The Clare Echo 07/10/21

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Clare farmers sick of listening to ‘hippy dippies & tree huggers’ PÁRAIC McMAHON

paraic@clareecho.ie

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ARMERS in Clare are growing increasingly tired of narratives put forward by “hippy dippies and tree huggers” that they are not doing enough to protect the environment.

During a public consultation event that saw Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue (FF) visit Co Clare, farmers discussed a wide range of issues with the Donegal TD at Ennis Mart.

Cratloe’s Eddie Punch who is General Secretary of the Irish Cattle and Sheep Farmers’ Association (ICSA) voiced his frustration at the depiction of farmers by environmentalists. “I know you have to listen to the environmental side of it but I am sick of listening to hippy dippies and tree huggers telling us we need to do more for the environment”. He also took umbrage with the views of “bird-watch supporters” trying to influence various policies.

He said an agri-environment scheme needs to be included in the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) that supports sheep and

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Veteran Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers Association (ICSMA) representative, Martin McMahon said that “huge money” was spent by farmers in the county on measures to protect the environment.

Concern was also raised by farmers on carbon credits with recent comments from the Minister on their ownership stoking debate.

Vast areas of Clare will not be eligible for pillar one of the CAP, Denis Tuohy of Clare IFA flagged as he referenced his disappointment with eco-schemes discussed by the Minister.

Full Story pg 11

2 NEWS

Index NEWS

THURSDAY, OCT 7 2021

RED RIBBON DAY AT KILKEE FIRE STATION

2-17

GREENER CLARE

18

COLUMNISTS

22-23

RECRUITMENT

25-27

WINTER FEATURE

28-30

PROPERTY

32-34

SPORT

35-42

36C Abbey Street, Ennis, County Clare Telephone: 065 671 9021

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

SALES

UPGRADE: Pictured cutting the ribbon at the official opening of Kilkee Fire Station is Cllr PJ Ryan, (centre), with (l-r): Cllr Cillian Murphy, Carmel Kirby,John Garvey, Adrian Kelly and Pat Dowling

Email: niall@clareecho.ie or sales@clareecho.ie This publication supports the work of the Press Council of Ireland and Office of the Press Ombudsman, and our staff operate within the Press Council’s Code of Practice. You can obtain a copy of the Code, or contact the Press Council, at www.presscouncil.ie, Lo-call 1890 208 080 or email: info@presscouncil.ie

‘Single biggest influence on East Clare community’

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ONSTRUCTION of the Killaloe Bypass and Shannon Bridge Crossing has been signalled as “the single most biggest influ-

ence on the entire community of East Clare”, writes Páraic McMahon.

Spring 2022 remains the target for the commencement of construction on site. An up-

date had been sought by Cllr Tony O’Brien (FF) at a meeting of the Killaloe Municipal District.

“This is the single most biggest influence on the entire

community of East Clare. I welcome the clarity, we’re on track to get it up and running, hopefully we will have our new bridge crossing and bypass within three years,” he stated.

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4 NEWS

THURSDAY, OCT 7 2021

Wynne critical of lack of maternity provisions PÁRAIC MCMAHON

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paraic@clareecho.ie

LARE TD, Violet-Anne Wynne (SF) who is expecting her sixth child this Spring has criticised a lack of provision for members of the Oireachtas to take maternity leave which she felt was turning women off entering politics.

Deputy Wynne has revealed to The Clare Echo that her upcoming maternity leave is likely to be a very short one as she anticipates to be back in Dáil Éireann “voting as soon as possible”.

She will become the first Clare TD to give birth while in office next year and has hit out at the lack of legislation in place to support pregnant women in the Oireachtas. “Currently there is no facility for Oireachtas members to avail of statutory maternity leave. They are excluded from the Maternity Leave Protection Act because they are required to be present

to vote and therefore are required to be in the Dáil”.

Violet-Anne told The Clare Echo she was hopeful of bringing a bill before the Dáil on maternity provision for politicians but acknowledged that this would not be in place prior to the arrival of her sixth child.

During her research of the topic, the Kilrush woman discovered that a TD in the 32nd Dáil “had a baby and she submitted sick certs for two weeks and returned to work after that”.

Minister for Justice, Helen McEntee (FG) is currently on maternity leave, she became the first serving Minister to give birth, doing so in April of this year. She remains a member of Government, albeit as a Cabinet Minister without portfolio during the duration of her leave. “This is not a permanent solution and not one that we would advocate for.

There should be legislation for maternity leave and this gap must be filled,” Deputy Wynne commented.

No such arrangement is in place for the Clare TD as of yet, she confirmed. Wynne

flagged that with this being her sixth child it is a “completely different” scenario to a mother expecting their first born. “I’m confident in my pregnancy and my experience, it is going fairly well. I don’t think I’ll need as much time as someone who is expecting their first or second child”. She said the upcoming arrival came as a pleasant surprise for her and her partner John.

Her role as a TD for the people of Clare is “too big a responsibility for me to stay at home,” the Offaly native said.

“I envisage that I am going to be back voting in the Dáil as soon as possible”.

Wynne who is only Clare’s third ever female TD outlined that little efforts have been made “to reconcile being a mother and being a politician”. She added, “The current arrangements act as a serious deterrent to women entering politics. The simple fact is that the rules were drawn up in the main by men and this is why they do not take account of women in the Oireachtas as members”.

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Gold for Clare at IMRO Awards RADIO: Siofra Mulqueen reporting from Spanish Point

by PÁRAIC McMAHON CLARE broadcasters Siofra Mulqueen, Ruth Smith and John Cooke took home gold at the IMRO Radio Awards.

Barefield’s Siofra Mulqueen who has recently departed Newstalk to take up a reporter’s role with The Business on RTÉ presented by Richard Curran. Her report ‘Moyross – The Forgotten Park of Limerick’ which aired

on Newstalk’s Pat Kenny show took home gold in the Community and Social Action category.

John Cooke was the gold winner as News Reporter of the Year, the Ennis based RTÉ journalist held off stiff competition from his colleague and Ennis native Brian O’Connell who received the silver award.

Ruth Smith who is

based in Feakle and presents ‘Simply Folk’ on RTÉ Radio One saw her show take the top prize in the Specialist Music Programme category. Sixmilebridge native Marie Crowe was shortlisted for the Sports Broadcaster of the Year.

Clare FM won the bronze award for local station of the year with WLR FM and Radio Kerry taking the gold and silver respectively.

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6 NEWS

Minister 'non-commital' on carbon credits PÁRAIC MCMAHON

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paraic@clareecho.ie

URTHER consultation is to follow with Clare farmers and the Minister for Agriculture on the subject of carbon credits and their ownership.

In a recent article in The Irish Farmers Journal, Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue (FF) is quoted as saying, “farmers who planted forestry on their land with State funding do not own the carbon credits on that land and cannot sell those credits”. These comments have caused confusion and anger within both the farming and forestry industries.

Rewarding farmers for the carbon sequestered on their land has been dubbed “the political soundbyte of the year” in farming circles.

Farmers in Clare have warned that it could be up until 2026 before they are rewarded for sequestered

carbon however a Limerick dairy farmer and forestry owner secured close to €9,000 for the carbon credits from 100ac of semi-mature woodland in July of this year.

Addressing the Minister on Monday, Liscannor’s Pat Nagle outlined that remarks made suggested personnel who received grants would limit their ownership of carbon credits. “If we sign to the eco-scheme, do we sign away the value of our carbon”.

Speaking in Ennis Mart on Monday, Joe Kelly declared to the Minister that a contract was already signed for his 21 acres of land. “I know what I signed, there is nothing in my contract to say I don’t own my carbon credits. I own my credits”.

Negotiations on the Common Agricultural Policy will determine more regarding the ownership of carbon credits, Minister McConalogue said in response to the queries. His reply was described

by Nagle as “non-committal. To me he didn’t answer the question, he said all of this would be part of

FARMING: Forestry negotiations.

"I would have thought ownership of carbon credit is a straight yes or no answer, the Deptartment is either considering they own it or they don’t, I do feel farming organisations will need to advise their members to be cautious in relation

to the schemes until the full detail of it comes out and small print is available”.

The Department of Agriculture, failed to respond to a request from The Clare Echo to provide further clarity to farmers on their ownership of carbon credits.

THURSDAY, OCT 7 2021

Cluain Ard progress criticised LACK of progress on improvement works at the wastewater system at Cluain Ard in Kilmaley has been criticised, writes Páraic McMahon.

Cllr PJ Kelly (FF) sought a report on the progress to date at Cluain Ard during the September meeting of the West Clare Municipal District.

Following a resolution by councillors in the Ennis Municipal District, the housing estate was taken in charge in March 2018, this also included the wastewater treatment plant.

Subsequent to this, fencing to secure the site, mechanical and electrical works to repair and replace pumps and secure power cables were among the works undertaken.

Senior engineer with the water services of Clare County Council, Cyril Feeney stated, “The plant continues to be de-sludged biannually and inspected on a regular basis by water services staff. The plant has not been taken in charge by Irish Water”.

Speaking to The Clare Echo, Cllr Kelly admitted he was “disappointed with the lack of progress”. He believed neither Irish Water or Clare County Council were committed to bringing the system “up to standard” and questioned the desire of both organisations to do just that.

Farmers annoyed by 'hippy dippies and tree huggers'

by PÁRAIC McMAHON CLARE farmers have voiced their concern about the lack of young people viewing farming as a viable profession while environmental guidelines were also slammed.

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue was in Ennis Mart on Monday where he spent approximately three hours engaging with Clare farmers. The session was interrupted when the Minister was called to a virtual fisheries briefing with EU representatives.

General Secretary of the Irish Cattle and Sheep Farmers’ Association (ICSA), Eddie Punch spoke of Clare as “the home of the suckler farm”. He detailed that a real issue the ICSA were working on tackling was to fight for the delivery of “real money to real farmers producing quality meat”.

Cratloe based Punch voiced his annoyance at the illustration of farmers by environmentalists. “I know you have to listen to the environmental side of it but I am sick of listening to hippy dippies and tree huggers telling us we need to do more for the environment”.

He called for an agri-environment scheme to be included in plans for the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) that supports sheep and suckler farmers and noted that “a Brazilian getting off the plane at Shannon Airport” and going to work on a building site for two weeks was earning more than farmers in the area.

Farming’s future was a concern referenced on Monday with Patrick Crowe pessimistic on the subject. “Can you see any young man in the room that is not a politician. I can’t. All of us here are grown men.

The next time you come Minister there will be ten percent less and ten percent less

the time after that, then there will be none”.

“Unless we encourage more young men, we will have less and less people farming,” Crowe warned.

Veteran Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers Association (ICSMA) representative, Martin McMahon cautioned that a “huge impact” to the Clare economy was likely if there was to be a cut in the next round of CAP. “Everyone here has spent huge money protecting the environment,” he added in response to comments from Punch. “We have the perfect climate for producing food in Ireland, growing grass and tillage, why should we be cutting back”.

Cllr Pat Hayes (FF) noted that without the farming community, the environment locally “would not be protected”. “Whether it is Scariff, Kilrush or Kilfenora, we need farmers,” he stated.

 MART: Eddie Punch

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THURSDAY, OCT 7 2021

‘A great day for Liscannor Bay’

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by PÁRAIC McMAHON N END is in sight to the water woes in Liscannor which have caused repeated beach closures at Lahinch.

Irish Water on Friday morning turned the sod on a new wastewater treatment plant for the village of Liscannor. Works are expected to take 18 months to complete. Contracts have also been signed to provide wastewater treatment in both Kilfenora and Kilrush.

EPS Group will carry out the works in Liscannor which include the construction of a new wastewater treatment plant to serve a population equivalent of 1,790, the building of a storm water storage tank as well as a new pump station with emergency storage, the installation of approximately 1.3km of sewer pipelines and the connection to the existing outfall pipe to safely

discharge treated wastewater into Liscannor Bay. Headquartered in Mallow, EPS Group have also been awarded the contract for the works in Kilfenora and Kilrush. Their work here involves the decommissioning of the current Wastewater Treatment Plant in Kilfenora and the construction of a new plant that will serve the population equivalent of 330.

In Kilrush, the plant will be significantly larger and will cater for a population equivalent of 8,500.

Programme Manager with Irish Water, Caroline O’Reilly said it was “a significant day for Co Clare and its natural environment”. She acknowledged that the projects had been in the pipeline for “many years”. Caroline explained, “These projects will eliminate the raw and poorly treated sewage that is flowing into their beautiful waterways and the Atlantic and will support social and economic development,

 TURFS UP: Pat Dowling, PJ Ryan, Caroline O’Reilly and Ollie O’Flaherty Photo by Eamon Ward

while also protecting the integrity of our environment”.

Senator Roisin Garvey (GP) heralded “a great day for Liscannor and the whole bay”.

The Inagh woman continued, “It is super to see Irish Water recognising the badly needed infrastructure and committing to put in a state-ofthe-art system”.

Reshuffle of senior Gardaí as leading officer retires

by PÁRAIC McMAHON TWO transfers have resulted in a reshuffle of senior Garda positions in Co Clare while one of the county’s top-performing members of the force has also retired.

Superintendent John Galvin has transferred from the Kilrush Garda District to the Ennis Gar-

da District with Superintendent John Ryan moving from Bruff Garda District to succeed Galvin in Kilrush.

It is among eleven changes nationally which took effect from September 27th arising from promotions, consequential allocations and retirements including that of Superintendent Brendan McDonagh in Ennis.

Meanwhile, tributes have been paid to Ruan native Therese Flannery who recently retired from An Garda Síochána and her role as a juvenile liaison officer (JLO).

A former colleague of Supt Galvin in Kilrush, Therese was the first female detective to serve in Co Clare. She was honoured for her work in 2017 by Clare County Council.

Groups get €87,000 in funding A TOTAL of €87,446 has been allocated to community groups in Clare under the latest tranche of Covid Stability Funding, writes Stuart Holly.

Lisdoonvarna Fáilte receievd the most of the pot with €72,375 going to the North Clare community group. Other Clare recipients include Miltown Malbay Development Company (€8,071); Feakle Community Council (€3,000); Samaritans Ennis and Clare (€2,000) and Tulach na Farraige Community Hall CLG (€2,000).

Cathal Crowe TD (FF) commented: “Since the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic, community groups across Clare and indeed across the country have bent over backwards to do all in their power to assist people in their locality – be it from shopping for the elderly and vulnerable to mental health supports to everything in between,” said Deputy Crowe.

“These groups also do Trojan work when things are normal but the difference now is that their income streams have dried up as a result of the pandemic,” he added.

Glamorize Ennis marks closure with clearance sale GALMORIZE Ennis is closing its doors after almost a decade of serving the people of Clare, writes Stuart Holly.

Based on O’Connell Street and run by Ennis businesswoman Dorothy McCarthy-Lewis, Glamorize is planning to close its doors around Halloween and is marking the closure with a huge closing down sale.

Occasion wear and accessories including head pieces, bling headbands, clutch bags (some as little as €5), furs, wraps, scarves, wedding gloves, jewellery and more are available on sale while stocks last.

Dorothy tells The Clare Echo that the effects of the pandemic have left Glamorize with no alternative but to close due to the severe impact that restrictions have had on the wedding industry.

“Before Covid hit in that March, we had three stock rooms upstairs of stuff just bought in and ready to go, all the head pieces, the bling headpieces, the clutch bags and the furs, wedding gloves, jewellery, all the accessories so we have to sell everything off at massively reduced prices, with an extra 20 per cent off everything starting Thursday, October

 ACCESSORIES: Glamorize 7,” she said.

Dorothy has been in business for almost 30 years having previously owned Beauty by Dorothy for 18 years before opening Glamorize. The O’Connell Street premises had previously been occupied by Concepts.

“It’s very tough because I thought we’d be here for at least another five years, that would have brought us up to 15 years but unfortunately I have to close now,” explained Dorothy. “The thing

I’ll miss the most is the chat with the customers. Everyone was always so supportive and so kind.

“Finally, Dorothy, Margaret, Eilis and Laura would like to thank, most sincerely, all their customers from near and far for all their support and kindness throughout their years in business.

Thank you.”

The closing down sale at Glamorize, 59 O’Connell Street, Ennis, is on now.

NEWS

THURSDAY, OCT 7 2021

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10 NEWS

THURSDAY, OCT 7 2021

Coastal resources in Clare ‘must improve’ to match Wild Atlantic Way success

by PÁRAIC McMAHON INCREASED investment is needed on mobility and parking for Clare routes along the Wild Atlantic Way to maximise the positive consequences of the footfall attached to the tourism trail.

Citing Clare’s input to the Wild Atlantic Way and the use of locations in West and North Clare as “some of the most marketed and popular visitor destinations and attractions in the country,” Cllr Joe Garrihy (FG) led the call for an augmentation into the funding and resourcing of the county to cope with this.

He proposed “increased and improved parking, mobility plan and accompanying implementation funding for as a matter of urgency in advance of 2022 visitor season”. Additional staff and manpower was also sought by the Lisdoonvarna man.

Acting senior executive officer in the West Clare Municipal District, John O’Malley in a written reply outlined, “Following what was once again an extremely busy and positive tourist season in the West Clare MD the focus is now on further improving on the current experience in terms of parking and mobility. The current parking bye laws are to be reviewed in numerous key areas. Resources are key to ensuring that this work is completed as there is a significant body of work involved in the wide-ranging number of key destinations in the MD. The West Clare MD are working with our Roads and Finance Sections to ensure that this

Absence of Moneypoint from discussions on blackout ‘bewildering’ PÁRAIC MCMAHON

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paraic@clareecho.ie

 INVESTMENT: A busy Lahinch during the summer progresses.

Locations in Clare such as Kilkee, Lahinch and parts of North Clare “have been very popular and are bringing huge numbers of people” to the county, Cllr Garrihy stated. “We are waiting too long for these areas to have the basic upgrades that they need,” he added.

Successful marketing of the MD has seen high levels of activity at Doolin, Mullaghmore and Kilkee with Seafield also recording an influx in visitors, Garrihy pointed out. “We have to invest now to make sure we don’t lose that image and that people who came this year see that we’ve seen benefits and improved on certain areas”.

LARITY is needed on Moneypoint amid concerns on the security of the country’s energy

supply.

A risk of blackouts this winter in Ireland have been speculated in recent weeks. Questions around the security of the country’s electricity supply have been brought into sharp focus in recent weeks.

Eirgrid last week predicted that Ireland could face electricity shortfalls over the next five years due to increased demand and lower supply due to the closure of a number of fossil fuel-fired power stations.

Speaking in the Dáil last week, Tánaiste Leo Varadkar (FG) commented that the country’s supply this winter was likely to be safe but flagged

that this was dependent on the reopening of two gas-fired stations that are temporarily closed, the Bord Gáis-owned Whitegate in Cork and Huntstown in Dublin. These two stations have been shut down for maintenance most of 2021 due to what the national grid operator described as “unexpected and significant failure of equipment. Both stations are expected to be operational in October and November, Varadkar detailed.

During a debate on Climate Action in the Dáil, Clare TD, Michael McNamara (IND) remarked, “This week must have been a bewildering week for the workers in Moneypoint power station”. He sought clarity from the Minister for the Environment, Eamon Ryan (GP) on the future of the West Clare power plant amid growing concerns of blackouts this winter.

“We were told it (Moneypoint) was to close. Now we

are being told we face power shortages across the country and the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications, Deputy Eamon Ryan, hinted that Moneypoint might not close as anticipated.

We must bring to bear clarity on this point. If we have power shortages, we will be then importing power,” Deputy McNamara stated.

He added, “There is no guarantee that any power imported will be any greener than the power generated at Moneypoint”.

McNamara told the Dáil: “I look forward to the day when Moneypoint is an innovative and green hub of energy production and hydrogen fuel manufacture, and we are harnessing the power of the Atlantic Ocean. In the meantime, though, we need to power the State. We must reduce our consumption of energy, but we must also meet that energy need”.

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THURSDAY, OCT 7 2021

Home worker stole from 83 year resident who didn't see a visitor in over two years

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by GORDON DEEGAN

SOUTH east Clare woman abused the trust of a care home resident, who didn’t see a visitor for over two years, when stealing over €3,000 from him last year, a court has heard.

At Killaloe District Court sitting in Ennis on Tuesday, Lorraine Hennessy (40) of Glor na Srutha, Clonlara pleaded guilty to 22 theft charges concerning €3,011 between August 20th and October 5th last year from 83 year old care home resident, Terrance Stevenson. In evidence, Det Garda John Jenks stated that Mr Stevenson knew that he was dying when he was making his statement to Gardai concerning the thefts and died on January 25th of this year.

Det Jenks stated that the 22 thefts from Mr Stevenson were carried out through a VISA debit card that he had given to Ms Hennessy to get his messages.

Det Jenks said that the money was spent by Ms Hennessy on insurance payments, online motor tax, utility bills and payments to a high interest loan company along with a contribution to a daughter’s school.

The thefts ranged in value from

€20 to €450 and other amounts concerned include €122, €157, €123, €50, €122, €350, €247 and €150.

The detective said that Mr Stevenson was a single man and moved to Killaloe in east Clare from the UK around 30 years ago.

He said that Mr Stevenson has no family in Ireland but has a brother and niece in the UK. Mr Stevenson moved into the nursing home in December 2018 after Det Jenks stated that the man wasn't able to look after himself anymore and wanted to spend his last few years in comfort in a nursing home.

Det Jenks said that when Gardai went to the home of Ms Hennessy on February 19th this year, she immediately accepted responsibility for the thefts. Det Jenks said that Ms Hennessy - employed as a care worker at the care home from April 2020 to November 2020 said that she was under pressure for money. Det Jenks said that Ms Hennessy’s late partner took his own life in 2016 and his body was found by a then 17 year old daughter in a garden shed. Det Jenks said that this tragedy greatly impacted Ms Hennessy.

Solicitor for Ms Hennessy, Daragh Hassett said that it was a sad case all around. Mr Hassett said that Mr Stevenson had trusted Ms

Pyrite homeowners demand answers six weeks after visit

by PÁRAIC McMAHON ANSWERS are to be sought from Clare homeowners affected by pyrite at what is expected to be a tense meeting with the county’s Oireachtas members this Friday.

Coming up to six weeks since Minister for Housing, Darragh O’Brien’s (FF) visit to the county, the Clare Pyrite Action Group are to hold a public meeting at Treacy’s West County Hotel as they urgently seek updates and answers from the county’s elected representatives, numbers at the gathering will be monitored in line with COVID-19 guidelines.

Minister O’Brien had promised an answer to representatives of the Group on whether Clare would have access to the Defective Concrete Blocks Grant Scheme within “a matter of weeks”.

No representative from the Clare Pyrite Action Group has been included in the Mica Working Group that has held meetings with Government officials including the Housing Minister.

Speaking to The Clare Echo, founder of the Clare Pyrite Action Group, Dr Martina Cleary expressed her concern that they were being kept in the dark. “Our

homes are our priority. We need answers”. There are now over 100 homeowners signed up to the action group.

A rebranding of the Defective Concrete Blocks Grant Scheme to the Mica Redress Scheme has set alarm bells ringing in Clare.

“I am deeply concerned in the rebranding, it appears to be a shift in focus. We have been actively excluded,” the Crusheen woman said.

Clare politicians have expressed their confidence to members of the Action Group that the Banner County will not be left behind in the scheme. Dr Cleary said that Friday’s meeting at 8:30pm will be a chance for the politicians to explain the rationale for such optimism.

 DAMAGE: Pyrite

Hennessy “and she abused that trust”. Mr Hassett said that his client is “utterly ashamed”.

Mr Hassett stated that “temptation raised its head” when Ms Hennessy was given Mr Stevenson’s bank card. Mr Hassett stated that Ms Hennessy was under

“massive pressure” money wise.

He said that she didn't spend any of the money on fancy goods. Mr Hassett said that it is a serious case and that Ms Hennessy wants to pay all the money back. He said that she has already started to save up to pay back the money. Mr Has-

sett said that Ms Hennessy has no previous convictions.

Det Jenks said that Mr Stevenson’s nursing home bill remains unpaid due to the thefts.

Judge Mary Larkin adjourned the case to April to allow Ms Hennessy to repay the stolen money.

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12 Arts & Entertainment

THURSDAY, OCT 7 2021

Clodagh Lawlor sells out her first headline concert PÁRAIC MCMAHON

I

paraic@clareecho.ie

N HER first headline concert, Newmarket-on-Fergus country music singer, Clodagh Lawlor boasted a sell-out show.

A crowd of 180 people gathered at Treacy’s Oakwood Hotel in Shannon for ‘A Night of Country Music’ headlined by Clodagh Lawlor where the popular Louise Morrissey appeared as a special guest at the concert which received positive plaudits from those in attendance.

Plans to hold a hometown gig in

her native Newmarket-on-Fergus last year came undone on account of the pandemic with the scaledback event in Shannon working out well as an alternative.

Two years ago, Clodagh had a twenty fourth birthday to remember when she was named as the winner of the Late Late Show’s search for a country music star in what was her debut on the world’s longest running chat show.

A strong contingent of country music fans from Ballynacally, Shannon, Ennis and Newmarket-on-Fergus were among the crowd while attendees from counties such as Galway, Offaly and Wicklow also travelled to the concert with American guests at

 TUNES: Clodagh Lawlor Photo by Joe Buckley

the hotel also soaking up the atmosphere.

Speaking to The Clare Echo, Clodagh expressed her delight

Feakle Folk Club revivial creates cherished atmosphere

 LEGACY: Ruth Smith and Paula Carroll with Gary Pepper

FEAKLE Folk Club has been revived with two concerts remaining on the

cards this month, writes Páraic McMahon.

Clare based broadcast-

ers Paula Carroll and Ruth Smith were keen to link the exciting resurgence of folk music in Ireland today with the Folk Revival world that existed in East Clare 50 years ago. Building on that legacy and creating a platform for the music of present day performers and music lovers alike, they have created an atmosphere where artists love to perform because they feel cherished, a venue where music-lovers know they will hear great music and an environment that’s a welcoming mix of locals and visitors who have travelled to hear the music.

Peppers Marquee is the venue for the concerts,

drapes and lighting create an intimate folk club atmosphere while social distancing is also facilitated.

This Friday (October 8th) is a sell-out and it sees the Dingle traditional singer Pauline Scanlon perform with the Galway singers and members of the Whileaways, Nicola Joyce and Noriana Kennedy (sold out).

On the final night of the Feakle Folk Club, (October 22nd), Connemara sean-nós singer and harpist Síle Denvir comes to East Clare with her musical and life partner Barry Kerr on vocals, uileann pipes and flute, tickets are available from www.eventbrite.ie

with the reaction to her first headline gig.

“It went so well I’m absolutely thrilled with it all, just delighted people enjoyed themselves. It was such a huge step to take putting on your own concert but I’m happy I did. People came from places like Offaly, Galway and Wicklow, I was so shocked when they told me.

“There was so many young girls there too who came up to me after telling me that they hope one day to be in the Irish country music scene and I just hope I’m the reason someday that they chased their dream, anything is possible.

I never expected to sell out but we did and I just hope it’s the start of something more for me”.

Schools encouraged to apply for Artists Residencies Scheme

by PÁRAIC McMAHON PRIMARY and secondary schools in Clare have been invited to submit applications for the Artists in Schools Residencies Scheme 2021-2022.

Residencies to the value of €1,200 are to be awared by the Clare Arts Office under the scheme which was established to enable primary and secondary schools in Clare to develop projects with professional artists for the benefit of the participating students.

Over 300 residencies have taken place across the county with children participating in visual arts, music, dance, mime, drama, film and creative writ-

ing.

Applications can now be made online (https:// yoursay.clarecoco.ie/artistsinschoolsresidencyaward2021).

Schools who participated on the scheme last year and schools who are participating in the Department of Education’s Creative Schools and Creative Clusters scheme may not apply for the 2021/2022 round.

Friday October 15th at 5pm is the deadline for applications. Ceara Conway of Clare Arts Office is the designated point of contact for the scheme, she can be contacted via email cconway@clarecoco.ie.

NEWS 13

THURSDAY, OCT 7 2021

Welcome back to glór!

New Box Office Opening hours: 10am – 2.30pm Monday – Saturday

Visual Arts glór presents Lightning Bolts of Ordinary Things: New work by Kaye Maahs & Will O’Kane Until Wednesday 27 October Artists in Conversation Event Sat 16 Oct 11am.

All welcome │Please pre-book. glór gallery is open 10am - 3pm Monday to Friday 10am - 4pm Saturday

Family Performance

Ceol Connected presents Treehouse Mon 18 Oct 4.30pm €9 adults/€7 child/ €28 Family Ticket Duration: 45 mins │Suitable for ages 3 – 7

____________________________

I AM BABA, created by Anna Newell presented in association with The Civic Theatre Wed 20 Oct 10am, 11am and 12pm For babies aged 0 – 12 months │ Duration: 20 mins with up to 20 mins of free play afterwards €10 for baby and one guardian/parent

Events

Family Performance

glór presents Inspirations: Curated by Paula Carrol Padraic Keane and Seán McKiernan Fri 15 Oct 8pm Conor Connolly and Charlie Harris Fri 29 Oct 8pm €16/€14 Conc.

A glór and Clare Arts Office Commission │ Supported by Creative Ireland & The Arts Co. Dial A Seanchaí A unique audio experience celebrating Irish folklore, storytelling, and song Please dial (065) 6723000 to access the service. glór in association with Transworld Books presents In Conversation with Martin Hayes Thurs 14 Oct 8pm €15 glór presents Shorelines Premiere Written & performed by Nuala Kennedy, commissioned by glór Sun 17 Oct 8pm €20/€18 Conc.

glór Café is open 10am – 3pm daily with a tasty new menu, great coffee, home baked treats and lunch specials.

One-hour free parking.  Pre-book your tickets on www.glor.ie or on 065 6843103.

Please note that €1 booking fee applies.  Please see www.glor.ie for further information on making your visit safe  Face Coverings must be worn in the building.

Proof of vaccination required under current guidelines.

United Fall presents Birdboy by Emma Martin Thurs 21 Oct 7pm €7 Child/€9 Adult/Family Ticket €28 The Sonoro Quartet Fri 22 Oct 8pm €20/€18 Conc./BYOK €10 for under 18s

14

THURSDAY, OCT 7 2021

in association with

Three to five years to treat knotweed TREATMENT of Japanese Knotweed in Ennis takes generally “three to five years,” officials in Clare County Council have stated, writes Páraic McMahon.

A query was lodged by Cllr Paul Murphy (FG) before the Ennis Municipal District on the actions conducted “to treat the Japanese Knotweed that is present on many of the roadsides around Ennis Municipal District”.

Tommy Scott, senior executive technician with the local authority reminded elected representatives that a database is compiled by the Council “of all cases of this invasive species identified on public property, within the district. Chemical treatment is arranged (specialist contractors) on an annual basis, subject to budget limitations”.

He added, “the number of sites treated each year varies, with new sites being added into the process as others are declared free of the infection. The treatment takes place in September, each site can require treatment for as many as three to five years”.

Multi-person bicycles suggested to improve health PÁRAIC MCMAHON

I

paraic@clareecho.ie

NTRODUCTION of multi-person bikes across Ennis have been suggested as a way of “promoting inclusion” in the county town.

Investment in the Van Raam Fun2Go side-by-side tandem bikes was requested by Cllr Ann Norton (IND) at the most recent sitting of the Ennis Municipal District.

She noted that research is proven that “exercise is good for people with dementia. Moving ensures that the mental deterioration slows down. You improve your thinking skills, restlessness, passivity and your blood circulation with exercise”.

With the bikes, Norton explained “you can sit comfortably next to each other while enjoying a great bike ride. Because you sit next to

EXERCISE: Van Raam multi-person bikes

each other, the supervisor can keep a close eye on the co-driver and assess whether he or she is still having fun or is tired. If the co-driver gets tired, the foot plate can also be used or the Fun2Go side-by-side tandem can be put in

another position, so that the co-driver doesn’t have to pedal along. In this way, the caregiver and patient can enjoy a carefree bicycle ride and the person with dementia gets enough exercise at the same time. Take a pleasant day out, for example, and stop in between for a cup of coffee, with a piece of cake”.

Different modes of transport around Ennis need to be explored, the Barefield representative believed. The potential introduction of the multi-person bikes were discussed by the Temporary Covid-19 Ennis Town Centre Mobility Plan taskforce, she outlined. “It is another way of looking at improving the health and wellbeing of people with different forms of disability as they grow older”.

Her suggestion was labelled by Cllr Paul Murphy (FG) as “a fantastic proposal”. He added, “This is a great idea and something we could look at going forward with our mobility plan and everything, it could be very inclusive”.

MAU expansion continues

by PÁRAIC McMAHON

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A FURTHER expansion of the Medical Assessment Unit (MAU) in Ennis Hospital is currently underway with a staff recruitment process ongoing.

Three additional nursing staff are scheduled to take up their posts within the next fortnight with a non-consultant hospital doctor, clerical staff member, and additional members of staff in cardiology services already in post.

Additional resources in allied health, general support and radiology are also at various stages of an ongoing recruitment process, the HSE have confirmed.

Phase one of the expansion of the MAU at Ennis Hospital was affected in December with four new slots provided from Monday to Friday.

Weekly slots are to increase, Clare TD Michael McNamara (IND) has said. “Once the personnel that are currently being recruited are in place, the HSE says it will be in a position to increase the number of weekly slots in the MAU by a further 32 between Monday and Friday and 20 at weekends in line with an allocation from the National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF).”

The Ennis MAU provides diagnoses and treatment of patients referred with medical conditions including chest infections, COPD, pneumonia, urinary tract infections, fainting episodes, clots in the leg, anaemia, or non-acute cardiac problems.

Approximately 10 per cent of cases may require admission to hospital and the majority will be discharged with a follow-up review in the unit within 48 hours. The Ennis MAU is the only such service in the UL Hospitals Group that has been open on a seven-day basis since 2016. Its hours of operations during weekdays are also longer than in either Nenagh or St. John’s.

Deputy McNamara said the expansion of Ennis MAU will provide considerable benefits for the people of Clare, while it will help to alleviate pressure on admissions to University Hospital Limerick (UHL).

“GPs – or the Emergency Department – initially assess and refer patients for appointment on the same day or the following day.

“The multidisciplinary team on-site led by physician Dr. Tom Peirce, works towards same-day diagnosis, treatment and discharge, and sees all patients within an hour of arrival,” the Scariff TD stated. HEALTH: Ennis MAU

NEWS 15

THURSDAY, OCT 7 2021

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16 NEWS

THURSDAY, OCT 7 2021

SHANNON NEWS in association with

Rail spur to Shannon Airport back on track after inclusion in €165bn Plan PÁRAIC MCMAHON

A

paraic@clareecho.ie

RAIL spur to Shannon Airport is among the most significant Clare aspects to the €165bn National Development Plan (NDP).

In what represents the largest NDP set to be delivered in the State, the 2021-2030 plan includes a number of Clare projects such as the redevelopment of Regina House in Kilrush, the Killaloe Bypass, construction of 51 social housing units in Shannon, an upgrade of wastewater treatment

plants in Lahinch and Clonroadmore plus the conclusion of the Shannon flood relief scheme, a new aircraft hangar for Shannon Airport and investment in the State’s office portfolio in Shannon.

Plans to develop a new commuter rail network through the provision of a rail spur to Shannon Airport stands out in the NDP which has no mention of the Western Rail Corridor. Direct rail spur links on the Limerick to Galway line will see Shannon Airport connect with the town, Bunratty, Cratloe, Sixmilebridge and Ennis.

Costings and a timeline of delivery for the identified projects have not been included in the NDP. New life has been breathed into

DEVELOPMENT: Shannon Airport

dormant plans for the rail link, Clare TD Cathal Crowe (FF) ac-

knowledged. Senator Timmy Dooley (FF) felt Shannon served

as a “key priority” within the NDP. More people will choose to fly from Shannon as a result of the rail link, Senator Roisin Garvey (GP) maintained. “Not only that but it will greatly improve the connectivity of the Town of Shannon, who are currently working on their Town Centre Master Plan”.

With Clare accounting for 2.5 percent of the national population, greater funding should have been allocated to projects in the county under the NDP, Cllr Johnny Flynn (FG) argued. He welcomed the rail link’s inclusion. “The indicative route shows potential rail stations at Bunratty, Shannon Town Centre, Shannon Industrial Estate and Shannon Airport itself,” he said.

Hospitalisations and falls blamed on footpaths

by PÁRAIC McMAHON

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POOR condition of footpaths in Shannon have been blamed for a number of falls and hospitalisations of elder members of the community.

“Urgent action” is needed for several footpaths in Shannon “that are a risk to the public due to the roots of trees causing damage to the surface and in other areas some serious cracks on older footpaths,” Cllr Gerry Flynn (IND) warned.

Width availability is limited as a result of the presence of briars and vegetation, he flagged. Flynn referenced “compromised footpaths” such as the section from Dun an Óir to Delginish, the Foyle Park area, Upper Road (old N19) path running parallel to Fergus road, the section from Gort Road junction onto Drumgeely towards the mini roundabout.

In a proposal before the Shannon Municipal District, Cllr Flynn asked that Clare County Council commence a planned series of works “to enhance the large volume of pathways in Shannon as soon as possible”.

Clare County Council have recently signed a footpath maintenance contract with PS Carmody’s Ltd, senior executive engineer Tom Mellett confirmed. “A large volume of footpaths” in the Shannon MD are included in the contract with works due to conclude in Drumgeely by the end of the year.

Spending on footpaths for the MD in the contract has increased by twenty five percent over the last three years, Mellett advised. “In addition to this contract, we are utilising other sources of funding to improve pedestrian infrastructure and are continually assessing footpaths for maintenance,”

he said.

Flynn blamed the footpaths for recent hospitalisations of Shannon residents.

“There is an ageing population in Shannon, a number of our people have suffered falls and injuries and some hospitalised”.

He noted that the amount of people from outside Shannon using the walkway during the lockdown was “immense” and referred to the high volume of workers in the area using the “network of footpaths”. Flynn concluded, “I hope that whatever is done that the quality is utmost”.

More than resurfacing will be needed, Cllr Donna McGettigan (SF) maintained, “the tree roots are causing serious issues,” she commented.

RISK: The footpaths in Purcell Park

Photo by Joe Buckley

NEWS 17

THURSDAY, OCT 7 2021

Shannon leading the way in sustainable water management

MAKING WAVES: Helen Downes, CEO Clare Chamber and Duane O’Brien, Regional Operations Lead for Irish Water

Photo by Eamon Ward

ELAINE TUBRIDY

S

news@clareecho.ie

HANNON is leading the way in sustainable water management as the second town in Ireland to take part in Irish Water’s Sustainable Water Towns Initiative, in partnership with Chambers Ireland.

The initiative is being rolled out by Irish Water following the launch of their Water

Stewardship Programme in March of this year.

Irish Water is now seeking businesses to attend Shannon Chamber’s 'Water Conservation for Business Masterclass’ online on October 20 at 12pm.

The specialised training provides business owners with the knowledge and expertise to lower water consumption and reduce operating costs while protecting the environment.

Small changes such as identifying water wastage on site, setting a baseline for

water use, raising awareness amongst staff and customers or upgrading to water efficient devices can help to save water and money.

Members of Shannon Chamber are also asked to go to www.irishwater.ie to take the Water Conservation Pledge ahead of the masterclass.

There they can pledge to become water conservation champions, make a commitment to learn to identify and compare water waste, or use water efficient devices all in the name of making effective change to protect the environment.

Helen Downes, CEO Clare Chamber said: “Enabling companies to monitor and reduce their water consumption is a very positive move both towards lowering operating costs and helping the environment.

“We are delighted to support this masterclass and will encourage our members to complete the pledge in advance of the session.

“Including a case study in the masterclass will demonstrate the efforts that are being made by companies to manage their use of water.”

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18 FEATURES

THURSDAY, OCT 7 2021

GREEN CLARE

Councillors lobby for extra resources after busy summer PÁRAIC MCMAHON

L

paraic@clareecho.ie

ACK of resources and bins are leading to some “unsightly areas” cropping up and a gulf between East and West Clare, elected representatives have warned.

Securing extra resources for a cleaning programme for towns and villages in East Clare “with a particular emphasis on weeds” and the introduction of more bins across in these areas were proposals submitted before the Killaloe Municipal District by Cllr Tony O’Brien (FF) and Cllr Pat Hayes (FF) respectively.

Engagement with Tidy Towns committees and community groups has been organised throughout 2021 by Clare County Council’s Rural Development Directorate “with a view to encouraging these groups and communities to help keep their areas clean and tidy,” senior executive engineer Niamh Madden stated in response.

She referenced Section 15 and 16 of the Litter Pollution Act as the “legal obligation on shops and businesses to ensure that they are accountable for dealing with litter emanating from their premises”.

Replacement bins have been ordered for larger towns in the District, some of which will have increased capacity for more litter but resources do not allow for additional bins. Bins in the MD have been abused in the past, Ms Madden recalled with staff having “borne witness to a number of these bins being abused in the area and has observed

that bins are, in certain cases, being utilised by some members of the public and by some businesses in lieu of a household or business refuse collection service”.

In communities where no Tidy Towns or community group are in operation “it can lead to unsightly areas,” Cllr O’Brien observed. He emphasised that increased collaboration with Tipperary County Council would help Killaloe, a town which is reliant on tourism and needs to be presented “in a very pristine manner”. He added, “We need more general operatives and staff on our teams, go back and talk to the powers that be coming up to budgetary time”.

“There is a shortage of staff, it is also a shortage of resources, I’m looking at a seaside town in West Clare that can have a mechanical truck, a large town in East Clare has one operative pushing a wheelie bin down a hill. I think there is a duty on us to put in more resources in, I don’t agree that we have enough, we don’t have enough people.

If plans aren’t supported with resources or proper infrastructure, we will be left where we are, we need to look at putting more resources in,” the Killaloe representative added.

Policies such as leave no trace have their pitfalls, Cllr Hayes believed. “We might say leave no trace and take everything away but there are instances when someone is after an ice-cream or a cigarette, they want to put it somewhere,” he remarked of the need for bins.

A shortage of general operatives in East Clare was acknowledged by Cllr Pat Burke (FG) who said the existing staff were “stretched”. He explained that he didn’t ex-

CLEAN UP: More rubbish bins are needed, claim councillors

pect bins “at every junction” in Scariff but felt one was required “outside the Spice of Life for lads finishing their chips at 1am in Scariff ”. In tourist spots such as Dromaan Harbour, Burke felt “the abuse of bins is shocking”.

Acting senior executive officer in the Killaloe MD, Morgan Lahiffe stated, “There is a responsibility all around Ireland for business owners to provide bins outside their premises, it is not happening in a lot of areas I think

we will agree”.

Lahiffe praised the work of voluntary groups which took the burden off the local authority in litter picking across certain places. “We’ve never had a busier summer season, this year we’ve seen in the East Clare region a big increase in tourism in places like Ballycuggeran, Dromaan and Mountshannon, the MD have certainly not shied away from resourcing those places because we know that’s where the people are going”.

YOUR COUNTY. YOUR WASTE?

Illegal dumping is costly. It threatens our environment. Let’s all take responsibility. #StopIllegalDumping Report Illegal Dumping Call: 1800 606 706 Email: enviroff@clarecoco.ie

NEWS 19

THURSDAY, OCT 7 2021

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Clare has rich cultural heritage assets that tie the county back to the beginning of human history in Ireland. There are over 7,500 known archaeological sites in the county that will connect you to thousands of years of history.

Here are a few to explore.

However, with so many sites around the county, it’s worth heading out to find your own discoveries!

Bunratty Castle and Folk Park Bunratty Castle, built in the 15th century by the Earl of Thomond, is Ireland’s most complete and authentic medieval castle. You can explore the iconic castle and, in Bunratty Folk Park, over 30 buildings in a recreated 19th-century village and rural setting - set on 26 acres.

Poulnabrone Portal Tomb Poulnabrone is the oldest dated megalithic monument in Ireland and dates back to the Neolithic period. This iconic portal tomb is located in a field beside the CorofinBallyvaughan road on the high Burren limestone plateau. Finds in the tomb included a polished stone axe, and flint and chert arrowheads.

Mooghan Hillfort and Woods Quin Abbey

Quin Abbey Located just 10km from Ennis, Quin Abbey was founded in the 14th century and inhabited by Franciscan friars. The cloisters, which remain one of the abbey’s most prominent features, were constructed in the 15th century.

Mooghaun Bronze Age Hillfort was built at the beginning of the Late Bronze Age around 950 BC. The site is enclosed by woodland near Newmarket-on-Fergus. There is a self-guided trail up to the Hillfort - identified as the largest in Ireland.

The most spectacular hoard of prehistoric gold in Western Europe was found here in 1854.

Ennis Friary The O’Briens of Thomond, who once ruled much of north Munster, founded this medieval Franciscan friary. It grew into a huge foundation, with 350 friars and a famed school of 600 pupils by 1375. The building contains an exceptional wealth of fifteenth- and sixteenth-century sculptures carved in the local limestone.

Ennis Friary

Poulnabrone

Clare Abbey The abbey at Clarecastle was founded by Donal Mór O’Brien in 1189. Some parts of the single-aisled church date back to the 12th century, and there are also two chapels and a tower from the 15th century. In 1278, the monastery was the site of a massacre due to friction among the various factions of the O’Brien family.

Kilfenora Cathedral and Crosses Kilfenora Cathedral is dedicated to St. Fachtna, who founded his monastery during the sixth century.

The original church was probably wooden. The present structure dates from between 1189 to 1200.

The Cathedral contains some fine carvings on grave slabs, windows and doorways. Kilfenora also boasts one of the most significant concentrations of high crosses in Ireland, including the famed “Doorty Cross”.

Bunratty Castle and Folk Park

www.VisitClare.ie

20 NEWS

THURSDAY, OCT 7 2021

MENTAL HEALTH WEEK 2021 Seoidín launch

WHAT’S ON IN YOUR AREA? AWARE WEBINAR Friday 8th October at 12 noon: Depression & Me: Lived Experience Perspectives. Register for free at https:// www.aware.ie/webinars

WEST CLARE MENTAL HEALTH ASSOCIATION ONLINE GIG Live music and chat from Culturlann Sweeney in Kilkee broadcast on The Lighthouse Facebook page. Thursday, October 7 at 7pm. Hosted by Marie Nolan and Breda Latham WALK Be Active Mental health day 2021 Walk and talk with your best friend (two or four legged) on Sunday, October 10 2021 on Kilkee beach. Starting from the east end car park at 2.30pm.

FARM CONNECT On Friday, October 8 from 7pm-9pm at Curtins farm, Lacken, Kilmihil. Eircode: V15E197. Entry is free. Guest speakers include farmer and former

Munster and Ireland rugby player John Hayes, as well as farmer and Awareness Head to Toe Chairman George Graham. Free health check with Clare Civil Defense and refreshments afterwards.

WEBINAR Keep Learning webinar talk with Dr Sharon Lambert. On Monday, October 11 from 7pm-8pm via Zoom. Free event. To book, email westclaremha@ mentalhealthireland.ie WOODLAND WALK Take notice guided woodland walk, with Eanna Ni Lamhna. On Saturday, October 9 at 11 at Vandeleur Walled Gardens and woods.

ENNIS MENTAL HEALTH ASSOCIATION SINGING SESSION Singing for Wellness with Maria Wood, Sing to Connect will take place in The Banner Suite, Old Ground Hotel, Ennis at 7pm on Thursday, October 7. To book a place call or text 0852524608 or email ennismha@

mentalhealthireland.ie WALK Walk for Wellbeing at Lee’s Road, Woodland walking trails with Clare Sports Partnership. Slow paced, relaxing walk led by Pat Sexton. Location: Lee’s Road Sports and amenity park, drumcliffe, Ennis on Friday, October 8.

Assembly point: Playground at Lees Road facility at 11am. No booking required. Eircode: V95 W560

pendant for Pieta charity

NUTRITION Nutrition and mental health talk with Grainne Travers Nutrition at Ennis Scout Hall, Station Road Ennis on Monday, October 11 at 7pm. Eircode: V95 A394. To book a place call or text 0852524608 or email ennismha@ mentalhealthireland.ie RESILIENCE Begin again: Practical Resilience for difficult times with Dr Tony Bates.

Wednesday, October 13 at 7pm in The Great Hall, Temple Gate Hotel, Ennis. To book a place call or text 0852524608 or email ennismha@ mentalhealthireland.ie

 GREEN RIBBON: The Seoidín piece ENNIS jewellery store founder Maureen Harrison has launched a stunning necklace to help raise funds for Pieta.

Mental Health Awareness month inspired the Seoidín founder to create a special edition emerald green gem pendant. The necklace can be purchased in any Seoidín shop in Dublin, Limerick or Clare or online at seoidin.com for €100.

All proceeds will be donated to Pieta House.

THURSDAY, OCT 7 2021

NEWS 21

22 COLUMNIST

THURSDAY, OCT 7 2021

Eoin Neylon

An inside look at Clare’s political spectrum With

With With

In this week’s column, Joe Melody gives an insight into how Ireland’s family farming structure imbues a sense of decency

F

AMILY Farming is something that Ireland has always prided itself on and always preceded its reputation when it came to marketing our produce at home and abroad.

In full disclosure, I must admit that I did not always see why it was so valuable and indeed I often questioned why the “family farm” characteristic of Irish farming was so often touted as one of the proudest traits of the industry. It’s only in recent years that I have developed my thoughts around why the family farm model is not only important economically but much more than that it

is also virtuous.

There is always a theme of a certain decade and post the financial collapse of the world economy in 2008, the main theme has been climate change. Policy permeating from proposed climate mitigation actions will have effect on most industries to a lesser or greater degree.

One area that is never really higlighted in our industry is the time horizons with which farmers view their actions. A farmer tends to have a long view on what implications their actions will have on their business and the environment because after all the two are linked.

When it is levelled at

South-East Clare woman joins ICMSA

AG JOB: Alisha Ryan, has joined ICMSA’s Head Office staff as a Policy Executive. From a well-known Sixmilebridge family, Alisha obtained a BSc in Agriculture and Environmental Management from Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology and has a special expertise in livestock breeding and environmental issues. She will act as secretary to both the Livestock Committee and Rural Development Committees and will work closely with the association’s family farm membership. Pat McCormack, President of ICMSA, said the association was delighted to appoint her describing Alisha as highly qualified, committed, problem-solving and professional.

farmers with phrases like “you only care about making as much money as possible off the land” as if the farmer was some plundering resource miner.

The reality is farmers are constantly looking at themselves in the future and asking what effect will this action have on them in decades to come as the piece of land they steward has to be sustaining for them across decades and in many cases that same farm will sustain generations.

As farmers we are in essence always sowing seeds. In some cases the metaphorical seeds we sow have short time horizons like the day I put the cows into a paddock where the grass quality isn’t the best, I get instant feedback the next morning in the form of lower milk yield and quality.

On the other end of the scale I see the big beech trees that are planted by a previous generation on the farm and on a warm day it shades a group of cattle.

The people who planted those trees knew they would never live to lie under their canopy but nonetheless they planted them for posterity sake. The virtue of leaving something for posterity is still as strong as ever as most farmers hope that the farm will be carried on by their family.

In other countries ownership of land and food production is controlled by large farming companies with no ties to the country never mind the local area.

Luckily in Ireland farmers farm the land with one eye on the daily management of it and the other eye fixed towards the future.

Ireland’s family farming structure imbues a sense of decency into not just how we treat our environment but also into how we go about our business as an industry.

A big win for the Greens

A

LOT has been said of the Greens time in Government so far, a lot of it negative. Farmers aren’t happy and neither are fuel sellers and hauliers.

Their own members too have been critical of their party’s performance and communications since taking.

That said, the party has scored big wins since joining the coalition via the Programme for Government, the Climate Action Bill and now the updated National Development Plan (NDP). Announced this week, many of the projects were already pre-existing and large sections of it were already announced.

The big difference though comes in terms of public transport and the prioritisation of same.

All measures are also to have a cost benefit analysis, including a carbon footprint analysis, which may see the scheduling and tendering of some projects affected.

In terms of County Clare, the big news appears to be in the southeast of the county where a long called for rail spur for Shannon airport, to branch from Cratloe and pass through a new stop at Bunratty before continuing to Shannon town and onto the airport, has gathered many headlines.

A Bus Connects programme for Limerick was also included in the updated list of projects, which will also encompass large swatches of County Clare that fall within the hinterland of the city.

The proposed rail link, alongside a new aircraft hanger and warehousing adjacent to the airport also proposed in the NDP,

would very much lead one to the conclusion that this Government see cargo as the primary future of the mid-west airport and the best way to ensure its future survival.

This is further good news too, following the recent appointment of Pádraig Ó Céidigh to chair the Shannon Group.

The former Senator arrives in Clare with a wealth of experience in aviation, including the successful navigation of Aer Arann through the oil crisis and global financial crash of the early 2010’s to ensure the airline’s survival as Stobart, despite the then FG/LAB Government removing the Public Service Obligation funding its business model was based on.

This survival strategy and implementation has subsequently been taught to students at the Harvard Business School as a case study.

Surely, this all bodes well for the airport that has also seen Aer Lingus planes make a welcome return to County Clare skies as they touch down and take off here on route to and from London.

The continued urban renewal of Ennis and new, much needed, wastewater treatment facilities in the county are also included in the updated plan alongside improvements to congestion at key points along the Wild Atlantic Way, the much-discussed Killaloe by-pass, and several social housing projects.

All in all, not a bad return for the county by any shakes.

In terms of healthcare, the NDP does propose major new works at Limerick Regional Hospital including additional bed capacity totalling 156 beds and re-location of maternity services.

Nevertheless, there is far more needed at UHL than is currently provided for, notably in the area of paediatric care and office space for staff in which to carry out vital work.

Outside of congestion issues at tourist points and facelifts to others, a wastewater treatment plant in Lahinch, development (but not delivery) of a masterplan for Doolin Pier and design (but not construction) of a visitor centre for Inis Cealtra, there are no other projects lined up under the NDP for all west and north Clare.

Once more, the entire Atlantic coast of Clare is seen as little more than an area for tourists to admire the scenery briefly, ferried in and out in large tour buses before being whisked away once more.

The western half of the county needs better from Government.

This is hot on the heels of news that the pyrite issue now may jeopardise the proposed maritime centre in Kilrush and the ongoing debate over Moneypoint and associated development surrounding the proposed offshore windfarm for the estuary have once again left a region from Loop Head to Galway Bay crying out for strategic inward investment and an overarching plan for the area that compromises anything more than wind farms, tourism and some farming business.

Areas of Dublin are having large scale, multimillion euro Integrated Area Plans developed for well over a decade.

It’s clear that west Clare needs similar as a guiding document to ensure the future viability of communities up and down our western shore.

COLUMNIST 23

THURSDAY, OCT 7 2021

BOWL OF CHOCOLATEY GOODNESS Kearney Cooks

W

ELL last week’s recipe had some serious list of ingredients, so this week I thought I would simplify things.

I’m using just three ingredients and doing very little cooking for a delicious chocolatey pay off. I also used some fab locally produced Magic Mayan Chocolate. We are so lucky in this county to be blessed with such good artisan producers and I love when I get to cook with their wonderful produce.

YOU WILL NEED: • 180 g dark chocolate (I used Magic Mayan Chocolate) • 180g cream • 2 egg yolks

R

ebecca O’Neill

H

Step 1 Break your chocolate into small pieces in a bowl. Boil your cream and when it’s boiled pour over your chocolate and stir continually until all the chocolate has melted and combined with the cream. Allow to stand for five minutes.

Step 2 Lob two egg yolks into the bowl with the chocolate and cream and whisk through until they are fully combined.

Step 3 Pour the mixture into four ramekins/ shot glasses or small bowls and refrigerate for at least two hours. Then serve with cream, or shortbread or even on its own.

When I make this recipe I sometimes like to use flavoured dark chocolate to add another layer of yumminess.

Indeed whilst making the instructional video I used salted caramel flavour chocolate. Also I would recommend serving this dessert within a day or two of being made as thats when it’s at its best.

As usual if you have any questions about this dish or others please feel free to dm me on Instagram @stevekearney37. Also keep an eye to The Clare Echo Facebook page or my Instagram for the video that accompanies this recipe.

Enjoy

Steve K

Darker days ahead

This week, beauty therapist Rebecca O’Neill shares her thoughts on how the change of seasons can affect our mood

OW the changing of seasons can affect our mood and influence our daily behaviour is quite interesting when you take a step back and consider it.

I think we can all relate in terms of how the weather effects our everyday life and the way it makes us feel. Some people absolutely love the summer months and associate bright days with happiness, while others can’t stand the heat and tend to stay inside where they feel most comfortable.

As we come into autumn, I myself love the change in fashion and interior while sipping a hot chocolate inside on a rainy day, while others hate the gloomy sunlight and tend to feel sad. This can often be known as Seasonal Affective Disorder which stands for a depressive disorder with a seasonal pattern.

It is so interesting to know that the weather can determine how our days actually go. When learning about this disorder it reveals a

TOASTY: Some people love the winter months

lot about when there is a significant drop in sunlight hours, this can influence our melatonin and serotonin levels which causes a number of mood and behavioural changes. It is very common that some people start to feel very down when winter is coming, studies show that this is com-

pletely normal. Due to shorter days and dull weather, sometimes we like to have a whinge about it. This, of course is completely normal.

Symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder build up through autumn and winter when you start to feel persistently low in

mood and have a lack of energy.

This could also result in a loss of appetite, low motivation and a change in your sleeping pattern.

Many people wouldn’t realise they have this disorder unless they look back on previous years. Understanding the circumstances as to why you feel this way can make you feel so much better.

The key point I have learned here is sunlight. I do understand that it lifts everyone’s mood when there is a bright day rather than a dull one. If I was to give anyone advice I would say to make the most of the sunlight hours in winter. It is highly effective to take Vitamin D especially in the colder months. This can contribute to your overall mental and physical health. If the seasons do affect your mood, always remember that this time will pass, making the most of each seasonal change. It is important to know that not every season effects someone in the same way and that is why mental health is important, no matter what time of year it is.

24 COMMUNITY

Community KILKEE

THURSDAY, OCT 7 2021

CONTACT

NEWSDESK 065 671 9021 news@clareecho.ie

COUNTYWIDE BREASTFEEDING FRIENDLY CLARE

CLARE County Council, in conjunction with the HSE, have launched the ‘We’re Breastfeeding Friendly Clare’ campaign.

The campaign aims to help improve the health and wellbeing of breastfeeding mothers, babies and their families through the development and promotion of breastfeeding friendly businesses, organisations and communities in County Clare. Generally, mothers who breastfeed their babies out and about do so with ease. Research tells us the

two things that make mothers feel comfortable when breastfeeding out and about are a welcoming, helpful attitude from staff; and other patrons knowing and accepting that babies may be breastfed there.

If your business, organisation or community group would like to get involved in the campaign, then please show your support by signing up on the ‘We’re Breastfeeding Friendly Clare’ dedicated webpage at: http:// yoursay.clarecoco.ie/breastfeedingfriendlyclare

ENNIS ST CLARE’S SCHOOL

WEDDING BELLS: Congratulations to Séona de Cleir and Darren Clarke who were recently married in Kinnitty, Co Offaly and had their reception in Kinnitty Castle. Darren is from Lisdeen, Kilkee Co Clare and is the son of Mary and Billy Clarke. Séona is from Kinnitty Co Offaly and is the daughter of Margaret and Seán de Cleir. Séona spent her first 12 years living in Kilkee. We wish them both a happy and joyous marriage.

ST CLARE’S school in Ennis have just installed four ActivAll Boards (pictured left) to help all 83 learners with daily physical and mental activities to get their heart rate going as well as hand-eye coordination and motor skill development.

St Clare’s school is the first and only school in Ireland to engage with this new technology.

“The bright lights and noises are particularly good at catching the attention of learners with additional needs and the competitive element I believe is a strength. Children can use balls, sticks, gloves or their hands to interact with the boards and leader boards are appearing in classrooms and the staffroom!,” said school principal John Murphy.

RECRUITMENT 25

THURSDAY, OCT 7 2021

BUSINESS AND RECRUITMENT

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

Ennis becomes university town STUART HOLLY

E

editor@clareecho.ie

NNIS became a university town with the official opening of the Technological University of the Shannon: Midlands Midwest, earlier this week.

TUS comprises a student population of more than 14,000 and a staff complement of approximately 2,000 people working fulltime and part-time across an extensive footprint spanning six campuses in Athlone, Limerick (Moylish and Limerick School of Art and Design), Clonmel, Ennis and Thurles. The status and recognition of being a Technological University will enable TUS to offer a more diverse range of research and to award degrees in new areas of speciality, TUS was officially launched through an innovative and interactive opening ceremony that took place in the Athlone International Arena and the Millennium Theatre Moylish on Friday, October 1, 2021.

Minister of State for Skills and Further Education Niall Collins and inaugural TUS President Professor Vincent Cunnane were among the keynote speakers for the ceremony.

“Education plays a critical role in building a strong and resilient Irish society and economy,” Minister Collins stated.

“As we emerge from an incredibly challenging period as a result of Covid-19, the future for our education sector and regional development has never been more positive and promising. The launch of TUS here today is a celebration of what can be achieved through collaboration and connectedness across regions which is key to growth and prosperity at a micro and macro level."

TUS will have a lasting legacy that will bolster these regions from an education, social, economic and cultural perspective to benefit generations to come, stated inaugural TUS President Professor Vincent Cunnane.

“Achieving TU status creates momentum that will have a far-reaching positive impact for generations to come," he added.

A TASTY AWARD TO WIN

TOP CLASS: Clare winners of the Blas na hEireann Awards included (left) Paula Hawes from Burren Butcher who won Gold for their 6oz Artisan Beef Burger as well as the award for Best in County and (right)Grainne Casey from St Tolas Goats Cheese who won Silver for their St Tola Cream Cheese that they make for Dunnes Stores. The awards were presented by Birgitta Hedin Curtin (middle) at the Burren Smokehouse

26 RECRUITMENT

Full-time & Part-Time Counter Assistant needed for busy butchers in Ennis town centre  

Suitable candidates will work as part of a team in a busy environment Ideal candidates will have an interest in food and/or experience in deli/retail environment

Please submit your CV and a covering letter to: dok.championmeats@gmail.com

THURSDAY, OCT 7 2021

WE’RE

HIRING

­

Champion Meats ltd., 1-2 Turnpike, Ennis, Co Clare

Now Hiring Recruitment Specialist Contact Sinead Guthrie to learn more Email - sinead.guthrie@resilience.ie Phone - 086 037 2357

­

BUSINESS 27

THURSDAY, OCT 7 2021

Hoteliers call on government to keep supports for tourism STUART HOLLY

H

editor@clareecho.ie

OTEL and guesthouses across the country have experienced an estimated €5.3 billion collapse in revenues across 2020 and 2021, according to figures from the Irish Hotels Federation (IHF). With occupancy figures nationally expected to reach just 32% for the year, compared to 73% for 2019, Clare hoteliers are calling on the Government to retain existing business and employment supports, saying they are vital for the recovery of the sector and the wider tourism industry.

Simon Hodgson, spokesperson for the IHF’s Shannon Branch states: “As Ireland’s largest indigenous employer, tourism supported almost 270,000 livelihoods including 12,000 here in Clare prior to the pandemic. Our industry has been hardest hit by the restric-

tions, and the ensuing economic and financial impact of Covid has been devastating. The Government supports so far have been critical, and a lifeline for many businesses, helping to restore employment and support the viability of businesses until we get back to a more stable footing. However, we

need a firm commitment that they will be retained until the impact of the pandemic has passed. Tourism will recover, but it will take time.”

Specifically, hotel and guesthouse owners are seeking the extension of the EWSS employment supports at current levels, to help businesses retain and develop their

teams over the coming months along with the extension of the local authority rates waiver until June 2022, when the summer season begins. “A failure to act decisively now would have major economic implications given the reliance of many parts of the country on tourism for prosperity and employment, including here in Clare, says Mr Hodgson.

The IHF is also calling for the 9% tourism VAT rate to be retained until after 2025, to provide certainty and allow Irish tourism to compete internationally. “As an island nation, international tourism is critically important, accounting for almost 70% of tourism revenue pre-Covid. It is also a highly competitive industry, and we can expect competition to increase significantly as we vie with other markets for international visitors.

Most travel agents are already contracting for 2023, yet they have no certainty around tourism VAT, and this is undermining advance bookings and ultimately tourism’s recovery,” says Mr Hodgson.

While tourism performed well during the summer months in some regions, hotels and guesthouses now face an uncertain nine months until the 2022 summer season. Bookings have fallen sharply in the absence of overseas visitors, along with meetings and events which would normally sustain the sector during the offpeak season. Expectations are that overseas tourism into Ireland will remain severely constrained next year and is unlikely to recover to pre-Covid levels until 2024/2025.

Mr Hodgson concluded: “Our industry has a proven track record as a major contributor to the economy. Tourism’s recovery is just beginning. The pro-tourism Government measures introduced have been vital and with their continued support we can fully recover the ground we lost during the pandemic.” JOBS: (left) Simon Hodgson, spokesperson for the Shannon branch of the IHF with some of his colleagues from Dromoland Castle

Aircraft Spraypainting Traineeship Ever considered working in aircraft spraypainting?

Our College of Further Education and Training, Shannon Campus, is currently taking applications for an Aircraft Spraypainting Traineeship.

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28

WINTER READY 7 O c tober 2021

Prepare your home for winter Getting your home winter ready goes well beyond packing up the barbecue and stocking up on wine and oreos.

torches and anything else that will help you see where you are going. Keep phones well charged and invest in a small power bank to help keep your phone topped up.

Get your chimney cleaned

Freezing conditions cause water to expand, which can result in a burst pipe.

Nightmare. There are countless articles online on how to protect your water pipes against freezing, but some basic tips include insulating pipes, keeping your garage door closed and wrapping pipes in electrical tape to retain heat.

Another good tip is to put your home heating on a timer in order to keep the temperature in your home consistent. This is especially important if you will be away for an extended period of time.

Those scorching July days seem like a world away now that the winter temperatures set in practically overnight, but before you jump to lighting the stove, be sure to get your chimney cleaned. A blocked or even partially obscured chimney can cause carbon monoxide poisoning.

On that note, make sure to test your carbon monoxide detectors and smoke alarms.

Lights out

Winter storms can cause major power outages, leaving thousands of people without electricity for hours or even days at a time.

Stock up on batteries, candles, lighters,

the door with coffee in hand to try and make it into the office before the boss notices you are missing. Next thing you know, the two legs are gone from under you and you have

smacked your head off the icy ground.

Ouch! Make sure you have a shovel, yard brush and a bag of grit or salt handy to avoid situations like this.

Protect your pipes

Don’t forget your shovel

Picture this. It’s 9.30am on a Monday morning and you have overslept. You fly out

NOW I N STO C K

29

WINTER READY 7 O c tober 2021

Motorists urged to ‘get a grip’ on tyres

T

HIS Road Safety Week, the Road Safety Authority are encouraging drivers to make sure their tyres are fit for icy road conditions this winter by availing of free tyre checks at Irish Tyre Industry Association member garages.

Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Ms. Hildegarde Naughton said, “It is important that drivers take action to ensure the tyres on their vehicles are fit for purpose. This is especially important as the winter months approach, and we face into poor weather conditions.

“For example, driving in wet or icy conditions can lead to loss of grip and increased risk of skidding, especially when driving on defective tyres. Motorists should keep tyre pressure at the manufacturer’s recommended level and not let them get worn.”

RSA Chief Executive Sam Waide noted that defective tyres could be a contributory factor in as many one in ten fatal crashes annually, resulting in approximately 14 deaths each year.

“We are calling on motorists to ‘get a grip’ when it comes to tyre safety, don’t wait for your NCT to check if your tyres are roadworthy. Conduct a regular walk-around of your car and check your tyres. Check the

tread depth, look for cuts, cracks, or bulges.

Take your car to the local forecourt or ITIA dealer and check the pressure. If your vehicle’s tyres show signs of deterioration, you should have them replaced immediately,” he said.

The minimum legal tread depth for a car is 1.6mm however the RSA recommends that motorists consider replacing them once they are below 3mm. There is 8mm of tread on a new tyre. The legal limit for motorcycles is 1mm.

Garda National Roads Policing Bureau Chief Superintendent Mick Hennebry commented that defective tyres pose a serious risk to all road users.

“Gardaí regularly deal with collisions in which people are killed or suffer serious life-changing injuries. Some of these collisions involve people driving with defective tyres. Such collisions can be avoided if you ensure your vehicle is roadworthy and you drive at a safe speed. Ensuring you have appropriate tyres on your car will make the roads safer for all road users.”

Members of Roads Policing Units across the country mounted roadside checks, checking tyres on vehicles in conjunction with Road Safety Authority Vehicle Inspectors on Tyre Safety Day yesterday (Wednes-

day, October 6).

“If you are found to be driving a vehicle with defective tyres you could risk up to 4 penalty points if convicted and a fixed penalty of up to €120,” Chief Supt Hennebry warned motorists.

Having the correct tyre pressure is also very important; details of which can be found in the car manual or on the fuel cap.

Irish Tyre Industry Association CEO Sue O’Neill said: “Irish Tyre Industry Association members are experts in tyre health and road worthiness. They can give drivers the

peace of mind that their vehicle is safe on the road. By simply taking a few minutes out of your day, you can have your tyres checked and replaced if necessary. During Irish Road Safety Week our members are offering free tyre checks so don’t wait until your NCT comes around to check the roadworthiness of your tyres, do it today. To find your nearest ITIA registered dealer nationwide, visit www.itia.ie.”

To date in 2021 a total of 108 lives have been lost on the road. This is down nine compared to the same date last year.

Quin Road

HALF LOAD

TYRES

DOORA INDUSTRIAL ESTATE, QUIN ROAD, ENNIS TEL: 065 68 42444

Be winter Ready www.tyresclare.com

30

WINTER READY 7 O c tober 2021

Is your car winter ready?

W

INTER is coming, so it’s time to prepare your set of wheels for the icy road conditions we experience every year. Follow our top tips and check in with a mechanic to make sure you are ready.

WAX ON, WAX OFF

Ice, salt and dirt can have a detrimental affect on your car’s paint job over the winter months. And with the weather set to become even more extreme due to climate change, it’s important to take action to protect your car’s exterior.

Use a good layer of wax or have your car ceramic coated to prevent rust.

If these are applied correctly, water should run off the vehicle with ease.

MR ANTI-FREEZE

Prevent your radiator from cracking by adding anti-freeze to the water. This lowers the freeze point temperature of the water and protects your engine from damage.

DEAD DUCK

The last thing you want to discover on a freezing November morning is that your car won’t start due to a flat battery.

You might just get away with it in summer months but if your car battery is any way dodgy, the colder weather makes it even more difficult to kick into life.

Get a mechanic to check it out for you. Ideally, if a battery is older than three years old, it should be replaced.

CHIPS ARE DOWN

Check your windscreen regularly for minor cracks and chips caused by road salt and grit. These minor faults can turn into big cracks in colder winter conditions.

MECHANICALLY SOUND

It goes without saying, but we are saying it anyway. Make sure essentials like brakes, tyres, lights, oil levels, heating and window washing fluid are all tip top.

These are vital at any time of the year, but especially in winter.

NEWS 31

THURSDAY, OCT 7 2021

FURTHER EDUCATION AND TRAINING

Take a certified, flexible course in Clare this autumn…

Our part-time courses are QQI Level 4 to 6 accredited or equivalent, and are offered by our Vocational & Employee Skills Development team. Courses are available across Clare at a Further Education and Training campus near you. Find the perfect entry route if you wish to upgrade your work skills, progress to further studies or return to learning.

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Beautiful homes all over the County

Property

33 ST. SENAN’S ROAD, ENNIS, CO. CLARE

85 LIOS ARD, TULLA ROAD, ENNIS CO. CLARE

32

THURSDAY, OCT 7 2021

€195,000

NO.33 St. Senan’s Road is a delightfully appointed three bed semi-detached home on a large 0.15-acre approx. site. Prominently located in the heart of Ennis, St. Senan’s Road is one of the town’s most established and sought-after residential areas.

Buying into this area you are not just acquiring a property, you are attaining a quality of life. Walking distance to the town centre, St. Joseph’s church, primary and secondary schools, vibrant local shops, the Fair Green & swimming pool/Active Leisure Complex. The location is also within close proximity to Junction 13 of the Galway/Limerick motorway. This truly is an exceptional location.

The house was built in circa early 1960’s and like most homes of this genre, while immediately habitable, this home could benefit from some modernisation and upgrading giving new purchasers tremendous scope to create their dream home. This potential has been realised by quite a number of properties on St Senans Road because of the generous site size.

Contact: Jason Pyne SHERRY FITZGERALD MCMAHON Tel: (065) 686 7866 PSL 001212

BALLINAGUN, CREE, KILRUSH, CO. CLARE

€229,500

€230,000

85 LIOS ARD is a bright and spacious 3-bedroom semi-detached home located in this popular cul de sac development.

It is within walking distance of all local amenities and just a five-minute drive to both Ennis Town Centre a one-minute drive to the M18 motorway.

On entering the main entrance hallway, the quality walnut timber flooring leads to an equally stunning main reception room where a feature off white sandstone fireplace, walnut timber flooring and a large front aspect bay window provide an unexcelled ambiance of comfort and homely feel. On leaving the main reception the hallway also leads to a bright spacious open plan kitchen/dining room with quality fitted wall and base units and integrated appliances.

A rear patio door from the dining area merges onto an extensive paved patio area and garden. It is worth noting that the patio paving, and garden are south facing. Rounding off the ground floor is the separate utility with built in wall and base units and the downstairs WC .

Contact: Jason Pyne SHERRY FITZGERALD MCMAHON Tel: (065) 686 7866 PSL 001212

3 FERGUS VIEW, CAPPAHARD, ENNIS, CO. CLARE

€195,000

48 GORT NA RI, ENNIS, CO CLARE

€299,000

NO. 48 is a charming five-bedroom detached family home located in the popular Gort Na Ri development. The property offers an abundance of space and light in one of Ennis’s most established and sought-after residential areas. It is well positioned at the end of the cul de sac overlooking the green area and within walking distance of Ennis town centre. Built in 1995, the home is in excellent decorative condition throughout.

Entrance is via the main hallway, to the right is the sitting room which features a feature solid fuel fireplace & large bay window. Double doors lead to the main Kitchen/Dining area which in turn offers rear access to the paved patio via the sliding door. The kitchen features various integrated appliances, ample work surfaces and gives separate access to an equally spacious utility room. The utility, which has similar units to those in the kitchen, is equipped with washing machine, dryer and additional work surfaces.

Contact: Jason Pyne SHERRY FITZGERALD MCMAHON Tel: (065) 686 7866 PSL 001212

DECOMADE, LISSYCASEY, CO. CLARE

€365,000

BALLINAGUN Cree is a spacious detached family home with a mature private garden to the rear and a large workshop.

Originally built in 1980 this property has been well maintained by its current owners with block wall boundary and large workshop.

The property boasts entrance hallway, 2 reception rooms, kitchen, downstairs WC, separate utility, main bathroom, 4 bedrooms all with built in wardrobes. To the front and rear of the property is a tarmac driveway, a mature private garden to the rear with mature shrubs, giving excellent privacy.

The property is less than 10 minutes from resort village of Doonbeg & Trump International Golf Links & Hotel. Viewing is strictly by prior appointment with sole selling agents.

LOCATED in the popular suburb of Roslevan on the Tulla Road in Ennis is this bright and spacious 4 bedroom semi detached family home fronting onto the vast open green area.

The internal accommodation is set out over 2 floors, with the ground floor boasting a spacious entrance hallway with solid T & G flooring with quality carpeted stairs leading to the first floor landing incorporating the understairs WC. Also at ground floor level is the nicely appointed and open plan kitchen/dining with quality built in units with integrated appliances, tiled splashback surround and recessed ceiling lighting with tiled flooring. From the dining area is the sliding patio door leading to the mature rear gardens and rounding off the ground floor accommodation is the spacious main reception with the solid wood surround feature fireplace with cast iron insert.

To the first floor are four bedrooms all of which feature built in wardrobes and quality carpets with the master bedroom being en-suite and also to the first floor is the main bathroom.

PERCHED on a stunning elevated site of 2.8 acres, boasting outstanding views of the extended countryside, this 4-bedroom residential home with adjoining equine facilities including sand arena, yard and stable block with 4 boxes and tack room. This truly is an exceptional opportunity for the prospective buyer to acquire such an extensive property that has potential for other usage and indeed for further expansion.

To the main residence, each room is bright, spacious and well-proportioned with quality fixtures and fittings such as timber flooring, tiling and light fittings featuring throughout.

The split-level living room is of particular note with excellent views and access into the formal dining and kitchen.

The stable yard and sand arena can be easily accessed via the sweeping tarmacadam drive that extends to the perimeter of the main residence and into the yard. This is a must view to truly appreciate the property in its entirety and viewing is strictly by prior appointment with Sole Selling Agents.

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

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

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

PROPERTY 33

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Sport Clare Echo THE

07-10-21

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National glory for Ruan’s Cotter

by PÁRAIC McMAHON RUAN’s Imogen Cotter is the new Irish women’s elite road race champion.

At the end of a remarkable 92.9km race, Imogen prevailed. Only the best riders were left peddling entering the final twenty kilometres and it was the Clare women that took the spoils in the Senior Women’s Road Race National Championships in Coolbeg, Rathnew, Co Wicklow, on Saturday.

Based in Belgium with the Keukens Redant Cycling Team, Cotter outsprinted Megan Armitage (Team Rupelcleaning – Champion Lubricants) and Linda Kelly (Barrow Wheelers)

to take the national title by a clear margin even though the medal winners arrived at the line in a three-rider group.

All three of the medallists came late to cycling.

Imogen moved to Belgium in late 2018 in a bid to become a professional cyclist having began track cycling a year earlier. As a distance-runner in her teens, she medalled at All-Ireland cross-country, 3,000m and 5,000m.

Speaking at the finish line, the UL graduate declared, “It feels like a dream, it really feels like a dream”.

She added, “I’ve said that about a million times since I have crossed the line, but

Photo: Bryan Keane/INPHO

I can’t believe it, I can’t believe it. I’m just so happy, I really wanted this so badly.

“I had a bad year with racing and it’s only the last

six weeks or eight weeks that it’s picked up for me and I was, I was just coming into this just focused, so focused on it. I just wanted it

so badly”.

Her perseverance at the finish and the legs to survive saw the twenty eight year old collect a coveted national title. “I just went for it, and I was thinking, in that moment where I was sprinting, I was just telling myself how much I wanted it, and I got it.”

This success comes a month after Imogen was called up to the Irish cycling team for Rás na mBan. It also caps off a positive day for the village of Ruan with their flagship hurling team overcoming Corofin to qualify for the semi-finals of the Clare intermediate hurling championship for the first time since 2012.

St Senans U18s defeat UL Bohs

S

T SENAN’S u18s have made it two successful weeks in a row against Limerick opposition with a well-deserved victory against UL Bohs on Sunday.

St Senan’s 18 UL Bohemians 7 Sunday @ Jimmy Slattery Park, U18 League

Having overcome Garryowen last weekend, the Shannon-based side were at home to UL Bohs and controlled the possession – and scoreboard – in wet conditions.

The opening crunch tackle on Senan’s prop Rob Hanton from his opposite number set the tone for a tough forwards battle, with Bohs on top at the breakdown early on with some superb counter rucking.

However, after the home team’s first visit to the Bohs half, outhalf Craig Riordan slotted a fined penalty from just beyond the halfway line. Ten minutes later, UL Bohs infringed again at the breakdown and the St Senans 10 stood up again and despite significant wind and rain, put Senans ahead 6-0 with 20 mins on the board.

Minutes later, the visitors found space around the ruck and the Bohs scrum half broke from just inside the 22 to touch down and

the conversion put UL Bohs 7-6 up, which was the halftime score.

The sun broke through again in the second half and the dryer ball helped Senan’s put a superb backline move together with winger Michael Caldwell benefitting to score in the corner.

The difficult conversion saw Senan’s outhalf Riordan just shade the left-hand post, leaving the home side up 11-7.

The home side struggled with the set-piece, particularly at the line-out, but completely dominated possession for the second half. A scintillating interception from Senan’s first centre Sean Cabida, from the ten yard line saw him touching down under the post, providing Riordan with a straight forward conversion to give the home side a well-deserved win.

Meanwhile, St Senan’s RFC First XV were in action in the Challenge Cup also at Jimmy Slattery Park on Sunday but were defeated

by Kilfeakle 28-18.

OTHER RESULTS:

U16s Conference St Senans 5 Shannon RFC 30 Sunday at Coonagh U14 League St Senans 20 Thomond/Richmond 32 Sunday at Liam Fitzgerald Park

Main picture, St Senan’s U18s Back from L-R; Joe Mulcahy (Team Manager), Rayane Aissou, Jamie Cooney, Dylan O Mahoney, Rob Hanton, Ryan Noonan, Brian Morrisey (CPT), AJ O Loughlin, Liam Halpin, Cillian Crowley, Michael Caldwell, Scott Walker, Sean Ryan, Jamie Noonan, Craig Riordan, Gearoid Condron (Coach); Front row L-R; Cilian Joyce, Joshua Dillon, Eoin Cadogan, Sean Cabida, Micco Rambelli, Colin Moloney.

Missing from photo Luke Bannon.

Pictured right, St Senan’s U14s at the weekend

200 tickets left in Clare fundraiser

by PÁRAIC McMAHON LESS than 200 tickets remain for a Clare football fundraiser that is aimed to help squads all the way from underage to senior.

A Toyota RAV4 Sol valued at €43,850 is the top prize in the draw with the GAA club in the county that sells the most tickets set to win a full set of gear sponsored by Gaelic Armour.

An iPhone 12 Pro, two nights bed and breakfast in the 5 star Intercontinental Hotel Dublin with one evening meal in Seasons restaurant, an LG 55” Smart TV and Apple AirPods Pro are among the impressive prizes up for grabs. Tickets cost €20 or three for €50.

All proceeds go to the development of Clare football underage squads, all the way through to senior level with the draw to take place on October 13th.

Clare senior football manager, Colm Collins is expected to continue for a ninth season in charge of the county footballers, he told The Clare Echo that the support from the public to the men in saffron and blue both on and off the field is much appreciated, these sentiments were echoed by minor boss, Dermot Coughlan.

Captain of the Clare senior side, Eoin Cleary acknowledged the interest in the fundraiser to date. “On behalf of the players, we would like to thank everyone so far who has supported this draw and we will be very grateful if you can continue to support this draw”.

07-10-21

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CLARE SENIOR HURLING CHAMPIONSHIP RD4

Ballyea satisfied on ‘weekend of draws’ BALLYEA 1-17 CRATLOE 1-17 Venue: Cusack Park

ROBBIE HOGAN, BALLYEA MANAGER: “We were looking for a performance more than anything, it was a tough week missing the two lads (Tony Kelly & Jack Browne) but the guys dug deep, it was a weekend of draws really so we’ll take it. Cratloe still have loads left in them, don’t be fooled. One man steps out and another man steps in, that’s the way we looked at it. It’s tough, you want those lads out in front of you not standing behind you but that’s just the way it is”.

“Cratloe have an ability to stick a goal and a point while you’re blinking, it was good to grind it out and that’s where you have to dig deep, it is a good sign of the lads to dig deep. Deasy hit the free from the next parish nearly to score it, it was a great score from a great lad, he was captain today and I was delighted for him”.

CONOR EARLEY, CRATLOE MANAGER: “I thought we dominated the first quarter but we had a load of wides, they were working a lot of the ball out, we weren’t getting to the breaks but as the game went on we got to grips with it but Ballyea are a very good team, they are well able to hurl, they’ve a lot of different attributes that you have to deal with but as the game went on we got to deal with them. It is great preparation for the quarter-final, we’ve a good bank of work done with a good Clare Cup behind us, we’ve the group stages done undefeated so we’re really looking forward to the quarter-final”.

“It (quarter-final) is a great place to be, Inagh/Kilnamona have had a serious championship so far, they are a serious

Shane Gleeson is brought from the field by Mikey Hawes and Ger Crotty Photo by Gerard O’Neill

BALLYEA: Frees for: 18 (12/6) Wides: 12 (5/7) Spread of scorers: 7 Scores from play: 1-08 Top scorer: Niall Deasy (0-10 7f 1’65) Bookings: Cian Meaney (31), Own puckouts won: 20 from 34 (58%) CRATLOE: Frees for: 12 (6/6) Wides: 16 (11/5) Spread of scorers: 8 Scores from play: 1-14 Top scorer: Conor McGrath (1-04) Bookings: Aaron Costigan (18), Own puckouts won: 13 from 30 (43%) SCAN HERE FOR MATCH REPORT

team and they’re pushing really hard, we will have to be ready to compete with them and we will be”.

“It is different for the lads (being out of football before knockout stages) so we will have to approach and deal with it

as best we can, it doesn’t guarantee anything, it is just something we will have to make use of and see the outcome on the pitch in two weeks time”.

“We’d about five injuries coming into today and then Shane Gleeson went off, a

few lads got their first game today, we’ve two weeks to get them right and hopefully some of them will be back on the pitch”.

REFEREE: Rory McGann (Newmarketon-Fergus)

Compiled by Páraic McMahon

Kilmaley: we were ‘probably better team’ Kilmaley 0-21 Clonlara 1-18 Venue: Cusack Park

KILMALEY: Frees For: 10 (7/3) Wides: 9 (6/3) Spread of scorers: 8 Scores from play: 0-13 Top scorer: Cian Moloney (0-9, 8f) Bookings: None Own puckouts won: 24 out of 28 (86%) CLONLARA: Frees For: 10 (6/4) Wides: 9 (4/5) Spread of scorers: 9 Scores from play: 1-11 Top scorer: Cathal O’Connell (0-10, 4f, 1 ‘65) Bookings: Aidan Moriarty Own puckouts won: 24 out of 30 (80%)

Compiled by Seamus Hayes

Cian Moriarty takes on Brian Cahill

Photo by Gerard O’Neill

CONOR CLANCY, KILMALEY MANAGER: “Throughout the match we were probably the better team. We lost our shape in the last ten minutes and we allowed Clonlara into the game.

We are delighted with the way the lads stood up and that has been a hallmark of this year.

In the last five or seven minutes of the games this year the lads have put their back to the wheel and pushed on and got results. There were some fantastic scores and some fantastic inter-play between the forwards. We have some great forwards and its great when they are going well and popping over points. Over-

all we’re delighted with the performance, we got the draw and we knew coming it that a draw would be good enough.

It’s a very difficult group with five really strong teams and to come out of that group is massive and we are delighted”.

PAUL NIHILL, CLONLARA COACH: “It’s very tough to be out of the championship race. I’m very proud of the lads. It’s their second day in a row to come back from seven or eight points down.

We didn’t lose that game, we drew it, score difference has put us out. They are a coming team and we are proud of them and they can hold their heads high.

They know that there is something coming. We would have died in past years but we didn’t die today. We are down but not out. It was a blow to be without players like John Conlon and Colm Galvin because of injury. They are two big players for us but the lads did lift it and fair play to them”.

REFEREE: Rory McGann (Newmarketon-Fergus) SCAN HERE FOR MATCH REPORT

pg 37

07-10-21

Clare Echo THE

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‘We respected Whitegate’

INAGH-KILNAMONA Frees for: 10 (7/3) Wides: 10 (5/5) Spread of scorers: 8 Scores from play: 0-15 Top scorer: Aidan McCarthy (0-10, 7f) Bookings: None Own puckouts won: 22 out of 30 (73%)

INAGH KILNAMONA 0-22 WHITEGATE 0-22 Venue: Cusack Park EUGENE CULLINAN, INAGH/KILNAMONA MANAGER: “We knew that this would not be easy for us. Whitegate put it up to everybody in this group, they are a serious outfit. We gave them the respect they deserved. We got a lot out of the game and they did also. I wish them the best of luck in the Senior B, they will take beating. We were anxious not to lose, we wanted to win. We would have taken a draw with ten minutes to go. They really put us to the pin of our collar and fair play to them. It’s Ballyea or Cratloe now and they are both good. Ballyea won two county titles in the last

five years and Cratloe play a lovely style of hurling. There is no lack of belief in both of those teams. If you are to win a championship you have to beat the best teams that are there and that is what we have to do now.”

of their club and very committed to their play. Their training and their performances have been so consistent. We were hoping to get the performance today and we certainly did. We were in a group with good teams and it was important that we were competing.”

TERENCE FAHY, WHITEGATE MANAGER: “A draw might have been a fair result in the end. Inagh/Kilnamona played some class hurling and bar the first one or two minutes, they weren’t behind. It’s one we are happy to get a result out of and to see it out. We equalised four minutes into injury time. Our lads are very committed, very proud

REFEREE: Kevin Corry (Sixmilebridge) SCAN HERE FOR MATCH REPORT

David Mescall and Cian McInerney jump higher than their Whitegate counterpart Photo by Gerard O’Neill

Compiled by Seamus Hayes

‘This was about character’

BROADFORD Frees For: 11 (4/7) Wides: 14 (6/8) Scores from Play: 0-5 Spread of Scorers: 5 Top Scorer: Stiofan McMahon (0-4 2f) Own Puck-Outs won: 12 from 15 (80%)

BROADFORD 0-09 CRUSHEEN 0-09 Venue: O’Garney Park, Sixmilebridge

CRUSHEEN Frees For: 9 (5/4) Wides: 6 (4/2) Scores from Play: 0-5 Spread of Scorers: 5 Top Scorer: Ross Hayes (0-4 4f) Own Puck-Outs won: 10 from 23 (43%) SCAN HERE FOR MATCH REPORT

Tadhg Dean is kept under pressure by Oisin Kavanagh

Compiled by Eoin Brennan

Photo by Gerard O’Neill

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WHITEGATE Frees For: 13 (5/8) Wides: 8 (2/6) Spread of scorers: 8 Scores from play: 0-14 Top scorer: Michael Hynes (0-7, 6f) Bookings: None Own Puckouts won: 24 out of 30 (80%)

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JIMMY BROWNE, BROADFORD MANAGER: “Games like this in the context of the year we’ve had as a community in Broadford meant that this was about character, about an identity between the team and the community and the players knew that. We had spoken a bit about that in preparation for tonight that actually that sense of belonging and responsibility they brought with them and in that last ten minutes when things were going against them, they dug out something which was incredible.

“I’ve never seen a draw celebrated as much but it was simply the release of an awful lot more than securing a Senior B Semi-Final spot.

“In the end, the fact that we kept plugging away against Ballyea, Cratloe and again tonight saw us through on score difference.

So every score mattered, every

tackle mattered and every block mattered so ultimately it was that work ethic that helped us stay ahead of Crusheen in the table.

We now have to say that tonight was an investment and can we now go on and show a return on that investment in the Senior B?” KEVIN SHEEHAN, CRUSHEEN MANAGER: “I suppose we just needed another score in that final ten minutes to make it safe but look, we still showed a huge amount of courage and heart there that maybe we didn’t show for sixty minutes up to this point. To be fair, they died with their boots on and gave what they had so I just don’t think we could have asked for anymore.

“We started slowly and maybe we were lucky to be so close after the first quarter but I thought we thundered into the second quar-

ter and really dominated that. So while we didn’t concede a lot after half-time, they [Broadford] did shift the momentum back in their direction and we possibly needed to tack on another score or two in that period when we had such momentum. Being only a point up with little or no time left, those games normally end in draws, it’s just unfortunate that score difference came into it and we’re in the relegation series.

“We now find ourselves with very little time, with a lot of injuries and an awful lot of work to do whereas the teams that we are coming up against next will probably be fresh after a month without a game. So we’re sitting ducks at the minute and we’ve a lot of work to do.”

REFEREE: Niall Malone (Éire Óg)

EOIN ENRIGHT Kilmaley

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SHC relegation games fixed along with junior & intermediate semis ROUND robin series finalised for Clare SHC relegation with semi-final draws held for intermediate & junior championships Semi-final pairings are known for the Clare IHC, Junior A and C championships while draws were also held for the Clare SHC relegation round robin series and Senior B competition.

Smith O’Briens, fresh from knocking out last year’s beaten finalists in the form of Tubber have been drawn against Tulla while the favourites St Josephs Doora/ Barefield will face off with Ruan.

For the relegation, a round robin series involving Clarecastle, O’Callaghans Mills, Clooney/Quin and Crusheen will see two teams drop to the intermediate ranks.

Round one pits Crusheen against O’Callaghans Mills with Clarecastle facing off with Clooney/Quin, a side coached by their own Fergie O’Loughlin.

When it comes to round two Clarecastle will play Crusheen as O’Callaghans Mills meet Clooney/Quin. The crucial final series of games pits Clooney/Quin CLARE SHC RELEGATION ROUND ONE:

Crusheen v O’Callaghans Mills Clarecastle v Clooney/Quin

against Crusheen as O’Callaghans Mills take on Clarecastle.

Less pressure will be attached to the Senior B competition. Current holders of the Ryan-Hannon Cup, Clonlara meet Whitegate in the quarter-final, the SouthEast Clare having only recently edged out Terence Fahy’s charges in the championship via late goals from Cathal ‘Tots’ O’Connell. The winner of this meets Scariff in the semi-finals with Feakle awaiting either the winner from Crusheen versus Broadford.

With the final four known in the race to secure promotion to the intermediate ranks, the picture is much clearer.

St Josephs Doora/Barefield face off with Crusheen who eliminated Kilmaley at the weekend while the other tie pits Ballyea against Ogonnelloe.

In the Junior C semi-finals, it’s Killanena against Bodyke in an East Clare derby while Scariff and St Josephs Doora/Barefield battle it out for a place in the decider.

SENIOR B SEMI-FINALS:

Scariff v Clonlara / Whitegate Feakle v Broadford

CLARE IHC SEMI-FINALS:

ROUND TWO:

St Josephs Doora/Barefield v Ruan Tulla v Smith O’Briens

ROUND THREE:

St Josephs Doora/Barefield v Crusheen Ogonnelloe v Ballyea

SENIOR B QUARTER-FINAL:

Killanena v Bodyke Scariff v St Josephs Doora/Barefield

Clarecastle v Crusheen O’Callaghans Mills v Clooney/Quin Clooney/Quin v Crusheen Clarecastle v O’Callaghans Mills Clonlara v Whitegate

JUNIOR A HURLING SEMI-FINALS:

JUNIOR C HURLING SEMI-FINALS:

Ronan Monahan weaves through the Smith O’Briens defence of Evan Connolly, Cian Photograph: Ruth Griffin Nolan and Mark Stritch

Tulla & Parish favourites for intermediate honours

THE race for the intermediate hurling championship is down to the last four and two of the strong favourites, Tulla and St Josephs Doora/Barefield are still in the hunt for a return to senior ranks and they are joined in the last four by Ruan and Smith O’Briens.

RESULTS

Tulla 1-18 Sixmilebridge 0-15 Venue: Gurteen Ruan 0-13 Corofin 0-11 Venue: O’Garney Park, Sixmilebridge

SCAN HERE FOR MATCH REPORT

St. Josephs Doora/ Barefield 2-18 Bodyke 1-10 Venue: O’Garney Park, Sixmilebridge Smith O’Briens 0-17 Tubber 1-10 Venue: O’Garney Park

O'Connor returns as PRO Clare hurlers sidelined

*Michael O’Connor.

Photograph: Burren Eye Photography

LESS than three weeks after issuing a statement to clubs which cited “recent pronouncements made to me regarding the functionality of the role for which I am selected each year as a volunteer”, O’Connor took time “to reflect, review, reassess and comprehend the value of my commitment to the role”.

After this period of reflection, the Crusheen man has made a comeback to the position. It followed extensive efforts from officers including Vice Chairperson, Kieran Keating to see the NUIG GAA Officer back in action. Éire Óg delegate, Rory Hickey queried O’Connor’s position at the September meeting of the Clare County Board with Chairman, Jack Chaplin informing the meeting that O’Connor was expected to return “but that’s up to Michael”.

by PÁRAIC McMAHON CLARE hurler John Conlon has undergone keyhole surgery while All Star Tony Kelly, his clubmate Jack Browne and defender Patrick O’Connor remain sidelined.

Conlon had to undergo keyhole surgery last week for a knee injury, initial concerns feared that the St Aidan’s primary school teacher in Shannon had a repeat cruciate ligament injury which thankfully proved not to be the case.

Clonlara felt the absence of the towering attacker as they drew

with Kilmaley on Saturday, needing a win to progress to the knockout stages of the Clare SHC. The 2013 All Star and All-Ireland winner is expected to be out of action into the early New Year.

Ballyea duo Tony Kelly and Jack Browne are battling ankle and hamstring injuries respectively. Kelly’s ankle problem is a reoccurring issue with an operation and four month recuperation period detailed as one solution.

The former Hurler of the Year was not togged for his club at the week-

end but acted as a hurley carrier and was capable of running to and from the pitch with a towel to assist Niall Deasy on frees. While the injury is said to be a painful one, Kelly is tipped to line out with Ballyea as the Clare SHC continues.

His clubmate and staff colleague at St Flannan’s College, Browne has struggled to shake off a hamstring injury which saw him substituted at half-time versus Crusheen at the beginning of September.

Tubber’s Pat O’Connor continues to recover from an ACL injury.

pg 39

07-10-21

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Kilmihil & Banner Ladies remain unbeaten

by SEAMUS HAYES

B

OTH Banner Ladies and Kilmihil continued their winning run in this season Clare ladies football senior championship when they made it three wins from three outings at the weekend.

TEN POINTS FOR MAHON

Kilmihil 1-11 Cooraclare 1-7 Venue: Kilmihil

A contribution of 0-10 from full forward Becky Mahon played a huge part in Kilmihil’s hard earned victory over neighbours Cooraclare in this round 3 game at the weekend.

Kilmihil went into the game without the injured Catriona Callinan and this led to a reshuffle of their line up.

Cooraclare were first to score but Kilmihil hit back and soon after took a lead they held to the finish.

Ellie O’Gorman, in attack for this tie was their goalscorer while Cooraclare’s goal came from Katie Cronin.

Kilmihil: Michaela Glynn; Cathy Keating, Megan Downes-Rigney, Rosie

Currane; Zoe Ryan, Aoife McNamara, Kate Coughlan; Laura Egan, Dervla Higgins (0-1); Chloe Devitt, Ellie O’Gorman (1-0), Elaine O’Halloran; Sarah Browne, Becky Mahon (0-10, 7f), Edel McNamara. Subs; Catriona O’Gorman for C. Devitt; Katie Mullin for Z. Ryan; Carol Browne for S. Browne; Katie O’Halloran for Kate Coughlan; Cooraclare: Anne Marie Callinan; Aifric O’Neill, Laura Quinlivan, Saskia Morrissey; Sinead Lillis, Aisling Morrissey, Katie Lillis; Shauna O Gorman (0-4), Roisin Looney (0-1); Anna Mae Killeen, Nicola Keating, Megan Downes (0-1); Aimee Mc Namara (0-1), Katie Cronin (1-0), Zoe Downes Sub; Aoife Hehir for Zoe Downes

AOIBHIN RYAN SPARKLES

Banner Ladies 2-13 St Josephs Doora/Barefield 2-5 Venue: Gurteen

Banner Ladies were made fight all the way for this victory over St Josephs Doora/ Barefield. Having taken an early one point lead the title holders were rocked when Chloe Towey found the net for St. Josephs.

At the end of a well contested opening half the winners held a two point lead, 1-6 to 1-4, their goal coming from Aoibheann Malone The champions took a grip on proceedings in the second half with Aoibhin Ryan in sparkling form in a tie in

which she contributed 0-5.

Alannah McNamara scored the winner’s second goal while St. Josephs’ second half goal came from Shauna Moloney.

Banner Ladies: Shannon O’Donovan; Siobhan McMahon, Claire Hehir, Sinead O’Keeffe; Laoise Ryan. Laurie Ryan, Eva O’Dea; Louise Henchy (01), Sarah Ni Ceallaigh; Shauna Enright, Grainne Nolan (0-2), Aoife Keane (0-2); Louise Woods 0-1), Aoibheann Malone (1-2), Aoibheann Ryan (0-5) Subs: Alannah McNamara (1-0) for E. O’Dea; Sinead Power for C. Hehir; Leah Talty for A. Keane; Helena Hehir for A. Malone; Emily Cahill for S. Enright St. Josephs Doora/Barefield; Caoifhlinn Ni Chonnaill, Sinead O’Connor, Megan O’Brien, Orla Hoey; Maedhbh O’Connor, Ciara Cahill , Hannah Doyle; Lyndsey Clarke, Siofra Ni Chonaill (01); Ashling Reidy, Roisin Cahill (0-1), Chloe Towey (1-2); Ciara Guilfoyle, Ashling Hannan, Amy Lenihan (0-1) Subs: Kate Dillon for Maedhbh O’Connor; Shauna Moloney (1-0) for Ashling Hannan; Eimear Casey for Lyndsey Clarke; Emer Hanrahan for Amy Lenihan; Aoibhinn O’Loughlin for Ciara Guilfoyle; Emily Barry for Hannah Doyle

FIVE GOALS FOR KIB

Kilmurry-Ibrickane 5-10 West Clare Gaels 2-11 Venue: Kilkee

Scoring 1-4 in the last five minutes of the opening half gave Kilmurry-Ibrickane a grip on this tie.

West Clare had dominat-

ed the opening quarter in a tie played at Kilkee and at the first water break they were 1-6 to 0-2 in front.

They had increased their lead by two points with five minutes remaining in the half but then Kilmurry struck with 1-4 and when the second half got underway, last year’s intermediate champions took the lead when Chloe Moloney converted a penalty. They powered on from there and deservingly recorded their first win of the campaign.

Kilmurry Ibrickane: Katie McMahon; Jessica Doohan, Rebecca Doohan, Rachel Tubridy; Maeve Coughlan; Karen Coughlan, Emma Coughlan; Siofra O’Dea (1-0); Joanna Doohan (10); Maura Garvey; Sophie Daly (1-0), Chloe Moloney (1-3, 1-0 penalty, 0-2 f); Catlyn O’Connor; Karen Galvin (0-6, 2f), Amy Sexton; Subs: Ellie Hanrahan (1-1) for K. Coughlan; Chloe O’CBrien for E. Coughlan; Roisin Montgomery for M. Garvey West Clare Gaels: Emma McMahon; Sophie O’Callaghan, Sara Marrinan, Ciara McQuaid; Sorracha Griffin, Becky Madigan, Aine Moloney; Grainne Harvey (0-1), Siobhan Keane; Caoimhe Harvey (0-3), Roisin Brew (0-2), Colette Keniry; Aoife Lynch, Shauna Harvey(1-2), Fidelma Marrinan (1-3) Subs: Nell Walsh for S. Griffin; Amber Thompson for S. O’Callaghan; Niamh Lardner for A. Lynch

Kilmihil full-back Megan Downes Rigney in action Photo by Gerard O’Neill

Scariff/Ogonnelloe unbeaten as Kilkishen/Bodyke come alive

by BRÍD MacNAMARA

I

NAGH/Kilnamona, Scariff/Ogonnelloe and Truagh/Clonlara sealed their places in the semi-finals of the Clare senior camogie championship over the weekend.

INAMONA CONTINUE TO IMPRESS Inagh Kilnamona 2-19 Sixmilebridge 1-14 Venue: Fr McNamara Park,

In a weekend where she dominated for Banner Ladies, Aoibhin Ryan came up trumps for Inagh/ Kilnamona finishing as their top scorer over the hour in this eight point win over Sixmilebridge.

Two goals from Ryan inside the opening half left the reigning county champions 2-10 0-09 ahead at half-time.

Claire Commane made an immediate impact for Eugene Foudy’s side when introduced at half-time pointing in the first minute of the second half. Link up play between centre back Clare Hehir and her county colleague Aoife Keane also resulted in rewards further up the field for the winners.

Sixmilebridge secured a late consolation goal when a 45 from Maire McGrath was finished to the net by Chloe Morey.

Inagh Kilnamona: Rebecca Keating, Michaela Roughan, Sinead Quinn, Michelle Mescall, Teresa O’Keeffe, Clare Hehir, Tierna Hegarty, Sinead Power, Laoise Ryan, Danielle Griffin, Aoibhinn Ryan, Aoife Keane, Amy Keating, Helen Hehir, Orla Vaughan. Subs: Claire Commane for Helen Hehir, Cathy Cullinan for Michaela Roughan, Jane Fitzgerald for Orla Vaughan and Hazel O Connor for Danielle Griffin.

Sixmilebridge: Sinead Hogan; Kiah Mellett, Deanna Considine, Aoife Hurley; Emma Kennedy, Rachel Kelly, Michelle Hurley; Maire McGrath (0-1F), Finia O’Brien; Niamh Lyons (0-1),Sarah Loughnane (0-1),Alise Roche; Ra-

chel O’Halloran, Chloe Morey (1-7 5F), Aoibhín McNamara (0-2) Subs: Jessica Williams for Sinead Hogan, Olivia Phelan (0-1) for Michelle Hurley.

CONVINCING WIN FOR TRUAGH/CLONLARA Truagh Clonlara 2-16 Feakle Killanena 1-10 Venue: Dr Stuart Park, Ogonnelloe

A commanding display from Truagh/Clonlara earned them a nine point win over intermediate champions of 2020, Feakle/Killanena.

Having run Inagh/Kilnamona to within a point, Feakle/Killanena were hopeful of causing an upset and this optimism was fuelled by a first half display that saw them enter one point clear at the interval thanks to Lorna McNamara’s green flag.

What followed was a dominant second half from Truagh/Clonlara who are coached by Clare hurler, John Conlon. Two goals within a three minute period saw them gain control with the switch of Becky Foley a turning point in the contest.

During the third quarter Truagh Clonlara scored 2-6 without reply, to see the score line at the second half water break Truagh Clonlara 2-15 Feakle Killanena 1-7. Feakle Killanena regained some composure in the last quarter and added two points by Regan Conway and a free from Lorna McNamara. The value of experience stood to Truagh Clonlara and they were deserving winners on the day.

Truagh Clonlara: Lisa Moloney; Sinead Ryan, Michelle Powell, Sinead Hogg; Louise Egan, Niamh Powell, Roisin Powell; Michelle Caulfield, Ellen Horgan; Aine O Loughlin (0-5 2F) Becky Foley (2-2) Maire Begley; Hannah Horgan (0-2) Eimear Kelly (0-6 5F) Eimear Begley. Subs: Leah Hawes (0-1) for Eimear Begley,

O’Brien; Aoife Griffin, Laura McMahon (2-0), Ellen Casey; Katie O Flanagan, Niki Kaiser (01); Michelle McMahon (0-1), Róisín McMahon, Caoimhe Lally; Jenny Kelly, Annemarie Hayes (0-1), Zoe McInerney (0-4F). Subs: Kaci Toomey (0-1) for Jenny Kelly (inj) 14mins, Kate Clancy for Aoife Griffin 32 mins, Tara O Neill for Róisín McMahon 45 min Referee: Andy McMahon

Sarah Sherlock for Hannah Horgan.

Feakle Killanena: Roisin Quilligan; Aoife Tuohy, Eileen Daly, Ellie Edge O’Neill; Zi Yan Spillane, Ella MacNamara, Meave Brady; Evelyn Duggan (0-1) Roisin Mc Mahon; Shanua Canny, Robyn Conway, Claire McNamara; Laura McGrath (0-2), Regan Conway (0-2) Lorna McNamara (1-5 3F) Subs: Louise Keehan for Roisin McMahon, Louise O’Callaghan for Meave Brady, Rachael McNamara for Claire McNamara Referee: Johnny Healy

KILMALEY GET OFF THE MARK Kilmaley 0-15 St Josephs 2-7

SCARIFF/OGONNELLOE GAIN REVENGE ON THE BLUES Scariff/Ogonnelloe 2-12 Newmarket-on-Fergus 2-08 Venue: Fr McNamara Park

A repeat of the 2019 county final and the 2020 semi-final, the third meeting in as many years of these sides went the way of the East Clare women. The result secures Scariff/Ogonnelloe’s place in the last four and piles the pressure on Newmarket-on-Fergus who are under pressure to advance from the group. This tough physical match kept spectators enthralled until the final puck.

Newmarket were the stronger of the sides in the opening half but their cause was diminished when corner forward Jenny Kelly was forced off with a head injury. Last year’s beaten finalists led for the majority of the first half but were dealt a major setback with the concession of an Aisling Corbett goal which turned the game on its head and put her side one point up at half-time.

Scariff/Ogonnelloe were the much sharper side in the third quarter and really made inroads during this period. Lorraine Grady goaled to add to their dominance but as expected, Newmarket refused to wilt and struck for two

INTERMEDIATE CHAMPIONSHIP

Clarecastle/Ballyea 4-9 Éire Óg 1-13 Tulla 1-14 Whitegate 2-8

JUNIOR A CHAMPIONSHIP

Inagh Kilnamona 1-12 Ruan/Crusheen 2-9

JUNIOR B CHAMPIONSHIP

Newmarket on Fergus 2-5 Feakle Killanena 0-4 Parteen 7-8 Éire Óg 1-3 Truagh Clonlara 3-17 Sixmilebridge 1-2 Feakle Kilanena’s Louise O’Callaghan puts pressure on Sinead Hogg of Truagh Clonlara

green flags of their own via Laura McMahon.

Best on the day for Scariff Ogonnelloe were Susan Vaughan, Labhaoise O’Donnell, Alva Rodgers, Amy Barrett, with Rosin McMahon, Zoe McInerney and Laura McMahon best for Newmarket.

Scariff Ogonnelloe: Rachael Daly; Alison McGee, Susan Daly, Bonnie Wiley Murphy; Rachel Minogue, Ciara Doyle, Susan Vaughan; Lynda Daly, Amy Barrett; Jennifer Daly, Mairead Scanlan, Labhaoise O’Donnell; Alva Rodgers, Aisling Corbett, Abby Walsh.

Newmarket on Fergus: Ciara McCarthy; Aimee McInerney (C), Carol O Leary, Áine

JUNIOR C CHAMPIONSHIP

Broadford 6-10 Clarecastle/Ballyea 3-3 Cratloe 3-8 Banner 2-7

U13A CUP SEMI FINAL

Sixmilebridge 3-5 Kilkishen/Bodyke 2-5

U13A SHIELD SEMI FINAL

Kilmaley 0-6 Scariff Ogonnelloe 1-2

U13B SHIELD FINAL

Smith O’Briens 3-7 St Josephs Doora/ Barefield 0-1

U13C CUP FINAL

Éire Óg 4-0 Parteen 0-9

U13C SHIELD FINAL

Corofin 4-0 Whitegate 3-1

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Hegarty hatrick among Junior Cup highlights Dean Hegarty scored a hat-trick for Ennis Town against Manus Photo by Natasha Barton

behind them with a comfortable 5 -0 win over Inch Crusaders.

They led 4-0 at halftime with goals from T.J. O’Dwyer, Jack Kelly, Gary O’Connell and Charlie Morrison. In the second half Morrison scored again to wrap up the victory.

Shannon Town; Darren Whelan; Stephen Carroll, Darren Griffin, Alex Cole, Cody Waller; Jack Kelly, T. J. O’Dwyer, Gary O’Connell, Brian O’Connor, Ben O’Neill, Charlie Morrisson; Subs: Eoin Casey for Whelan; Aaron Kelly for J. Kelly; Brian Monahan for Waller; Joshua Jaramiah for Griffin; Kevin Kelly for B. O’Connor.

BUNRATTY/CRATLOE CONTINUE STRONG RUN Bunratty/Cratloe 4 Fern Celtic 0

by SEAMUS HAYES

F

RESH from their first outings in the FAI Junior Cup, Clare soccer clubs turned their attention to the Munster Junior Cup. HOME ADVANTAGE HELPS SHANNON OLYMPIC Shannon Olympic 3 Sporting Ennistymon 1 Venue: Olympic Park, Shannon

The home side got off to an excellent start in this Munster junior cup tie with Jason Regan scoring from edge of area in the fifth minute.

They increased their lead in the twentieth minute when Declan McDonald got on the end of a cross from the right by Rachid Amallah to beat Sporting keeper Conor Gallagher with a low shot from the left side of area and they led 2-0 at the interval Sporting got on top in the early stages of the second half but good saves by Olympic keeper Zalt Lakos kept them out.

Then in the 60th minute Sporting scored through Shane Kearney when the Olympic defence failed to clear a cross from the right.

With five minutes remaining Olympic got the insurance goal

when John Keogh raced into area to shoot to net.

The highlight of the game was the excellent goalkeeping by Zalt Lakos and Conor Gallagher.

Shannon Olympic; Zalt Lakos; Benjamin Cantillon, Dan Clair, Rob Clair, Wayne Regan; Rachid Amallah, Ray Quigley, Sean McDonald, Jay Regan, John Keogh, Declan McDonald Subs: James Harty for D. McDonald; Ciaran Keane for Quigley; Gary Birchall for R. Clair; Jason Ledgers for Keogh.

CELTIC EASE PAST SHANNON HIBS Newmarket Celtic 8 Shannon Hibs 0 Venue: Riverside Park, Shannon

Newmarket Celtic scored an easy win over Shannon Hibs with goals from Garry Higgins and Ciaran McCoy (2 each), Dave McCarthy, David O’Grady, Eoin Hayes and Kevin Harnett.

Newmarket Celtic; Shane Cusack; David O’Grady, Paddy Purcell, Eoin O’Brien, Darren Cullinan; Kevin Harnett, David McCarthy, Conor McDaid; Garry Higgins, Ian Collins, Eoin Hayes; Subs: Eoin Kelly for McCarthy; Alan Kelly for Hayes; Ciaran McCoy for Cullinan; Dermot Gannon for O’Brien.

SHANNON TOWN CRUSADE PAST INCH Shannon Town 5 Inch Crusaders 0

Shannon Town put the disappointment of losing in the FAI Junior Cup the previous week

BUNRATTY continued their good run defeating Fern Celtic. The Bunratty scorers were Darren Lindsay, Jimmy Houlihan, Adam Harrington and Mark McPhillips.

Bunratty/Cratloe; Andy Lees; Mark McPhillips, Liam Hayes, Paudie Fitzgerald, Raj Singh; Darren Lindsay, Rory Macbeth, Chris McGorian, Dmygro Petrib; Jim Houlihan, Dean Connaire.

Subs; Colin Melody for Macbeth; Tom Purtill for McGorian; Dylan Kerr for Houlihan; Adam Harrington for Connaire; Sean Burke fzor Petrib.

ENNIS TOWN TOO STRONG FOR MANUS Ennis Town 5 Manus Celtic A 1

Ennis Town had an easy 5-1 win over Manus Celtic A. Goals from Dean Hegarty, Dave Keenan and Emmanual Ikiebey helped the winners to a 3-0 interval lead.

Evan Wiley pulled one back for Manus early in the second half but Town finished strongly and two from Dean Hegarty ensured their passage to the next round Ennis Town: Andrew Skerritt; Graham Callinan, Eoin Keenan, Lafe Ifebajo, Emmanuel Ikiebey, Paddy Bugler, Dean Hegarty, Lee Clohessy, Suen Olenrewaju, Jasher Aliu, Davy Keenan; Subs: Thomas Collins for Ifebajo, Declan Ensko fzor Bugler; Robbie Gormley for D. Keenan; Sean Perrill for Clohessy; Kevin Barron for Aliu

Girls U17 finals showpiece event of this weekend

by SEAMUS HAYES

CLARE soccer headquarters, Frank Healy park in Doora, will host the girls U17 cup finals, sponsored by EI of Shannon, on this Saturday, October 9.

Proceedings will get underway with the plate final at 2p.m. when Connolly Celtic will take on Tulla United.

In the shield final at 4p.m. Corofin Harps will take on Hermitage and the day’s programme will conclude with the cup final at 6p.m. when the Banner Fire Prevention league champions St. Pats, Kilmihil will be attempting to complete the double as they come up against Fern Celtic.

A great day’s football is expected as the teams involved have shown some excellent form on their way to the finals.

SOCCER & GAA FIXTURES CAMOGIE Friday October 8th: Senior Championship Tubber GAA: St Josephs Doora/Barefield v Newmarket-on-Fergus, 7.00pm. Referee: Fintan McNamara Saturday October 9th: Senior Championship Fr McNamara Park: Kilmaley v Kilkishen/Bodyke, 1.30pm. Referee: Kevin Walsh Intermediate Championship Clarecastle GAA: Clarecastle/Ballyea v Clooney Quin, 5.30pm Éire Óg GAA: Éire Óg v Tulla, 2.30pm.

Corofin GAA: Corofin v Whitegate, 12.00pm.

Junior A Championship Ruan GAA: Ruan/Crusheen v Kilkishen/Bodyke, 10.30am. Referee: Mary Jordan Inagh GAA: Inagh Kilnamona v Scariff Ogonnelloe, 5.00pm.

Junior B Championship Semi Finals: Clonlara GAA: Truagh Clonlara v Newmarket on Fergus, 4.30pm.

Clooney GAA: Clooney Quin v Parteen, 4.30pm.

Junior C Championship Banner GAA: Banner v Kilkee Bealaha, 5.00pm Cratloe GAA: Cratloe v Clarecastle/Ballyea U13 Championship U13A Shield Final Clooney GAA: Kilkishen/Bodyke v Ruan, 4.00pm Referee: Kevin Walsh U13B Cup Final Shannon Camogie: Feakle Killanena v Broadford, 11.30am. Referee: Ciaran Sheehan U13C Plate Final Fr McNamara Park: Kilkee Bealaha v Banner, 10.30am. Referee: Kevin Egan Sunday October 10th: Junior C Championship Whitegate GAA: Whitegate v Broadford, 2.00pm.

U13 Championship U13A Cup Final Fr McNamara Park: Sixmilebridge v Newmarket on Fergus, 3.30pm. Referee: Kevin Walsh U13A Plate Final Fr McNamara Park: Inagh Kilnamona v Kilmaley, 12.00pm. Referee: Mary Jordan LADIES FOOTBALL: Saturday October 9th: U14B SHEILD FINAL Cuil Gaels v Corofin in Coolmeen at 15:00.

Referee: Ciaran Sheehan Sunday October 10th: INTERMEDIATE CHAMPIONSHIP Burren Gaels v Kilrush in Carron at 12:00.

Referee: Noel Quinn Doonbeg v Liscannor in Shanahan McNamara Memorial Park, Doonbeg at 17:15. Referee: Frank Culleton SENIOR CHAMPIONSHIP West Clare Gaels v Kilmihil in Cross at 12:00.

Referee: John O’Connell Banner Ladies v Cooraclare in Banner GAA Grounds Ennis at 12:00. Referee: Pat Byrne O’Connell Kilmurry Ibrickane v St Josephs Doora Barefield in Pairc Naomh Mhuire, Quilty at 17:30.

UNDERAGE HURLING: Saturday October 9th: Kerry Group U17 A Round 7 Inagh-Kilnamona v St Joseph’s Doora Barefield in Inagh at 11:00. Referee Niall Malone Clooney Quin v Éire Óg in Clooney at 11:00.

Referee: Aaron Hogg Sixmilebridge v Kilmaley in Sixmilebridge at 11:00. Referee: Joe Mullins Ballyea v Clarecastle in Ballyea at 11:00. Referee: Kieran Liddane Clare Marts U13 Hurling Championship 2021 U13B Semi Final Clooney Quin v Cratloe in Clooney at 16:00.

Referee: Robert Harte (E.T. if Necessary & Winner on the Day) Sunday October 10th: Kerry Group U17 Academy A Round 4 St Joseph’s Doora Barefield v Inagh-Kilnamona in Gurteen at 11:00. Referee: TBC Sixmilebridge v Ballyea in Sixmilebridge at 11:00. Referee: Flann O Reilly Kerry Group U17 B Group 1 Round 7 Broadford v Feakle/Killanena in Broadford at 11:00. Referee: Johnny Healy Wolfe Tones v Bodyke/O’Callaghans Mills in Shannon at 11:00. Referee: Andy McMahon Clonlara v Crusheen/Tubber in Clonlara at 11:00. Referee: Kevin Corry Corofin/Ruan v Scariff/Ogonnelloe in Corofin at 11:00. Referee: Jim Hickey Kerry Group U17 B Group 2 Round 7 Ennistymon v Tulla in Ennistymon at 11:00.

Referee: Martin Leahy Cratloe v Whitegate in Cratloe at 11:00. Referee: Rory McGann Newmarket on Fergus v Banner in Newmarket-on-Fergus at 11:00. Referee: Neil O’Brien Smith O’Briens v Parteen in Killaloe at 11:00.

Referee: Gus Callaghan Monday October 11th: Clare Marts U13 Hurling Championship 2021 U13B Shield Final Crusheen/Tubber v Corofin/Ruan in Tubber at 19:00. Referee: Kieran Harvey (E.T. if Necessary & Winner on the evening) Kerry Group U17 Hurling Championship 2021 U17 Academy B FINAL Scariff/Ogonnelloe v Kilmaley, Venue TBC at 19:00. Referee: Jarlath Donnellan Wednesday October 13th: Clare Marts U13 Hurling Championship 2021 U13C Shield Semi Final Ennistymon v Wolfe Tones in Shannon at 19:30.

Referee: Andy McMahon UNDERAGE FOOTBALL: Saturday October 9th: Eamon Keane Accountant’s U13 Div 1 Shield Final at 11am. at Miltown. St Breckan’s V Kilrush 11 am. M Downes.

Eamon Keane Accountant’s U13 Div 3 Football Final at 11am at Ballynacally. Kildysart/Coolmeen V Parteen.

B Keating Sunday Oct 10th: Eamon Keane Accountant’s U13 Div 2 Football Final at 12.30 at Cooraclare. Doonbeg V Clarecastle. G Wallace Eamon Keane Accountants U13 Div 1 Football Final at 3.30 At Cooraclare. Lissycasey V Clondegad. P Howard.

Friday Oct 15th Tubridy’s Bar & Restaurant U17 Div 1 Kilrush V Wolfetones 8p.m.

Saturday Oct 16th: 11am Tubridy’s Bar & Restaurant U17 Div 1 Ennistymon V Lissycasey Clondegad V Kilmurry IB Tubridy’s Bar & Restaurant U17 Div 2-3 Cratloe V Eire Og Clooney-Quin V Banner Clarecastle V Corofin Doonbeg V Naomh Eoin/O’Curry’s/Kilkee Miltown V St Breckan’s Cooraclare V Sh Gaels/Kilmihil/Kildysart/Coolmeen SOCCER: Saturday October 9th: FAI Youths Cup First Round Shannon Hibs v Tralee Dynamos in Corrib Drive at 4pm. Referee: Pa Gleeson Bridge Utd v Tulla Utd in Sixmilebridge at 11am.

Referee: Paudie Hayes Killarney Athletic v Bridge Celtic in Ferndale Killarney at 2pm.

Killorglin FC v Avenue Utd in Killorglin at 2pm.

St Brendans v Shannon Town in Tralee at 2pm.

Ennis Carpets U19s League Ennis Town v Moher Celtic in Lees Rd (pitch 1) at 11am. Referee: Mark Rellis Rhine Rovers v Coole FC in Lees Rd (pitch 1) at 2pm. Referee: Dylan Shannon Sunday October 10th: Maloney Hardware Premier Division: Avenue Utd A v Mountshannon Celtic in Rosleven at 11am. Referee: Michael Rock Lifford FC v Shannon Hibs A iin Steele Rock Park at 11am. Referee: Trevor White Shannon Olympic v Shannon Town A in Olympic Park at 11am. Referee: Pa Gleeson Anne Romer Florist First Division Coole FC v Bridge Utd B in St Colmans Park Gort at 2pm. Referee: Brian Punch Hermitage FC v Avenue Utd B in Fairgreen at 11am. Referee: Mark Rellis Kilrush Rangers v Turnpike Rovers in Gallery Park Kilrush at 11am. Referee: Museliu Bashua Shannon Town B v Tulla Utd in Corrib Drive at 2pm. Referee: Paudie Hayes Brian Pyne Tiles Second Division Connolly Celtic v Corofin Harps in Kilmaley School at 11am. Referee: Sean Kenneally Shannon Hibs B v Manus Celtic A in Riverside Shannon at 11am. Referee: Paudie Hayes Kilkishen Celtic v Rhine Rovers in Lees Rd (pitch 3) at 2pm. Referee: Julian Sandford Brownies Barbershop Third Division: Bunratty/Cratloe v Ennis Dons in Frank Healy Park at 2pm. Referee: Pa Gleeson Shannon Town C v Fern Celtic in Corrib Drive Shannon at 11am. Referee: Frank Coote

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Ennis & Clarecastle coursing weekend Despite poor weather conditions Ennis/Clarecastle Coursing Club held a very successful annual two day meeting last weekend. In congratulating the winners of the various competitions secretary Johnny Moroney pointed out the successful meeting was the culmination of three months of hard work by all the members.

Moroney spoke of his pride at receiving a positive report from ICC Rep Aidan Supple. He went on to acknowledge for their continued support for the club with special mention for the McInerney Family with the meeting being held on their land.

Third time a charm for Cree Sydney IT WAS third time lucky for Cree Sydney owned by Denis Gould after putting two novice stakes to the back-burner while claiming the feature event in Galway on Saturday.

An A1 Graded ninth contest was the feature event in Saturday nights card at Galway Greyhound Stadium. Following two good runs on a Novice Stake in Cork, the Denis Gould owned Cree Sydney made it third time lucky in race four.

From traps Roscrea Billy came away well but Cree Sydney quickly went through the gears to take command of the contest.

Three lengths clear at the crown of the home bend the winner ran wide around the home bend but was never in any danger of defeat.

In race 3 the Martin Griffin of Lissycasey owned Charmed(Laughill Blake-Nebraska Scot) took her career record to three wins from eight starts as she got the better of Crokers Queen and Millrose Danny by a pair of necks at the line in this S7 graded sprint contest in time of 19.56. Away smartly in company with Crokers Queen, the winner showed pace to lead her rival by a length approaching the opening bend as Millrose Danny closed in behind the pair. Racing round the home bend the leader drifted slightly wide but she really stuck her neck out close home to record a game success.

Race 6 was the re-run of last weeks voided A4 contest and from traps Cloneyogan Blaze and Derrymoyle Pat both showed pace on the run towards the opening bend where the Siobhan Garrahy of Lahinch owned Cloneyogan Blaze tracked well to take a two length lead into the back straight. Racing down the back the leader extended his advantage top over four lengths as his rivals bunched up behind. Rounding the home bend the leaders was home and hosed to score by a length and a half from the staying on Sir Sean in 29.16.

All six runners were away as one in race eight for this A3 graded contest with the Michael Costello of Ballyvaughan owned Pinnacle Rio holding a narrow advantage along the rails as the opening bend loomed. Rounding the bend, Pinnacle Rio as usual took paint of the rails as he led by a length from Mollrose Annie and Danmar Corona entering the back straight.

Racing down the back though Pinnacle Rio quickly stamped his authority on the contest and racing past halfway the son of Rio Quattro and Fawn Samantha led by three lengths as Danmar Corona and Mollrose Annie gave chase. Turning for home Pinnacle Rio was in command as he stayed on well to defeat Mollrose Annie by two lengths in 29.32.

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Cratloe society captain’s prize for Jimmy McManus

by SEAMUS HAYES

THIRTY three members of the Cratloe golf society played in captain’s Mike Sweeney prize outing at Tipperary golf club last Saturday when Jimmy McManus emerged as the winner.

Paul Gallagher finished in second spot followed by Tim Danagher, Fintan Ward, John Higgins, and Alan Brennan.

Sandra Ferguson won the ladies prize while the nines were won by Willie Fuller and Danny Chaplin. Mike Sweeney won the long drive with Paul Gallagher claiming the nearest the pin prize.

The guests prize was won by D Hogan with Tom McMahon winning the guests long drive and Sean Conway winning the guests nearest the pin. Despite the difficult weather conditions, scoring was excellent on the day.

At the presentation of prizes at the Woodcross bar, captain Mike spoke fondly of society members Johnny Boyce and Kathleen O’Reilly who both passed away recently.

ENNIS GOLF CLUB: The ladies hampers competition at Ennis Golf Club was won by Rita O’Brien (20) with 39 points. She had one to spare over Rose Enright (28) with third spot filled by Della Burns (19) who scored 35 points. Mary Lenihan (17) was fourth with 34 points followed by Aideen Considine (27), also with 34 points and Peggy Costello (23) and she also scored 34 points Kitty Morris (15) won the gross with 19 points.

In the 9 hole stableford competition Patricia Kerwin (20) was the winner with 19 points from Rose Enright (13) with 19 points and Eileen T Corry (19) with 18 points.

Last week’s senior ladies competition was won by Mary Lenihan, Maureen Maloney and Kathleen Pyne with 53.3 points from Anne Kelly, Claire Kennelly and Alice D’Arcy with 54.5.

In third spot with 56.6 were Anne Daly, Pat

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Leacy and Anne Casey followed by Una Patton, Eileen Corry and Eileen Holly with 58.6.

In the men’s singles stableford competition Eoin Ryan (20) was the winner with 42 points from John Murphy (28) with a similar score.

Senan Ryan (10) was third with 41 points followed by Redmond Condon (22) with 41 and Michael Meagher (9) also with 41.Martin Moran (4) won the gross with 35 points.

Friday’s open singles was won by Redmond Conlon (22) with 40 points from Walter O’Brien (13) with 39 while Dave Kenneally won the gross with 35 points.

DROMOLAND GOLF CLUB: Barry Nugent won the Friday open singles at Dromoland with 39 points with Declan Reidy in second spot with 36 followed by Diarmuid McMahon with 35. Ray Dervan won the gross with 28 points.

The 9 hole weekly competition winner was Adam Merriman with 21 points from Liam Moloney with 19 and John McHugh with 18.

The 18 hole stableford competition at the weekend was won by Trevor Daffy with 41 points from Darren Reilly with 38, Philip Alldritt with 38 and John McCarthy with 38. Seamus Cusack won the gross with 35 points.

In the ladies section the 18 hole player of the year stableford competition was won by Mairead Bergin with 39 points from Cora O’Toole with 37 and Siobhan Fitzpatrick with 36 while Leslie O’Flynn won the gross with 25 points.

In the 9 hole stableford competition, Catherine Quinn was the winner with 20 points from Majella Cotgreave with 19 and Niamh McDermott, also with 19 points.

KILRUSH GOLF CLUB: The men’s competition at Kilrush at the weekend was the Kepak open which was won by James McSwiggan (23) with 42 points. In sec-

ond place was Jim Young Senior (10) with 36 points with Noel McMahon (10) in third spot with 35 points The ladies Moyasta coffee competition was won by Joan O’Malley (19) with 33 points from Ann Marie Donnellan (14) with 31 points and Anne Brennan (12) with 30 points.

GORT GOLF CLUB: The men’s competition at Gort at the weekend was an 18 hole stroke event which was won

by P.J. McAllen (14) with 66 from Ray Dolan (15) who returned a similar score. Tom Costello (18) was third and he also returned 66 while the gross was won by Robert McDonagh (4) with 76.

The ladies played for the club cup and this was also an 18 hole stroke competition which was won by Shauna Burke (19) with 71 from Geraldine Connors (22) with 71 and Anne Kerins (20) with 74. Jane Joyce (15) won the gross with 90.

WOODSTOCK GOLF CLUB: The Masters competition scheduled for last weekend at Woodstock was cancelled due to inclement weather conditions. The competition has beeen re-scheduled for this weekend.

The seniors at Woodstock played for the Donagh Lemphiere memorial trophy on Tuesday. Winner of the singles stableford competition was Paddy Meehan with 47 points from Willie Thompson with 42 and Tony Coote with 41.

Sean Howard will serve as captain of the seniors section at Woodstock for 2022. He takes over from Brian Logue who had served in this role in 2021.

Entries for this year’s autumn league at the club are now been taken and members may choose their team of four which can be made up of men and ladies with a maximum of two ladies per team. Entries must be in by 9pm on Sunday October 17.

The league will begin on the weekend of October 30/31 and will be played over five weeks and formats will include team of 4 scramble, fourball betterball, rumble, waltz and will conclude with singles (3 scores to count). Semi-finals will follow on week 6 with the final on week 7.

Arrangements are now being finalised for the annual captain’s weekend away which this year will be to Westport on October 15 and 16. There will be two rounds of golf in Westport and Ballinrobe and those wishing to attend should contact the captain, Liam O’Connor FANNY O’DEAS SOCIETY: Adare Manor was the venue for an outing for members of Fanny O’Deas society last week when the winner was Michael McMahon with 39 points from Martin Brennan with 38, John Leahy with 37, Declan Conway with 36, Paddy

Barry Nugent won the Friday open singles at Dromoland with 39 points

Corcoran with 36 and Tony McMahon, also 36.

Peter O’Leary was nearest the pin. The society’s next outing will be on Saturday Nov 6 to Spanish Point.

SIXMILEBRIDGE GOLF SOCIETY: Sixmilebridge golf society will hold it’s last outing of the 2021 season on this Saturday to Loughrea when members will compete in the Kevin Whelan memorial event. Only those who have pre booked can play so members should contact the committee ats soon as possible, The tee time is 10.30am.

PLANNING 43

THURSDAY, OCT 7 2021

PLANNING NOTICES CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL WOOD ROAD, CRATLOE, CO. CLARE Take notice that Carol & Declan Carey are applying to Clare County Council for planning permission for the demolition of an extension to an existing dwelling house, for the construction of a new extension, refurbishment and upgrade of the existing cottage 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.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL CLONCOLMAN, LISSYCASEY, CO. CLARE Take notice that John & Sinead McHugh are applying to Clare County Council for planning permission to construct a new dwelling house, access road, entrance, private garage 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.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL ISLANDAVANNA UPPER, DRUMQUIN Further Information – Natura Impact Statement Planning Ref: P21/144 Date planning application received: 19/02/21 Development Description: to retain upgraded entrance road and yard, to extend existing slatted unit and yard, to erect new slatted unit, 3No stables, storage areas, machinery shed + canopy for farm equipment Location of Development: Islandavanna Upper, Drumquin Take notice that following a requirement of the Planning Authority, J. Kelly will be lodging a Natura Impact Statement (NIS) in respect of planning application P21/144.

This NIS will be available for inspection or purchase, at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the Planning Authority of Clare County Council, Aras Contae an Chlair, New Road, Ennis, Co Clare during its public

opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the NIS may be made in writing to the Authority on payment of the prescribed fee €20, within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the Authority of the Natura Impact Statement and a copy of this public notice.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL OLD ENNIS ROAD, TULLA, CO CLARE. Sean Halpin is applying to Clare County Council for Full Planning Permission for the construction of a two storey dwelling house of area 387.42sqm, detached garage of area 91.00sqm, new entrance arrangement to replace existing gate, water feature, new effluent treatment system and percolation area and a new connection to public mains fresh water system. All with the associated site development works at Old Ennis Road, Tulla, Co Clare. The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority Clare County Council, Aras Contae an Chlair. New Road, Ennis during its public opening hours.

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

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL ENNIS ROAD, LEAGARD NORTH , MILTOWN MALBAY , CO CLARE Take notice that Derek Considine T/A Derek Considine Car Sales Ltd. intends to apply for PERMISSION to: 1. RETAIN the security fencing to the rear boundary of the premises & 2. PERMISSION to reduce the height of the security fencing to the rear boundary of the premises to 2m over the ground level of the subject site, with associated landscaping & all other associated site and ancillary works at the above address.

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

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL BALLYMURTAGH CROSS, SHANNON, CO CLARE Take Notice that Ballymurtagh Motors Limited are applying to Clare County Council for planning permission for change of use of an existing commercial building and yard to a commercial vehicle/container parking depot, maintenance repair workshop, incorporation of a wash bay and Class 1 interceptor and installation of full retention interceptor for parking yard along with all necessary 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 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.

CLARE CO. COUNCIL NO. 1 GREENLAWN, LISSANE EAST, CLARECASTLE, CO. CLARE. Take notice that Sean O Connor intends to apply for permission for development, the development consists of the construction of a domestic garage and associated site works at the above address.

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

CLARE CO. COUNCIL FLAGMOUNT, CAHER, CO. CLARE Permission to amend pre-school opening hours previously permitted under P03-744 is being sought by Loughgraney Kids Corner Ltd. The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority Clare County Council, Áras Contae an Chláir, New Road, Ennis, Co. Clare during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee of €20, within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL NOOAN, RUAN, ENNIS, CO. CLARE. Further Information – Natura Impact Statement

Planning Ref: P 21 / 440 Date planning application Received: 05/05/2021 Development Description: Planning permission to construct a new dwelling house, access road, entrance, private garage and install a new wastewater treatment system along with all associated works at Nooan, Ruan, Ennis, Co. Clare.

Location of Development: Nooan, Ruan, Ennis, Co. Clare.

Take notice that following a requirement of the Planning Authority, Darren Bracken & Ciana Lernihan will be lodging a Natura Impact Statement (NIS) in respect of planning application P 21 / 440. This NIS will be available for inspection or purchase, at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the Planning Authority of Clare County Council, Áras Contae an Chláir, New Road, Ennis, Co. Clare during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the NIS may be made in writing to the Authority on payment of the prescribed fee €20.00 within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the Authority of the Natura Impact Statement and a copy of this public notice.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL BALLYDUNEEN, LISSYCASEY, CO. CLARE Take notice that Daire and Siobhán McNamara intend to apply to the planning authority for permission to (a) demolish an existing garage and (b) permission to construct extensions to the front and side of an existing dwelling house along with alterations to the existing dwelling including lifting the roof to incorporate first floor living accommodation and (c) permission to construct a new garage, along with ancillary works at the above address. The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority, Clare County Council, Aras Contae an Chlair, New Road, Ennis during its public opening hours and that a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the planning authority of the application.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL ROSLEVAN ENNIS CO CLARE. FURTHER INFORMATION/ REVISED PLANS P21/639 Roslevan Ennis Co Clare.

Take Notice that Drumquin Construction Ltd has lodged significant further information/ revised plans in respect of planning application P 21/639.

The application seeks Planning Permission for the following:

1) The omission of Two number previously granted 4 bedroom semidetached houses ( house Type C numbers 29 &30) 2) The construction of : a) One 4 bedroom two storey detached dwelling with attic home office accommodation ( House type C1) b) Six 4 bedroom two storey attached dwellings with attic home office accommodation ( House type F) c) Amendment to previously granted internal road layout, parking and green areas.

3) All associated site boundary walls, gates and fences 4) Connection to the previously granted (on Site) public mains foul sewer, water and gas networks as well as on site surface water infrastructure.

5) All associated and ancillary site works and services.

This information and planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the Planning Authority of Clare County Council, Planning Department, Áras Contae an Chláir, New Road, Ennis, Co. Clare during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the Further Information/ Revised Plans may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee, not later than 2 weeks after the receipt of the newspaper notice and the site notice by the planning authority or in the case of a planning application accompanied by an EIS within 5 weeks of receipt of such notices by the planning authority.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL, FINTRA BEG, MILTOWN MALBAY, CO. CLARE. Take notice that J. & E. Durkan intend to apply to the Planning Authority for permission to retain the existing house substructure as granted under P06/2930. For permission to complete the dwelling house as granted under P06/2930 and to install a proprietary wastewater treatment system along with ancillary site works at the above address.

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

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL DOONMACFELIM, DOOLIN. I Aiden Fitzgerald B.Eng. MIEI of AF Engineering, Doolin, Co. Clare, 087-9955689, intend to apply to Clare County Council on behalf of Gerry & Patricia Fitzgerald for planning permission at the above address, the development will consist of a dwelling house with septic tank and percolation area together with ancillary 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. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee, €20, within a period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application and such submissions or observations will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application.

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

LEGAL NOTICES SCHEDULE C, FORM NUMBERS. 68.3 THE DISTRICT COURT (AN CHÚIRT DUICHE) LICENSING ACT (IRELAND) 1874, SECTIONS 9 AND 10 INTOXICATING LIQUOR ACT 2008, SECTION6, 7 AND 8 NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR A CERTIFICATE FOR A NEW WINE RETAILER’S OFFLICENSE DISTRICT COURT AREA OF KILLALOE DISTRICT NO. 12 ( SITTING IN ENNIS ) Applicant: Jacques Brennan as Nominee of Hungry Soul Limited TAKE NOTICE that the above named Applicant, having its registered office situate at Ardnacrusha, Co Clare intends to apply to the Court at Ennis in the County of Clare on the 2nd day of November 2021 at 10.30am for a certificate to hold: A Wine Retailer’s Off License. in respect of the premises situate at Main Street, O’Briensbridge in the County of Clare in Court Area and District aforesaid.

AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that the Applicant has not previously held a License for the sale of Wine at the premises situate at Main Street, O’Briensbridge in the County of Clare Dated this 4th day of October 2021 Signed: Jacques Brennan, Parkroe Heights, Ardnacrusha, Co. Clare To; An Garda Siochána, Killaloe & Ennis, Co. Clare And: The District Court Clerk, The Courthouse, Ennis, Co. Clare

44 CLASSIFIEDS

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46 PUZZLEPAGE

THURSDAY, OCT 7 2021

THIS WEEKS PUZZLES OCT 07

7 1

5

9

2

Jangle

9 2

7

4 8

6

3

Quadrangle

How to play

Single

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.

ANSWERS 3

6

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8

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9 5 1 2

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10/6/21, 11:12 AM

Wrangle

6

Wangle

4

Triangle

8

Tingle

3

Tangle

2

Spangle

5

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.

1

HOW TO PLAY

6

Shingle

2

3

1

1

7

3

Mangle Mingle

1

5

6

Jungle

7

4

1/1

Jingle

4

9

Dongle

3

4

Dingle

4

9

1

2

5

7

Dangle

Bungle

8

8

1

How to play

Bangle

SUDOKU

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.

WORD SEARCH

10/6/21, 11:12 AM

The Clare Echo Crossword Michael Curl

on church service

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C Y C L

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Michael Curl

Daily Quick Crossword: 6 October 2021, 10/6/2021

Order Online www.supermacs.ie

9

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U

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C O N K E R

T

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#supermacs heart of Ennis

Phone 065 6820914

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order direct

(065) 682 0914

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For a quicker faster delivery service O'Connell Street, Ennis

blem of Ireland alleviation

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CROSSWORD ANSWERS N N S

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1 National emblem of Ireland 2 Abatement, alleviation 4 Help 5 Slum dwelling 6 Bushy clump of grass 7 Stiff paper 8 Origin 13 Pigs’ feet 15 Culinary art 17 Old-established English university 18 Signal fire 20 Noblemen 22 Old five-shilling coin 23 Competent

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10

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Daily Quick Crossword: 6 October 2021, 10/6/2021

lling coin

ut tree

1/1

QUIZ 47

THURSDAY, OCT 7 2021

The Clare Echo Quiz

NEWMARKET-ON-FERGUS QUIZ lies close . What Irish president attended 1 .toNewmarket-on-Fergus the what river?

6 primary school at Ballycar National School in Newmarket-on-Fer-

• North Korea • Iran • The enlarged EU 25 member states

• Theobald Wolfe Tone • William Smith O’Brien • Robert Emmet

10

. In March 1854 about two miles 5 from the center of Newmarket-on-Fergus a huge amount of what natural resource was found?

• Diamonds • Gold • Oil

. During his 16 hour stay at Dromoland castle George W. Bush had approximately how many military, police and private security force personel?

• 200 • 700 • 7,000

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

The answers will be revealed in next weeks edition.

ANSWERS 6. Michael D. Higgins

4

• Kim Jong-un • Muhammad Ali • Nelson Mandela

. What famous Irish nationalist and MP was born in Newarket-on-Fergus in October 1803?

lQUESTION 1: Newmarket-on-Fergus lies close to the what river?

1. The River Fergus

. Which of the following people 9 did not stay at Dromoland Castle?

7. 2003

• Won a bet he made wagering Dromoland estate on a horse race in the town of Newmarket in England.

• Established a market in the town.

• Decided that Cora Chaitlín was an ugly name and then picked a new one at random.

. In June 2004 the first summit 8 between the US and who was held at Dromoland Castle?

8. The enlarged EU 25 member states

changing the name of the town from Cora Caitlín after he did what?

• 1999 • 2003 • 2004

2. Dromoland Castle

. A popular myth suggests that 3 the name of Newmarket-on-Fergus comes from Lord Inchiquin

3. Won a bet he made wagering...

• Ashford Castle • Urlanmore Castle • Dromoland Castle

.

The N-18 passed through 7 Newmarket-on-Fergus until the town was bypassed in what year?

9. Kim Jong-un

castle in Newmarket-on-Fergus that is now operated as a 5-star hotel?

10 7,000

. What is the name of the famous

• Michael D. Higgins • Mary McAleese • Patrick Hillery

4. William Smith O’Brien

2

gus?

5. Gold

• The River Market • The River Fergus • The River Nile

Last weeks Answers . Logo missing on paper (left) . Bracelet missing on Ann’s wrist . Tie different colour . Step missing on path (background)

. Line of bricks missing on ground . Pocket missing on jacket (right) . Pole missing in the background

The Ballynacally Crew enjoying ‘A Night of Country Music’ at Treacy’s Oakwood Hotel in Shannon.

Photograpoh: Joe Buckley

AND GUTTERING CLARE

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