The Clare Echo 08/02/24 by The Clare Echo

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Clare politician singles out elderly drivers by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

ELDERLY DRIVERS’ ability to deal with cycling lanes, armadillos and bollards on a busy Ennis stretch of road has been questioned and criticised by a county councillor. Tuesday’s meeting of the Ennis Municipal District saw Cllr Pat Daly (FF) forced to withdraw his motion seeking the seeking the removal of “one side of the cycle lane, the bollards and armadillos on the road from Éire Óg GAA grounds to St Flannan’s College”. Strong opposition was voiced by Cllr Paul Murphy (FG) who la-

belled Daly’s motion as “unbelieveable and regressive”. According to the Clarecastle native, “elderly people are not able to deal with” the traffic calming measures introduced in 2018. “That is a bigger issue and that is incompetent driving, them being allowed to drive is a bigger issue, in our country you get a licence for life which is an issue”. Surprised by the comments of his party colleague, Cllr Johnny Flynn (FG) said that he almost damaged his car at Clonroadmore. “I was down there last week and nearly scratched my car and I’m not what Paul would describe as an overage driver”.

Feb 8 2024

Michelin Star sparks booking frenzy at Clare restaurant by Stuart Holly editor@clareecho.ie

A DOOLIN restaurant received 400 bookings within a day of being awarded its first Michelin Star this week. North Clare’s Homestead Cottage won the coveted award at a ceremony on Monday in Manchester along with just two other first-time Irish winners. The award comes just seven months after the restaurant was opened by Robbie and Sophie McCauley. Chef Robbie told The Clare Echo, “We’re still coming down … it’s been fantastic.” Bookings have come in this week from countries

including South Africa to Barbados, with Robbie admitting the restaurant’s proximity to the Cliffs of Moher adds to their worldwide demand and appeal. Homestead Cottage uses local produce from County Clare in their dishes and Robbie added, “We’re only able to do it thanks to the fantastic produce and at the end of the day it’s a team achievement.”

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l Armadillos on the Clonroadmore. Cllr Paul Murphy (inset).

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Thursday, Feb 8, 2024 THE CLARE ECHO

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Ladies’ lunch at Dromoland Castle

CONTENTS

NEWS .............................2-15 GREEN CLARE.............16-17 COLUMNISTS ..............18-22 BUSINESS ...................23-24 SOCIALS ......................25-27 SPORT..........................28-31 CLASSIFIEDS ..............32-33 PLANNING ........................34

36C Abbey St., Ennis, Co Clare Call: 065 - 6719021

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kieran@clareecho.ie ross@clareecho.ie denise@clareecho.ie

Pictured attending a St. Brigid’s Day Luncheon at Dromoland Castle were, Karen Ronan, Shannon Region Conference and Sports Bureau, Sandra Walsh and Marie Chawke (Director of Business Development, Dromoland)

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Michelin Star for Homestead Cottage by Stuart Holly editor@clareecho.ie

DOOLIN restaurant Homestead Cottage has been awarded its first Michelin Star – just seven months after opening its doors. Established late last June, the accolade marks a remarkable rise for the husbandand-wife team of Robbie and Sophie McCauley, who received an astonishing 400 bookings within a day of receiving their award. Robbie explained that Homestead Cottage received an invite to the prestigious award ceremony in recent weeks which preceded “a few sleepless nights” for the Scottish-born chef. On Monday the unique eatery - which prides itself on using local ingredients was announced as one of just three Irish restaurants to become new recipients of the much-coveted award. “We’re still coming down … it’s been fantastic,” Robbie told The Clare Echo. “To get it so quickly made it more of a surprise and we’re delighted.” Some 400 bookings came in on Tuesday following the remarkable win, from destinations including South Africa, Barbados and the UK. “We’re lucky where we are, we’re the closest restaurant to the Cliffs of Moher so to be able to have a restaurant and serving the kind of food we’re doing so close to an international attraction is helpful.” Robbie admits he has plans to bring his team to London “to say thank you” to his staff as they celebrate the award together. “It’s a massive award and I feel very lucky

to have been awarded it,” said Robbie.Michelin Guide inspectors described Homestead Cottage as “a thoroughly charming place. “Its setting inside a former crofter’s cottage provides plenty of character, and dishes are often brought to the table by Robbie and his fellow chefs with palpable pride. Garden produce and local ingredients like Aran monkfish are used in cooking that demonstrates refinement, precision and a great understanding of balance.” Homestead Cottage joins Wild Honey Inn in County Clare’s Michelin star ranks and Robbie hopes the win will encourage more tourism for the Banner County.

lRobbie and Sophie with their youngest, Iris

Photo by John Mangan

Thursday, Feb 8, 2024 THE CLARE ECHO

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‘We’re dying of neglect’ - more record breaking figures from UHL by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

HEALTH activists in Clare have said people in the Mid-West are “dying of neglect”. On Tuesday morning, a total of 138 patients were on trolleys at UHL according to the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation. Of this 138, 65 were in the emergency department with a further 73 on trolleys in wards across the region’s main hospital. This figure of 138 sees UHL break another record for the amount of patients on a trolley in a single day. As of Wednesday, UHL recorded 16 days in a row where more than 100 patients were on trolleys at the region’s main hospital. Reacting to the figures, the Mid-West Hospital Campaign stated, “we are dying of neglect”. Ennistymon woman, Marie McMahon who is an activist with the Mid-West Hospital Campaign told The Clare Echo, “It is appalling, absolutely catastrophic, what is even more concerning is the fact that nobody seems to care, nobody that can make a decision or have an influence, everyone is turning their backs to us, it wasn’t covered nationally on Tuesday when it was 138, if it was a hospital in Dublin they’d be knocking down the doors but it’s because the other side of the country, our politicians don’t speak up for us, when they do they offer alternatives”. One emergency department in the MidWest for a population in excess of 145,000 is not sufficient, Marie said. “It is just the tip of the iceberg, how many people are refusing to go to UHL or have procedures cancelled. People are terrified to go to UHL”. She added, “Whether there’s 15 or 150 people on trolleys it doesn’t make a difference, the reputation that UHL is as bad as it could be. It’s not people scaremongering, it is everyone\s reality. When you’re vulnerable anyone because your ill the you are less able to cope with that situation. Those in power are almost dismissive of us, they seem to be afraid

l Marie McMahon Photo by Martin Molloy

to acknowledge how bad it is, it is a bit like the emperor with no clothes, we can see it but they can’t acknowledge it”. UL Hospitals Group management need to listen, Marie stressed. “The management of the hospital are being protected, the people doing the protecting are the Minister for Health, the Department of Health and the politicians, they had an opportunity to deal with it following the first HIQA report but they didn’t. It was disturbing to watch them before the Health Committee in September 2022, we don’t need to hear politicians standing up in the Dáil talking about trolley num-

bers and whoever answers the questions acknowledges it because no one party has any commitment to changing it. “We’ve enough reports to stretch from the Cliffs of Moher to the Dáil and back again, we could lay down the pages and do that, we don’t need any more reports, we’re living it everyday it is our reality. I don’t know why local politicians are not talking it up and why they can’t admit. They have made their position clear and all we can do is say they are wrong and they need to stand with the people but that is not happening, it seems to be party before the people and that is not fair

on us”. In a statement issued on Tuesday and Wednesday, UL Hospitals Group asked the public to consider all available care options before presenting to the ED at UHL. Clare TD, Violet-Anne Wynne (IND) had been due to raise the matter in Dáil on Wednesday but the order of business was changed on account of the death of John Bruton. She said, “The overcrowding crisis in UHL has now reached the level that even I never thought possible. 150 people on trolleys. It’s hard to even comprehend let alone find words for. I am beyond ashamed of this situation and the Government that continues to allow it to happen. The Minister told me last week in the Health Committee that he had resourced the hospital and his job was done, it was up to the hospital to do the rest. That is a blatant attempt from a Fianna Fáil Health Minister – a man from the party that closed Ennis, Nenagh and St. John’s in the first place – to rewrite history. How anyone can have confidence in this Government when my constituents are afraid of their lives to have unscheduled care honestly confounds me. “This Government and every Government since the early 2000s has shown nothing but utter contempt for the people of the MidWest. I have asked time and again for the reinstatement of Ennis Emergency Department and they have refused every single time but they have completely failed to give me a reason why. “They sit there in Dublin and ignore the situation at UHL while my constituents are left to die like dogs. Enough is enough. This record breaking day demands significant action to deescalate the situation at the site, and I have asked for a field hospital to be set up and private capacity to be secured, but the long-term goal must be the reinstatement of the Accident and Emergency Dept at Ennis Hospital and anything less is simply unacceptable,” Deputy Wynne stated.

‘Where has the €2 million gone?’

lCART BEFORE THE HORSE: Clare TD, Michael McNamara raising concerns on the Ennis 2040 strategy Photo by Chris Copley

A CLARE TD has said a detailed breakdown needs to be made available on the €2.2m spent by Ennis 2040 DAC, writes Páraic McMahon. Director of Service and Economic Development with Clare County Council, Carmel Kirby confirmed in response to a motion by Cllr Tom O’Callaghan (FF) that as of December €2.2m from the €10m loan approved for Ennis 2040 DAC has been drawn down. She said, “The funds drawn down have been applied to the design, planning, and progression of a number of projects including ongoing operating costs and overheads on behalf of Clare County Council”. Clare TD, Michael McNamara (IND) attended the first public consultation event for the Abbey Street car park development as part of the strategy and was left puzzled as to how €2.2m has been spent by the DAC. He stated, “They may have carried a lot of studies and there may be more detailed plans, we saw a mock-up that one might not expect from a €2m spend to date. “It was computer generated images on display and that shouldn’t cost more than a few hundred euros to put together. I’d like to see a detailed breakdown of the spend to date, it is a lot of money to have spent to have produced something very scant other

than we’re going to develop Abbey Street whether you like it or not and we’ll demolish the Francis St cottages whether you like it or not”. Deputy McNamara told The Clare Echo, “€2m is a lot of money, where has its gone. These projects just because there is Limerick 2030 doesn’t mean we have to have Ennis 2040, if it provides something beneficial then great I’d love to see it but if it is a vanity project that is going to cost a lot of money then the money will have to be recouped and there will be talk of transferring property and selling it, Ennis 2040 has legal powers to do that and I acknowledge there is a lot that needs to be done in Ennis”. Having stayed in the Temple Gate Hotel for over an hour at the public consultation, McNamara admitted, “I was struck by the opposition to the plans that were there. “Ennis 2040 will have a better overview of the overall sense of it but when I was there it was very negative to it”. He added, “It is not too late to listen to the people of Ennis if Ennis 2040 want to save this”. There are plenty positives to the Ennis 2040 strategy, Deputy McNamara maintained, “particularly the flood remediation area south of Ennis but they really need to listen to people if they are to salvage this.

This is very much a cart before the horse, having a consultation of telling people what to do instead of ascertaining the views, it is easy to plan a generic idea”. He continued, “officials slit in and out of the county with very little experience of Ennis but people at the consultation have lived all their lives in Ennis or most their lives trading on the streets of Ennis, it seems to be the big problem is not unique to Ennis, it is a market town which has business units unoccupied and almost no families living on its main streets, there is no life in three storey buildings”. Approaching the housing crisis in a novel way would have been a better chance for Ennis 2040 to make a sizeable difference, the Scariff native felt. “If they really wanted to do something innovative it would be a national pilot programme to overcome that, Croí Cónaithe the magic bullet according to Government which has a paltry drawdown. It would be very difficult and there would be a lot of work involved on building and fire regulations but that is my view, the bottom idea is the business people are not being listened to and there hasn’t been consultation to now, they have definite plans they seem welded to like Abbey Street and in fairness Francis Street has moved from its original plan”.

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'Incompetent driving Crowe snub from and licences for life' Dooley is ALDE talk by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

DISQUIET has emerged among Fianna Fáil members in Clare after the party’s only TD in the county was snubbed an invite to a big event organised by their only Senator in Clare. Every single Fianna Fáil member in Co Clare except Cathal Crowe TD (FF) had received an invitation to ‘Powering the Future: Liberal Energy Forum’ which takes place in glór on Friday. The event is funded and organised by the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe (ALDE Party) of which Senator Timmy Dooley (FF) is co-president of, he has worked closely with Ennis Chamber to bring the event to the county. Conversation in advance of the event has not centred on the impressive guest-list which includes the European Commissioner for Energy, Kadri Simson, Sweden’s Minister of Climate and Environment, Romina Pourmokhtari, the Minister for Transport and Communications in Lithuania, Marius Skuodi among others but rather the omission of Deputy Crowe from the guest-list. According to party sources, there are between 600 to 700 Fianna Fáil members in Co Clare. As of Tuesday morning, Deputy Crowe was the only one of them not to have received an invitation yet his wife and parents, who are party members, had been issued with invites that were sent on February 1st. The letters were on headed paper which carried Senator Dooley’s image and title as Spokesperson on Climate Action, Communications, Networks and Transport. Speaking to The Clare Echo, Deputy Crowe said he had not received an invite and was disappointed with his colleague. “Quite a few party members in Clare have been in contact with me about how I was not invited even though my closest fami-

lTENSION: Timmy Dooley (FF) and Cathal Crowe (FF) ly members have been. Some function left out the only TD in members have described it as the county”. The Lissycasey man petty on Timmy’s behalf but I do felt Crowe’s role as the party’s not want to draw any more at- spokesperson on aviation and tention to the matter only to say tourism warranted his inclusion it is a little bit disappointing that given that Lithuania’s Transport an event would be politicised in Minister and a former Regionsuch a way. Clare’s Oireachtas al Development Minister from members especially those from Latvia would be in attendance. Cllr Kelly believed the move the same party should be workfrom Senator Dooley was “very ing together”. Senator Dooley told The Clare unwise”. He told The Clare Echo, Echo that Deputy Crowe “was “I can’t recall anything like this invited the same as everyone in the past, we have internal rielse, it is an ALDE event, he got valries but we keep it behind a written invitation”. When it closed doors and don’t take it was put to the Mountshannon out in public. You will always native that Crowe himself stated have fractions in political parhe had not got an invite, Dooley ties, there’s certain rules we are responded, “I can tell you he got allowed to break and others we one as did every member of Fi- cannot”. anna Fáil in Clare”. A senior party official in the Dooley added, “It is very sur- county told The Clare Echo that prising that the An Post singled they were aware of persons who out Cathal’s invitation and failed did not renew their membership to deliver it”. Tulla based Dool- that received the headed letter ey, a TD from 2007 to 2020 later from Senator Dooley. While a rivalry between Depsaid, “I checked the database and his name is on it, every member uty Crowe and Senator Dooley of Fianna Fáil in Clare received a has been visible to political folnotification, a written letter was lowers since the 2020 General sent last Friday to every member Election, both men have tried to portray that there is no tension bar none”. Fianna Fáil’s most experienced when speaking on the record. representative in the county, This episode which has been deCllr PJ Kelly felt the episode scribed by Fianna Fáil members should and could have been as “petty”, “stupid” and “silly” avoided. “I’m disappointed that has generated the most discusTimmy arranging a Fianna Fáil sion in political circles.

A CLARECASTLE representative has said incompetent driving from older motorists and not armadillos is causing problems in Clonroadmore, writes Páraic McMahon. Mayor of the Ennis Municipal District, Cllr Pat Daly (FF) was forced to withdraw a motion seeking the removal of “one side of the cycle lane, the bollards and armadillos on the road from Éire Óg GAA grounds to St Flannan’s College mainly due to health and safety grounds on a daily basis”. There are currently plans to upgrade the current cycle lanes on Clonroadmore as part of the Clarecastle to Ennis Active Travel scheme. The present scheme was installed by Clare County Council in August 2019. “It was a mistake from day one,” commented Cllr Daly. “It is something we have to look at seriously,” he told Tuesday’s meeting of the Ennis MD. “The road is too tight. There is a massive population from St Flannan’s College, there is a lot of people on the main road. Cyclists tell me one size of the road is sufficient for a cycling lane”. Seconding the proposal, Cllr Tom O’Callaghan (FF) pointed out that his own parents reside in College Grove. “I’m aware of all the concerns of residents there. Many of the bollards are missing from cars and vehicles that have hit them. As you get out of the car even with the colour of them they are very hard to see at night”. €400 was the recent cost for a retired man following the damage to his car from stone built up a junction on the road, Cllr Johnny Flynn (FG) flagged. He commended Cllr Daly for raising the matter. Strong opposition

was then voiced by Cllr Paul Murphy (FG) who appeared shocked that the motion was tabled. “In this day and age, I’m disappointed that we’re talking about taking out cycling lanes or reducing them. It is a 1.2km stretch, St Flannan’s College and Ennis NS both benefit from this cycle scheme, it was proposed by Clare Colleran Molloy in 2017, it went through all appropriate forms of public consultation”. He continued, “I cannot support the motion, most certainly not, I drop my children to St Flannan’s College, unfortunately because the Clareabbey Roundabout is not safe enough for me to allow them to cycle from Barntick”. Murphy was critical of residents in the area, “I have it from

l Pat Daly (FF) witnesses that residents have dug bollards out of it, I know one youngster who cycles from Inis Cláir on Kildysart Rd, he is given a safe passage to St Flannan’s College, by doing this you would be taking that away from him”. “This is unbelievable and regressive. Elderly people are not able to deal with it, that it is a bigger issue and that is incompetent driving,

them being allowed to drive is a bigger issue, in our country you get a licence for life which is an issue. The motion needs to be withdrawn,” the Clarecastle native stressed. Backing the call for a withdrawal was Cllr Clare Colleran Molloy (FF) who recalled that she “took a bit of heat” following the installation of the armadillos and bollards. She referenced a public meeting held around 2019 when some “residents bravely spoke up in favour of it”. The Ballybeg based representative admitted, “I am surprised to see the motion which I would agree at the description of regressive. We’ve heard it from TY students that they want a safe access to schools”. Cllr Flynn told the meeting he had no recollection of the public meeting referenced by Cllr Colleran Molloy. “I cycled to school in Flannan’s, I’m in agreement with safe cycling, I was against the littering of roads with armadillos, I was concerned with the infringement on their ability to get in and outside, I was down there last week and nearly scratched my car and I’m not what Paul would describe as an overage driver”. He maintained a properly segregated cycling lane is required, “it is difficult for us as a local authority to admit that we made a mistake”. “I am amazed at the comments made today, nobody is talking about taking away cycling lanes,” Cllr O’Callaghan responded. This prompted Cllr Murphy and Cllr Howard to refer to the motion which called for the removal of one side of the cycling lane. Residents had asked Cllr Daly to raise the matter, he told the meeting.

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Thursday, Feb 8, 2024 THE CLARE ECHO

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‘Civic sites are next in line’

IVIC sites are expected to be included in phase two of the Deposit Return Scheme writes Páraic McMahon. Addressing Tuesday’s meeting of the Physical Development strategic policy committee (SPC) of Clare County Council, Gillian McCann, outlined that charity shops, civic sites and grounds belonging to sporting clubs are likely to come on stream for hosting reverse vending machines under the Deposit Return Scheme. Nationwide, Return has 2,100 return points gone live, she confirmed. All retailers have “a legislative objective to comply with the scheme”. She revealed, “Fraud is one of the big challenges in the scheme, there is no similar scheme in Northern Ireland, the scheme has focused on how to mitigate against fraud, the bar codes can be used across multiple jurisdictions”. Retailers have to “flush out all old stock from the supply chain, over the next four months there is a transition that is different in every retail outlet,” she stated. Shops are likely to bring in “big discounts” to get rid of their older stock, Gillian said. Advocacy, enforcement and getting people on board are important tasks presently, she added. Bigger stores nationwide are now ordering their first batch of DRS volume stock, Gillian noted. “We expect the first transition to happen very quickly”. Cllr Clare Colleran Molloy (FF) flagged that small businesses feel “at a disadvantage” because they haven’t the space to house the reverse vending machine. She questioned if there would be an app available on phones to accumulate the vouchers. The scheme is “long overdue,” the Ballybeg resident maintained.

Chair of the SPC, Cllr John Crowe (FG) said he was “100 per cent supportive” of the scheme. He raised concerns for small stores. “The small retailer is very worried out there, you’re looking at a €20k investment for these machines. There’s a lot of these products that would have a long date and be on shelves a lot longer than four months, the small retailer is going to be at a very big disadvantage because of the big guys have these machines in. People are going to look to the bigger outlets because they know the machine is here”. In response, Gillian told the meeting that “many small and medium retailers are engaged in the scheme and have opted for a manual collection or reverse vended machine”. The cheapest or smallest machine ranges in cost from €11,000 to €12,000 but she calculated that €15,000 to €20,000 was “a good estimate of the total price for installation. The cheapest or smallest machine is 11k/12k, 15-20k is a good estimate of total price for installation. It is a producer responsibility scheme so the polluter pays is the principle, for putting product on the market the producer pays a scheme, the consumer pays a deposit and the retailer pays it to the consumer and Return pays it back to the consumer, the retailer is paid handling fees”. Small retailers can avail of a grant for €6,000 to assist with the funding of a reverse lending machine, she said. “Many small retailers decide not to make the investment until they see the scheme go live, many just wait and see how the infrastructure evolves”. She added, “Civic sites are very much in our sights for phase two, there are a plethora of different return point operators, sports clubs, tidy towns and civic sites are all expected to be in there”.

lEXEMPT: The Abbey Newsagency owner Gerry Connellan

Scheme will take time by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

lNEW ERA: Bridget Ginnnity a local election candidate for the Green Party in the Ennis MD using a reverse vending machine

SHOP owners in Clare have said it will take time for the Deposit Return Scheme to be a success. Ireland’s Deposit Return Scheme went live on February 1st, bottles or cans purchased before this period are not eligible for a deposit refund. From 1 February onwards, when consumers purchase a drink in a plastic bottle or aluminium can featuring the Re-turn logo, they will pay a fully refundable deposit in addition to the price of the drink. When the empty and undamaged drinks containers are returned to participating shops and supermarkets nationwide, consumers will receive their full deposit refund. Consumers can return these empty undamaged drinks containers to shops and supermarkets either through a Reverse Vending Machine (RVM) or manually, over the counter. Consumers receive the deposit back when they return the plastic bottle or can with the Re-turn logo that is empty and undamaged to participating shops and supermarkets nationwide. A deposit of 15 cents will apply to each container from 150ml - 500mls and a deposit of 25 cents for containers over 500ml to 3 litres. Twenty six Clare stores have set up their deposit return points. They include Aldi’s stores in Ennis, Ennistymon and Kilrush, Carryout in Drumgeely, Dealz in Shannon, SuperValu outlets in Ennisty-

mon, Killaloe, Kilrush, Miltown Malbay and Tulla, Centra’s stores in Ardnacrusha, Corofin, Kildysart, Scariff, Sixmilebridge plus Lynch’s and Ryan’s Centra in Ennis, Dunnes Stores in Ennis and Shannon, Fine Wines on the Mill Rd in Ennis and Roslevan, Liddy’s Eurospar, Lidl in Ennis and Shannon, Mace in Shannon and Maxol in Clarecastle. Trish Rodgers, co-owner of Rodgers Centra in Scariff admitted that the initial response to the scheme had been quiet. “It will take a little bit of adjustment from the customer’s point of view, it is a different concept because people are used to bringing back glass and other items so it will take time. There is a little bit of confusion around barcodes, the expectation is that there would be a logo on the bottom which would highlight that the item was returnable, that hasn’t been the case, some bottles don’t have the logo on it and yet they’ve been charged the deposit and it can be returned. It will take time, there is a different layer of paperwork to it. It is an expensive machine to put in, we’re probably the only shop in East Clare with it at the minute, it will get busy when barcodes come online, people have to be patient and we’ll all have to be patient because it will take time”. Blips are expected in the early days due to the technology, Trish predicted. “When the little return label becomes obvious on the barcode I think that is when it will really take off, at the moment we’re

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D I R E C T

highlighting to customers that they are being charged and to mind their bottle before bringing it back. It is on very few bottles at the moment, suppliers have until the 21st of May to get compliant so you’d expect from mid-April on that 90 percent of bottles will have the return logo and I think then it will be very obvious to customers what can and cannot go back”. She told The Clare Echo, “Sometimes you would think the whole thing should be set up in a recycling centre because that is where people are already going with their glass bottles, you’d imagine that would have been a better way to do it but equally people are charged the deposit so you probably couldn’t get a deposit back at a recycling centre. When you pay a deposit, you go to get it back so it is cost neutral, it will be a mindset change”. Small businesses are likely to be impacted more by the introduction of the scheme, Trish felt. “It will affect small businesses because whether you are big or small if you have the machine you have to charge the deposit, if you have the machine where the customer can bring it back to you and not some-

body else they can get their deposit there, it does have an impact on small businesses”. Among these smaller stores is The Abbey Newsagency in Ennis which due to its size was both unable and exempt from installing a DRS machine. Store owner, Gerry Connellan told The Clare Echo, “I’ll be putting the 15c on from the wholesale price and 25c on the bigger cans, this is where I see the issues because they will be coming with their cans and bottles to the bigger stores, getting their vouchers or money back from the bigger stores which will leave the smaller stores out. What should be happening is putting in deposit machines all over the place in the towns, the Government should be utilising their own money for these machines instead of getting the bigger stores to buy the €15,000 and €30,000 machines and leaving us out of the equation completely”. More machinces are needed to make it a success, Gerry believed. “A return scheme is good to try get rid of the bottles but we’ve to see how it works in print”. He added, “It will take some time but long-term it will work”.

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News

‘Deliver Town Bus before wasting thousands’

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

A FORMER Mayor of Ennis has insisted the town’s bus service is on track to be delivered next year while a climate activist has said the public need to be able to visualise such a scheme before buying into the Ennis 2040 Strategy. Uncertainty over whether the National Transport Authority (NTA) would still fund the Ennis Town Bus Service emerged In November which prompted a meeting with Clare’s Oireachtas members, senior officials in Clare County Council, a sprinkling of Ennis Municipal District councillors and the Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Jack Chambers (FF). Speaking on Tuesday, Cllr Clare Colleran Molloy (FF) insisted that the project was “a high priority for the NTA”. She said that engineer Eamon O’Dea is “sitting with specific responsibility in the Municipal District for delivering the town bus service. “The NTA is working with Eamon, we want to have the stops in the right location and that work is ongoing too. Within the media there was a concern for the delivery as promised at the beginning of 2025”. She continued, “there was a bit of scare messaging because it’s about having the drivers and the manpower in place to drive the buses. “There is a bit of gappiness in the joined-up thinking, we need the

bus service up and running”. The Quin native explained that the service will run from the Tulla Rd to the Lahinch Rd and from Ballybeg to Clarecastle but efforts to include Barefield didn’t work for the permit. “Every effort is being made to ensure the delivery date of 2025 will be when we see an operational bus service in Ennis,” Cllr Colleran Molloy stated. At Tuesday’s meeting of the Physical Development Strategic Policy Committee (SPC), Theresa O’Donoghue questioned which SPC was responsible for buses and bus routes in the county. Newly appointed Director of Physical Development, Alan Farrell replied, “It is the NTA, Carmel Kirby is dealing with it through the Ennis MD”. Lisdoonvarna based Theresa responded, “So no SPC has any say on buses or feeding into it via public participation. If we go back to the DAC and the plan for Ennis, one thing I’d like someone to take cognisance is we’ve all ideas to get cars off the road, they (the public) will not visualise taking cars out of Ennis until they see buses. “How can we make that happen. Until we build something that they can come to as in a bus service then people can’t think beyond that. We need to stress how important it is to bring that to fruition”. She said to Cllr Colleran Molloy as a board member of the En-

nis 2040 DAC and the only Ennis MD representative at the meeting and that “I’d suggest that the whole plan for the redevelopment of Ennis be held, you’ll waste hundreds of thousands of euros arguing with people, I can see so much money going down the drain over not having public transport available before that procedure happens, before you have a car park”. A General Election candidate for People Before Profit in 2020, O’Donoghue added, “We’re hearing all about the buildings, I’m not even in Ennis, I want to see cars off the road and buses in but people have to have alternatives. Is there enough noise made about the buses and participation to plan the buses. How much are people involved in visualising a bus service, it’s as if the whole focus is on the town redevelopment and people might have been lucky to have hired a town bus service is coming. “I’ve seen the Midlands with the wind turbines, they fell down because people didn’t know enough about it beforehand, it all got stopped because there wasn’t enough public consultation at an earlier stage. We need to be looking at why people would say yes to this”. Director Farrell responded, “It is very much an integrated approach in terms of looking at the development of the town, it is critical for the town, public transport is a hugely important part of it.

l Theresa O’Donohue

“As part of the assessment there will be some public consultation”. He concluded, “There will be con-

sultation on the various elements, it will be taken into account”.

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Feb 8, 2024

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EirGrid to host energy citizens event in Ennis

THE operator and developer of Ireland’s electricity grid, EirGrid, has partnered with ESB Networks, the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI), and Clare County Council to host a free event discussing opportunities for home energy upgrades and grants, grid development and community microgeneration. The EirGrid Energy Citizens Roadshow will take place on Wednesday, February 21 next at Treacys West County Hotel, Ennis.The roadshow will discuss various topics related to energy efficiency, home energy grants and upgrades, community microgeneration, and the development of the electricity grid. The event aims to provide the relevant information to empower attendees to make informed decisions about their home energy consumption, while attendees will also learn about the various grants and incentives available to homeowners and businesses to make energy-efficient upgrades. Experts from SEAI will outline how to access these grants and the benefits they bring in terms of cost savings and environmental impact. Community microgeneration, another key topic to be discussed, will explore the potential for local communities to generate their own renewable energy and how they can contribute to a more sustainable and resilient energy system. “We are delighted to partner ESB Networks, SEAI and Clare County Council’s Climate Office to host this free public event,” said Sinead Dooley, Head of Public Engagement at EirGrid. “By bringing together key stakeholders and the com-

Shannon facilitates three emergencies THREE emergency flight diversions were facilitated at Shannon Airport on Bank Holiday Monday, writes Páraic McMahon. All three flights landed safely at

Shannon and were facilitated at the international airport having been declared as emergencies. At 6.50am on Monday morning, a Cargolux flight

l Sinead Dooley Photo by Paul Sherwood/Coalesce

munity, we aim to facilitate knowledge sharing, collaboration, and ultimately drive the transition towards a low carbon future.” The EirGrid Energy Citizens Roadshow is open to the public, and will feature informative presentations, panel discussions, and a range of exhibitors showcasing the latest energy-efficient technologies and solutions. Attendees will have the opportunity to interact with industry experts and exhibitors and ask questions. Join us for refreshments from 6.30pm with panel discussion starting at 7pm sharp. For more information about the event, please visit www.eirgrid.ie/roadshows

News

lEmergency

CLX94K, a Boeing 747 aircraft on route from Miami International Airport to Amsterdam Schiphol Airport, declared an emergency and diverted to Shannon. Two more flights diverted to Shannon Airport on Monday afternoon having been declared as medical emergencies. Air France flight 136 on route from Paris CDG to Chicago landed safely at 15:41 and American Airlines flight 195 routing from London Heathrow to Phoenix, Arizona landed safely at Shannon at 17:37. Emergency services and airport staff met the flights on arrival. Two passengers were taken by ambulance to University Hospital Limerick, one from each flight.

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Shannon

SHANNON NEWS in association with

Shannon Industrial Estate unit won’t be used for asylum seekers

FFICIALS in the Department of Integration have scrapped plans to use a unit in the Shannon Industrial Estate for housing asylum seekers, writes Páraic McMahon. Minister of State for Integration, Joe O’Brien (GP) confirmed to Clare TD, Michael McNamara (IND) that the Department had opted against using the facility. In February of last year, The Clare Echo reported that an approximate 300 asylum seekers were set

to be accommodated at a State owned property in the Shannon Industrial Estate, this was later confirmed by the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth. Last July, the Concerned Shannon Residents Group had circulated plans that designs were being prepared for Unit 153 in the Shannon Free Zones so that it could accommodate up to 600 international protection applicants with up to 70 bedrooms on the ground floor. Soon after this the Department had said the fa-

cility would not come into use until 2024 at the earliest with work to be undertaken on making the former factory fit for use in accommodation purposes. Mixed feelings had been voiced locally regarding the plans with one demonstration in Shannon Town Park turning into a very tense affair. Elected representatives such as Clare TD, Violet-Anne Wynne (IND) had been critical of Government with the vacuum of information around the use of the unit.

lSCRAPPED: The unit at Shannon Industrial Estate Photo by Joe Buckley

Shannon Springs Hotel win gold

Shannon Springs Hotel has been awarded gold in the 4 star hotel category at the Irish Accommodation Services Institute awards. This award certifies that Shannon Springs has achieved excellence in Accommodation Services Standards and identifies industry leaders. Pictured are Accommodation Manager Oksana Cecotka and Co-Owner/Director Dermot Kelly

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Feb 8, 2024

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Ennis: Talk of the Town

Ennis LCA student wins Quinn award AN ENNIS student has won the prestigious Fearghal Quinn Award in recognition of his achievement of full marks in last year’s Leaving Cert Applied, writes Páraic McMahon. Joshua Boylan who studied at the Clare Youth Service Community Training Centre was honoured at the end of January for getting top marks. Presented by the Leaving Cert Applied National Association (LCANA), the Feargal Quinn Awards are given to students who obtain the top credits in the Leaving Certificate Applied Examination. The awards are financed by sponsorship from the late Fergal Quinn and are named after the senator and entrepreneur who was the first Chairperson of the steering committee for the new Leaving Certificate Applied when it was first introduced almost 30 years ago. It was he who oversaw the roll out of the Leaving Certificate Applied Programme, embedding it in the Irish education system and ensuring its continuing development in the following years. Ennis native Joshua studied for the LCA at the Community Training Centre in Carmody Street and has since progressed to study Software Development in

Limerick College of Further Education (LCFE). Michele O’ Keefe of the Clare Youth Service, paid tribute to Joshua. “He is a wonderful student with excellent attendance, dedication and commitment to the

Leaving Certificate Applied Programme. Joshua grew in confidence throughout the two year programme and excelled in all projects, course work and especially in his final exams achieving 100%”.

Harmony Bridge Club raise much needed funds Mrs Mary D. Rowe President of the Harmony Bridge Club, presents Conall O’Muirgheasa, Clare Fundraising Officer for the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul with a cheque for €1835, raised through a successful bridge fundraiser. The presentation took place on Friday 2nd February at the Bridge Centre, Harmony Row, Ennis. Mrs. Rowe thanked all the donors, players and committee for their valuable contributions to making the fundraiser a success. Mr O’Muirgheasa gratefully accepted the donation and commented that the winter time presents the greatest needs. Front row: L to R, Bernie Treacy, Mary D. Rowe, Conall O’Muirgheasa, Annette O’Brien and Francis Black. Back row: L to R, John Clohessy, Nuala Dauria, Agnes Jones, Breda Flanagan, Jo Dilger, Teresa Madden, Ann O’Callaghan, Geraldine O’Mahoney and John Rowe.

lWELL DESERVED: Michelle O’keefe Jerome Chambers Joshua Boylan

Notes

QUIN TIDY TOWNS AS SPRING approaches and the evenings gets brighter let us all be mindful of our responsibility to keep our village as clean and as tidy as we can in 2024. Our AGM will take place on Monday night, Feb 12th at 7.30 pm in the Community Centre. Please come along as this is your opportunity to have your say and to make a suggestion on any aspect of caring for your local environment. We always need people to help us in different areas so if you can spare an hour a week, please make an offer. Thank you. CLOTHING DONATIONS THE Pre-Loved Fashion Show Committee are still accepting good quality clothing etc for the show on March 3rd so remember to drop them off at the Community Centre every Sat between 11 - 12 noon and on Thursdays between 3 - 4pm. This is a very worthwhile initiative for supporting Sustainability and the circular economy.

CLARE ROOTS SOCIETY THE next Clare Roots Society talk will take place on Thursday, February 15 at Clare Education Centre, Kilrush Road, Ennis, V95 F782 at 7.30pm. Michael Talty will speak on ‘Preservation and Conservation for libraries and archives, your collection’. Michael is a Librarian and Archivist. He works in the Local Studies Centre in the Clare Local Studies Centre

Thursday, Feb 8, 2024 THE CLARE ECHO

Gort & North Clare

Gort prepares for St Patrick’s Day

The Gort St. Patrick’s Day Committee is holding an open meeting this Tuesday the 13th February at 8pm in the Gort Family Resource centre. Members of the public are invited to come and express their opinions and ideas for the big day ahead. The parade theme this year is “Sports and Leisure”. We are encouraging local groups and business to participate. The committee are also looking for volunteers and new members to join.

Excellence award for Cliffs of Moher by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

l EXCEPTIONAL: Cllr. Joe Cooney, Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council and Geraldine Enright, General Manager of Cliffs of Moher Clare Tourism North West pictured with Stephen Cotter, Interim CEO if CIE Tours, at the annual CIE Tours International Awards of Excellence where the Cliffs of Moher Experience in County Clare picked up a Merit Award Photo by Cliffs of Moher

THE Cliffs of Moher Experience has been honoured with a Merit Award in the 2024 CIE Tours International Awards of Excellence. Now in their 32nd year, the awards were announced at a ceremony held in the Dublin Royal Convention Centre on Tuesday evening. The annual awards scheme recognises the best hotels and tourist attractions across Ireland following an assessment of feedback from over 25,000 customers throughout the year. Each winner achieves a customer satisfaction rating of over 92% receive a Merit Award. A customer satisfaction rating of 95.8 per cent for 2023 was achieved by the Cliffs of Moher Experience. General Manager of Cliffs of Moher and Clare Tourism North West, Geraldine Enright and Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council, Cllr Joe Cooney (FG) accepted the award in Dublin. “CIE International Tour customers to the Cliffs of Moher re-

marked on the exceptional quality experience and welcome they received during 2023, which is testament to the staff and overall quality of the tourism product on offer at the attraction,” commented Cllr Cooney. He added, “I congratulate Clare County Council and the staff of Cliffs of Moher Experience for constantly striving to deliver a best-in-class tourism experience for everyone who visits the attraction”. Staff are “immensely proud of our track record of success in this annual awards scheme,” Geraldine outlined. “Group tours accounted for 42 per cent of our overall visitor numbers last year, with the remaining figure being fully independent travellers arriving by car. “Therefore, international visitors remain a critically important market for us and for the wider North Clare economy, and we look forward to continuing to further enhance the overall visitor experience during 2024”.

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Feb 8, 2024

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Gort & North Clare

Expo to showcase 'world-class' Clare artisan food and crafts producers

by Elaine Tubridy news@clareecho.ie

CLARE’S artisan food and craft producers are being offered a unique opportunity to grow their business at a retail buyers’ event at the Cliffs of Moher Experience later this month. Supported by the Clare Local Enterprise Office, Clare County Council and the Burren & Cliffs of Moher UNESCO Global Geopark, the second annual Cliffs of Moher and Clare Retail Exposition 2024 will see local producers and craftspeople showcasing their products and network with national and regional buyers. Buyers will have a chance to “Meet the Maker” and touch, taste and see some of the award-winning and internationally renowned products from cheeses to jewellery, whiskey to designer clothing and from wild salmon to art. The event also includes a ‘Taste of County Clare’ Geo-food event showcasing the award winning and globally renowned food produce of the Burren. The number of participating businesses is up on last year and includes Wix & Wax Ireland, SIAR Photography, Óir Tonics, Cheeky Stitcher, NAIIAD Designer Jewel-

lery (Ennis), Airmid, St. Tola Goats Cheese (Ennistymon), Cratloe Hills Sheep's Cheese, Ballymorris Pottery (Cratloe), Creative Clay (Sixmilebridge), Ekotree Knitwear, The Clare Jam Company, Elaine Farrell Photography (Doolin), JJ Corry Whiskey (Cooraclare), Hurst Botanicals (Clarecastle), Moher Soap (Kilshanny), Irish Slate Craft, Irish Tshirts.ie (Lahinch), Ramona Mulvey Jewellery (Newmarket on Fergus), MacCóda Hurleys (Inagh), GEOfood (Burren), Wilde Irish Chocolate (Tuamgraney), Doreen Drennan Art Studio, The Burren Smokehouse (Lisdoonvarna) and Quin Art Shop (Quin). “County Clare has many worldclass artisan food and craft producers whose reputation continues to grow both nationally and internationally,” explained Cllr. Joe Cooney, Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council. He added, “This event brings them together under one roof and provides them with a platform from which to explore business expansion opportunities and to engage directly with consumers. Clare County Council is delighted to support these wonderful small and medium enterprises in securing new business and opportunities

for growth.” Bobby Kerr, Chair of the Board of Cliffs of Moher Centre DAC commented, “The success of last year’s event in opening new retail opportunities for local food and artisan producers has led to an increase in the number of businesses participating in this year’s Expo. As one of Ireland’s leading visitor attractions, we look forward to continuing to directly support local businesses and showcasing the breadth and quality of produce offered across County Clare.” Speaking ahead of the Expo, Geraldine Enright, General Manager of Cliffs of Moher Clare Tourism North West said, “Our ‘Meet The Makers’ and Cliffs of Moher & Clare Retail Expo initiatives have opened new opportunities for participating suppliers by introducing their products to new customers. By demonstrating the huge number of amazing local food and crafts businesses, we have helped to promote sustainable jobs and commercial activity in County Clare and the wider region.” According to Padraic McElwee, Head of Enterprise at Local Enterprise Office Clare, “In recent years, there has been a significant increase in the number of food and

artisan enterprises established in County Clare, many of which have benefitted from the broad range of mentoring, upskilling and practical supports provided through from Local Enterprise Office Clare. This Expo acts as a launchpad for these businesses to take the next step in their ongoing development by introducing their products to a wider

consumer and retail audience.” The business-to-consumer retail buyers’ event will take place at the Cliffs of Moher Experience on February 19th from 11am to 4pm. Complimentary public admission to the Cliffs of Moher and Clare Retail Exposition 2024 is available from www.cliffsofmoher.ie using the promo code ‘expo24’.

l SWEET TREAT: The Clare Jam Company of Doolin is one of the many Clare artisan and craft suppliers participating in the Cliffs of Moher and Clare Retail Exposition 2024 Photo by Arthur Ellis

Thursday, Feb 8, 2024 THE CLARE ECHO

GREEN CLARE

Agreement reached between on Moneypoint’s move from coal to oil AN AGREEMENT has been signed between ESB and Eirgrid which will see Moneypoint available as an out-of-market generator of last resort from 2025 to 2029 running on oil, writes Páraic McMahon. In 2021, ESB announced Green Atlantic at Moneypoint, which will see the site redeveloped into a renewables hub which will include the commissioning of one of the largest Synchronous Condensors in the world, a 1,400 MW offshore wind farm, delivered in two phases, a wind turbine construction and service hub plus the development of green

hydrogen production, storage and generation facilityDuring the transition period between 2025 and 2029, subject to planning approval, ESB intends to make Moneypoint available to operate in emergencies only, using oil rather than coal. In this context, ESB intends to apply to An Bord Pleanála for permission to allow Moneypoint to transition from coal to an oil fired station on or after 12th February 2024. This new agreement is in response to a security of electricity supply need identified by Eirgrid and the Commission for Regula-

tion of Utilities (CRU). As an out-of-market generator of last resort, Moneypoint will be available to operate, at the instruction of Eirgrid, as a backup to the system when a shortage of generation capacity in the market threatens the security of electricity supply to customers. To allow Moneypoint to provide this back up power generation service, ESB requires an update to Moneypoint’s planning permission to enable the station to operate on 100 % oil rather than coal.Reduced carbon emissions is among one of the main benefits in making Moneypoint available to operate on oil for this emergency period. Moneypoint will see reduced operation for the 2025-2029 period as it will only be used when the electricity system is tight on supply. Operating on oil is viewed as a temporary arrangement to meet the security of supply needs of the system and will not impede either ESB’s redevelopment for Moneypoint into a renewable energy hub, Green Atlantic at Moneypoint or ESB’s commitment to achieving Net Zero by 2040. Public consultation in respect to this application runs for a seven-week period com-

mencing on Monday (February 12th). Speaking to The Clare Echo, Clare TD Michael McNamara (IND) stated, “It’s a sensible proposal, the idea that we could just shut down Moneypoint was always daft until there is a reliable alternative source of energy for the company, there’s a lot of exciting proposals for floating offshore but unfortunately they are no closer now than at the start of Government’s term”. Deputy McNamara said, “There is huge potential and huge interest in it but until such time as offshore windfarms are developed and it’s brought on shore we’re going to need more traditional sources of energy and I am glad that ESB are recognising that. The move from coal to oil is cleaner and more suitable”. Energy production will continue in Moneypoint “into the indefinite future,” he said. “This is a stop-gap measure but it is scheduled to 2029 but it is expected that it will be a lot longer than that I think you will see employment in energy generation for a long time after 2029”. The agreement “acknowledges the reality that Moneypoint will be at the centre of energy generation in Ireland for the indefinite future”.

lGENERATOR OF LAST RESORT: Moneypoint Power Station

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Feb 8, 2024

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Councillors expected to adopt Climate Action Plan

CLARE’S Climate Action Plan is expected to be signed off on by elected members of the County Council on Monday, writes Páraic McMahon. February’s meeting of the local authority will see the Clare Climate Action Plan come up for discussion and it is anticipated that this will be adopted. Councillors were briefed on the plan on Wednesday last. Climate action co-ordinator, Morgan Lahiffe has led a small but dedicated team which included Chris Dixon O’Mara and Kelly Slattery to compile the document. The climate action page spans 85 pages with eleven objectives, five thematic areas and 120 actions. The thematic Addressing Tuesday’s meeting of the Physical Development SPC, Morgan pointed out, “We’ve put in a number of case studies which show Clare County Council isn’t starting from scratch, all our

new housing schemes are fossil fuel free, driven by air to water heat pumps”. Three quarters of respondents to the pre-draft consultation outlined their belief that the Council has a strong role to play in climate action. “In our pre-draft consultation, respondents believe Coucnil has a strong role to play in climate action & 75% said this in the pre-draft consultation survey. We know the ball is in our court, we have full accountability and we can chase the funding, we’d hope to influence, advocate and coordinate”. Engagement was high for the public consultation part of the plan with 151 submissions received at the draft stage and 250 during the pre-draft stage which was “a massive amount of submissions compared to other local authorities,” the Barefield resident flagged. While the plan is currently in a review

period, it goes before councillors on Monday for adoption. “The plan will then be published in 30 days of that period, the work of implementing the action then starts,” Lahiffe said. Chair of the SPC, Cllr John Crowe (FG) commented, “this is a massive project and you’ve done an outstanding job. I knew from first day you came in to do presentation that it would be positive”. “Morgan came onto new ground and has done a super job,” Cllr Clare Colleran Molloy (FF) remarked while praising how they got TY students involved. Climate activist, Theresa O’Donoghue said, “I presume it is going to be brilliant”. Director of Physical Development, Alan Farrell acknowledged the public who made submissions for the plan. “This is a hugely important document for us as a county”.

l Climate change

GREEN CLARE

Thursday, Feb 8, 2024 THE CLARE ECHO

Lifestyle & Comment

75,000 people fail NCT due to tyres

RECENT statistics compiled by Applus, the company that oversees the National Car Test (NCT), show that during 2023 nearly half of the 1.5 million cars that were

Celebrating St Brigid’s Day Some of Ireland’s most influential woman and wellness gurus gathered at Dromoland Castleto mark St. Brigid’s Day in five-star style. In honour of our Mother Saint, the serene afternoon encouraged guests to embrace wellness and healing in the luxury surrounds of the hotel’s Terrace Room where a delicious Spring Lunch was accompanied by talks from some of the country’s most celebrated women in wellness. Síle Seoige, Wellness Advocate & Speaker, was joined by founder of Irish health & beauty brand Seabody, Dr Helena McMahon, and Caroline Rouine, founder of yoga and food experience Retreat Yourself. Pictured were Aoife McNamara, Fiona McNamara, Celia Holman Lee and Michelle McDermott

Photo by Alan Place

tested recorded a ‘Fail’ result. The total number of failed tests numbered 747,820. The main reasons for failure were: Steering and suspension, Lighting and elec-

trical, The ‘side slip test’ which measures how a car can maintain a straight line when driven without steering wheel input and Tyres and wheels. The number of ‘fail’ results is consistent over time, with annual fail rates numbering between 45 and 52 per cent each year. The number of cars that failed because of problems with the vehicle’s tyres or wheels during 2023 was 10 percent of the total fails or almost 75,000. According to Tom Dennigan, head of premium German tyre manufacturer, Continental Tyres Ireland: “It sounds quite obvious, but with a little bit of preparation, the vast majority of those 75,000 drivers could have passed the NCT. Of the most common reasons for failure, tyres in particular, are the easiest for a car owner to visually check and to rectify. Unlike steering and suspension; lighting and the electrics of a car; or ‘the side slip test’- each of which may require consultation with a mechanic or service professional – all of which comes at a cost, it is easy to carry out a simple visual inspection of a car’s tyres that will show up any potential reasons for a failure result.” “Having said that, our advice to motorists is always to regularly have your tyres checked at a local tyre dealership where specially trained staff will identify any problems before it’s too late. Most good tyre outlets will happily provide you with a free tyre check,” added Dennigan. Since it was introduced in 2000, the NCT has played a huge part in improving road

safety in Ireland by ensuring the roadworthiness of all vehicles on Irish roads. Figures from NCT test centres show that tyre-related test failures fall into three main categories: Tyre tread depth below the legal 1.6mm limit (in many cases on multiple or even all four tyres); Dangerous level of damage (e.g. cuts or bulges) to a tyre; Mismatched tyres on the same axle: tyres fitted are not of the same size, aspect ratio* or type (e.g. a ‘summer’ tyre on the same axle as a ‘winter’ tyre will be deemed a failure). The date of manufacture of the tyres will also be checked (every tyre carries a manufactured date stamp). Most tyre manufacturers and road safety bodies say that tyres should be replaced when they are six years or older. In the NCT, tyres that are more than six years old will not be automatically failed as part of the test. Rather, a ‘pass advisory’ note highlighting the age of the tyres will appear on the test report, advising the motorist to be aware of the potential danger of the ageing tyres. Dennigan concluded: “The bottom line is to take proper care of your car and always endeavour to ensure the vehicle is in the best roadworthy condition – that helps to keep you, your family and other road users safe. Drivers should resist the temptation of neglecting the care of their car and using the NCT as a way of finding out what needs to be repaired or replaced – that is irresponsible and is very much a road safety risk”.

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Feb 8, 2024

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A slight change to the traditional mussels marinier, this recipe is quick and easy, mussels are great for those who wouldn’t be the biggest lovers of shellfish. Make sure to buy the mussels fresh from a quality fishmongers

You will need

n 1 kg Irish mussels n 1 medium leek n 150g smoked back bacon or

pancetta n 300ml dry cider n 100g butter n 100ml cream n 2 cloves of garlic n Handful of parsley chopped

Method

1) Wash the mussels under

cold running water and pull off and discard any wispy ‘beards’ from the shells. Before cooking, you need to make sure all the mussels are alive, so discard any that have broken or cracked shells and any open ones that don’t close when tapped on a hard surface.

Lifestyle & Comment

2) Melt the butter in a very

large pan with a lid over a medium heat, add the bacon or pancetta, leek and garlic and cook for 5 minutes.

3) Pour in the cider, bring

to the boil, then add the mussels. Cover and cook for 5–7 minutes, shaking the pan occasionally, until all the mussels have opened. Discard any that are still closed after cooking.

4) Remove the mussels with a slotted spoon and divide among 6 warmed deep bowls

5) Return the pan to the heat,

bring the cooking liquid to the boil and bubble for 2–3 minutes to reduce. Stir in the cream and parsley, then season the sauce and pour over the mussels

6) Serve with either chips or

good quality crusty bread, I recommend Sourdough Farrell

Our gardens are springing into action

lClematis

WE HAVE a stretch in the evening, and it’s just an itch we all want to scratch by getting out and doing something in the garden. Well, things are slowly starting to wake up. There are lots of buds now visible on many shrubs, and many of the daffodils are budding or starting to bloom. My favorite are the snowdrops. If you are lucky to have a collection of them in a pot or in a bed in the garden, it’s an amazing sight. So what can be done now? Well, check all perennials, remove old dead leaves and wood, clean around these beds, and maybe top dress with some fresh compost or bark chip. Are you sowing seeds? Check to see what you have.

Are you adding new varieties both in vegetables and flowers? Wash and clean pots and seed trays, have them ready to go. Some seeds may be started indoors this time of year too. So, we get asked lots of gardening questions here in the garden center, and one of the areas in the garden that can take time to get right is the shaded area. So here are some ideas if you have a shaded area. Some shrubs that do well are Cornus (dogwood), Daphne (lovely scent flowers early spring), Hydrangea, Leycesteria, Magnolia, Mahonia, Skimmia, and Viburnum. These are only some shrubs; there are many more. But if it’s color you’re after, here are

some perennials that do quite well also: Anemone, Aquilegia, Bergenia, Campanula, Dicentra, Euphorbia, Geranium, Hosta, Phlox, and the list can go on. But these are a few of the more popular ones. So, some climbers or wall shrubs that do well in shaded areas: Chaenomeles, Clematis, Cotoneaster, Hedera, Lonicera, Jasminum, and roses. So if you have a shaded area, there are a few options for you. Hopefully, some of the above may suit you. I hope everyone is enjoying the stretch in the evening and enjoying whatever your garden has to offer at the moment, and if you need any help or questions answered, please send your questions. Happy Gardening.

Thursday, Feb 8, 2024 THE CLARE ECHO

Columnists

WITH the Work Life Balance Act of 2023, employees have the right to request hybrid working. Hybrid working can be refused on certain grounds but the legislation is there to recognise “the importance of family life and an improved quality of life for all workers by supporting employees to achieve a better balance between their home and work lives”, according to Minister of State Roderick O’Gorman. From the employer’s perspective, managing this policy is not going to be an easy task. I work with business owners and leaders who manage office based, hybrid and remote workers, and I help them to create a culture that attracts and retains top talent. People-leaders are now required to manage the performance of people that they rarely meet in person and some of whom have very little desire to return to the workplace. This seems to be on the basis that the value or the benefit of returning to the office is not clear to them. Throw into the mix multigenerational age cohorts with differing values, motivators and cultural conditioning and you may have a potentially explosive mix of various requests, demands and expectations on your hands as a business owner or leader. The office setting as we knew it is in some cases non-existent, and as a result, strong leaders are needed now more than ever. The requirement for leaders to inspire a diverse workforce toward the achievement one goal, one vision and one mission is still a requirement. That has not changed. But the means and ways of doing so have transformed and require a different type of leader.

Here are five tips based on my experience of working with leadership teams in the postcovid workplace: 1. Accept that the change is here to stay: We know that hybrid working is here to stay. New legislation means that there are penalties for non-compliance and potential work-related grievances to arise. To avoid this, liaise with your HR-professionals so that you can ensure you’re applying the requirements of the legislation fairly. 2. Watch out for your own bias: Making sweeping statements that working from home is a way to avoid doing work, won’t cut it anymore! The onus is with the employer to set out clear deliverables, KPIs and targets. The responsibility then lies with the employee to deliver these targets. If the results are being delivered successfully then where is the problem? Be prepared to be able to hold these conversations and still explain the value of having people together, in person.

4. Make the office days count I’ve heard employees complain that when they come into the workplace, they spend their day on zoom or teams’ meetings which they could have done from home. This is poor planning. Leadership now requires the ability to speak to a multitude of genders, age cohorts and cultural ethnicity. The opportunity for creative problem solving and team cohesiveness exercises when in person can work really well. This requires more thought and planning on behalf of the management team. 5. Become a role model for authentic leadership Good leadership is developing authentic relationships with those around you, having

presence, and being able to motivate. To do this, you as a leader will be required to dig deep and undertake a personal development journey that is more of a marathon than a sprint. In my experience, the leaders who are truly inspirational and the ones that people want to follow, have an authentic style that is less ego-driven and more ‘down to earth’ as many would describe it. To me, it’s called humility and that’s a word we don’t hear enough of when it comes to inspirational leadership. If you are struggling with maximising team performance, or handling the myriad of issues that can come when looking at working arrangements and team cohesiveness, please contact me directly at denise@obrienlearningsolutions.ie

3. Monitor yourself for fear-based leadership tactics. Is your concern with the lack of eagerness to return to the office exposing a lack of trust in your employees? If you have set clear goals and expectations, and made them measurable, working from home will eventually expose individuals who have yet to learn how to discipline themselves to get the work done. If that happens that will require a different conversation relating to performance feedback and goal-setting.

Life expectancy in Ireland has increased by 13 years The 30-year rise in life expectancy in the last 120 years is one of humanity’s major evolutionary achievements. According to WHO, the estimates confirm the trend for longevity: lifespans are getting longer. Globally, life expectancy has increased by more than 6 years between 2000 and 2019. In Ireland alone, the life expectancy increased by 12.2 years in the last 80 years, showing an 80.2 years life expectancy as an average for both sexes. But unfortunately, the figures for Healthy Life Years (HLY) in Ireland indicate that this is exactly what we should worry about. With an average for both sexes of 67.2 years

for a healthy life span, we are facing more than a decade of living longer but not healthy. If we are looking at these statistics, we briefly can think of the pressure on the economy of the country and more pressure on the already dysfunctional public medical system. Beyond that, if we bring our attention to our immediate reality and our family dynamics and personal budget things can become very concerning. The question is: is there anything that we can do to change that, or it is all down to genes, hereditary conditions and social environment? We absolutely can do something about this with a potential success rate of 98%. And this

can be done by every single one of the individuals in this country or worldwide. CHANGING OUR LIFESTYLE HABITS. This is what implementing a HEALTHY LIFESTYLE STRATEGY is all about. Where to start? Or when is the right time to start? What areas do you need to pay attention to? Is there a “too late time”, when those strategies are not effective anymore? Let’s look at the areas in our lives that we need to pay attention to: food, movement, sleep and stress management are the main ones. As much as those areas are constantly subjects of different national health policies, it takes a very personal decision to start implementing the information. Information alone is not producing that much-needed change that will move the needle towards a healthier life span. We really need to take action if we want to see sustainable

results. There are three primary categories of lifestyle changes. Psychological changes: This includes changes to your attitude, your mood and the way you deal with stress factors. To make healthy psychological changes, you may find it useful to work with a health coach and keep a journal. Behavioural changes: While all lifestyle changes are technically behaviours, this category refers to things like your sleeping habits, activity level and planning efforts. Dietary changes: Making healthy changes to your diet can help you manage your weight, balance hormone levels and metabolic health and manage pain. These changes will include following an eating window, drinking more water and following a nutritious diet. The next step is to look into toxic habits that can directly affect your health: smoking, alcohol con-

sumption or drugs. By eliminating those triggers, you are going to increase your Healthy Life Years. One solid piece of advice is: the best time to start is NOW! And some extremely good news: you don’t have to implement any of those changes on your own as it can be overwhelming. There are trained and qualified health coaches around there and they have the knowledge and the skills to support you through those changes. And a qualified and trained health coach will work in conjunction with your medical care provider to make sure that you get exactly the support you need. If you wish to get support don’t hesitate to reach out and get informed about what type of support, I can avail for you as a Qualified and Trained Integrative Nutrition Health Coach on info@authentichealth.ie or 0851968088.

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Feb 8, 2024

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Clients often ask about the origins of reflexology - how did it all begin and why. Reflexology is a holistic treatment that has been around for almost 5,000 years with connections to China but stronger evidence from Egypt in the shape of a pictograph from 2500 BC. Reflexology, a little like acupuncture, divides the body into zones of energy or meridians. The founder of zone therapy was Dr. William Fitzgerald in the late 1800s and he focused on 10 equal zones of energy running from the head to the feet. During his time in Vienna, he was part of a group of doctors who were exploring the idea of treating organs with pressure points. This reflex point idea was further developed by an American physiotherapist Eunice Ingham who be-

gan mapping the entire body and all its systems onto the feet in the 1930s and she could well be known as the Mother of Reflexology. She was a fan of the feet because there are 7,000 nerve endings in the feet and that level of sensitivity enables the energy pathways to be opened and for congested energy to be unblocked. The body’s nervous system is often known as the ‘electrical system’ and is split into three parts – the central nervous system, the peripheral nervous system and the autonomic nervous system. If you can hang on in there with me, I need to split the last part again into two separate parts – the sympathetic and parasympathetic. These two parts are very well known in terms of stress and illness as they control

the involuntary action of internal organs, muscles and glands. However, they behave in opposing ways, the former being famous for its fight or flight responses but the latter is the part which encourages the body to relax, rest and digest. Reflexology activates a bundle of nerves call the vagus nerve system which induces a relaxation response in the body leading to a combination of powerful health benefits. Other ways to activate the vagus nerve system is to go cold water swimming (that’s why its become so popular lately), walking barefoot on earth or sand, gargling or deep belly breathing. Anything that connects with the parasympathetic nervous system helps the body return to a dynamic state of balance and encourages it to heal

itself naturally. And in reflexology those 7,000 nerve endings that I mentioned earlier come in very handy to do just that.

Columnists

If you want to try reflexology for yourself, give me a call at 087 6595417 or check out www.glenina-reflexology.ie for more details.

“Not Again” - Chronic UTIs in midlife, could this be related to menopause?

Menopause expert and awareness advocate Nicola Ryan discusses the connection between menopause and recurring urinary tract infections THE answer is very simple here, it is a big fat YES. UTIs refer to infections in your bladder, urethra (the tube that carries urine out of your body) and your kidneys, and they can affect more than half of women at this time in their lives! As lots of us know, women tend to suffer with reoccurring episodes of UTIs, and they can become more frequent and troublesome in the perimenopause and especially the post-menopause years. The reason for this is because a lack of oestrogen can cause the lining of your urethra and your bladder to become much thinner and thus, can become more susceptible to bacteria. On top of this, the natural bacteria within your vagina canal may change and this can leave you more vulnerable to unwanted infections, especially after sexual intercourse. As you can see from the illustration of the female reproductive system, the vaginal canal and the urethra are side by side. As oestrogen depletes throughout our body, vagina included, the receptors that are plentiful around the vagina will also be plentiful around the urethra. So basically, when oestrogen levels are low then symptoms can occur. These unwanted symptoms are now referred to as Genitourinary Syndrome of the Menopause (GSM). Previously these symptoms were known as ‘vaginal atrophy’, where atrophy means wasting away. Am, excuse me?! Our vaginas are not wasting away, they are just undergoing some natural hormonal changes - thank God for more recent terminology. As a pharmacist, I find this topic one of the hardest to see, as I witness lots of women, mostly in their second spring, getting prescriptions for antibiotic after antibiotic and then prophylaxis antibiotics, all for re-

occurring UTIs. Now, don’t get me wrong, there will be a percentage of women that will need further investigation from a urologist or oncologist. My point is, that we see this way too often in community pharmacy and when I do my talks, this has proven to be a massive issue amongst women. There may be a couple of reasons for this. Firstly, if you are experiencing symptoms of a UTI then you see your GP and he/she will test the

urine and prescribe some antibiotics if the urine sample shows traces of bacteria in it. Now this all seems fine, but what if these infections keep occurring and this scenario is repeated multiple times? Might I add a popular quote, “the definition of ‘insanity’ is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results”. In my opinion, this needs to be a two-way conversation between you and your GP, by empowering yourself with recent knowledge on this topic, you may suggest an alternative treatment that has shown a reduction in UTIs amongst women going through menopause. Sometimes this topic can be awkward for some women, and let’s face it,

in the not so very distant past, vaginas were not a hot topic when you went to see your GP! This is where I want women to speak up about their dry, sore, and itchy vaginas without waiting to be asked about it, because your GP more than likely will not steer the conversation towards, “how’s your vagina?” when you are presenting with a UTI. The link here between UTIs and menopause is very strong and studies have shown that around 70% of women have symptoms of GSM, yet only 7% receive treatment. On a positive note, I personally believe that the 7% has increased more in recent times. When our oestrogen levels decline throughout our bodies, our vaginas and urethras also take a hit. Once this oestrogen declines from this area, it is never coming back. And for this reason, it is so important to treat these symptoms with oestrogen, whether in the form of a patch, gel or vaginally. The most effective and safest way, is in the form of local oestrogen which is inserted directly into the vagina and this replenishes the vaginal canal and the urethra. Women notice drastic improvements within a couple of weeks and the use for antibiotics declines dramatically, not to mention how safe the use of vaginal oestrogen is in nearly all cases, even with some cancer patients. As a result of these hormonal changes, women can experience symptoms of; Vulval and vaginal dryness, itching, burning, urinary frequency and urgency, recurrent UTIs, discomfort and pain during sexual activity. All these symptoms can have an impact on one’s self-esteem including women who are not sexually active. To summarise, the majority of postmenopausal women experience symptoms related to GSM. The main issue in my opinion is that some women do not as-

lHEALTH: Nicola Ryan

sociate UTIs with menopause. Some women might claim, “I’m well gone through the menopause,” until they are questioned appropriately around GSM. Too many women do not talk about their symptoms. Oestrogen deficiency can also lead to urinary symptoms. Vaginal oestrogens can be used safely in the long term. The use of topical water-based lubricants and moisturises can help with symptoms and provide comfortable sexual intercourse. If you can relate to any of the symptoms and are struggling, don’t hesitate to contact your healthcare professional where you can start your journey towards safe and effective treatment.

Thursday, Feb 8, 2024 THE CLARE ECHO

Columnists

Thought for the week: Spring nourishing Spreading the word of positivity RONAN SCULLY

lSpring growth

his is the season of spring, and we have finally said goodbye to hopefully all the bad weather. At this time of year, we tend to want to clean our house and rid ourselves of anything that reminds us of the long, cold winter. We want to open our windows to let in the clean, fresh air. We want to toss out anything that clutters our house. We usually refer to this as spring cleaning. We want to get rid of anything that reminds us of the cold, dark months of winter so we can allow in the beauty of the gift of spring. Just as we have spring cleaning, we can also use this time as one of spiritual spring cleaning. It is a time to clear out our spiritual house, so we become receptive to God’s love and bring joy and happiness into our lives. Our spiritual house is our body and mind in which our soul resides. THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK As your thought for the week, approach spring as though it is the first time you ever experienced it, the first time you ever saw a flower, a tree growing, a bird flying. Open your heart to love, to beauty, to prayer, to reflection and meditation, to clarity, to God. Leave the old behind and be reborn during the season of spring. The gift of hope is representative of the spring season, the image of the sun peeking through the clouds. You are reborn as

the sun is reborn each day. Each spring your spirit will burst out of the darkness of winter. Make your spirit bright like the colors of Nature. Feel the world through your heart. This is a time to leave behind old patterns, old ways of doing things, and embrace the power and beauty of new life. I pray that as the signs and the magic of spring begin to show themselves all around us, that you will remember that each new day is like a cleared field ready for planting. Your thoughts, attitudes, and actions are the seeds you plant. Let us be moved by this vast and gentle insistence that goodness shall return, that warmth and life shall succeed. Help us to understand our place in this miracle. Let us see that as a bird now builds its nest, bravely, with bits and pieces, so we must build human faith and life. It is our simple duty; it is

the highest art; it is our natural and vital role within the miracle of spring; the creation of faith and life. God, thank you for the nourishing gift of Spring and the hope of warmer, longer, brighter days. Thank you for the coming of growth and life and birth. Thank you that things are coming awake in the world. This is what our calendar says, and we do see some signs that it is real. But we also still struggle with the residual layover of winter. Now we ask that you bring into reality all that belongs in this season.Your word says that we will have provision, and hope, and joy, and health and loving relationships here and now in this life. We ask that what belongs in this season would become actual in our practical lives. We hope in you and in your promises. We hope for your nourishing gift of Spring. Have a great Spring everyone!

LETTER TO THE EDITOR Dear Sir, IN RECENT weeks, I've observed with growing alarm the manipulation of Disabled people in the advocacy for a yes vote on Article 42B. This issue has already sparked notable legal rejections, as seen in the cases of FLAC and Donnacha O'Connell. As someone who stands to be directly affected—being both a woman and a Disabled person—I am deeply convinced that Article 42B poses a serious threat, poised to regressively affect the lives of Disabled and older people needing support from the State. We reside in a society that too often defaults to a paternalistic viewpoint, herding thousands of Disabled individuals into institutions without a second thought. It's a society where abuses against Disabled people are a daily occurrence, met with silence even upon exposure. It's a reality where many Disabled people find themselves effectively institutionalised within their own homes, by the absence of essential personal assistance services. Amid a housing crisis, the plight of homeless Disabled individuals, who make up a staggering 25% of the homeless demographic, is all but invisible. This country's treatment of Disabled persons falls shamefully short of recognising our full humanity. Article 42B isn't aimed at bettering the lives of Disabled people, older people, or anyone in dire need of state support. It blatantly places continued responsibility for support on family members who de facto our women in the main. I am dismayed to see high-

ly informed, politically active women backing this measure simply for the removal of ‘women in the home’ language, ignoring the broader implications of an equally patronising insertion, with weaker protections. I am utterly exhausted by the continuous exploitation and mistreatment of Disabled individuals. It must come to an end. I remain open to any politician, organisation, or legal authority who can convincingly explain how a "Yes" vote would genuinely benefit families where support is provided and received, particularly where consent is not given and it is not their will and preference. Yet, to date, the discourse has been devoid of any substantial assurance. The mere suggestion by the Minister that a "Yes" vote might lead to "favourably" considered funding is a damning reflection of a system that leverages essential rights for political gain. This conversation needs a shift towards concrete action and genuine improvement in the lives of every member of all families on an equal basis, rather than empty promises contingent on political manoeuvring. It's time to prioritise the rights and dignity of all individuals, especially the most vulnerable among us. We must include disabled people in this debate. Public debates, media coverage and other spaces where the referendum is being debated publicly, must include those of us who believe we are most affected in the conversation. Yours sincerely, Ann Marie Flanagan Ennistymon

Shopping as Gaeilge Ag siopadóireacht trí Ghaeilge Macalla an Chláir

LE MACDARA Ó CONAOLA

IOPA na Seachtaine/ Shop of the Week: Custy’s Traditional Music Shop / Siopa Ceoil Custy’s, Inis/Ennis. Buail isteach ag John, Frances, agus Pat agus déan do chuid gnó trí Ghaeilge! Ní bheadh fhios agat cén sórt iontaisí a d’fheicfeá sa siopa draoíochtúil seo. Bronnadh Gradam Glór na nGael ar an siopa le deireanas! Nár laga Dia iad! Call in to John, Frances, and Pat where you are most welcome to speak Gaeilge with them, even if you only have cúpla focal (a few words)! You never what you would find in this magical shop!

Custy’s were recently awarded with a Glór na nGael Gradam! Congratulations to them!

HOW TO SAY ‘I LOVE YOU’ I NGAEILGE Tá súil agam go bhfuil sibh ag

súil le Lá Fhéile Vailitín. One of the ceisteanna I get asked most is, ‘’How do you say ‘I love you’ in Irish?’’ Well, as Gaeilge is one of most rómánsúil languages in the world we have afew different ways. Tá gean agam ort, tá grá agam dhuit, tá cion agam ort, tá mé i ngrá leat. And I’m sure other dialects have their own

ways of saying it too, my own native accent being the Connacht variety.

Imeachtaí/Events:

lFÁILTE ISTEACH: An ceoltóir agus siopadóir, Pat O’Connor, ó Tigh Custy in Inis le custaiméaraí óga Seán agus Michelle Ó Conaola

• SRÁID NA CATHRACH – Scéalta agus rannta do ghasúir 0-5 mbliana d’aois, sa Leabharlann, ón 10:30am go 11am, Dé Céadaoin, 14ú lá de Feabhra. • Clare FM - Cúl-chaint le Domhnall Ó Loingsigh chuile Dé Sathairn, ag 9am ar Clare FM • Ciorcal Comhrá san XPO, i gCill Iníne Baoith, chuile Dé Céadaoin ag 7.30pm • INIS – CAINT AGUS COMHRÁ, chuile Dé Luain ag 11am sa gCopper Jug, Dé Céadaoin ag 11am in O’Brien’s, oíche Déardaoin sa Temple Gate (8pm), agus Dé Sathairn i nGlór, 11am-12pm Déan teagmháil leo ag: caintaguscomhra@outlook.com

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Feb 8, 2024

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Business & Recruitment

Modular Automation acquired in new deal with major US investor

SHANNON company Modular Automation has been acquired by the newly established Automated Industrial Robotics which is funded by a major US investor, writes Páraic McMahon. Operating for nearly 40 years, Modular Automation has been a leading automation solutions provider in the medical technology industry. In December 2019, the company announced plans to create 100 jobs by 2023 as part of the expansion of its Shannon facility. Modular currently has a workforce of 150. Automated Industrial Robotics (AIR) was created by Ares Management Corporation (Ares) at the end of January. The industrial automation company is designed to capitalize on increasing global demand for manufacturing automation solutions. As of September 30, 2023, Ares’ global platform had approximately $395 billion of assets under management, with approximately 2,800 employees operating across North America, Europe, Asia Pacific and the Middle East. To support AIR’s acquisition and growth strategy, substantial equity capital has been invested by Ares. AIR is focused on acquiring and

facilitating the growth of differentiated industrial automation companies serving diverse end markets with strong operational histories and tenured management teams. Ares founded AIR with Brian Klos and Darragh de Stonndún, Executive Chairman and Chief

Executive Officer of AIR, respectively. Mr. Klos, most recently a Partner in the Ares Private Equity Group, brings over 17 years of M&A, organizational development and strategic advisory experience across a breadth of industries, including industrial technology and

automation. Mr. de Stonndún, an industrial automation industry veteran, brings over 20 years of leadership and operational experience, including managing global key accounts at ATS Automation and co-founding BBS Automation. As part of AIR’s launch, the com-

lDEAL: Modular Automation, Shannon

pany has acquired two companies including the Shannon based Modular Automation and Totally Automated Systems in Michigan. Under the new structure, Modular will become the flagship for Med Tech Automation and offers growth opportunities through providing reach into the US Med Tech market. Vivian Farrell, CEO of Modular, said, “This represents a significant milestone for Modular and empowers us to expand the reach of our innovative solutions and advanced automation capabilities for our global medical technology clients. Looking ahead, our teams are energized to continue building on our shared values and serving customers wherever they operate”. Mr. Klos and Mr. de Stonndún stated, “With our initial investments in TA Systems and Modular, we are establishing a relationship-driven team with a blue-chip customer base across diverse industries. Through our integration, we will share our respective strengths as we continue to enhance efficiencies, drive technological innovation and industry-leading automation solutions to customers around the world”.

New app launches to assist US bound passengers

SHANNON Airport has introduced a new mobile passport control app (MPC) to assist passengers travelling to the United States, writes Páraic McMahon. MPC is a free mobile app, designed to streamline the

traveller’s entry process into the United States by reducing inspection time at the US pre-clearance facility in Shannon Airport. US-bound passengers can now simply complete part of the pre-clearance pro-

cess on the new app before coming to Shannon Airport. Through the secure app, available on the Apple App Store and Google Play, passengers can create a profile using their passport information, which will then

lPASSPORT CONTROL: US Pre-clearnace at Shannon Airport

allow them to submit their travel documentation, photo and customs declaration electronically, removing the need to complete a paper declaration form. This is the latest in a series of measures introduced by

Shannon Airport to make transatlantic travel as seamless as possible for customers. In 2009, Shannon became the first airport in the world outside of the Americas to have full United States Preclearance services, meaning passengers arrive in the US from Ireland as domestic passengers, allowing them to avoid immigration queues upon arrival and pick up their bags and go. It remains one of only two airports in Europe to have US pre-clearance facilities. Building on this, in 2016, Shannon Airport became the first airport in the world to operate a combined European compliant and US Transportation Security Administration (TSA) compliant checkpoint system which means the passenger is screened only once to both regulatory standards and therefore eliminates the additional screening requirements which apply at other pre-clearance airports. These provisions, combined with the airport’s hi-tech security screening, shorter queues, sensory room and age friendly initiatives, mean it has never been easier to fly from Shannon.

Airport Director, Niall Kearns commented, “At Shannon Airport, our approach is centred around ‘making it easy’ for passengers, so we are delighted with the latest addition of Mobile Passport Control for USbound passengers”. “As one of only two airports in Europe to offer US pre-clearance facilities, we pride ourselves on being able to provide a seamless airport experience. “The MPC app, in addition to our existing time-saving US pre-clearance facilities, mean passengers can now avail of an even shorter pre-clearance process and will have more time to relax and enjoy their airport experience. “When they touch down on US soil, they also have the added benefit of landing as domestic passengers having completed the entire pre-clearance process prior to departure from Shannon. “We know our passengers will be very pleased with this latest time-saving technology, which further bolsters our commitment to ensuring a quick and efficient travel process for our customers,” he added.

Thursday, Feb 8, 2024 THE CLARE ECHO

Business & Recruitment

Atlantic Aviation Group buys property for staff accommodation

SHANNON-BASED Atlantic Aviation Group is to offer its employees the opportunity of rental accommodation in a purpose-built co-living space, in response to the difficulties its workers have had in finding housing in the region, writes Elaine Tubridy. A subsidiary of AAG has purchased a vacant property for sale in Sixmilebridge and will repurpose it as staff accommodation to give newly hired employees a chance to settle into their new roles without the immediate headache of finding a home. The A-rated development, close to AAG’s centre of operations at Shannon Airport, will consist of approximately 36 en-suite bedrooms for AAG employees with shared relaxation areas and living rooms, communal kitchens and garden areas. Despite growing its workforce in recent years to more than 750 people, Atlantic Aviation Group has experienced significant challenges in recruiting staff due to the lack of available accommodation in the greater Shannon area. The company, owned by entrepreneur Patrick Jordan, believes the Sixmilebridge development will alleviate pressure on new hires to find housing in the short and medium term. In 2021, AAG acquired the Lufthansa Technik Shannon Ltd. business from its German parent Lufthansa Technik (AG). The acquisition positioned AAG to continue its ongoing growth trajectory, with 300 Lufthansa Technik Shannon employees joining the AAG group. Commenting on the company’s plans to

help employees find housing, AAG owner and chairman Patrick Jordan, who acquired the company in April 2015, said: “Like all employers, I and the AAG leadership team have observed and shared the journey that our people take to find suitable housing and accommodation. “In the current market, that has proved to be a somewhat frustrating experience, with a scarcity of accommodation and high rent levels. “In providing rental accommodation for our new hires who need somewhere to live, we are giving our people the best possible chance to settle into their new roles right away and familiarise themselves with more long-term housing options. We are excited to be able to make this positive contribution and assist with accommodation.” AAG CEO Shane O’Neill said: “We pride ourselves in offering innovative solutions for our clients and we also pride ourselves in looking after our people. “Employees everywhere are struggling to find accommodation and this is our way of assisting our employees to find their feet as they start into their roles. The accommodation is not intended as a long-term solution but will prove invaluable in its role in giving employees a housing option when they start.” The staff accommodation project, at the site of the former Jamaica Inn hostel, is being designed by O’Neill O’Malley Architecture. Limerick-based construction company LyMar Contracts Ltd is the developer. Aitch Sky Holdings, a subsidiary of AAG, is overseeing the project.

lHOUSING: Colm O’Gorman, Lymar Contracts, Colette Bullock, HR Business Partner AAG and Edward Manley, Head of Production AAG looking over the work in progress at Jamaica House, Sixmilebridge Photo by Eamon Ward

Staff at The Shannon Airport Group honoured for combined 2,200 years of service to the business

STAFF at The Shannon Airport Group were recently honoured at ceremonies to mark an impressive combined 2,200 years of loyal service to the business, writes Elaine Tubridy. Seventy-four staff, working at Shannon Airport and across The Shannon Airport Group were commended for their contributions to date. Two staff members received their 20 years’ service award; 27 received their 25 years’ service award; 21 received their 30 years’ service award; 4 received both their 25 years’ and 30 years’ service award; 13 received their 35 years’ service award, while 7 received their 40 years’ service award. Staff from a range of departments across the company were acknowledged for their respective service milestones, among them Airport Operations, the Airport Police Fire Service, Airport Search Unit, Aviation Development, Commercial Properties, Commercial Services, Corporate Affairs, General Management, Engineering, Finance, Human Resources, Retail and Procurement. Commenting, Mary Considine, CEO of The Shannon Airport Group said: “The Shannon Airport Group is an extremely busy company and milestones like these

lHONOURED: Mary Considine, CEO of The Shannon Airport Group standing far right and Chris O’Donovan, HR Director with The Shannon Airport Group standing far left with staff from The Shannon Airport Group at a ceremony to mark an impressive combined 2,200 years of loyal service to the business present an important opportunity to customer. The unrivalled levels of person that passes through the acknowledge and sincerely thank customer service that we are able to airport can have a seamless and our dedicated team.” achieve and maintain is a testament enjoyable experience. “We are dedicated to our mission to our staff, who go above and “Whether it’s making it easy to get of ‘making it easy’ for every beyond every day to ensure each from the car park to the departure

gate as quickly and smoothly as possible, to keeping the airport operational in sub-zero and severe storm conditions and raising more than €420,000 for charity over the past ten years, it is part of the unique DNA of our staff to go the extra mile and we are truly grateful for this commitment.” Chris O’Donovan, HR Director at The Shannon Airport Group added: “The long service recognition events are all about celebrating, appreciating and reflecting on the significant contribution of our staff. We understand that our people are the cornerstone of our success, and we take great pride in nurturing their growth and development throughout their journey with us.” Recalling some memorable moments from over 30 years working in various roles across The Shannon Airport Group, Pamela Brooks, Head of Operations concluded: "Over the past 30 years, I have had the pleasure of working in various roles across The Shannon Airport Group, most recently as the airport’s Head of Operations. No day is the same here and I wouldn’t have it any other way. From meeting world leaders and VIP’s to lending a helping hand to passengers, it is always a pleasure to meet our customers and assist them in any way we can."

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Feb 8, 2024

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Sport

Night to sparkle for Truagh-Clonlara

l Aine O Loughlin, Leah Hawes, Hannah Horgan and Niamh Powell

l SISTER ACT: Toasting a year in which Truagh-Clonlara won their first senior camogie championship are sisters Sinead, Niamh, Aileen and Ciara Ryan at the Radisson Blu Hotel; (below left) Tom and Pauline Moloney with Liza Moloney and Billy Marshall; (right) John and Ann Hogg with Sinead and Aine Hogg

l (left) it was a year to remember for the Powells. Pictured is senior hurling championship winner Gerard Powell with Roisin, Michelle and Niamh Powell; (below) the O'Loughlin Family; and (right) Fidelma and Michael Begley All photos by John Mangan

Thursday, Feb 8, 2024 THE CLARE ECHO

Sport

Doora-Barefield toast a great year

l A YEAR TO REMEMBER: Enjoying a night of celebration at the Doora-Barefield victory social at the Old Ground Hotel in Ennis was (clockwise from above): Ailis Ni Choileain, Kate Moran, Eabha O'Driscoll and Sophie Torpey; Ladies captain Aisling McMahon, with parents Micheal and Helen McMahon; Cillian Gilligan with Colin Guilfoyle and Barry Lynch; Cian Moloney, Alex Colleran, David McNichlos, Donal O'Driscoll, Jim Dooley, Dave Kenneally and Evan Craven; Siofra Ni Chonaill, Peter O'Connell, Muirne Ni Chonaill agus Orla Ni Dhalaigh; proudly displaying their trophies are Aisling McMahon, Katie Laws, Megan O Brien and Ann Foudy; Caoimhe Cotter, Sean O'Connell and Katie Laws Photos by John Mangan

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Feb 8, 2024

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Sport

Trophy celebration at Ennistymon GAA

l Pictured at the Ennistymon GAA victory social last weekend with the club's trophy haul is the McMahon family, Cathal, Hollie, Darragh, Jody and Paudie; (below left) Fiona and Brendan Rouine with Clare manager Mark Fitzgerald; (below right) Shane Talty with Gerry Murphy; (bottom) Caitriona, John, and Brid Ann Rouine All photos by John Mangan

l (above) Under 15s manager Dan Hogan and Kelan Hogan; (below) minor winners Alex Leyden, Conor Rynne and Gearoid Barry

Thursday, Feb 8, 2024 THE CLARE ECHO

Sport

Lohan's charges 'worked hard all over the field' to defeat Rebels NATIONAL HURLING LEAGUE DIV 1 Clare 1-25 Cork 2-19 Venue: Cusack Park, Ennis Compiled by Seamus Hayes

“

MANAGER COMMENT

Brian Lohan, Clare “I’m happy with the way we started the game. Then we kind of lost our way a little bit, conceded those two goals which were sloppy goals from our perspective especially when we had played so well in the first quarter”. “To go in at half time only a point up was disappointing given that we had played so well. With the breeze to come it looked as if it was their game but fair play to our lads, they really put in a good shift, worked really hard all over the field and our midfield was really really good”. “Our use of the ball was excellent. As I said we are disappointed with the concession of the two goals and with not tracking the

runners for those scores. The third quarter as vital, our attitude and desire to get forward was great and our midfield was really really good in the second half. We got the scoreboard working and they didn’t”. “We have thirteen guys who will be in Fitzgibbon cup quarter final action this week. We will see how they get on. The schedule has been fine so far as most of our lads didn’t have college matches in mid week last week but it will be more difficult the coming week. We will just have to see how they are getting on. We are carrying a big panel at present”.

STORY OF THE GAME CLARE Frees For: 13 (5/8) Wides: 9 (5/3) Scores from play: 1-14 Spread of scorers: 8 Own puckouts won: 23 out of 32 Bookings: Gearoid Sheedy, Paul Flanagan, David Reidy, Aidan McCarthy,

SCAN HERE FOR MATCH REPORT

CORK Frees For: 17 (12/5) Wides: 11 (5/6) Scores from play: 2-12 Spread of scorers: 10 Own puckouts won: 27 out of 35 Bookings: Ciaran Joyce, Tommy O’Connell

REFEREE: Michael Kennedy (Tipperary)

PLAYER WATCH SEADNA MOREY (MIDFIELD) Minutes played: 38 Passes: 4 Short Pass: 2 Long Pass: 2 Hurley Pass: 1 Hand Pass: 3 Tackles: 4 Turnover for: 1 Turnovers against: 0 Frees for: 1 Frees against: 0 Shots: 2 Scores: 1-1 Dropped short: 0 Wides: 0

l Adam Hogan and Cathal Malone tussle with Cork's Shane Kingston for a

falling sliotar

Photo by Gerard O'Neill

Fitzgerald 'gutted' to lose in Mullingar NATIONAL LEAGUE DIVISION 3 Westmeath 1-11 Clare 0-13 Venue: Cusack Park, Mullingar Compiled by Páraic McMahon

“

SCAN HERE FOR MATCH REPORT

MANAGER COMMENT

Mark Fitzgerald, Clare

“We are gutted, we definitely deserved something out of it and the lads are adamant it wasn’t a square ball, it adds to the frustration but we should have been more ahead at half-time and we probably left a couple of bad set pieces behind us, the lads gave a huge effort, we should have managed it a small bit more but it was frantic to be fair. We had the ball a couple of times and we could have done better with it, I understand the lads we trying to get the ball up the field, I thought he could have given us a chance towards the end, a couple of their frees were very handy coming down the stretch”. “They were always going to have a purple patch and it was how we weathered it and we did to a certain extent, we got a couple of scores but again we’ve a lot of new lads and lads that haven’t played over the last couple of years so it is a learning curve, the effort and some of the scores we got were fantastic but we’re just going away disappointed. We definitely deserved a point, it was like a rollercoaster with the elation of the goal going in to it being disallowed”.

“

MANAGER COMMENT

Dessie Dolan, Westmeath

“I’ll take luck any day of the week, conditions were extremely tough, in the first half we created a few decent opportunities and butchered them,

l Dermot Coughlan

Photo by Gerard O'Neill

I was worried at the time there was easy enough scores to get and we came away with nothing on a couple of occasions, we gave them good momentum, they got a couple of good scores and they have some really good players. To be fair to

Clare, they deserve a lot of credit because it was a very spirited performance, I think it our lads an awful lot to find a way back into the game and get a result eventually but it is credit to Clare, it was a difficult day for football and it was reflected with some of the goalkeeper’s kickouts and even some of the shots, the shot selection was tough”. “We often say ‘how much is the wind worth’ in terms of a factor but it was a massive factor in that match, the frustration for us is the Clare lads were going down with head injuries and Clare lads were going down, there was yellow cards and stuff off the ball to slow momentum so the concern for us was we’d run out of time with the clock but some great scores there towards the end. For me, it shows the spirit in the group, our backs were to the wall in large parts of the second half but we came out fighting and that is important”. “I was definitely worried and I don’t mind saying it. It is the composure and the leaders in the group is important, pushing up on the kickouts was important because we turned them eight out of twelve times on their kickouts which gave us an opportunity. There is good finishers there, I know the finishing in the first half was poor but certainly when we needed it there was clutch moments and some great scores”. “Well if he’s still standing in the square he’s standing in the square, that is not ladyluck, that is a fact and it was a fact that he was standing there, the referee was brave because it wasn’t simple for him, he was brave and he went with it. It looked odds on for a draw if I’m being honest but in fairness to Ronan O’Toole which he does an awful lot, he is the right man at the right time, a great score and a great composure”.

STORY OF THE GAME WESTMEATH Frees for: 10 (4/6) Wides: 9 (5/4) Spread of scorers: 8 Scores from play: 1-8 Top scorer: Ronan

O’Toole (0-3) and Conor Dillon (1-0) Yellow Card: Ray Connellan (34), James Dolan (37), Conor Dillon (40), Robbie Forde (63) Black Card: Lorcan Dolan (35) Own kickouts won:

11 from 17 (65%)

CLARE Frees for: 16 (7/9) Wides: 4 (4/0) Spread of scorers: 8 From play: 0-10 Top scorer: Dermot

Coughlan (0-3) and Ciaran Downes (0-3 1’45) Yellow Card: Ikem Ugwueru (34), Gavin Murray (37), Emmet McMahon (39), Dermot Coughlan (38 & 68), Black Card: None Red Card: Dermot Coughlan (68) Own kickouts won:

12 from 21 (57%) REFEREE: David Murnane (Cork)

PLAYER WATCH BRIAN MCNAMARA (MIDFIELD) Minutes played: All Possessions: 19 (8/11) Passes: 13 (7/6) Short Pass: 13 (7/6) Long Pass: 0 Hand Pass: 10 (6/4) Foot Pass: 3 (1/2) Tackles: 1 (1/0) Turnovers for: 1

(1/0) Turnovers against: 2 (0/2) Frees for: 4 (2/2) Frees against: 0 Shots: 1 Scores: 0-1 Wides: 0 Dropped short: 0

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Feb 8, 2024

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Sport

Get the right advice on your wedges by PÁDRAIG MCGRATH The annual AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am took place in California over the weekend. Regularly cited as one of the most attractive and prominent golf courses in the world, it’s always a joy to watch tour players take on the iconic landscape of Pebble Beach. The tournament was cut a round short however due to some very stormy inclement weather, but that didn’t quite stop some fantastic golfing feats from being on display. Last year’s U.S. Open winner and Ryder Cup team member Wyndham Clark took home the win when the tournament was declared concluded following a severe weather warning. In a heroic display of golf, Clark landed a final round of 60 to finish on 17-under-par, one stroke ahead of second-placed Ludvig Aberg. He moved up the leaderboard by 8 shots on the first half of Saturday alone, making two eagles and four birdies on the front 9 (-8) and five birdies and a bogie on the back nine(-4) to finish on (-12) for the day. Not a bad result for having finished the first round of the tournament on level par 72. Clark’s closing round of

60 set a new Pebble Beach course record. It was very nearly a 59 but his putts on the 16th and 17th both came up an inch short of the middle of the hole and also his penultimate putt for eagle ended up only 6 inches short on the 18th to leave a tap-in birdie secured him his first tour win since last year’s major. With both the players and the weather providing an entertaining spectacle at Pebble Beach, fans were ecstatic when Wyndham Clark sunk his final putt. The whirlwind final round was a pleasant surprise, even Clark himself “It’s pretty surreal right now. Vokey to Launch NEW SM10 Wedges According to Master Crafts-

man Bob Vokey, the three keys to great wedge play are shot versatility, distance and trajectory control with maximum spin. The correct grind will help achieve shot versatility, while locating the CG (Centre of Gravity) more forward and higer up the face helping to achieve that lower trajectory and better feel off the face. Maximum spin comes from the patented groove cutting process giving higher and more consistent spin off the face. Bob Vokey has spent decades developing a complete lineup of grind, bounce and loft options. “It sounds simple, but having the correct wedge and knowing when to use it has

a direct impact on scoring performance", Bob Vokey stated. Grinds T, M, F, S, D & K are all built specifically for every type of golf swing from golfers who have a steep or shallow angle of attack, like the face to sit square, open or closed. If you are unsure of your current technique don't hesitate to contact me or call into your local PGA Golf Professional to help choose the correct grind and bounce suited for your own unique technique. It is good to get advice on the correct lofts that you need also depending on what set of irons you use because modern day PW lofts vary alot from 43° - 48°. The lofts on your wedges should have 4° gap increments between wedges if you carry four wedges or 6° gap increments if you only carry three wedges. For instance four wedges gaps would look like (PW 46°, GW 50°, SW 54° & LB 58°) or three wedge gappings would look like (PW 46°, GW 52° & LW 58°). Keeping the loft gapping consistent helps to achieve the perfect distance control in between all your wedges. In my opinion the most important aspect with your wedges is knowing exactly how far you hit the ball with a full, 3/4 and a 1/2 swing.

New East Clare officers drive-in for 2024 by Seamus Hayes news@clareecho.ie

EAST CLARE GOLF CLUB OFFICERS for 2024 at East Clare golf club ‘drove-in’ to office on Bank holiday Monday in front of a big attendance. The officers for this year are Noreen Doyle (Lady captain), Maurice Costello (men’s captain) and Evelyn Skehan (President). The drive in was followed by a 9 hole scramble. The winners on the front 9 were Mary Mannion, Kevin Mannion, Sean Ahern and Ray McInerney.

gles, an 18 hole stableford competition, at Woodstock was won by Gary Thompson (12) with 38 points, one morethan Dickie Pyne (12) 37 points. Mike Hogan (18) also with 37 points was third. KILRUSH GOLF CLUB The competition at Kilrush on Sunday was the Johnson's Bar Qualifier and victory went to Fergal O'Connor (11) from Michael J Hogan (13)

GORT GOLF CLUB In the 18 hole singles stableford competition at Gort at the weekend the winner of category 1 was Paul Smith (10) with 43 points. Paddy Prendergast (16) won category 2 with 39 points, Malachy Whyte (18) won category 3 with 45 points and Gerry Kavanagh (23) won category 4 with 41 points. WOODSTOCK GOLF CLUB: The weekend club sin-

l Noreen Doyle (Lady captain), Maurice Costello (Men's captain), and Evelyn Skehan (President)

Barefoot impresses in Born Warrior final by Michael Maher news@clareecho.ie

BAREFOOT on fire claimed the €3000 prize in the final of the Born Warrior at Stud A1/A2 525 at Limerick Greyhound Stadium on Saturday night. Owned by former Doora residents Bryan and Kathleen Murphy, Barefoot on Fire quickly developed a huge reputation after posting a red-hot 28.20 on debut at Curraheen Park but it’s fair to say he endured a stopstart career ever since. However, after some six week’s off from the racing circuit, the Paul Hennessy trained runner landed his opening round assignment in this stake and despite failing to raise a flag since, he ran an

exceptional race on the night that mattered to land this valuable stake. Kindly sponsored by William O’Hanlon, it was Glengar Jasmine who was installed as the even money favourite and rightly so after a series of thoroughly professional displays for Limerick regular, Corona Ryan. Next best in the market was the equally impressive Crafty Supremo at 5/2 and it was 3/1 Barefoot ahead of Traprise. Indeed, Glengar Jasmine broke swiftly from trap three but she found it tight for space on the run-up with the improving Crafty Supremo making fine ground in four, while Barefoot On Fire was also showing a nice turn of early speed from trap two. As a result, the jolly was shuf-

fled back in the field and it was Crafty Supremo who quickly shot into a two length lead from Barefoot On Fire in second. The latter excelled down the back and was showing fine speed entering the penultimate bend, however, the son of Grangeview Ten was again forced to check, allowing Crafty Supremo to once again hold all the aces. This wasn’t to prevent the Hennessy runner from coming back for more however, and he stayed on with real intent to fly across the line and seal a one length victory over Crafty Supremo in second, with Canya Dream also making the podium back in third. At the same venue on Thursday afternoon card, there was thirteen races on offer and six

of them came the home to the Banner County. In race 3 Asiam Ten recorded a second career success for Ross Kenny from Ennis, a son of Grangeview Ten and Blastoff Roisino he stopped the clock in 29.65. Inislosky Cher landed the spoils in the fifth race for Mary Crotty from O’Briensbridge in 29.64, this was career win number four for this daughter of Malachi and Fireheight Cher. The Timothy Keane from Shannon owned Gandolfini, held on to claim the honor’s in an A4 contest in 29.39, trained by Tulla’s Donie Duggan, a son of Cabra Firminio and Cabfra Twister, this was career win number three. Martin Kennedy from Killaloe was in the winner’s enclosure

with Gortglas Dream, who won in 29.86, this was a for the career success for this daughter of Magical Bale and Our Mary’s Dream. Newmarket on Fergus’ Myles Cummins recorded a double with kennel companions Two Pints and Snuggie Benny. Two Pints who is owned by the Guzzling Pints Syndicate from Quin, got back to winning ways with a 29.49 effort, this was career win number nine for this son of Paddys Magic and Miles Girl. Snuggie Benny completed the double in the finale of the evening, when Snuggie Benny who is owned by Breda Casey made no mistake to win in 29.43, this was a first career success for this son of Ballymac Cashout and Slaneyside Goldi.

Thursday, Feb 8, 2024 THE CLARE ECHO

Sport

Ennis RFC’s Senior Men, Girls and U14 Teams Victorious by Dearbhla Parry

SENIOR MEN’S COMPETITION LEAGUE: ENNIS RFC 32 – 20 KILLORGLIN RFC Killorglin opened the scoring with a penalty and soon after, Ennis scored their first try by Cian Guilfoyle. Killorglin won the five-metre scrum and scored under the post, which was converted. As soon as Ennis had a scrum on the halfway line, Guilfoyle managed to break down the line and pass to Dylan Kenny, who scored in the corner as well as made a conversion. Before the halftime, Calum Barrett passed the ball to Kenny who, again, scored under the posts and converted. Ennis won a penalty in the second half of the match, which was scored by Kenny. Killorglin scored a try in the corner after Ennis gave away multiple penalties. The men won a penalty outside of Killorglin’s 22. Kenny attempted to kick to the corner, but instead tapped and ran, passing to Guilfoyle to score in the corner, which was converted by Kenny. In the last play, Killorglin scored a try, making the final score 32 – 20. Ennis: Gavin Lawlor, Brendan Cleland, Ruairi Quinlan, Matty McNamara, Cormac Browne, Cillian Mullins, Osgar O’Gorman, Seán McDonagh, Calum Barrett, Oisín Mangan, Cian Guilfoyle (cap-

tain), Joe Connaughton, Brendan Keane, Jack Scahill, Dylan Kenny, Alan O’Shea, Noel McGrath, Diarmuid Joyce, Ciaran McManus, Oisín Madigan, Colm Kearney, and Ben Geraghty.

U16 GIRLS MUNSTER LEAGUE FINAL: ENNIS RFC 7 – 17 CLONAKILTY RFC On Saturday morning, the Ennis U16 girls suffered their first loss of the season. Clonakilty started the stronger team, putting pressure on the Clare girls and spending most of the first ten minutes inside Ennis’ 22. However, a high tackle by Clonakilty resulted in a penalty for Ennis, allowing them to relieve the pressure. Ennis was penalised for hands in the ruck and Clonakilty began advancing up to the five metre line. Ennis’ Fia Doody, Lucy Kelly, and Emma McGann tackled, but the Clonakilty girls went over the line for a try at the 15-minute mark. Ennis kicked off and a penalty was awarded to the Clare girls. A quick tap-andgo from scrum-half Grace Hoyne to fly-half McGann and a good carry by Keavey gained valuable yardage into Clonakilty’s 22. A line out to Clonakilty was disrupted by Ennis’ number eight, Nicole Clark, resulting in a knockon and scrum to Ennis. From the scrum, the ball went through the backline,

l The Ennis RFC Senior Men's enjoyed a emphatic victory

against Kerry side Killorglin RFC

only for Keavey to be held up over the line. The 22 metre dropout by Clonakilty was cleaned up by the Ennis back Meabh McCarthy and passed onto number 13, Abi Kelly, who evaded the opposition to get in under the posts. Nicole Clarke kicked it over the bar before the referee blew the whistle for the break with a score of 7 – 5. In the second half, Clonakilty were inside the Ennis 22 and were piling on the pressure. The Ennis scrum was solid and their forwards continued to make the yards. However, after ten minutes Clonakilty eventually found a gap in the Ennis line and went in for their second try. The Clonakilty girls pushed

up the field from the kick-off. As they spread the ball, their winger raced through to the ten metre line, only for fullback McCarthy to tackle and push the winger out over the line. The opposition spread the ball back along the field and eventually got in under the posts for their third try, which was converted. The Ennis players continued to attack but time was against them, resulting in the final score of 7 - 17. U14 BOYS PAN MUNSTER CUP: ENNIS RFC 29 – 5 CASHEL RFC The U14 boys started strong as Steven O’Neill scored a try, followed by Alan English, who crashed over and made the score be-

fore halftime 12 – 0. In the second half, O’Neill succeeded in a brace of tries and completed his hat trick. This brought O’Neill’s total to 22 on the day, including kicks. The Ennis coaches were delighted with their winning score of 29 – 5 and with the team spirit on display. U13 BOYS COMPETITION LEAGUE: ENNIS RFC 24 - 31 OLD CRESCENT RFC Ennis lost to Old Crescent’s U13 team after an exhilarating match. Early pressure from Old Crescent led to them scoring the first try of the game. Ennis managed to receive a penalty and attempted to run it from their own 22, but poor play allowed the opposing team another try. Old Crescent looked likely to score again until a try-saving tackle from Ennis’ Oisín Hough kept them out. At halftime, the score was 0 – 14. At the beginning of the second half, Old Crescent managed to run in another try. However, Ennis refused to give up as Michael Meere allowed a series of great passes through the backline after a strong charge. This allowed Rowland Adeniyi to score a good try, putting the score at 5 – 19. Afterwards, Old Cres-

cent scored under the corner, followed by a breakaway run and another try. Ennis continued to fight, scoring three more tries by Robbie McMahon, Colm O’Gara, and Dylan O’Loughlin. Nevertheless, time ran out and the final score was 24 – 31.

Fixtures:

U8 Blitz: Sunday 11th February; Kick-off at 10:00 in Drumbiggle U10 Boys Competition League: Ennis v Thomond; Sunday 11th February; Kickoff 11:00 U16 Boys Pan Munster Competition: Ennis V Garryowen; Sunday 11th February; Kick-off at 12:00 in Lee's Road U15 Boys Competition League: Ennis V Bruff; Sunday 11th February; Kick-off at 12:30 in Drumbiggle. U14 Girls Competition Friendly: Ennis V Ballinasloe; Sunday 11th February; Kick-off at 13:30 in Lee's Road. Senior Women's Open Cup Final: Ennis V Shannon; Sunday 11th February; Kickoff at 15:00 in UL. U10 Blitz: Sunday 11th February; Kick-off TBC in Old Crescent.

Clare Handball 'ignored again' with absence from briefing with Sports Minister by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

CLARE HANDBALL say they have been “ignored again” after they were left out of a briefing with the Junior Minister for Sport when he visited the county. Minister of State with responsibility for Sport and Physical Education, Thomas Byrne (FF) had his first visit to Co Clare on Thursday. The meeting has been described by clubs who attended as “very positive”. While in the county he met with Clare GAA, Clare LGFA and Clare Camogie along with local GAA, soccer and rugby clubs. The Meath TD also canvassed alongside Fianna Fáil’s three candidates in the Shannon Municipal District, Cllr Pat O’Gorman (FF), David Griffin (FF) and Rachel Hartigan (FF).

Clare GAA have been seeking a meeting with the Junior Minister as part of their efforts to secure funding to build an Astro-turf in Caherlohan. Byrne visited Caherlohan with Clare TD, Cathal Crowe (FF) and Senator Timmy Dooley (FF) where they were met by Clare GAA Head of Operations, Deirdre Murphy, Clare GAA Chairman Kieran Keating, Clare GAA facilities manager David Hoey and Clare senior hurling manager Brian Lohan. Senior officials in Clare Handball were unaware of the visit prior to Byrne’s arrival and have expressed their disappointment at being left out of the Clare GAA family. The decision on who attended is understood to have been decided by Deputy Crowe and Senator Dooley. Chairman of Clare Handball, Tommy Hegarty told The Clare

l Cathal Crowe TD (FF) with the Minister for Sport

and Physical Education, Thomsa Byrne (FF) Echo, “It's very disap- were included”. pointing to note that our Clarecastle native local politicians didn’t Hegarty added, “We see fit to include hand- were coming off the treball when non-GAA mendous running of the sporting organisations National championships

in Clare, it would have been a fantastic opportunity to try and promote handball with the Minister for Sport. It is another lost opportunity for the minnows of the GAA sporting family”. Deputy Crowe told The Clare Echo that they had “an impossible job” in deciding who would be invited to the meeting. “Minister Byrne at short notice told us he was going to visit Clare, he gave two options, to visit six clubs and call to their grounds or pick a fixed venue and to double that amount of clubs so twelve could be met. Six clubs were met in the meeting room of Tulla GAA club and a further six in Clareabbey. It was a pretty impossible situation given that we have 126 applicants in from Co Clare, there was no way in the world that we would get all groups in”. Meelick native Crowe explained, “I want to re-

iterate to clubs that the primary goal for getting the Minister down is that all Oireacthas members met the County Board in December to discuss development plans, we all had tasks from that meeting, I as the Fianna Fáil TD for the county undertook to organise a meeting with Minister Byrne. We tried to do the meeting in Dublin which would have been quicker to organise but he had a space in his diary which worked better, we met in Caherlohan and had a full meeting in Clareabbey. The main purpose of the day was to discuss their development plans and how Government could help, the clubs were an addon, the meetings were quite short ranging from ten to fifteen minutes. I want to reassure all clubs that meeting the Minister though desirable isn’t a requirement to be approved for fund-

ing. In the last sports capital grant, all but five applications from Clare were successful so it was nearly a clean sweep of applications. I’d be very happy to meet with Clare Handball and other clubs, I want to see a maximum return for Clare, I love sport and have long hung up my boots but I spend weekends travelling to games”. Head of Operations with Clare GAA, Deirdre Murphy said that the engagement was very positive. “We were absolutely delighted to meet with Minister Byrne. It was a really progressive meeting with representatives of Clare LGFA and Clare Camogie also present. We got the opportunity to show Minister Byrne around Caherlohan and Clareabbey. It is hugely important for us to try to get sports capital funding”.

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Feb 8, 2024

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CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL CAPPA LAWN, NEWPARK, ENNIS, CO. CLARE Take notice that Brian Foudy & Associates Ltd of Osprey House, Carmody Street, Ennis, Co. Clare 065 6893565 www.foudyconsulting. ie. intend to apply to the planning authority on behalf of Donal & Mary Hassett for permission to construct an entrance, dwelling house and domestic shed together with all associated site development works and connections to public services at the above address. The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application. CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL MOOGHAUN NORTH, NEWMARKET ON FERGUS, CO. CLARE Take notice that Brian Foudy & Associates Ltd of Osprey House, Carmody Street, Ennis, Co. Clare 065 6893565 www.foudyconsulting. ie. intend to apply to the planning authority on behalf of Jonathan Ahearne & Rebecca Earles for permission to (a) Construct side extension and fenestration changes to existing cottage (b) Construct detached domestic garage together with all associated site development works and services at the above address. The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application. CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL MOYMORE SOUTH, LISCANNOR, CO. CLARE. Take notice that Gillian Conroy and Luke Underwood intend to apply for PERMISSION to revise the plans of the garage granted under reference P22/212 for the purpose of using is as a dwelling house, in lieu of the dwelling granted under reference P20/297; RETENTION PERMISSION for the mobile home on site (for temporary use during construction works) and all associated site and ancillary works at the above

address. The planning application may be inspected or purchased at the offices of the planning authority 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 during office opening hours, 9.00am to 4.00pm, Monday to Friday beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application. CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL BOHERBUI, DOOLIN, CO. CLARE. V95 HF10 Take notice that Ita and PJ Garrihy intend to apply for RETENTION PERMISSION for 1. the ensuites built onto the eastern gable of the dwelling; 2. the detached garage and boiler house; 3. the detached gamesroom and all associated site and ancillary works at the above address. The planning application may be inspected or purchased at the offices of the planning authority 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 during office opening hours, 9.00am to 4.00pm, Monday to Friday beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application. CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL BOOLADUFF, INAGH, CO. CLARE. Take notice that Theresa Curtin intends to apply for permission to build a shed to store farm machinery and all associated site and ancillary works at the above address. The planning application may be inspected or purchased at the offices of the planning authority 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 during office opening hours, 9.00am to 4.00pm, Monday to Friday beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application. CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL CARROWNTEDAUN, LAHINCH, CO. CLARE. Take notice that Damien Mason intends to apply for permission to extend and alter the existing outbuildings for use as haysheds/ machinery storage areas and all associated site and ancillary works at the above address. The planning application may be inspected or purchased at the offices of the planning authority 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 during office opening hours, 9.00am to 4.00pm, Monday to Friday beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL TULLASSA, ENNIS, CO. CLARE. Take notice that Enda Hickey intends to apply to the planning authority for permission to construct a new dwelling house and garage, complete with a sewage treatment system and ancillary works at the above address. The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority, Clare County Council, Aras Contae an Chlair, New Road, Ennis during its public opening hours and that a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the planning authority of the application. CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL NO. 4 CARMODY ST BUSINESS PARK, CARMODY ST ENNIS, CO CLARE The notice the Michael Lucey intends to apply to the planning Authority for Planning permission to make change of use and convert 2nd floor office to a self-contained apart-

ment 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 and a submission in relation to the application may be made to the Authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee, withing the period of five weeks beginning on the date of the receipt of the application. CLARE CO. COUNCIL 3 INIS SIODA, SHANNON, CO. CLARE. Take notice that Sean Stafford intends to apply for permission / retention permission for development, the development will consist of an attic conversion to a living space to existing dwelling, a retention permission for a material change of use of a garage to the rear of existing dwelling house to a living space to be used as part of the dwelling house living space 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

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 BALLYCAR, NEWMARKET ON FERGUS. Take notice that Sean O Connor intends to apply for permission for development, the development consists of the construction of a slatted unit and associated site works at the above address. The planning application maybe inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the offices of the Planning Authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

Thursday, Feb 8, 2024 THE CLARE ECHO

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Thursday, Feb 8, 2024 THE CLARE ECHO

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THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Feb 8, 2024

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Quiz

The Clare Echo Quiz India Sri Lanka South Africa

Dr. Moosajee Bhamjee later became involved in which 2 political party in Clare? a. b. c.

Fianna Fail Labour Party Fine Gael

Marty Morrissey lived in which American state before moving to 3 Clare at age 10? a. b. c.

New York Chicago Boston

For how many years did Marty Morrissey play with the Clare Minor Football Team?

a. b. c.

One Two Three

which country did political 5Inleader Daniel O’ Connell die? a. b. c.

France Italy England

A gun dual Public trial

Gene Kelly was a famous American ____ who’s 7 grandparents came from Clare. a. b. c.

Baseball player Singer Actor

Robert McNamara who’s 8 grandfather was from Clare was the U.S ________? a. b. c.

Secretary of Defence President Vice President

was an architect of which famous war? 9He a. b. c.

Korean War The Gulf War Vietnam War

Which famous Australian Actress grandparents originate 10 from Clare? a. b. c.

Margot Robbie Nicole Kidman Kate Blanchett

What happened between O’ Connell and D’Esterre in County 6 Kildare in 1815? a.

l QUESTION 5 : In which country did political leader Daniel O’ Connell die?

6. A gun dual 7. Actor 8. Secretary of Defence 9. Vietnam War 10. Nicole Kidman

a. b. c.

b. c.

ANSWERS 1. South Africa 2. Labour Party 3. New York 4. Three 5. Italy

Dr. Moosajee Bhamjee came to Clare from which country?

A political debate

SPOT THE DIFFERENCE Can you spot the 7 differences

Last weeks answers . An Clár missing on ball . Middle missing in POD logo . O’Neills missing on jersey . GAA missing on jersey

. Line on sleeve jersey missing . Limerick sock different colour . Stripe on shorts missing

Sean Rynne gives away a free in Clare’s game against Cork

Photo by Gerard O’Neill