaching was not a career for him. “I didn’t feel competent teaching children religion because I felt a priest should do that, I went to England and did bits for London magazines like previewing the soccer matches, there was no openings here, my other choice was to be a PE teacher but I had two left legs, I had no sporting qualifications and the likes of people taken in at that time were Pat Spillane, Brian Mullins. I went to Mary Immaculate College for a year but I wouldn’t have lasted, John Burns was my roommate and he was the top man, he used to do six or seven hours a day but it wasn’t for me”.

Upon returning from England, “I went to the Clare News, that lasted twenty issues, an opportunity lost but they lost their vision, they wanted to close The Champion which wasn’t their angle, I said at the time they should have gone tabloid, this was 1979 but they didn’t, there wasn’t enough behind it, the Directors only put in £5,000 each, a minimal amount of money but the market was there, Fr Harry Bohan used to write a column, Ger Colleran was Sports Editor, Jim Humphreys was there, Anne O’Grady who became Editor of the Tipperary Star after, Andrew Kelly who was with Aer Lingus at one stage, Ann Flahery the daughter of Frank Flaherty and she married a well-known journalist, the opportunity was lost and The Champion upped their performance. In November of that year, the Ennis Express started, Peter Cronin was involved and Austin Slattery, The Clare News was going to be a Fianna Fáil paper because they saw The Clare Champion as being a Fine Gael paper, it was true because there was one journalist who would write the story and leave that much room for the local politician to make their comment, that was the way it was”.

“I did bits and pieces for The Evening Press, I did a full broadsheet article on Justin McCarthy, the openings weren’t here, it was either The Clare Champion or that was it, Seamus Hayes came in during the early 1970s, Gerry McInerney came in during the late 1970s, Austin Hobbs came in around the same time as The Clare News. Jim Humphreys left The Clare Champion for The Clare News, the week it opened someone accidentally damaged the cables so everything that could happen did happen, they were memorable times,” he recounted.

When asked if The Express blurred the lines between giving opinion and reporting the facts, Seamus said, “The political column would have expressed opinions, one of our lesser representatives who didn’t get elected by the people decided he would give theatre slots to Belfast, that man should never have went forward again, I’m a firm believer of that. I have no political allegiance, my father would have been Fianna Fáil, when I was in England I liked the Labour Party but the Labour leader voted for water charges and told RTÉ a child didn’t need a father. I would have been very strong on anti-abortion and yet I could tell you when I was in England I knew a nurse that worked in a hospital, I was involved in a youth club and one of our players’ sister had an abortion and I wouldn’t be judgemental. The Church are responsible to a large extent of not giving the unfortunate ladies in Kilrush a bit of comfort. I could never see the right in it, I’m not religious and I don’t go to mass but I would like to be think I’m human. I don’t think any political article favoured any person”. The Express was certainly pro-life when it came to the abortion referendum and Seamus stays with this stance. “I would not be apologetic about it, I would not see anyone with having the right to prevent a life, if someone believes that the right and the lack of compassion by the Church and institutions, people were driven to Our Lady’s and left there”. He added, “out by my way there was a girl raped by her father, what would I do with him? I’d throw away the key, I won’t say anymore. That young fella lived and can you go over and tell that young fella he has no right to live, that is what you are saying. I know it is not the popular thing but I think that person has a right to live and what people are saying is that the mother has sole authority, even if the father has a reasonable relationship, she can say for various reasons the unborn has no choice”.

For a media outlet to use their platform to express personal views is rare among Clare titles but this prompted O’Reilly to respond, “I would go as far as to say that the media in general didn’t give the pro-life fair coverage”.

He continued, “The editorials in most papers are the view of the editor or the journalist. In The Champion, I admired Austin Hobbs when he covered the asbestos, it led to more advertising for The Clare People at the time, I can imagine if I was the owner they would be putting pressure on to stop it because of the loss of advertising but he was very brave and I’ve huge time”.

Media in Clare today “is better, there is more there,” Seamus said. He expanded on this, “I’ve very strong views. The day that the Editor wasn’t the Editor of the paper is the day journalism has taken a backward step in the Mid-West. An Editor should be Editor, if there are issues with libel or with the mechanisms of the paper but not editorial but because of that I think the papers weakened. Seamus Hayes has never been replaced which is a pity, papers are in a battle”.

Doing deliveries of the paper across Clare every month was “like a drug,” he recounted. “The deliveries going out on them it’s hard to explain. It’s almost like a drug and you get going after a while, you’d drop papers and have a chat in places like The Flaggy Shore, Killanena, Fanore, that is what made it and people got to know ‘oh that is the fella in The Express’. We got a lot of advertising in Kilrush, it was simple and basic, a bit of sport and nothing outstanding but they felt they had been let down elsewhere”.

lCLARE CAREER: Seamus O’Reilly Photo by Joe Buckley

130 years of GAA recalled in new book

by Paraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

A NEAR-DECADE project comes to fruition for Ballynacally native Seamus O’Reilly this week.

On Thursday, the launch will take place at The Queens Hotel of Clare GAA in the Championship. It includes all senior championship teams from 1887 to 2023 and was written by O’Reilly.

Joe Ó Muircheartaigh, a journalist with The Kerry’s Eye will be MC on the evening while four time All Star Tony Kelly is the guest of honour as 130 years of Clare’s GAA history is celebrated.

It is O’Reilly’s third book following on from Clare GAA In Pictures released in 2004 and a profile on the club senior championships in Clare from 1887 to 2010.

Spanning 1,197 pages, the latest offering will serve as a handy tool when it comes to settling an argument on who played where and how many times they lined out at senior level in saffron and blue.

Such publications are often a labour of love and this is also the case for Seamus. The total cost of printing the body of work has surpassed €20,000 with sponsorship obtained by a host of generous contributors, all of whom are listed in the opening pages.

Speaking to The Clare Echo at the time of the County Express’ closure last April, Seamus gave an insight into his upcoming project. “I’ll go along to matches. Marty Morrissey said at the book launch for Ollie Byrnes to keep doing something, I’d see myself as being in fifth gear, I’ve no patience. I’m doing a book, Clare hurling and football in the championship from 1887 to the present day, every hurling and football senior championship game played by Clare, it will cost about €20,000. I’d like if County Boards in general took a bit more interest in history but they haven’t”.

CLIFFS OF MOHER STRATEGY 2040

A long-term vision for the sustainable development of the world-class visitor attraction over the next 20 years.

The Preliminary Draft Cliffs of Moher Strategy 2040, available to view on www.cliffsofmoher.ie and Clare County Council Office and in main Libraries around County Clare.

Public Information Evening on Wednesday 20th September at 6.30pm at the Falls Hotel in Ennistymon offering members of the community the opportunity to hear directly from key personnel involved in the development of the Cliffs of Moher Strategy 2040.

For more information, please visit www.cliffsofmoher.ie

lLEGEND: Tony Kelly is the guest of honour for the book launch Photo by Gerard O’Neill

Jessica Robinson, John Fitzgerald and Lorraine Moloney

Photos by Joe Buckley

Paddy Enright with Seamus and Mary Cusack

Some of the younger members of the crowd enjoying the music at this years festival

Mike Burke and Mike Corbett

The Devitt family enjoying the music on Sunday

The Quinns at the 19th hole festival in Newmarket-on-Fergus

Jackson Lawler with his mother Eadaoin, grandfather Donal along with Mary and Mike Kelly

The Fan Girls: Kay McCarthy, Eileen Ryan, Breda Barry, Patricia O’Flanagan and Mary Conry

The 19th Hole Community & Family Fun Festival

newmarket-on-fergus

A FESTIVAL atmosphere took over Newmarket-on-Fergus at the weekend as the world’s leading golfers took to the course at Dromoland Castle for the 2023 KPMG Irish Women’s Open.

Clare County Council, through Shannon Municipal District, hosted the ‘19th Hole Community and Family Fun Festival’ offering a diverse range of events from the popular Shaskeen traditional music band and the Papa Zitas Motown band experience on Saturday evening to Clodagh Lawlor and Abba Sensations Tribute Band on Sunday evening.

The festival kicked off with the Newmarket-On-Fergus Community Centre Brass Band performing to huge crowds on Main Street while the local community spirit and proud sporting reputation of the village was on display with some special appearances by local sporting heroes from the Clare Minor Hurling and Junior Camogie All-Ireland winning teams and the FAI Junior Cup winning Newmarket Celtic AFC. A family friendly event at Mooghaun Bronze Age Hillfort also drew large crowds over the hugely successful two-day inaugural festival.

Pictured left to right: Ger Clancy, Adrian Kelly (Chief Fire Officer, Clare County Council), Fran O’Donnell (Futureama Productions) and Inspector Paul Slattery (An Garda Síochána)

Sampling the atmosphere at the 19th Hole Community and Family Fun Festival last weekend were Back l-r: Aoife Murphy, Rory Murphy, Aoife Murphy, Clare hurler Peter Duggan and Christy Ryan; Front: Jack McMahon and Sam Murphy

Benjamin Doherty and his teammates from Newmarket Celtic AFC pictured with the FAI Junior Cup which the Newmarket Junior side won earlier this year

Anne Griffin of Shannon Municipal District pictured with Paddy Enright of Newmarket on Fergus Community Forum

Councillor Pat McMahon; Siobhan McNulty, Acting Director of Physical Development and Shannon Municipal District; Councillor Tom O’Callaghan and Councillor Gabriel Keating enjoying the festival atmosphere in Newmarket on Fergus at the weekend

Award-winning Country Music star and Newmarket-On-Fergus native Clodagh Lawlor performing on stage at the 19th Hole Community and Family Fun Festival

Katie Theasby, Dave Sanders and Mary Liddy of Shaskeen perform on stage at the 19th Hole Community and Family Fun Festival

Cllr. Joe Cooney, Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council, plays the trombone as members of the Newmarket-On-Fergus Community Centre Brass Band and Cllr. Donna McGettigan, Cathaoirleach of Shannon MD look on at the 19th Hole Community and Family Fun Festival which was organised by Clare County Council in connection with the local community

Photo by Eamon Ward

SHANNON NEWS

in association with

Weather adds to warm welcome at St Senan’s registration day

SUNSHINE and some very special guests lit up spirits at the annual registration day of St Senan’s RFC in Jimmy Slattery Park on Sunday, writes Páraic McMahon.

On arrival, there was a warm welcome from the club’s committee members who were busy running the show; from registering underage players for the season ahead, to presenting club projects, entertaining the kids on the field, providing teas and coffees in the kitchen and even cooking up a famous South African Braai.

NPro Sports were also at hand fitting all underage

players with headgear as part of an initiative which will see St. Senan’s become the first club in Ireland and the UK to make headgear mandatory at underage level. The project plans were on display and there to answer any questions regarding this project was Club President Dave Lee who was also showcasing another project of the club which is their planned skills zone, a specialised area focusing on the introduction, development and upskill of rugby for players from youths all the way up to seniors.

While parents were busy mingling, the future stars of

the club took to the pitch for a session with Tom of Fundamental Movement. The young saints showed off their skills with the help of their coaches and some of the current U16 players.

Munster Head coach Graham Rowntree was one of the special guests and was joined by players Jack O’Donoghue, Tony Butler and Ethan Coughlan, who were happy to pose for photos along with the main attraction, the URC trophy.

Topping off the day was a tasty Braai kindly sponsored and provided by Denver Morrissey Butchers in the Shannon Town Centre.

Muse turn their hand to ‘Stone in his Pockets’

SHANNON will host another award-winning play later this month, writes Páraic McMahon

Following the resounding success of their sell-out production of the play ‘A Night in November’, Muse Productions are proud to present the award-winning play, ‘Stones in his Pockets’, which will be staged at the Hope Cafe, Shannon from 21st to 23rd September.

Hollywood comes to rural Ireland in this hilarious multi-award winner which ran for four years in London’s West End. Small-town Irishmen, Charlie and Jake are hired as extras in an epic American movie, but when a famous actress take a shine to Charlie and tragedy strikes, chaos ensues. The play is rife with drama on stage and off as the American cast and crew try to immerse themselves in Jake and Charlie’s culture, and vice-versa.

‘Stones in his Pockets’ comes from the pen of Marie Jones, who also wrote ‘A Night in November, and stars Richard Germaine and Julita Fox, with each actor playing multiple characters in this unique and enthralling tragicomedy. Julita is the daughter of Aodan Fox, who wowed audiences each night during the run of ‘A Night in November’.

Rehearsals are already well underway, under the supervision of Director Ted Germaine. Tickets can be booked from September 4th on www.ticketsource.eu/muse, or via phone on 087-4136822. Muse will also stage the Aaron Sorkin play ‘A Few Good Men’ in the Hope Café on 15th to 18th November, tickets for this production will go on sale in early October. Muse are proud once again to be supported by the Shannon Springs Hotel and EI Electronics.

Light bill falls by 66 per cent

A MAJOR lighting project has been completed by the Shannon Airport Group and ESB which saw the replacement of over 4,000 indoor and outdoor lighting with ultra-modern LEDs bulbs, writes Páraic McMahon Funded through ESB’s Smart Energy Services, the 66 per cent reduction will see the airport’s energy consumption in lighting reduced to 442 thousand kWh from

1.37 million kWh. Existing lights across the terminal building, car parks and airside have been upgraded to LED lights. This included emergency lighting, office, bespoke, decorative, scene setting and lighting controls, with an aim to reduce life cycle running and maintenance costs.

Mark Reidy, Shannon Airport Maintenance Manager said, “This project has not

only been transformational for energy savings but also to the visual aspect of the airport. Our passengers will see the terminal building and car park lighting is much brighter”.

He added, “This all aligns with our Sustainability Strategy to achieve energy efficiency targets by 2030 and is an absolute imperative for us that we make whatever strides we can”.

lHEAD’S UP: Ger and Louise McNamara with Munster Head Coach, Graham Rowntree

Photo by Joe Buckley

Fiona gears up for Memory Walk

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

L HOSPITALS Group have lodged a planning application for the development of a €9.95m theatre complex at Ennis Hospital.

HSE officials have confirmed that the plans are underway and have been approved under their Capital Programme. A review of pre-operative assessment capacity and process, the location and organisation of equipment and the causes of delays to turnaround times will be carried out by the HSE.

Clare TD, Michael McNamara (IND) has queried the low theatre utilisation rates at Ennis Hospital compared to Nenagh Hospital.

Most recent figures show that Nenagh Hospital’s elective theatre utilisation rate was 71% in April 2022 and 81% in May 2022 compared to 58% and 47% respectively at Ennis Hospital. The overall operation time

Notes

CLARE HAVEN PROGRAMME

(hours) recorded from January to May 2022 in Nenagh was 607 hours compared to just 237 hours in Ennis.

Planning lodged for €10m theatre at Ennis Hospital U

UL Hospitals Group cited industrial action by laboratory scientists resulting in samples not being processed and cases being deferred, cases deferred by the hospital due to the absence of key personnel such as a surgeon, patients not attending for their procedures, and the use of the Surgical Day Ward at Ennis Hospital as surge capacity for medical inpatients in defending its lower utilisation rate.

Deputy McNamara said the theatre upgrade is “only one of a number of measures required to address the matter”. He continued, “The development of a theatre improvement programme is central to tackling low utilisation rates in Ennis, which is impacting waiting times for people seeking to undergo procedures”.

“However, there is a range of other measures that can be undertaken to

expand operations in Ennis which I have been assured are going to be adopted by the HSE following a Theatre Utilisation Review by Grant Thornton highlighting that scheduled care demand at UHL had a significant impact on utilisation in Ennis last year,” he said.

Staffing concerns were flagged by the Scariff native, “It is unacceptable that key personnel such as surgeons are not rostered correctly to ensure permanent cover in Ennis nor is the ongoing situation of patient overflows from an overcapacity UHL continue to impact hospitals like Ennis and the patients who go there for procedures that they have waited for, in some cases, years. Nenagh clearly did not experience the same issue, which is borne out by the figures that have given to me. I would urge the HSE to expedite its plans, as put forward by Grant Thornton in its commissioned report, to remediate this issue”.

LOCAL Champion and Dementia Advisor for the Clare Branch of The Alzheimer Society of Ireland Fiona Staunton will lead the Memory Walk this year, writes Elaine Tubridy

The event gives families, friends and those living with dementia the opportunity to come together, honour, celebrate and raise funds for the vital support services that The Alzheimer Society of Ireland provides. The Alzheimer’s Annual Memory Walk takes place in Ennis on Sunday, 24th September. The walk starts at 11am from the Seán O’Sullivan Park for a 1.5km buggy and wheelchair friendly route or 3.5km walk.

Fiona said, “I am thrilled to be a Local Champion for the 2023 Alzheimer's Memory Walk. I'm really looking forward to the Ennis Alzhei-

mer's Memory Walk on Sunday, September 24th, which will raise awareness and funds for the services that the Alzheimer Society of Ireland provides across the county of Clare. Please can everyone get behind the walk and register now for their participation pack at www.memorywalk. ie.”

Calls for traffic calming to be assessed

CLARE Haven Services are delighted to announce that we will be running our popular Insights Personal Development Programme for women subjected to Domestic Abuse. Although the course has been running for over 20 years this is the first time we will be running it in the evening to enable us to assist women who work outside the home our have caring responsibilities during the day. The course will run from 25th September to 18th December, at 6.30pm to 9.30pm.

Venue: Clare Haven Services Outreach & Resource Office, Abbey Lodge, Limerick Road, Ennis, V95KR72.

GET STARTED ON YOUR FAMILY TREE

ARE you interested in finding out about your Irish ancestors but are not sure where to start? Join us for Clare Roots Society’s first talk of the new season to explore how you can get started on your family tree using online resources that are free and easily accessible. The presentation- “Your Irish Ancestors - Getting Started on your Family Tree” will introduce you to the 1901 and 1911 censuses, civil records in Ireland, Catholic Parish records and land records. It will also look at the great resources for people with County Clare ancestry on clarelibrary.ie. This talk is suitable for absolute beginners as well as people who want to delve deeper into their family tree. As our first talk of the 2023-2024 programme, there is no charge for this event. All are welcome! The talk will take place on Thursday, September 21st, 2023 from 7.30pm – 9pm at Clare Education Centre, Government offices campus, Kilrush Road, Ennis V95 F782 Free parking is available at the venue.

Clara Hoyne previously was secretary for the Clare Roots Society. She combines her interest in family history with other pursuits as she recently completed a PhD on early childhood development in Mary Immaculate College. She works in adult education, tutoring in family history, and engages in research in childhood development as well as training as a psychotherapist.

SPEEDING in Bramble Lane in Ennis is to be investigated, writes Páraic McMahon

Speaking at Tuesday’s meeting of the Ennis Municipal District, Cllr Mary Howard (FG) said she had received numerous representations on speeding within Bramble Lane. She requested that speed bumps or another traffic calming measure be introduced “in the cul de sac area where houses 47 through to

81 are located”.

Acting senior executive engineer, Paddy Tiernan said the issue would be investigated by staff within the Ennis MD. “If justified (we) will propose a suitable traffic calming measure for this area. We wish to advise that Section 38 approval is required for any proposed traffic calming measure. A funding source will also have to be identified for the

scheme”.

Cllr Howard detailed that she has told residents there will be a “noise element” if rumble strips or speed bumps are introduced. “I look forward to there being a positive result and so do the residents, a lot of them have young children”.

Her proposal was seconded by Cllr Clare Colleran Molloy (FF).

l Fiona Staunton

Turas Nua Clare ‘gives back’ to Ennis branch of Irish Wheelchair Association

The Turas Nua team in Clare recently ‘gave back’ to their local community by spending a day volunteering their time with the Ennis branch of Irish Wheelchair Association. Members of the Turas Nua team worked with the local association to add a splash of colour to their charity shop by painting a mural on the wall. Turas Nua aims to empower jobseekers, providing them with training and assistance so that they can work towards securing and sustaining full time employment or to explore self employment.

Ceolchoirm in aisce ag am lóin inniu

Free lunchtime concert today

Macalla an Chláir

LE MACDARA Ó CONAOLA

TÁ ÁTHAS ar Spraoi le Gaeilge agus Glór fáilte mhór a chuir roimh Pádraig Jack as Árainn i nGaeltacht Oileáin Árann, agus Gwilym Bowen Rhys as an mBreatain Bheag chuig Glór ag am lóin inniu, 1pm. Is coirmcheoil is aisce a bheas ann. Ná cailligí é!

Spraoi le Gaeilge and Glór are delighted to welcome Inis Mór singer, Pádraig Jack, and Welsh singer, Gwilym Bowen Rhys, for their free lunchtime gig today at 1pm. Don’t miss it! Áit/Venue: Glór. Am/Time: 1-2pm. Costas/Price: In aisce/Free

RANGANNA OÍCHE GAEILGE DO

DHAOINE FÁSTA AG TOSAIGH, 20Ú

MEÁN FÓMHAIR

Spraoi le Gaeilge will commence Irish conversational classes in Clare Education Centre on The Kilrush Road on Wednesday, 20th September.

Accepting reservations for: ABSOLUTE BEGINNERS, INTERMEDIATE, AND ADVANCED students.

Price for the 8-week course is €60

To reserve your place/further information, please contact: spraoilegaeilge@ gmail.com or call 085 - 1295594

l Coirmcheoil le Pádraig Jack agus Gwilym Bowen Rhys inniu i nGlór

Saint of the gutters

RONAN SCULLY

IT IS a privilege in this week’s thought for the week to be able to write a few words about St. Mother Teresa and how she understood and lived the mercy of Our Lord in her life and work on this the 26th anniversary of her passing.

Without question, St. Mother Teresa was one of the most respected individuals in the 20th century, both in the Church and throughout the world. St. Mother Teresa was easily recognized, listened to attentively, persuasive in her manner and would not take no for an answer. Mother once reflected that her vocation was grounded in belonging to Jesus, and in the firm conviction that nothing will separate us from the love of Christ.

“The work we do” Mother asserted, “is nothing more than a means of transforming our love for Christ into something concrete.” We all know people who are inspired by the life and teaching of Jesus to do corporal and spiritual works of mercy in the world today and who reach out to relieve poverty, hunger, thirst and homelessness and who bring the joy of the Gospel into our world and invite others in turn to come to know Jesus in their lives.

The corporal and spiritual works of mercy are set out in that challenging reading from St. Matthew’s gospel which ends

with words of Jesus that were at the heart of the mission of St. Mother Teresa: “As often as you did it to the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did it to me.” I am grateful to have met many good and saintly people who ‘do amazing works of mercy’. No doubt you too can think of women and men who care for the sick and suffering in our community, our country and our world who feed the hungry, clothe the naked, welcome the stranger and often do so quietly behind the scenes, without seeking any recognition or reward. In the canonisation of St. Mother Teresa a few years ago which I was blessed to attend, we are being offered a modern day model of holiness or icon of mercy. Someone we can look to as an example and an encouragement for ourselves to do mercy and to be merciful, especially for those who are most rejected or forgotten in our world.

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK

As your thought for the week, we must remember that the most fundamental vocation and purpose of our lives is to love. However, love without sacrifice and mercy is empty, and love without pain is vain. Mother Teresa once said that humanity has cured so many incurable diseases, but one disease that afflicts humanity today is that there are many people who feel unwanted, lonely and unloved. May each and every one of us become God’s light and hand in the world to touch a wounded soul and heal a broken heart.

I took myself on a cinema date recently. I went to see a documentary called Come Back Anytime. It was a lovely little thing. It is the very ordinary story of a Japanese ramen bar owner, Masamoto Ueda, who has spent 40 years creating, perfecting and serving Tokyo style ramen. What was extraordinary about it was the way his long standing, repeat customers held him in such high regard, in a homely, familial way. It honestly brought a tear to my eye, and if you can stream or download it, I wholly recommend it.

After the screening, I took in my surroundings and wondered when, if ever, I would return. The truth of the matter is, my husband and I aged out of the city a long ago. The pull home to Clare has been getting stronger, so much so that I now have just weeks left to revisit and reflect upon all of the places that I frequented over the best part of two and a half decades. Dublin has changed immeasurably in that period, but throughout, I had my little rituals that kept me sane when a visit home wasn’t on the cards or I was just having a bad day. They did not involve high end shopping trips, fine dining or cocktails. There were some, as a treat, when friends and family would visit, or maybe through an office night out but in the main, I preferred bookshops, beer at concerts, casual eats

Imeachtaí/Events:

• INIS DÍOMÁIN – 9ú Meán Fómhair, 11-11.30am, ‘’Scéalta agus Rannta le Chéile’’, Leabharlann Inis Díomáin

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

• SRÁID NA CATHRACH - 13ú Meán Fómhair, 10.30 -11am, ‘’Scéalta agus Rannta le Chéile’’, Leabharlann Phoiblí Shráid na Cathrach

• RAIDIÓ CLARE FM - ‘’Cúl-chaint’’ le Domhnall Ó Loingsigh chuile mhaidin Dé Sathairn, 9am. Seol nuacht chuig: Donal@clare.fm

and Marks and Spencer. I will miss ambling around galleries, parks and markets and just taking it all in. It is the best location for people watching in Ireland. In case you are visiting in the coming months, here’s a small list of activity and things that have made me stupidly happy while living here. You might enjoy them too.

FOOD / DRINK

Butlers, Dawson St, for an oat milk latte and salted caramel chocolate. An ideal viewing spot for style promenaders. Ditto for Clement and Pekoe, South William St. where a chai latte with honey and warm milk is the stuff of dreams. Featherblade restaurant. The steak is gorgeous. The sides even more so. Not extortionate. All of the menu around the corner in Gotham Cafe.

Very reasonable prices, and suitable for all occasions. Those Rolling Stone covers never get old. Wowburger off Grafton St. The clue is in the name. Gushi Asian bar and Musashi on Capel St. Beef teriyaki, miso soup, and a portion of edamame for one please.

FREE

A visit to the RHA, IMMA, Photo Museum Ireland, the Hugh Lane and the National Gallery. Be warned, the gift shops are as enticing as the exhibitions. An early morning DART journey to Dun Laoghaire, to walk along along the pier. Practically free, if travelling by LEAP card.

ENTERTAINMENT

A backstage tour of the Abbey Theatre. It is amazing what goes on behind the scenes in such a confined space. The history is fascinating too. A visit to the Lighthouse Cinema, the IFI or the Stella for a cinema experience other than the usual chain.

More than anything in this world, I will miss the gigs. The planned ones, the last minute invites, the ease of access, the midweek availability. The Olympia, the 3 Arena, Vicar St. the Button Factory, the Academy, Croke Park, the Aviva, Iveagh Gardens, Kilmainham, Malahide Castle. “All that noise and all that sound, all those places I got found”, as Coldplay might sing.

I know it won’t be too much hassle to visit again. Dublin is not that far away but in future I’ll have first world problems like overnight trips, mid week dates, travel time and hotel prices to contend with.

I’m coming home to Clare and looking forward to it. Clean air, a slower pace, a safe environment and less temptation in the way of frippery. What’s not to love? I’m ready for a simple routine, friends, family, the proximity to Limerick, Galway, the coast, the roast (dinner, that is) and toasted sandwiches that cost less than €10. I’m ready to get back to writing, photography and the soundness and kindness of my own. I’m ready for a quiet life.

I’m embracing the next chapter with open arms. I can Come Back Anytime indeed.

Am I really saying goodbye to all that?

Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Ireland based in Ennis, Co. Clare

by Stuart Holly editor@clareecho.ie

FASD impacts up to a quarter of a million people in Ireland – however up until recently, no specific support service existed for people in Ireland struggling with the disorder.

All that changed almost three years ago when Clare resident Tristan Casson-Rennie took it upon himself to set up FASD Ireland. According to recent research, FASD (Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder) affects over 244,000 people in Ireland making this country the second most prevalent country for FASD in the world.

FASD results from exposing the foetus or baby to alcohol while in utero and causes irreversible life-long brain damage to the child.

Tristan tells The Clare Echo, “That means just a single glass of alcohol at any point.

baby.”

In about 10 per cent of cases, the baby is born with facial dysmorphia however the symptoms of FASD in general are not obvious to the naked eye. They often begin to appear from the age of five and are fully apparent by the age of 10. “We’re talking about things like missed, or a delay in reaching milestones - conditions that would present similarly to ADHD or autism.

“We would be concerned if the child is displaying signs of emotional or behavioural difficulties in primary education, perhaps if their chronological age didn’t equate to their developmental age – so in other words for example a child of 10 in the playground was consistently going to play with children aged six instead of children aged 10, that would give us an idea of their developmental age,” he explains.

alcohol exposure. “That’s a once in a lifetime opportunity for the people of Clare, to start to eradicate FASD from the county,” he admits. “We believe if we talk to every 15year old in the county and we show them in a little science experiment that we do in the classroom, what the risks are, we know they’ll take that through the rest of their lives with them, it can have a real lifechanging impact on those families as those young people start to grow up.”

A Social Entrepreneurs Ireland grant of €15,000 has helped to set up and operate a national helpline and the FASD Hub Ireland has helped around 800 families since March. “Some of those we helped directly over the telephone line. Other families we invite to come to our hub in Ennis and we meet with them, and guide them with what the challenges they are facing at that time,

HSE to establish Ireland’s first FASD clinic in Ennis with the ambition to have six regional support hubs co-located with CAMHS.

Tristan concludes, “September 9 is World FASD Awareness Day. We have written to every local authority across Ireland and Northern Ireland to ask them to light up their public buildings red on September

9. Ultimately our goal is to get our education piece out there and to let people know there is a risk associated with drinking alcohol six weeks before getting pregnant right through to when you complete breastfeeding for the child. We’re not anti-alcohol, we’re pro pre-plan pregnancy and drinking alcohol at a point that’s appropriate. People wouldn’t drink and drive

a vehicle, nor should they drink and have a baby.”

FASD Ireland is located at 51 O’Connell Street Ennis. For more information, call (065) 670 3096 or visit www.fasdireland.ie

Actually, we can go back a bit further and say there is a risk if the mother has been drinking alcohol up to six weeks before conception or at the time of conception, the man can have an impact on the risks of FASD being caused at that point. So, it affects both men and women if they’re planning to have a

FASD Ireland has delivered dozens of FASD webinars to SNAs to help them support children with the condition in the classroom, while a recenty €2,000 funding from St Francis Credit Union will allow the group to visit the 19 post-primary schools in Clare in this academic year to speak to TY students about the risks of pre-natal

Thursday 7th September @2pm

Friday 8th September @11am

Monday 11th September@10.30am

Tuesday 12th September @2 30pm

Wednesday 13th September@2pm

and we’ve just begun a programme with TUSLA where we’re working with families that are foster carers or kinship carers where TUSLA has responsibility and TUSLA are now commissioning us as a service to provide that to families who are living with FASD.”

FASD Ireland has also put forward a proposal to the

Thursday 14th September @ 12pm

Monday 18th September @11am

Wednesday 20th September @ 11am

Tuesday 26th September @ 10.30am

Thursday 28th September @ 2 30pm

that means working together to celebrate, advocate and raise awareness of World Mental Health Month to coincide with World Mental Health Day on October 10th.

The theme for 2023 is ‘Mental health is a universal human right’. For more information on the theme, visit https://wfmh.global/news/2023.23-03-29_announcement

If anyone has any queries, please contact Claire Flynn, clairef@mentalhealthireland.ie or 0858768522.

Glowing from the inside out!

Style, Beauty and Lifestlye

Haven Pharmacy Hollys Ennis has everything you need to have gorgeous glowing skin that radiates from within.

fabÜ SKIN GLOW (€29.99) is a supplement which is based on the edible mushroom Reishi, blended with vitamins, amino acids and Zinc. This recipe aids normal collagen formation, skin function, cell di-

healthy glowing complexion.

A new Irish product on the mar ket that you are sure to love is the SOSU sleep face mask (€14.95). This innovative self-tanning formula not

only develops into a glowing tan, but also deeply nourishes your skin, leaving it looking and feeling hydrated and replenished. Suitable for normal to dry skin. The customizable formula al-

product which is developed especially for hypersensitive and redness-prone skin. Rosalique provides an instant concealing effect to the skin and also contains SPF50 for extra protection while you are out and about.

I find that when my skin is glowing I tend to wear lighter makeup, and the Sculpted by Aimee Hydra Tint (€25) is the perfect tinted moisturiser to let your skin breath but also providing sheer coverage. This lightweight serum comes in 20 shades so call into Hollys

to find the right match for you!

To add an extra bit of colour to your cheeks

I love the Sculpted by Aimee Cream Luxe blush (€18), think dewy, think radiant, think spring with pops of Pink Supreme Blush! You can also use this blush on the lips for the perfect makeup coordination.

For extra colour on the lips

lows you to get perfect shade for you – and it’s fragrance free!

Hollys also has a fabulous skincare range for those that suffer from redness; the Rosalique 3 in 1 anti-redness miracle formula (€33.95) is an amazing

The advantages of joining a matchmaking agency

My name is Eithne Buckley and I set up Twoheartsmeet Matchmaking Agency back in 2011. I have spent the last 12 years matching single, separated, divorced and widowed people from the mid 30’s to late 70’s age bracket. Here are some of the questions I get asked by people thinking of joining up:

What criteria do you take into account when matching two people?

The main criteria are personality traits and values. Once I have someone within your ideal age bracket and location, these are the things I look for.

I also compare physical attributes such as height and build as well as occupations, backgrounds, level of education etc.

What is your level of success?

As I take my work as a matchmaker very seriously and want to maintain the good reputation I have build up over the years, I am very successful and have a very high percentage of couples who stay together. On average, around 70% or 80% of couples that I match up, end up

in a long term relationship.

What is the difference between joining an online dating site and joining Twoheartsmeet?

As people pay a significant membership fee to join Twoheartsmeet, this shows they are serious about looking for a long term partner. As they have invested money in joining up, they show they are looking for commitment and not just a casual relationship.

How many matches can I expect to get?

I don’t limit the number of introductions I offer people. As long as I have someone who I think you would be interested in meeting I will give you the opportunity to see their profile and photo. If both of you agree to meet I will exchange first names and phone numbers.

What’s the next step if I decide I want to join?

We would make an appointment to meet up to complete the profiling. This takes place over a cup of coffee in a quiet corner of a hotel where we won’t be disturbed and takes

between 60-90 minutes.

What happens after the profiling is completed?

I will type up your profile and email or WhatsApp it to you so you can have a read of it and you can make any changes if you want.

If it doesn’t work out with the first person you match me with, how long will I have to wait for a follow up introduction?

It depends on your criteria. When I have someone else who I feel is a compatible match for you, I will send you their profile.

the Sculpted by Aimee Line & Shine in shade rose (€19) is a creamy lip liner that is formulated with nourishing ingredients including Rosehip Oil and Shea Butter to add moisture to dryer lips. This fabulous product is dual ended with a gloss to add long-lasting shine.

Be sure to call into Haven Pharmacy Ennis to help accentuate your skins natural glow!

So if you are interested in joining Twoheartsmeet, please call 085 77 42 444 or check out the website twoheartsdating. com

Rachel Porter @rachels_day_

Women’s Irish Open at Dromoland Castle

Crowds enjoy the action at the KPMG Women’s Irish Open held at Dromoland Castle

Photos by Joe Buckley

GREEN CLARE ‘Rivers of Clare cannot be used as toilets’ - Campaigners to protest

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

A NORTH Clare group are to hold a protest rally this Saturday as part of their efforts to quell pollution in rivers across the county.

Save Our Rivers is the campaign of the new group formed in North Clare. The personnel involved say they are tired of the pollution, the fish kills and all the other forms of environmental destruction they see around them. An unprecedented fish kill on the Ballymacraven River in May which saw over 2,000 fish die, has prompted the birth of the campaign. The group will hold a rally on Saturday (September 9th) at the entrance of Clare County Council’s offices in Ennistymon located on the Ennis Road at 2pm.

Denis Vaughan of Save our Rivers explained, “There is a clear need for this campaign in North Clare. It comes after the largescale fish kill in the Tattons and Inagh Rivers.

That appalling episode resulted in the killing of thousands of fish around Ennistymon. We lost eels, salmon, trout, flounder and rudd. Since then, we have heard several reports of the rivers being badly polluted, with consequent destruction of the wildlife associated with the waterways.

“At the same time we see untreated sewage pouring into the sea and rivers at Ennistymon, Doolin and Ballyvaughan. Lahinch Beach is frequently closed because of the presence of untreated sewage that gives rise to gastro-intestinal sickness. We hear frequent reports about the local tap water being undrinkable. All of these events have shocked the good people of Clare. They will not accept that terrible destruction of the Banner”.

Vaughan has questioned why the Environmental Protection Agency, Inland Fisheries Ireland and Clare County Council have not published reports on their investigations into

the recent fish kills. “It is unacceptable that Uisce Eireann (Irish Water) and Clare County Council still monitor themselves. Their recent history proves that the system has failed. Multiple fish kills in Ennistymon are absolutely unacceptable. The rivers of Clare cannot be used as toilets”. He added, “We frequently hear about plans for new sewage treatment plants in these locations but, again, nothing happens. This situation cannot continue any longer. Clare must have clean water and proper sewerage. If no immediate improvement is forthcom-

ing the chief officers of Uisce Eireann and the County Council should consider their positions. We demand that Irish Water and Clare County Council clean up the effected polluted parts of Tattons and Inagh rivers forthwith.

“Basic reform is needed. We believe the local water treatment plants need to be monitored by an independent body. The state can afford these reforms because Ireland currently has a huge budget surplus. Part of this extra money should be spent on water and sewage systems,” Vaughan concluded.

WHAT GOES IN MY RECYCLE BIN?

l Denis Vaughan Photo by Eamon Ward

Extra electric vehicle charging points needed for Kilkee 2024 season

KILKEE has six months to be equipped with electric vehicle charging points in order to be ready for the 2024 season while existing infrastructure has been abused, writes Páraic McMahon

Addition of extra electric vehicle charging points “in light of the ever increasing number of electric cars on our roads, particularly in the tourist town of Kilkee,” was sought by Cllr Gabriel Keating (FG).

Senior executive engineer in the roads department of Clare County Council, Anne O’Sullivan explained that local authorities have been asked by Zero Emissions Vehicles Ireland (ZEVI) to develop local EV charging infrastructure strategies “in order to plan for the roll out of EV infrastructure in their jurisdictions”. ZEVI was established by the Department of Transport.

Local authorities have been encouraged to collaborate with neighbouring

counties so that co-ordinated strategies are put in place. “Clare County Council will work with Sligo County Council, Mayo County Council, Galway County Council and Donegal County Council in the development of a Regional Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure Strategy,” she confirmed.

“An implementation plan for the future provision of a network of EV chargers at locations such as Kilkee and across the county by the local authority will be developed in line with this strategy. The provision of this infrastructure supported by ZEVI will be a targeted investment of public monies and based on a needs assessment and available or future power capacity at suitable locations,” O’Sullivan added.

Speaking at Tuesday’s meeting of the West Clare Municipal District, Cllr Keating stated, “I am glad a move is being made, we have six months to do it and be ready for next year”. He added, “In

the Peninsula we have a lot of people travelling from all over Ireland, they are coming to the Cliffs and the Lighthouse, it is important we have charging points for them. In Kilkee, we need extra because we’ve a lot of holiday homes who don’t have access to rear of homes”.

Following a swim in Kilkee, Cllr Cillian Murphy (FF) admitted he was left stunned when he saw what was happening at the EV charging points in the coastal town. “I went passed the two chargers in Kilkee after a swim and they were both being used by hybrid cars. What does that say? Maybe under parking by-laws we might prevent the charging of hybrid cars at EV locations,” he quipped in reference to the criticism of plans surrounding the by-laws. “I couldn’t get over it”, Murphy admitted.

John O’Malley senior executive officer in the West Clare MD confirmed that they have been in contact with ESB and upgrades will be forthcoming.

lCllr Gabriel Keating (FG) Photo by Eamon Ward

Over 2,400 people upskilled in 2022

MORE than 600 companies and 2,400 people upskilled with a Skillnet Ireland Business Network in Clare last year, writes Elaine

Tubridy.

Figures from Skillnet Ireland reveal the national agency for workforce development delivered over 22,100 training days across Clare last year. 59% of those who undertook training were men and 41% were women, while those aged 30 to 39 years were the largest group of people availing of these upskilling supports.

The vast majority (94.2%) of the 600 Clare companies that upskilled their workforce with Skillnet Ireland in 2022 were small and medium enterprises. The greatest uptake came from the Services sector, followed by Engineering, Agriculture, Manufacturing, Transportation, Aviation and Tourism and Travel.

Companies based in Clare undertook upskilling programmes with 63 Skillnet Business Networks, including Shannon Chamber Skillnet.

The Skillnet Ireland Annual Report, for 2022 shows that nationwide, upskilling and training programmes to the value of

€70.2 million, were provided to almost 25,000 businesses and over 92,000 workers across the Irish economy and the regions. Companies contributed €26.5 million or 37% of the total investment towards upskilling their staff, a €4 million increase on 2021, signalling a high level of buy-in from industry sectors to develop their teams in partnership with Skillnet Ireland.

Skillnet Ireland provides programmes to business of all sizes across all regions in key areas such as digital skills and skills for a green transition.

Every business large or small is facing challenges from the need for digital advancement to talent shortages and skills gaps. In this, the EU Year of Skills, which runs until May 2024, the agency is making substantial progress in futureproofing businesses in Clare and across the country through talent development and to enhance the specialist skills of the Irish workforce.

Skillnet Ireland Chief Executive, Paul Healy said “As a knowledge-based economy nurturing our highly skilled workforce is central to our national competitiveness. Skillnet

Ireland’s approach is based on flexibility, working with companies to respond to new industry trends in a fast and targeted way. We look forward to growing our partnerships with industry, higher education and State agencies in 2023”.

Skillnet Ireland’s Director of Business Networks, Dave Flynn says ‘In this the European Year of Skills we are making substantial progress in futureproofing Irish business through skills development so employers fully capitalise on the opportunities presented by technological innovation, digitalisation and the green transition. As the talent development agency, Skillnet Ireland will expand our engagement with companies to ensure they have the talent to meet these challenges and more.’

Cliffs of Moher walk gets new plan

To learn more about Skillnet Ireland visit www.skillnetireland.ie

A new management plan has been agreed for the Cliffs of Moher Coastal Walk. Under a joint initiative between Clare County Council, Clare Local Development Company (CLDC), Fáilte Ireland and the Department of Rural and Community Development, the proposed new ‘Management Plan for the Cliffs of Moher Coastal Walk’ will set out how the trail will be managed, protected, and maintained in the future. Pictured are Leonard Cleary, Director of Tourism Development and West Clare Municipal District for Clare County Council, Sheila Browne, Project Co-ordinator, Cliffs of Moher Experience and Eoin Hogan, Rural Recreation Officer, Clare Local Development Company

Photo by Arthur Ellis

Revamped Cliffs of Moher

€36m in revenues & employ over 300

by Gordon Deegan news@clareecho.ie

A NEW 2040 masterplan for the re-development of the Cliffs of Moher visitor attraction will deliver a projected €36m in annual revenues for the tourist operation.

The Cliffs of Moher is the country’s most popular natural tourist attraction and 1.1m patrons visited the site last year.

The re-development is to deliver a new ‘world class’ visitor attraction and the implementation of the 2040 strategy “will deliver a more profitable and more robust operation for the future”.

That is according to a newly published preliminary draft 2040 Cliffs of Moher Strategy which is hard-hitting on the shortcomings of current visitor facilities and risky visitor behaviour seeking ‘Instagramworthy’ photo opportunities along the unstable cliff edge.

According to the 139 page document, the implementation of the 2040 strategy “is projected to generate an overall income of €36m from visitor spend and employ more than 300 people”.

The authors state that the new strategy will result in “rather than just a photo-stop, the core experience for every visitor will be a paced emotional journey that maximises the exhilaration of the final cliff view”.

The masterplan includes the development of a new ‘gateway’ building, the conversion of the existing visitor centre into an interpretative hub, a new footbridge over the nearly regional route and a new cliff edge walk that includes a variety of new engineered viewing platforms will bring visitors at some points over the cliffs edge where views are particularly dramatic. The authors state that “the core concept for the future development of the Cliffs of Moher is to create a wilder, back to nature experience with a high-quality arrival to commence the visitor journey”.

The report states that the total expenditure of visitors to the Cliffs of Moher is projected to be over €300m per annum in the wider economy and will support over 8,000 tourism jobs. The authors state that the implementation of the strategy “will result in significantly increased economic benefits at site, local, regional and national level”.

The report states that in 2019, the Clare County Council owned visitor attraction generated €18m in estimated revenues and estimated operating profits of €9.7m.

Admission income makes up 90pc of the current Cliffs of Moher Visitor Experience income. The preliminary draft states that “overall, the operational surplus from the

Cliffs of Moher site is projected to increase by more than double”.

The strategy is silent on the scale of admission price income required to part fund the capital cost of the strategy, stating only that “admission charges for the Cliffs of Moher will change in line with the development of the new facilities and to reflect the “worldclass” status of the new and expanded visitor offer”.

The anticipated hike in prices comes against the background of what the report calls as “high levels of dissatisfaction from a small minority of visitors on TripAdvisor relating primarily to a feeling that they are paying for parking at a natural heritage site that should be free to access”.

The report states, “This is compounded by a sense of resentment that visitors walking along the public footpaths on either side of the visitor experience are accessing the same site for free. As visitors presume that tickets are for parking rather than for access to visitor facilities, there is further dissatisfaction that entry fees are per person rather per car, leading to negative perceptions of value for money.”

The plan seeks to sharply increase revenue and profits while at the same time capping visitor numbers at peak periods at 2019 levels. The strategy doesn’t put a price tag on the redevelopment and only states it will result “in major capital investment on the site”.

The strategy states that the total capital cost “will depend on the final scope of works, the scheme design and phasing”.

The blueprint adds that the long-term vision for the Cliffs of Moher “will create outstanding visitor experiences, implement sustainable transport measures and create a network of new access links through integrated greenways”.

The strategy states that these initiatives will encourage visitors to disperse across the area bringing enhanced social and economic benefits for local communities.

Director of the Cliffs of Moher Experience, Geraldine Enright said: “This strategy presents an exciting opportunity to reimagine and reshape the visitor experience and wider site at the Cliffs of Moher and to further enhance this world-class attraction for the benefit of visitors and the wider community in County Clare.”

The Council is to stage a public information meeting on the draft 2040 Strategy at the Falls Hotel in Ennistymon on Wednesday, September 20th from 6.30pm.

Health Care Support Assistants, Limerick, Clare and North Tipperary

l Cliffs of Moher

This is a stunning first floor apartment in the Inis Clair development on the Kildysart Road in Ennis which is less than 1km from the N85 Ennis ring road Clarecastle Roundabout at the Maxol Service Station.

The apartment is in excellent condition with top quality finishes. There are two double bedrooms with built in wardrobes, drawers and vanity unit.

The main bathroom has excellent space and is tiled throughout. There is a shower unit and separate bath.

The main living area is bright an spacious with windows on three sides. The living area is carpeted and the kitchen area is tiled. The kitchen includes an integrated oven and hob and granite worktops.

This fabulous 3 bedroom detached property comes to the market in excellent condition. Situated on 1.55 acres with mature trees and hedging, privacy is guaranteed with this home. Located approximately 6.5kms from Corofin village and within easy access of Ennistymon and Lahinch, this property would make an ideal family or retirement home. The additional land that comes with this fine home would be perfect for owners with an interest in horses or ponies or perhaps may also have potential as an additional site in the futuresubject to the necessary planning permissions.

Accommodation comprises 157.10 sq.m. and includes an open plan kitchen/dining area, sun room, utility room, living room, bathroom and 3 bedrooms.

Ennis Local Electoral Area designated as Rent Pressure Zone

Sherry FitzGerald McMahon are delighted to offer for sale this fantastic three bed detached residence on a substantial private site measuring 0.64 acres located in Milltown, Tulla. Located in a semi-rural area that offers the many benefits of country living while also remaining accessible to all local amenities lying 2 km west of Tulla village. It is a short fourteen-minute drive from both Ennis and the M18 motorway.

Constructed in 2006, this property comes to market in good condition however it will need internal and external works to bring the property to a finished standard. The rear extension was added in 2021.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL has welcomed the announcement by Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh O’Brien TD, that Ennis Local Electoral Area has been designated as a Rent Pressure Zone (RPZ) effective from 31st August, 2023.

As a designated RPZ, rent increases on private rental tenancies within the area are limited to a maximum of 2% per annum, and this applies to both existing tenancies and those being re-let on the market. There are some exemptions including properties new to market, properties that have not been let in the previous two years, and properties that have undergone a substantial change in the nature of accommodation. Existing tenancies within the RPZ are still subject to the existing 24-month certainty measure until the next

rent review is due.

Full details on RPZs for both tenants and landlords are available on the Residential Tenancy Board website at: www. rtb.ie/rent-pressure-zones

County Clare saw one of the largest yearon-year increases in average rent for new tenancies, according to Daft.ie.

The standardised average rent in new tenancies in Clare for Q1, 2023 stood at €1,073.99, which marks more than a 15 per cent increase on last year’s figure. It also puts Clare as a more expensive location to rent in when compared to counties such as Kerry, Wexford, Westmeath and Tipperary.

The cheapest location in Ireland to rent according to the report was Leitrim at €809.22 with Dubin at the top end of the scale at €2,102.49.

Contact: Diarmuid McMahon

Danielle

LAUNCH OF NEW HOMES

WESTWOOD

GOLF LINKS ROAD, ENNIS, CO CLARE

BUYHELPTO AVAILABLESCHEME

ONLY TWO HOUSES CURRENTLY AVAILABLE

Special Features

• A2 Energy Rated Homes

• 4 bedroom semi-detached homes

• Newly built in 2023

• Ground floor 2nd living room/playroom/study

• Precast concrete floors

• Underfloor heating throughout

• Air to water heat pump

• Generous PC sums

• Help to Buy Grant of up to €30,000 available*

• Short distance from Ennis by-pass and Ennis town centre

• Floor Area: 125 sqm (approx.)

*subject toqualification criteria

From €369,000

OPEN VIEWINGS:

Saturday, 16th September 10.00am - 11.00am

Thursday, 21st September 4.45pm - 5.15pm

CONSTRUCTED BY HEGARTY BROTHERS & CO LTD IN 2023

Cratloe win in Ryan's return

CLARE SFC GROUP 3, ROUND 3

Cratloe 2-11 Ennistymon 2-05

Venue: Gurteen

Compiled by Derek Dormer

STORY OF THE GAME

CRATLOE:

Frees for: 13 (6/7)

Wides: 8 (7/1)

Top scorer: Diarmuid Ryan

(2-0)

Scores from play: 2-10

Spread of scorers: 8

Bookings: Tommy Rooney

(23)

Black Card: Jack McInerney

(36)

Own kickouts won: 10 from 13 (77%)

'Huge' for Kildysart to qualify

ENNISTYMON

Frees for: 12 (7/5)

Wides: 6 (3/3)

Top scorer: Éanna Rouine

(1-2)

Scores from play: 2-5

Spread of scorers: 4

Bookings: David Fitzgerald

(19)

Own kickouts won: 14 from 21 (66%)

REFEREE: Chris Maguire (Wolfe Tones)

MANAGER COMMENT “

Colm Collins, Cratloe:

“They put in a really good shift. This was everything, not only progression in the championship but you were staring relegation in the face if you got beaten so thankfully they put a great performance out there and I'm delighted. Special mention to Conor Ryan, his first game back and he made a telling contribution from the bench. He's a massive addition to this club.

“We rolled up our sleeves when we went down a man and we worked really hard but I thought we worked really hard throughout. The tackling started at 13 and 15 so there was no easy way out for Ennistymon. Look it, you have to have sympathy for them too, they're missing four top players and you don't replace them easily. They're quality footballers and would be a loss for any team.

Mark

“Cratloe absolutely deserved it. We played second fiddle for most if not all that match. Apart from an odd spurt here or there we were second fiddle and it's hard to take. The last

two games we haven't been where we want to be, performance wise, individual wise, collective wise, management wise we just made collective mistakes."

Bricks: Serious stuff starts now

CLARE SFC GROUP 1, ROUND 3

Kilmurry Ibrickane 0-17 St Joseph's Doora-Barefiled 0-12

Venue: St Michael's Park, Kilmihil

Compiled by Peter O'Connell

STORY OF THE GAME

KILMURRY IBRICKANE

Frees for: 14 (7/7)

Wides: 9

Spread of scorers: 9

Scores from play: 0-14

Top scorer: Dermot Coughlan (0-5 3f)

Bookings: Danny Walsh and Michael Comber

Own kickouts won: 10 from 13 (77%)

REFEREE: Jim Hickey (Cratloe)

DOORA/BAREFIELD:

Frees for: 21 (8/13)

Wides: 1

Spread of scorers: 6

Scores from play: 0-9

Top scorer: Tom Curran (0-4 2f)

Bookings: Tom Curran, James Curran, Cian Barron.

Red: Cian Barron

Own kickouts: 15/26 (57%)

MANAGER COMMENT “

James Murrihy, Kilmurry Ibrickane:

“We were happy to get the two points. We didn't want to be bringing ourselves into the quagmire of the group, looking at phones and that kind of stuff. We wanted to make sure we went in the front door and avoid the winners of the other groups.

It's knockout football now. There are a lot of aspects I wouldn't be happy with but we kicked 17 scores.

“Barefield are a young team and they brought it. It was great to get out of here unscathed bar Cathal Talty rolling his ankle, which will be fine, we came out of the game with no injuries which is the important thing.

“The group has given us the

opportunity to blood some young players but the serious stuff starts now.

“We seem to be joined to the hip with Cratloe, they finished second, we finished top. Or we could get the neighbours Miltown. None of them will fear the present day Kilmurry. But for all the teams we're training this week now knowing who we're playing. It's knockout now and hopefully we can stay in the championship for as long as possible”.

“It was a lot better performance than the Breckan's game which was vital

for this bunch of lads.

“I thought they showed great courage to stay in it and stay at it. We were still beaten but we played well at times. We're working hard on increasing our intensity. It was a lot better

STORY OF THE GAME

REFEREE: Niall Quinn (St Joseph's Miltown)

MANAGER COMMENT “

David Butler, Kildysart:

“It’s fantastic. Look, we finished as group winners but to be honest, we didn’t have a clue what was going on in Gurteen, we were only concentrating on trying to get ourselves over the line and thankfully we did that.

“It was called a seismic shock two weeks ago [in beating Cratloe]. We knew that it wasn’t a seismic shock, we were coming in here today to win so to do so, I’m so proud of them as they’re a great bunch.

“We’re not going to play it down, this is huge for Kildysart. It’s massive for this group but they deserve it for the commitment and dedication that they’ve all given for years now.

“I’m very disappointed with how we applied ourselves in that second half as there a little bit of life in us in the first half but the better team won by a country mile. We had no answer to Emmet [McMahon] there, no matter what we did, we didn’t have the quality to be able to stop him.

“I felt that we had enough possession in the first half to put a few more scores on the board but we’re a little bit individual up front in my opinion. We’re not connecting, we’re not bringing the other players into it, there’s not enough interaction between the forwards ...and because of that we’re easier to control.

today. Big Tom McDonald was a lot more involved in the game today and the boys attitude was a lot better today. We're three years senior now but we have to start taking a few scalps at some stage”.

“It looks like that we’re still in the championship which is great. The bottom line is that we know the problems we had today and because the play-off is next Sunday, we’ve got to go and work really hard."

SCAN HERE FOR MATCH REPORT

l David McNamara tries to protect the ball from Rian Considine Burren Eye Photography

Shanahan, Ennistymon:

l Shane Hickey wins the ball back from Tom McDonald

Photo by Gerard O'Neill

Donagh Vaughan, Doora-Barefield:

CLARE SHC GROUP 3, ROUND 3 Kildysart 0-13 Lissycasey 0-08 Venue: Clarecastle Compiled by Eoin Brennan

Aiden Moloney, Lissycasey-:

l Shane Griffin is met by Seamus Casey Photo by Gerard O'Neill

Hard-earned for St Breckan's

Miltown got 'vital scores'

STORY OF THE GAME

ST JOSEPH’S MILTOWN: Frees For: 16 (9/7)

Wides: 4 (2/2)

Scores from play: 1-9

Spread of scorers: 7

Top scorer: Jamesie

O’Connor (1-1)

Own kickouts won: 14 out of 16 (88%)

Bookings; Kieran Malone (42), Oisin Looney (43)

CLONDEGAD

Frees For: 21 (9/12)

Wides: 6 (5/1)

Scores from play: 1-5

Spread of scorers: 7

Top scorer: Barry Toner (1-1)

Own kickouts won: 10 out of 16

Bookings; Conor Gavin (17); Ryan Jennings (48)

REFEREE: Barry Keating (Lissycasey)

MANAGER COMMENT “

Martin Guerin, St Joseph's Miltown:

CLARE SFC GROUP 1, ROUND 3

St Breckan's 2-06 Corofin 1-06

Venue: Cusack Park, Ennis

Compiled by Seamus Hayes

STORY OF THE GAME

ST BRECKAN’S

Frees For: 11(4/7)

Wides: 8 (3/5)

Scores from play: 2-3

Spread of scorers: 5

Top scorer: Jamie Stack (0-4

3f)

Own kickouts won: 14 out of 17

Bookings: Padraig Kelly (27); Jack Sheedy (32)

MANAGER COMMENT “

Declan O'Keeffe, St Breckan's:

“It was hard-earned and we expected nothing else. It was a neighbourly joust. The North Clare people are very proud people and I know that from being with the lads.

COROFIN

Frees For: 13 (5/8)

Wides: 10 (4/6)

Scores from play: 0-5

Spread of scorers: 6

Top scorer: Damien

O’Loughlin (1-1 1’Pen)

Own kickouts won: 14 out of 19

Bookings: Kilian O’Connor (52); Red: Fionn Clancy (59)

REFEREE: Barry Kelly (St Joseph's Miltown Malbay)

"Corofin made it very difficult for us. They got a lot of bodies behind the ball and the pace of the game was slow at times. We wouldn’t have been happy with our first half performance but the lads upped it in the second half when the need was greatest. .

Douglas Hurley, Corofin:

“It was all about goals this evening and I know we got one for the finish. They got two and they took them and we got two and we didn’t, that was the difference really. Everyone was without players. We had enough possession to win that game.

We can’t fault the lads, it was all left on the field this evening”.

“We were probably on top in the first half and maybe missed a couple of frees to pull away. When you don’t convert you leave yourself open to what happened in the second half. We were six points up at one stage and allowed them back into it and they converted a couple of scores and then got a goal and it was game on.

“Every good senior team is going to get a purple patch and it's how you deal with that purple patch that matters. Luckily we just about held on, dealt with it well and got vital scores near the end. We were down Micheál Murray from the last day while Gearoid Curtin and Enda O’Gorman cried off in the warm up and we are down Eoin Cleary. We lost Paul Keane with a hamstring. All those things disrupt you but I thought we dealt with it well and our substitutes did their job.”

“We stayed going to the end and you can’t ask the lads for any more. We just didn’t start as good as we needed to start. We have injury problems this year but other teams are in the same boat, every team has them. We are facing into a new competition now and we just have to focus on that”.

'Job done' as Éire Óg into quarters

CLARE SHC GROUP 2, ROUND 3

Éire Óg 0-11 Doonbeg 0-05

Venue: Lissycasey

Compiled by Páraic McMahon

MANAGER COMMENT

Paul Madden, Éire Óg:

“It’s job done in the context of the group but it’s not job done for the year, hopefully. It was always going to be a tough game. We know Doonbeg will bring honesty and intensity, the frustration levels are high then when you are not executing and we were very poor for parts of the first half, our shot selection and accuracy was poor. We could have had a few more scores and definitely should have been in for a goal, that being said we limited their chances for most of the game. “At half time what we said to the lads was there is 30 minutes of football here, it was really important for us that we approached this game with the right attitude. I think for most of the second half we were really good and obviously there was mistakes, hits and spills but our intensity levels were really good”.

John Keane, Doonbeg:

“It is a strange one insofar as we’re happy in defeat, disappointed to lose the game by six but we’re still in

STORY OF THE GAME

ÉIRE ÓG

Frees for: 12 (6/6)

Wides: 9 (4/5)

Spread of scorers: 5

Scores from play: 0-8

Top scorer: Gavin Cooney

(0-4 3f)

Bookings: Oran Cahill (17), Jarlath Collins (26)

Own kickouts won: 9 from 11 (81%)

DOONBEG: Frees for: 18 (10/8)

Wides: 6 (2/4)

Spread of scorers: 4

Scores from play: 0-4

Top scorer: Paul Dillon (0-2 1f)

Bookings: None

Own kickouts won: 17 from 20 (85%)

REFEREE: John O'Connell (Cooraclarea)

the championship, we’ve a play-off against Lissycasey so it’s great to be getting ready for that.

“We were definitely happy at half time, in the second half we didn’t go after the game enough, there was an element of nervousness in it. We all know how good Éire Óg are, they are county champions but we could have gone after the game a bit more in the second half, we had chances but we missed a few frees but look we’re still there which is the main thing...We’re back training Tuesday and will be ready for Lissycasey which is another massive game, there’s a quarter-final on offer so that is what we have to go after”.

l Jamie Stack and Shane Fitzpatrick celebrate the full-forward’s goal

Burren Eye Photography

CLARE SHC GROUP 2, ROUND 3

St Joseph's Miltown Malbay 1-11 Clondegad 1-09

Venue: Cusack Park, Ennis Compiled by Seamus Hayes

Talty

Photo by Gerard O'Neill

SCAN HERE FOR MATCH REPORT

Martin Guerin, St Joseph's Miltown:

North Clare sides in senior football relegation battle

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

A NORTH Clare derby awaits in the first relegation play-off of the TUS Clare senior football championship while quarter-final pairings have also been made in the Clare intermediate football championship.

Last year’s beaten finalists

Ennistymon will bid to retain their senior status when they face 2022 semi-finalists Corofin. The winner of this tie will play in the top tier next year while the loser faces Clondegad in a do or die contest to decide who drops down to intermediate for 2024.

Caherlohan hosted the draws for the Clare IFC quar-

ter-finals on Tuesday evening. Kilmihil who dropped down from senior last year will play Banner who are coached by Clare U20 manager Michael Neylon.

Johnny Bridge’s Wolfe Tones have been drawn against Coolmeen while Kilrush Shamrocks meet Liscannor and last year’s runners up

Cooraclare do battle with an unbeaten Naomh Eoin. For the intermediate relegation, Ennistymon’s second string will go up against Shannon Gaels with the loser getting a second chance to consolidate their status in a decisive tie against Kilfenora. Draws for the senior quarter-finals are to be held next

week when the last eight will be known following the showdown of Lissycasey and Doonbeg.

Clare SFC relegation play-off: Corofin vs Ennistymon

Clare SFC relegation final: Corofin / Ennistymon vs Clondegad

Clare IFC quarter-finals: Kilmihil v Banner Naomh Eoin v Cooraclare Kilrush v Liscannor

Coolmeen v Wolfe Tones

Clare IFC relegation play-off: Ennistymon (2) vs Shannon Gaels

Clare IFC relegation final: Ennistymon (2) / Shannon Gaels vs Kilfenora

KILMIHIL, NAOMH EOIN & KILRUSH AS QUARTER PLACES FILLED

TOP SPOTS FOR

40 years of camogie at Kilmaley

President’s prize at East Clare

KILMIHIL INTO SEMIS, WITH QUARTER-FINALS CONFIRMED

by

East Clare Golf Club: President John Duffy's prize was played for on Sunday when Patsy Kett emerged as the winner with 43 points. He had one to spare over Paul Madden and they were followed by Teddy O’Hanlon with 40 points while fourth placed Damian Keniry also scored 40 points. Ronan Hayes won the gross.

The category winners were Michael Rochford with 38 points, Tony Duggan with 39 points and Eddie Bourke with 38 points.

The past president prize was won by Redmond Walsh, the longest drive by David McLoughlin and the nearest the pin prize by Enda Quinlan.

Batt Skehan won the president’s prize to the senior men from Ger Shortt with Seamus O’Dwyer in third place. The longest drive in this group was won by Pat Duggan while Willie Roche was nearest the pin with the visitor’s prize going to Pat O’Brien.

Rachel Whelan won the president’s prize to the ladies with 41 points from Marie Donnellan with 37 points. Ursula Hogan was third with 36 points followed by Margaret McNamara with 33 points. Siobhan Shanahan won the gross

with 16 points.

The category winners were Evelyn Skehan with 32 points Celia Moloney with 30 oints and Mary Farrell with 35 points. Rachel Whelan had the longest drive and Carmel Lenihan was nearest the pin while the get into golf category was won by Evelyn O’Brien.

Shannon Golf Club:

President Aidan Mannix’ prize to the ladies at Shannon was won by Emma O’Halloran (20) with 71 nett. In second place, a stroke back, was the club’s lady captain Debbie Reddan (16) while the gross was won by Laura O’Brien (9) with 84.

The category winners were Jane Kennedy (14) with 74, Carmel Regan (23) with 74 and Anna Corry (33) with 82 while the 9 hole winner was Dee O’Connell (19) with 19 points.

Lahinch Golf Club:

The boys Inter-club team won Lahinch Golf Club’s first ever Junior All-Ireland pennant in Castletroy on last week. Led by Kevin Glynn, Johnny Reynolds, Shane Carey and Donal McSweeney the boys won the competition by two points. The players who made up the victorious panel are Ben Lyne, Matthew Braja, Ciaran Hennigan, Cathal McNulty and Niall Kelly.

Kilrush Golf Club: Jim Kelly (25) won the Saint Gobain open men’s competition at Kilrush at the weekend with 45 points.

Derek Garvey (12) won category 1 with 41 points from Nevan Prendeville (10) with 40 points. Liam Williams (14) was the winner of category 2 with 36 points from John McGrath (12) with 35 points. Category 3 was won by Matthew Dillon (25) with 43 points from Aeneas O'Connor (22) with 41 points.

Woodstock Golf Club:

Kieran Dromey (10) was the winner of the weekend club singles stableford competition at Woodstock with 43 points while tony Nugent (4) won the gross with 38 points.

Category 1 was won by Michael Reen (4) with 38 points from Jack Joyce (6) with 36 points. Frankie Garrihy (11) won category 2 with 42 points from Frank Landy (18) with a similar score while category 3 was won by Mike Liddy (20) with 41 points.

Ennis Golf Club:

The final competition in the 2023 golfer of the year order of merit at Ennis took place last weekend and resulted in T.J Scanlan being crowned the cub’s golfer of the year.

Gearoid O’Grady’s jersey is pulled by Jayme O’Sullivan

Photo by Gerard O'Neill

Ava Cotter tries to push off Laura Egan and Dervla Higgins

Photo by Gerard O'Neill

Seamus Hayes news@clareecho.ie

Kilmaley Camogie Club marked 40 years in existence with a special event held in Hotel Woodstock on Saturday. At the event were Grace Carmody, Ailbhe McNamara, Alana Meaney and Megan White

Photo by Gerard O’Neill

Soccer: Premier teams profiled as new season beckons

WITH the Maloney Garden Machinery Premier Division springing into action, Páraic McMahon profiles all nine teams vying for league glory. For interviews with all Premier managers, visit clareecho.ie and subscribe for full access.

AVENUE UTD:

Management: David Russell (manager), David O’Grady (asst manager), Oliver Fitzpatrick (asst manager), Patrick Ernest (coach).

Captain: Ronan Kerin

Key Player: Steven McGann

One to Watch: Zakaria Kebayli

Fresh Blood: Steven McGann (signed from Pike Rovers), James Tierney, Ben McDonagh, Zakaria Kebayli, Dario Fernandez.

Departures Gate: None

Last season’s run: Retained Clare Cup title, lost out in Premier Division title deciding play-off to Newmarket Celtic, eliminated by Colga FC in last 16 of FAI Junior Cup, beaten by Newmarket Celtic in third round of Munster Junior Cup.

BRIDGE UTD:

Management: Mark Culbert (manager), Eoghan McNulty (coach), Sean Fitzgerald, Albert Finnin

Joint Captains: Brian Corry & Christy Griffin

Key Player: John Mulready

One to Watch: Lee Mulready

Fresh Blood: Lee Mulready (back from Treaty), Christy Griffin

Departures Gate: Adam Fitzpatrick (signed for Regional Utd), Leon Daly (signed for Aisling Annacotty), Ryan Perez (gone to Treaty Utd U19), Steven Stewart (gone to Bridge Utd B), Jason Whyte (gone to Bridge Utd B), Jonathan Downes (injury), Jordan Downes

(travelling). Brandon O’Halloran (work commitments), Alex Collins (work commitments).

Last season’s run: Finished fourth in Premier Division, eliminated in last 32 of Munster Junior Cup.

COOLE FC:

Management: Christopher Harrington (manager), Emily Bradbury, Lorraine

Harrington

Captain: Jimmy McDonald

Key Player: Cian O’Neill

One to Watch: Adam McMahon

Fresh Blood: Thomas Murphy, Kieran Doyle, Adam McMahon, Joe O’Smith, Carlos Neto, Jack Granaghan, Sean Cunningham.

Departures Gate: Darren Grealish (moved to Galway League), Fergus Tuohy (emigrated), Gary Corless (emigrated), Airton Quinn (emigrated).

Last season’s run: Survived relegation play-off to keep Premier Division status.

KILKISHEN CELTIC

Management: Fergus Donovan (manager), Denis Murphy (assistant manager), Steve Donnellan (assistant manager), Brian Byrnes (coach), Mark O’Malley (coach), Steve Cusack (S&C), Paddy Lynch (kit man).

Joint Captains: Paul Tuohy, Mark Pewter

Key Player: Mark Pewter

One to Watch: Conor Henry

Fresh Blood: Paul Tuohy (signed from Bridge Utd), Paddy Fitzgerald (signed from Mountshannon Celtic). Departures Gate: Conor Murphy (emigrated).

Last season’s run: Won promotion from the First Division, lost to Tulla Utd in Clare Cup quarter-final.

KILRUSH RANGERS

Management: Michael Clair (manager), Aaron Ryan (asst manager / S&C)

Captain: Norbert Knucki, Key Player: Dean Neary

One to Watch: Karl Murphy

Fresh Blood: Robbie Byrnes, Richie Kajig, Karl Murphy Departures Gate: None

Last season’s run: Finished sixth in the Premier Division.

LIFFORD FC

Management: Adrian Walsh (manager), John Maher, Barry Ryan, Donal Kirby, Declan Farmer

Captain: Fiachra Roche

Key Player: Fiachra Roche

One to Watch: Finn Woods

Fresh Blood: Eddie Prunty (signed from Connolly), Harry Griffin (signed from Avenue), Finn Woods, Clinton Bempah (signed from Waterford Bohs), Emmanual Ekabae (signed from Renmore), Josh Brack, Departures Gate: Nathan Rezende (gone to Newmarket Celtic), Keith Shea (gone to Newmarket Celtic), Eddie Killeen (retired), Gary McNaboe (retired), Rhys Phillips (gone to Fern Celtic), Niall Guinnane, Darragh Kerin (ACL), John Maher

Last season’s run: Finished third in Premier Division, beaten in Clare Cup final, won Hugh Kelly Cup.

NEWMARKET CELTIC

Management: Paddy Purcell (manager), Eoin O’Brien (asst manager), Fearghal Lawlor (S&C)

Captain: Eoin Hayes

Vice Captain: Harvey Cullinan

Key Player: Eoin Hayes

One to Watch: Tadhg Noonan

Fresh Blood: Cian Foley, Evan Kelly, Cael Gaffney, Nathan Boaventura (signed from Lifford), Keith Shea (signed from Lifford), Josh Lindsay (signed from

Shannon Hibs).

Departures Gate: Darragh Leahy (signed for Ballynanty), Eunan Doherty (travelling), Stephen Kelly (retired), Darren Cullinan (retired), James Fahy (Shannon Town)

Last season’s run: Became first Clare club to win the FAI Junior Cup, lost Munster Junior Cup final on penalties, crowned Premier Division champions, knocked out of Clare Cup by Avenue Utd.

SHANNON TOWN UTD:

Management: Steo Dolan (manager), Donal Magee (coach), Fergal McCarthy.

Captain: TJ O’Dwyer

Key Player: Kai Khetan

One to Watch: Craig Riordan

Fresh Blood: Daithi Lohan, Jamie Doyle, Cian Johnson, Gary Cusack Eoghan Gough, Aidan O’Donnell, Lee Wall (signed from Shannon Hibs), Billy Connors (signed from Shannon Hibs), Dean Devanney (signed from Shannon Hibs), James Fahy (signed from Newmarket Celtic).

Departures Gate: Shane Russell and Eoghan Casey (both gone to Shannon Olympic).

Last season’s run: Fifth place finish in Premier Division, reached last 32 of FAI Junior Cup, lost Hugh Kelly Cup final to Lifford.

TULLA UTD:

Management: Mike Moloney (manager), Barry Murphy, Aidan Sheedy, Stephen Brady, Tom Vaughan, Owen Kilker (GK coach)

Captain: Dara Ryan

Key Player: Jack McSweeney

One to Watch: Éanna Culloo

Fresh Blood: Jashar Aliu (signed from Newmarket Celtic), Ayoub Aguerram, Neil Callaghan, Alan Leamy. Last season’s run: Clare Cup semi-final, survived battle for relegation.

103 Clare children ready for National Community Games

ST FRANCIS Credit Union Clare Community Games will be represented by One Hundred Three children at the National Arts and Cultural Events Finals this weekend 9th & 10th September. They will participate in a large number of Artistic and Cultural events such as – Art, Model Making, Handwriting, Singing, Recitation, Dancing, Music, Choir, Gymnastics and Chess. Clare has a good record in some of these events and hopes are high that they will bring home a number of medals.

PARTICIPANTS

ART

U8 – Doireann Frost –

Cratloe, Sadhbh Barry – Clarecastle/Ballyea, Oisin

Kehoe – Ennis St John’s, Cathal Carmody – Ballynacally/Lissycasey.

U10 – Elsie O’Grady –Crusheen/Ballinruan/ Tubber, Dorotea Fabiano De Chiara – Sixmilebridge/ Kilmurry, Freddie Slevin – Crusheen/Ballinruan/ Tubber, Callum Malone –Doora/Barefield.

U12 – Laura O’Connell –Cratloe, Isabelle Mc Auley – Sixmilebridge/Kilmurry, Shane Keane – Inch/ Kilmaley/Connolly, Sean Og Chaplin – Sixmilebridge/ Kilmurry

U14 – Kathy Neville – Ennis

St John’s, Sarah Scanlon –

Clarecastle/Ballyea, Robert Crowley – Doora/Barefield, Liam Khan – Newmarket-on-Fergus.

U16 – Eimear Coll – Doora/ Barefield.

MODEL MAKING – U 10 – Orlaith O’Rourke

– Ballynacally/Lissycasey, Sadhbh Casey – Cratloe, Tomas O’Rourke – Ballynacally/Lissycasey, Harry Higgins

– Ballynacally/ Lissycasey

U 12 –Aoibheann Hill – Ballynacally/Lissycasey, Sionha

O’Loughlin – Crusheen / Ballinruan/Tubber, Liam Maher – Inch/Kilmaley/ Connolly, Henry Bearly –Quin/ Clooney

U 14 - Lauren Egan – Cratloe, HANDWRITING

U 10 – Beth Daly – Sixmilebridge/Kilmurry, Alicja Pasinska – Doora/Barefield, Daniel Mc Grath – Lisdoonvarna, Christopher Danaher – Lisdoonvarna

U 12 – Liwia Mierzwicka

– Sixmilebridge/Kilmurry, Kayla Kennedy – Kilmurry Mc Mahon/ Labbasheeda, Thomas Carey – Kilmihil, A J Carmody – Ballynacally/ Lissycasey

GYMNASTICS

U 9 – Lily O’Flaherty –Crusheen/Ballinruan/Tubber. U 11 – Florence Ramage – Ennistymon /Lahinch/Liscannor. U 13 – Evie O’Malley – Newmarket-on-Fergus.

SOLO SINGING

U 12 – Nessa Clune – Quin/ Clooney. U 16 – Keelin Clune – Quin/Clooney

RECITATION

U 12 – Aoibheann Deans –Newmarket-on-Fergus

SOLO MUSIC

U 12 – Brid Finn – Cratloe.

U 16 – Cillian Felle – Quin/ Clooney

SOLO DANCE

U 12 – Hannah Forde –Crusheen/Ballinruan/ Tubber. U 16 – Caoimhe

O’Gorman – Quin/ Clooney

GROUP SINGING

U 12 – Quin/Clooney –Aidan Reynolds, Katie Reynolds, Nessa Clune, Sinead Clune

GROUP DANCE

U 12 – Coolmeen – Ava May

Casey, Fiadh Mc Mahon, Lauren Mc Mahon, Nicole Mc Mahon, Amy Quinn.

QUIZ Ennis St John’s – Alannah Collins, Siobhan Crowley, Jack Guthrie, Ava Linnane, Tommy Malone, Ellen O’Leary

CHOIR

U 13 – Ennis St John’s –Sophia Barrett, Sally Cleary, Ornaith Conway, Aimee Coote, Alice Crean, Naoise Deane, Chloe Downes, Laura Flannery, Lily Franks, Christina Kelly Mc Carthy, Sofia Kennedy, Finn Lavery, Katelyn Malone, Isabelle Mc Auliffe, Millie Murphy, Eabha O’Reilly, Katie Lynn

Regan.

U 16 – Quin/Clooney – Anna Brooks, Bobby Clune, Keelin Clune, Roise Gallagher, Siofra Gallagher, Owen Griffiths, Camille Hammond, Niamh Hoey, Orla Hoey, Nina Mc Carthy, Anna-Mae Mc Grath, Ailbhe Murray, Colm O’Gara, Leah O’Reilly, Sophie O’Donnell, Leah Quinn, Meadow Slattery, Eleanor Ward, Nessa Clune, Sinead Clune

CHESS

U 16 – Ennis St John’s –Darragh Crowley, Najib Haq, Misha Hudkov, Jack Mc Auliffe, James Rochford, Dylan Rush, Mick Wyse.

European glory for Clare athletes

FOUR Clare athletes have taken home an array of medals from Poland where they represented Ireland in the 2023 European Youth lifesaving championships.

The European Championships kicked off with three gruelling days of heats and finals in the Olympic pool in Gorzow. Leana Liddane made the A finals in all of her events, ranking 4-8th and setting new national Junior and senior records.

Elin Blake also took to the pool in

Freda makes all for Tulla trainer

by Michael Maher news@clareecho.ie

TRAINED BY TULLA’s Donal Duggan, Droopys Freda reigned supreme in the feature event in Galway over the weekend.

The Final of The GoGreyhoundRacing. ie A4 Dual Distance Stake over 575 Yards was the feature event on Friday nights card at Galway Greyhound Stadium.

As the traps rose for the feature event they came away to a pretty decent line with the Patrick Kelly owned Droopys Freda showing in front past the judge first time from Menmal King and Denny’s Best. Rounding the opening bend, Droopys Freda tracked well to hold off the challenge of Menmal King and turning down the back as Denny’s Best tried to move up on her inner the daughter of Pestana and Droopys Pizzazz set sail for home. From the three quarter mark the Donal Duggan of Tulla trained lady began to ease right away to score by nine and three quarter lengths from Annadown Ted in 31.36.

Racing towards the opening bend in race four for this Non Winners A6 contest Hundo Max, Brickhill Maisie and Mint Clifford were all prominent with Mint Clifford leading narrowly entering the back straight. Racing towards the halfway mark, the Kilmihil native John Collins owned Brickhill Maisie took command of the contest and quickly opening a fur length advantage on her rivals the daughter of Ballymac Best and Brickhill Sharon powered to a four and a half length success over Aulton Ruby in 29.64.

The concluding A1 graded 525 yards contest was the feature on Saturday night’s Galway card and in the early strides Donies Wood and Lissatouk Gena were prominent towards the inner as Croaghill Sky went up well out wide. Rounding the bend, the James McMahon of Cooraclare owned Lissatouk Gena took command and quickly grabbed the rails berth to lead by two lengths into the back straight as Croaghill Sky went second passing halfway. Approaching the penultimate corner the lead was still over three lengths as Lissatouk Gena was making the best of her way home and the daughter of Laughill Blake and Lissatouk Dolly stayed on well to score by two and three quarter lengths in 28.87 .

In race three, all six runners were away pretty much on terms in this S5 graded sprint contest with Bobtailbuttercup first to break rank on the run towards the bend. Approaching the opening bend, the Thomas Keane of Kilmihil owned Glynnscross Phil surged to the front and with crowding on his inner the son of Droopys Sydney and Glynnscrosstyler shot clear on the crown of the home bend. On the run home Glynnscross Phil drew right away to score by five and a half lengths over Backstreet Lady in 19.34.

her favourite event, the 50m mannequin carry, also setting a new national junior and senior record.

The mixed team of Leana, Elin, Oisin O'Grady and Ferdia Hayes also smashed an Irish record in mixed lifesaving relay.

However, it was the beach where the Clare athletes took over. Leana won gold in the ocean surf swim and board rescue event, silver in the board finals and silver in the brutal Oceanwoman event. She also took

to the sea in the mixed taplin, the M-Shaped relay race where she also claimed silver with her Irish teammates Amy, Jamie and Finn. Oisin and Ferdia took gold in the board rescue final after Oisin and his teammates claimed bronze in the beach sprint relay. Oisin also claimed bronze the next day in the rescue tube team event. Elin won a silver medal in the rescue tube team event while Ferdia also claimed bronze in the ocean man race.

l Oisin O’Grady, Elin Blake, Ferdia Hayes and Leana Liddane

PLANNING

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL CLARE ROAD, ENNIS, CO. CLARE V95 FW68

Take notice that Brian Foudy & Associates Ltd of Osprey House, Carmody Street, Ennis, Co. Clare 065 6893565 www. foudyconsulting.ie.

intend to apply to the planning authority on behalf of Clare Road Tyres Ltd for permission to erect safety / security railing and gates to existing forecourt, together with all associated site development works and services at the above address.

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

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL

DOONAHA EAST, KILKEE, CO. CLARE

Take notice that Brian Foudy & Associates Ltd of Osprey House, Carmody Street, Ennis, Co. Clare 065 6893565 www. foudyconsulting.ie. intend to apply to the planning authority on behalf of Alberto Tafur & Debbie Sando Giasullo for permission to (a) retain shed and site boundaries as constructed (b) to construct new front boundary wall together with all associated site development works and services at the above address.

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

CLARE COUNTY

COUNCIL SKAGHVICKINCROW, INAGH, CO. CLARE

Take notice that Brian Foudy & Associates Ltd of Osprey House, Carmody Street, Ennis, Co. Clare 065 6893565 www. foudyconsulting.ie.

intend to apply to the planning authority on behalf of Emma Moloney for permission to construct a dwelling house, domestic garage, advanced waste-water treatment system and soil polishing filter together with all associated site development works and services at the above address.

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

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL

12 SILVERGROVE, BALLYBEG, ENNIS, CO. CLARE

Take notice that Brian Foudy & Associates Ltd of Osprey House, Carmody Street, Ennis, Co. Clare 065 6893565 www. foudyconsulting.ie.

intend to apply to the planning authority on behalf of C & M Kelly for permission to construct a detached domestic garage together with all associated site development works and services at the above address.

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

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL

STATION ROAD, ENNISTYMON, CO. CLARE

Take notice that Brian Foudy & Associates Ltd of Osprey House, Carmody Street, Ennis, Co. Clare 065 6893565 www. foudyconsulting.ie.

intend to apply to the planning authority on behalf of Barra Oil Ltd t/a O’Keeffe’s N85 Services for permission to change use of part of existing shop / filling station to an off licence together with all associated site development works and services at the above address.

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

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL.

STEELES ROCK PARK, DRUMCLIFFE ROAD, ENNIS, CO. CLARE. V95 CR23

Take note that Lifford AFC is applying to Clare County County to construct a single storey club house including all ancillary site works at the above address.

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

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL CAPPAHARD, TULLA ROAD, ENNIS, CO CLARE

I, Frank Stackpoole, intend to apply for planning permission to construct two number detached 2 storey dwelling houses, including all associated site works

and services at above address.

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

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL FAHY MORE, KILMORE, CO CLARE: We, Dermot & Niamh Twomey, are applying to the above authority for Permission for the following development on property at, Fahy More, Kilmore, Co Clare: Permission for the construction of a detached single storey dwelling, detached domestic garage, new entrance, onsite wastewater treat-

ment system, bored well, together with all associated ancillary and incidental site works

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

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL QUILTY EAST, QUILTY, CO CLARE

Take notice that Mary Meaney intends to apply for permission to build a new dwelling, garage, install a wastewater treatment system & all other site and ancillary works at the above address.

The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority, during its public open-

ing hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the authority on payment of the prescribed fee of €20.00, within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL MORTYCLOGH, NEW QUAY, CO.

CLARE

Take notice that Seamus Lynch & Sarah Gill intend to apply to the Planning Authority for permission to retain the changes made to their dwelling house as constructed along with associated site works at the above address.

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

of the application.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL KILMURRY EAST, KILMURRY MCMAHON, CO. CLARE

Take notice that Declan & Corrina O’Connell are applying to Clare County Council for planning permission to construct a new dwelling house, outbuildings and garage, new entrance, access road, and install a new wastewater treatment system along with all associated works at the above address. The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the offices of Clare County Council during its public opening hours and a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

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Recent Deaths

Finucane, Michael Lisdoonvarna Clare

Priestman (née Horne), Joan Lahinch Clare

Foote (née Howard), Mary O’Briensbridge Clare

Lillis, Ciara Feakle mClare

Linnane (née Russell), Eileen Cratloe mClare

Sweeney, Fergus Miltown Malbay Clare

BUCKLEY, Frank Clare

Marrinan, Oliver Lisdoonvarna Clare

Minihane, Basil Ennis Clare

Minihane, Basil Inch Clare

O’DONNELL, Packie Kilrush Clare

O’Dwyer (née McMahon), Mary Coolmeen Clare

The Clare Echo Quiz

1 How many kilometres is County Clare’s coastline?

a. 125km

b. 366km

c. 525km

2 How many nature reserves are there in County Clare?

a. Two

b. Four

c. Six

3 The Limestone visible on the Burren’s surface were formed during which period?

a. Carboniferous

b. Mississippian

c. Devonian

4 The Cliffs of Moher are home to the largest colony of ____ in Ireland?

a. Hummingbirds

b. Puffins

c. Finches

5 What is the population density of County Clare?

a. 8 person per Km

b. 16 person per Km

c. 32 person per Km

6 What percentage is Clare’s coastline of the overall coastline of Ireland?

a. 5 percent

b. 10 percent

c. 15 percent

7 In what year was Shannon given Town status?

a. 1976

b. 1979

c. 1982

8 Which of the following is Shannon’s Eircode?

a. V11

b. V14

c. V18

9 In what year did the Shannon College of Hotel Management open its doors?

a. 1951

b. 1961

c. 1971

10 The Shannon College of Hotel Management is an official college of?

a. Limerick Institute of Technology.

b. National University of Ireland Galway.

c. University of Limerick.

Spot the Difference

Can you spot the 7 differences

ANSWERS

10. National University of

9. 1951

8. V14

7. 1982

6. 5 percent

Last weeks answers

. ball missing . tent missing near castle

. box missing in back pocket

. piece of top tree missing (left)

5. 32 person per Km

4. Puffins

3. Carboniferous

2. Four

1. 366km

. Piece of castle missing between trees

. Earth rising from shot missing . crest on sleeve missing

Ennis golfer Áine Donegan at the KPMG Women’s Irish Open

Photo by Joe Buckley

Ireland Galway

l QUESTION 2 : How many nature reserves are there in County Clare?

Best Daily Word Search: 6 September 2023

Puzzling

WORD SEARCH

HOW TO PLAY

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

The Clare Echo Crossword

ACROSS

1. Wonderful(10)

7. First letters(8)

8. Cab(4)

9. Wet thoroughly(4)

https://puzzles.bestforpuzzles.com/games/best-daily-word-search

10. Erudite(7)

12. Amused(11)

14. Bunch of flowers(7)

16. Second-hand(4)

19. The Orient(4)

20. Broken down, worn out(8)

21. Dramatist(10)

DOWN

1. Collieries(5)

2. Withdraw(7)

3. Dutch cheese(4)

4. Nevada city famed for casinos(3,5)

5. Express in speech(5)

6. Stretch out(6)

11. Amiable(8)

12. Self-centred person(6)

13. Savings(4,3)

15. Game bird(5)

17. Float along(5)

18. Mark left by wound(4)

CROSSWORD ANSWERS