The Clare Echo 08/10/20

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OCT 819/06/2020 2020 12:46:27

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‘Think before you act’

Doctor’s warning as Clare records 64 cases in 48 hours

NEWS TRAVELS FAST

The Clare Echo has this week teamed up with Newmarket-on-Fergus community group Obair to ensure that all its Meals on Wheels customers receive a copy of the weekly newspaper every Thursday with their meal delivery. Pictured is volunteer Shane Lynch dropping off meals and The Clare Echo to Gabriel Moylan in Clarecastle last Friday Photo by Páraic McMahon

PÁRAIC MCMAHON

hour period in recent days.

Clare has an incidence rate of 143 per 100,000 people which is one of the paraic@clareecho.ie highest in the country and Dr Billy O’Connell insists that the challenge A CLARE GP has urged the public to now is greater than it was in March. be vigilant after the county recorded its highest amount of cases over a 48

Full story Page 4

Comment: Support our pubs, hotels & eateries STUART HOLLY

editor@clareecho.ie

IN WHAT has been a turbulent week for many business people and employees in County Clare, again it is the hospitality industry which has taken the most forceful

hit with the introduction of Level 3 of the Covid-19 restrictions.

Hoteliers will now face a stressful number of days as they deal with the administrative headaches that go with running a large-scale business, including potentially having to temporarily lay off staff members for the second time in

months, cancel room bookings and further postpone weddings, functions and other events.

Publicans on the other hand, are again being left with little option but to close their doors having only opened for business just over two weeks ago following a six and a half month exodus from society.

Restaurants and cafés don’t fare much better under the new set of restrictions which are laid out fully on page 19 in this week’s issue of The Clare Echo.

Throughout the pages of this edition, many hotels and restaurants feature adverts as they attempt to reconfigure their

business model to adapt to the current measures. These businesses are vital cogs in our economy and society, and we the public must once again support the pubs, hotels and restaurants which have decided to stay open, while putting pressure on the government to increase supports to the industry.

2 NEWS

THURSDAY, OCT 8 2020

Index NEWS

HOMESAVERS OPEN FIRST ENNIS STORE

2-14

ENTERTAINMENT

15

SHANNON NEWS

16

GREENER CLARE

17

COMMUNITY NEWS

18

EDITORIAL

19

PROPERTY

20-21

SPORT

23-27

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

NEWSDESK

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

SALES

Email: ger.naughton@clareecho.ie or niall@clareecho.ie

l BARGAINS: Clare senior hurler Shane O’Donnell welcomes the first shoppers to Homesavers Ennis Photo John Mangan

ROOFING CONTRACTORS

Ennis wins BOI Begin Together Award CIAN O’BROIN

E

cianobroin@clareecho.ie

TEL: 085 2134025 OR 065 6705970

NNIS has placed first in the ‘Population Over 14,001’ category’ of the new Bank of Ireland Begin Together Awards 2020, after being shortlisted alongside Sligo Town and claiming the grand prize of €10,000.

A second Clare town, Kilrush, registered as runners up in the ‘Population 2,001 – 4,000 Category.’

The Business Award was set up to bring businesses and community groups together to support local recovery and building. In the official announcement, made over social media, Tommy Bowe (inset) described the Clare Capital’s efforts as ‘a fantastic response to Covid-19. ‘ The Begin Together Awards accepted 334 submissions this year, with the competition including towns in Northern Ireland. The submission itself accounted for a high percentage of the marks, in response to remote working.

Each category shortlisted its national finalists, with the two finalists given four working days to deliver a presentation. The presentation for Ennis took place on September 17th in Glór.

CEO of Ennis Chamber, Margaret O’ Brien, states, “There was one bar that wasn’t open at the time, who put a thousand euro in the pot.

“We gathered €40,000 from the business-

es that day. “All the hotels put €2,000 in for the betterment of our town. This has been driven by businesses on the hardest year.

We are mindful that people don’t have it.

The support shown from the town was incredible.”

The judges lauded the town’s response to the many unprecedented challenges of Covid-19.

Margaret says, “When Covid-19 happened on that first weekend, everyone pitched in. After the news broke, all staff were quickly and efficiently placed on the Pandemic Unemployment Payment.

We worked really closely with the LEO for grants, with many retailers availing of it.

Many of them stayed working during lockdown, opening then with a realistic vision of what they could achieve.”

On the €10,000 prize pot, Margaret hopes to leverage that money in order to secure further funding for the town and create an effective marketing strategy for Ennis.

“We are over the moon and we hope to use a percentage of the pot to grow our pot.

Starting off with €50,000 euro, with the prize money now being matched by a further €10,000 from Ennis Businessman Brian Crowley, we have to be strategic and agile.

“Once we return to level two, we need to be really hungry here in Ennis, by putting our focus on weekend staycationers.

“As seen this summer, Ennis has an excellent staycation market. We have become a welcoming and multi-cultural society here.

It’s certainly one of the many riches of our town.”

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4 NEWS

THURSDAY, OCT 8 2020

Clare on Level 3 of Covid plan PÁRAIC MCMAHON

C

paraic@clareecho.ie

OUNTY Clare, along with the rest of the country, has moved to Level 3 restrictions of the Covid-9 plan. The move follows the Government’s rejection of NPHET’s recommendation that the entire country move to Level 5 restrictions.

Following a meeting on Sunday evening, the first of which marked the return as Chairman of Chief Medical Officer, Dr Tony Holohan (inset), the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) had recommended that the highest level of restrictions be implemented across the Republic of Ireland.

In a letter sent to Minister Donnelly, NPHET warned of a “significant and deteriorating” epidemiological situation.

On Monday afternoon, Dr Holohan met with Taoiseach Micheál Martin and members of the Cabinet. They rejected the recommendations and instead agreed to move the entire county to Level 3 with improved enforcement.

In an address to the nation, Taoiseach Micheál Martin (FF) urged the public to step

up their efforts to combat the effect of the virus. He outlined that their decision to go against NPHET’s recommendations was aimed at saving thousands of jobs. Compliance with guidelines will also be increased, the Taoiseach confirmed.

“Covid-19 is still deadly and we cannot ignore the threat it still poses. Up to 2,400 people have already lost their lives on this island. We cannot and should not forget this.

It has challenged us to our very core, but we have shown that we can be resilient. The road ahead will continue to have many turns.

It will challenge us in new ways. This is not about public health and businesses competing against each other, it’s about protecting lives and livelihoods. We can’t do one without the other,” Martin stated.

Speaking on Claire Byrne Live on Monday night, Tanáiste Leo Varadkar (FG) claimed that the recommendations from NPHET “hadn’t been thought through and there hadn’t been prior consultation”.

Under the Living with COVID-19 framework published by the Government, Level 3 allows households a maximum of six visitors from one other household to your own home or garden.

Weddings are capped at a capacity of 25.

Outdoor gatherings of up to 15 are permitted for arts events or training events. No organised indoor gatherings are allowed.

Over 70s and the medically vulnerable are encouraged to stay home as much as possible.

People in this bracket should exercise judgement regarding the extent to which they engage with others and in activities outside home.

Visits to long-term residential care facilities will be suspended aside from critical and compassionate circumstances.

In sport, non contact training only in pods up to 15 is approved, there is an exemption for professional, elite or inter-county athletes.

Individual training only is allowed indoors with no exercise or dance classes. Matches and sporting events are cancelled in Level 3 except for professional, elite and inter-county ties, horse-racing is allowed continue behind closed doors.

Gyms, leisure centres and swimming pools are allowed to remain open with protective measures and only for the purpose of individual training.

Religious services will move to online only with places of worship only open for private prayer. A maximum of 25 mourners can attend funerals.

All museums, galleries and cultural attractions will close. Libraries will be available for e-services and call and collect.

Restaurants and cafes (including bars/pubs serving food/wet pubs) may remain open for take-away and delivery and outdoor dining/ service to an absolute maximum of 15 people. Hotels will have their services limited to residents. Nightclubs, discos and casinos stay closed.

Hairdressers, beauticians and barbers can continue to trade but with protective measures such as mandatory face coverings.

Employees are encouraged to work from home “unless absolutely necessary to attend in person”. Travelling to other counties is not permitted only for work purposes.

Schools and creches will remain open with protective measures while congregation is to be limited for further, higher and adult education. Outdoor playgrounds, play areas and parks can stay open with protective measures in place.

Members of the public are encouraged to walk or cycle where possible instead of using public transport. Individuals that do must wear a face covering. Public transport capacity will be limited to 50% and is to be used by essential workers and for essential purposes.

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PÁRAIC MCMAHON

paraic@clareecho.ie

SHANNON Heritage are to receive €2m less funding than what had been sought and announced to keep Bunratty Castle & Folk Park and King John’s Castle open until the end of the year.

Eleventh hour funding to the tune of €2.6m was announced by Government officials to prevent the closures of both Bunratty Castle & Folk Park and King John’s Castle in August, however the sum that is to be provided is greatly reduced.

A spokesperson for the Department of Transport has confirmed that instead €550,000 will be allocated to the Shannon Heritage operated sites to keep them open from September to the end of this year.

In their initial application to receive funding, Shannon Group had accounted for operational losses and planned capital works. The financial backing from the Department will cover incremental losses at the sites while insurance fees will not be included.

Clare TD, Cathal Crowe (FF) insisted that the Government remains committed to Shan-

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l STRUGGLE: Bunratty Castle

non Heritage sites. “It became very clear that this figure includes losses and were unable to cover losses therefore the commitment is unchanged. There is a lot of positivity, it shouldn’t be misconstrued by anyone, anyone working for Shannon Heritage in Bunratty or King John’s Castle, their job losses have been averted and will be open to the end of the year. A new model is being explored”.

Further clarity is to be provided to Shannon Group, a spokesperson told The Clare Echo.

“Shannon Group is still awaiting final details of the Government funding being provided but we understand it will cover the incremental operational losses of keeping Bunratty Castle & Folk Park and King John’s Castle open from September 1 to Dec 31st 2020”.

SIPTU organiser, Rachel Keane revealed that their members were “stunned” that the Government would not honour its promise to provide €2.6m. “The impact of the Covid-19 pandemic has been devastating for sites run by Shannon Heritage. However, SIPTU members ensured that these sites were maintained and developed in order to offer an attractive experience for visitors from within Ireland. Our members welcomed the announcement in August that the Government intended to provide €2.6 million in funding to keep the sites managed by Shannon Heritage open until the end of December”.

Answers on what led to the change in funding have been sought by Violet Anne Wynne (SF) who has written to the Minister for Public Expenditure Michael McGrath (FF). “This is yet another let down for hard working people. We will not stand by and allow this unfair treatment of workers continue. The workers in Shannon Heritage fought hard over the summer months to ensure this funding was secured in the first place, and we have no doubt that they will stand up against this news to ensure their jobs are protected. Again, this shows the need for the review into the Shannon Group to be completed without delay”.

Routine eye tests now available at Specsavers Ennis We’re ready to welcome you back in store, but we’ve made some changes to our normal practices to make sure it’s always as safe as possible for all our customers and colleagues.

Book an eye test at specsavers.ie Need a hearing check too? You can get one free in store Ennis 1 Market Place, Caby’s Lane Tel 065 682 1212

©2020 Specsavers. All rights reserved.

6 NEWS

THURSDAY, OCT 8 2020

‘Anxiety is very common for a lot of different reasons’ CIAN O’BROIN

F

cianobroin@clareecho.ie

l ADVOCATE: Fiona McNamara suffers from social anxiety

IONA McNamara from Mullagh has been battling social anxiety for most of her schooldays. Now an advocate for mental health along with her partner Michael Casey who speaks openly about his OCD, the 21-year-old opens up about her own personal struggle with social anxiety, its overpowering interruption to daily life and the stigma that still afflicts the seemingly inconspicuous mental condition.

A social care undergraduate at LIT, Fiona has managed to mostly subdue her social anxiety but admits that the start of the pandemic had resuscitated feelings of old, triggering a series of debilitating panic attacks that were brought on by an intense feeling of uncertainty.

Fiona hopes to provide solace for others struggling on October 10th, World Mental Health Day 2020.

Fiona describes anxiety as “not just nervousness, but an interruption to daily life.

Anxiety means being anxious about things that other people wouldn’t.” Fiona explains that it comes in many different shapes and sizes, making phone calls, leaving the house, in class.

“Anxiety is very common for a lot of different reasons,” she adds.

Social anxiety began to take root in Fiona’s life during her first year of secondary school.

The signs were subtle in the beginning, with her initial presumptions assuming that the feeling was down to nervousness. “I didn’t really want to talk to people and I kept to myself, but I noticed it was really bad when I was in class and the teacher would ask me questions. I would start to shake,

and I didn’t realise at the time that I was having panic attacks.”

Fiona recalls shaking, contending with an uncontrollable heart rate and unable to speak properly.

Anything she tried to say came out in a low voice and she admits, “I started to notice that something was wrong.” At the time, Fiona came home from class feeling alone, and upset that something was happening to her and nobody else. “I felt so alone because I found it hard to talk about it with anybody. I tried to talk about it with one person, but they just shut me down, saying ‘it’s just a phase, you’ll be fine.’”

For Fiona, coping with social anxiety took the form of selflove and self-care. When she was having a bad day, plagued by anxiety, she began to tell herself that everything was okay, to accept and move on. She challenged herself to become more accepting and to step out of her

comfort zone.

“For me, I started with practicing my breathing in class. I also did a thing called grounding. Pick five things in the room and focus on them. Also, asking if you can go to the toilet helps.

Sometimes my anxiety got so bad I needed to take a break, just to walk around and be on my own. Talking to a teacher is helpful, to make them aware of it. Sometimes they forget we all have a home life and feelings too. It’s important that teachers realise this.”

Fiona has her own personal YouTube channel, where she has shared some of her struggles with social anxiety. “By telling your story, you allow a weight to be taken off your shoulders,” Fiona says.

“If anyone is struggling, just remember to reach out, no matter how alone and weird you feel about it,” she concludes.

Call Aware on 1800 80 48 48.

Lack of funding for Mid-West mental health cannot continue PÁRAIC MCMAHON

paraic@clareecho.ie

MENTAL health services in the Mid-West have been described as “unfit for purpose” by one service user.

Caherdavin native, Stephen Leahy (inset) is calling for increased resources to be pumped into mental health services in the Mid-West. The 28 year old who has suffered from anxiety issues has actively spoken on the topic via his Instagram page (@theanxiousbarber).

Images of the River Shannon in Limerick City have now garnered a negative portrayal due to the heartbreak associated with the location by the people of Clare and Limerick, he felt. “It’s a sorry state of affairs when we live in a city where the sound of a helicopter in the night sky sends shivers down most people’s spines! This of course, being the search and rescue helicopter after yet another troubled soul has attempted to take their own life by entering the River Shannon. Unfortunately most succeed”.

Stephen believed that GPs are not given adequate resources to properly tackle mental health across the country. He stated, “The first port of call for those suffering or just not feeling okay will be their GP. Plenty of mental health patients seem to have an anger towards their GP about how their problem was handled, but there really is only so much a GP can do when it comes to mental health and suicidal thoughts. Every GP may be able to

diagnose depression, anxiety, bi-polar etc. but as a doctor in Ireland, they have limited resources to which they can turn. Sure, a doctor may offer medications to some or even recommend meditating in an anxiety instance, but most GP’s who recognise a serious mental health issue will refer you to so called professionals”.

He criticised the day hospitals in Limerick specialising in mental health, particularly Tevere House on Shelbourne Road which Stephen described as “hell on earth”. He claimed that the facility “does not serve its purpose”.

Having attended Tevere House in an attempt to aid his anxiety disorder, the 28 year old said his time there brought little help and he questioned the training of some staff in dealing with mental health patients.

The HSE failed to respond to a request from The Clare Echo to determine if it was happy with the level of resources allocated to mental health services in the Mid-West and the standard of operations at Tevere House.

Voluntary efforts of the Limerick Suicide Watch in patrolling the bridges to try prevent suicides at the River were singled out by Leahy who described the individuals as “reflective jacket clad heroes”. He criticised the lack of financial assistance provided to the group.

He calculated that it costs €450 to train and equip each and every member of the suicide watch, and costs about €40,000 a year plus VAT to keep the organisation operating.

Action is needed to improve mental health services urgently, Stephen stressed.

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8 NEWS

Hoteliers call for Government support CIAN O’BROIN

cianobroin@clareecho.ie

CLARE Hoteliers are calling for urgent government support for the tourism sector as hotel bookings plummet due to Covid-19 restrictions.

A new survey from the Industry Hotels Federation (IHF) has revealed the brunt of additional Government restrictions, resulting in occupancy rates of 21 per cent for October and 11 per cent for November in the Mid-West.

Due to a decline of 84 per cent in overseas visitors noted by the Central Statistics Office (CSO) in August 2020; 8,800 tourism (75%) jobs are at risk across Clare and nearly 36,000 jobs at risk across the wider region.

Prior to Covid-19, Clare's tourism and hospitality industry supported 12,000 jobs and generated â‚Ź266 million in revenue annually for the local economy.

Clare Hoteliers have outlined a number of urgent Government measures required to safeguard Irish tourism as part of this year's Budget. Firstly, Clare Hoteliers are calling on the Employment Wage Sub-

sidy Scheme (EWSS) rates of support to be increased to the previous levels of â‚Ź350/â‚Ź410 per week for businesses that can demonstrate a 50% reduction in turnover for a 12 month period.

Secondly, there are calls for the tourism Vat to be reduced to 9%, 'to assist recovery and secure a viable and sustainable future for tourism.' VAT on Irish Hotels is currently the second highest in Europe and higher than 30 European Countries.

Thirdly, additional liquidity measures are required to help fund hotels during the coming months as a result of the cash flow lost out due to Covid-19 restrictions.

Finally, hoteliers are calling on a local authority rate waiver to be extended for tourism businesses to coincide with COVID-19 interruption and for a minimum of 12 months.

Calls for additional supports to be provided to Shannon Airport have been made in light of cuts from several major airlines and the underlying threat of many that are looking to follow suit.

Dermot Kelly, Chair of the IHF Shannon Branch states, “We must focus on ways to restore international travel safely as soon as possible – a market that equates to 70% of our market base annually.

“In the immediate term, this will require an urgent alignment of our national travel policy with the framework being adopted by the EU. This must be backed up by an effective testing and tracking regime to facilitate safe travel and protect the health and livelihoods of all."

lAPPEAL: Shannon IHF Chair Dermot Kelly

THURSDAY, OCT 8 2020

Landmarks light up for FĂŠileacĂĄin CLARE County Council and Cloughleigh Church will light up next Thursday in memory of stillborn babies.

FĂŠileacĂĄin, the Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Association of Ireland, are calling on Ennis Courthouse and buildings across Ireland to join the global wave of light on Thursday 15th October 2020. “October is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness month and each year on October 15th there is a global wave of Light where across the World at 7pm candles, monuments, landmarks and buildings are lit in the campaign’s colours, pink and blue in memory of our babies. We hope turning buildings and landmarks pink and blue will spark conversations about baby loss and support people affected by miscarriage, stillbirth and neonatal death. “In 2018 Liberty Hall was the first and only Irish Building to be lit up blue and pink for Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance and we were absolutely honoured and delighted to have 83 buildings including Hospitals, Castles, Hotels and Civic Buildings lighting up across the Country last year as a result of our campaign. Every County had at least one building lighting up and it brought so much comfort to bereaved parents and their families. “Like most people around the World bereaved parents have been badly affected by Covid-19 with our Support meetings and Remembrance Services having to be cancelled. So this year we feel there will be extra significance on buildings lighting up as we hope to reassure parents that their babies are still being remembered. “Due to restrictions our campaign will have more of an online aspect this year. Individuals can show support by sharing photos of buildings lighting up near them or by simply lighting a candle at 7pm on 15th October and sharing their photo on social media using the hashtag #Feileacainwaveoflight,â€? said a spokesperson for FĂŠileacĂĄin.

For more information contact Nina Doyle on 0877793076.

Carrygerry Country House

Menus posted on our website www.carrygerryhouse.com and Facebook Carrygerry Country House Due to Covid restrictions Our Restaurant is only open for Residents so why not have a night away in Carrygerry Country House.

Special offer for the next 3 weeks 1 Night Dinner Bed & Breakfast (3 course meal plus tea / coffee) for only â‚Ź140 in total for 2 people sharing. (Valid from 9th October to 24th October)

For enquiries call 061 360500 or email: info@carrygerryhouse.com

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WE ARE OPEN TAKE SOME TIME TO REDISCOVER CLARE

From just €50 pps B&B in a Classic Room Arrive, check-in and relax. Enjoy dining by candlelight in our Ocean Bar & Bistro. Take a seat at Johnny Burkes Pub fireside afterwards to enjoy a hot toddy. In the morning, you will be served a Full Buffet Breakfast in our Pearl Restaurant to set you up for a day exploring west Clare!

Don't forget, you can also avail of the Stay & Spend Subsidy to receive a tax rebate of 20%

CA T C H B Y

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Our outdoor food truck serving delicious fresh fish OPEN Fri: 2pm to 8pm Sat & Sun: 1pm to 8pm

10 NEWS

THURSDAY, OCT 8 2020

Elm CafĂŠ, Gort Road, Ennis is NOW OPEN FOR TAKE AWAY ORDERS ONLY

Please drop in or call or text 086 0570595 SANDWICHES & WRAPS

HOME BAKED HONEY GLAZED HAM SANDWICH With Monterey Jack cheese and whole grain mustard mayonnaise Served in a soft white bap (Gl, Eg, M, Md, Sd)

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ROAST TURKEY BREAST SANDWICH With crispy bacon, stuffed with hazelnut, apricot and orange flavoured cous-cous & cranberry sauce (Gl, M, Nu, Md, Sd)

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FALAFEL WRAP Homemade Falafel with grated carrot, beetroot, red lentils, hummus and served with set sour cream (Gl, M, Md) V

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TUNA & CHEESE MELT With lemon Mayonnaise served in brown whole grain bap (Gl, Eg, M, Md, Sd, F)

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CHICKEN CAESAR WRAP With Baby Gem Lettuce, Parmesan shavings, bread croutons and homemade Caesar dressing (Gl, Eg, F, M, Md, Sd) G

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ELM CAFÉ CLUB SANDWICH Triple-decker of Turkey breast, home baked honey glazed ham, lettuce and tomato with wholegrain mustard mayonnaise, tomato relish and cranberry sauce on toasted white bread (Gl, Eg, M, Md, Sd)

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AMERICAN STYLE PANCAKES - With Nutella spread (Gl, Eg, M, Nu) V - With crispy bacon & Canadian Maple syrup (Gl, Eg, M)

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HAM & CHEESE (Gl, M, Md, Sd) CHICKEN & CHEESE (Gl, M) CHEESE & TOMATO (Gl, M) TOASTED SPECIAL Ham, cheese, tomato and onions (Gl, M, Md, Sd)

ELM CAFÉ’S HOMEMADE SAUSAGE ROLL Served with sautÊed baby spinach and Lyonnaise potato (Gl, Eg, M, Sd) 3 EGG OMELETTE Lissycasey Organic Free-Range Egg Omelette served with: - Roasted Mediterranean Style Vegetables (Eg, Cl) V - Chorizo Sausage, baby potatoes and mixed peppers (Eg, M, Sm, Sd) - Home baked honey glazed ham and cheddar cheese (Eg, M, Md, Sd) CRISPY FISH CAKES Selection of local fish and potato in crispy bread crumb with sweet chilli sauce, lemon mayonnaise and sesame Thai slaw (Gl, Eg, M, F, Md, Sm, Sd)

PĂ RAIC MCMAHON

P

paraic@clareecho.ie

RODUCTION of a German film in Kilkee has been hailed as having an "unbelievable" impact.

Odeon Fiction has completed shooting 'Planlos in Ireland' which translates as 'Clueless in Ireland'.

Production staff were based at the Kilkee Bay Hotel for the duration of the shoot.

Directed by Florian Gärtner in West Clare, the comedy was commissioned by ARD subsidiary Degeto. Beatrice Meier wrote the screenplay based on an idea by Melanie Bukowski and Bianca Ritz.

A 90 minute film, it is produced by Odeon Fiction alongside Treehouse Media with Geraldine Voss and Edwina Forkin serving as producers.

Andrea Sawatzki and GĂśtz Schubert play the leading roles of two language students in an intensive English course in Ireland.

Connie is the main character in the movie. An executive secretary in Germany for many years, when she discovers that fluency in written and spoken English has suddenly become a key requirement at her office, she realises she needs a plan. To save her job, Connie leaves her incredulous husband, Dirk, and her pregnant daughter, Anja,

at home and flies to Ireland to take an intensive language course. But she isn't quite prepared for her new quirky landlady and teacher.

Praise was extended to Clare's Arts Office for facilitating filming of the German production which followed in the footsteps of 'Calm with Horses' in shooting a production in Kilkee, parts of the film were also recorded in Kilrush.

Speaking at the September meeting of Clare County Council, Cllr Cillian Murphy (FF) described the impact of the film as “unbelievableâ€?. He predicted that the value of the production to Kilkee and West Clare would be in the region of â‚Ź800,000.

l ACTION: Planlos in Irland shooting in Kilrush

Photo by Gerard O’Neill

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ELM CAFÉ HOUSE SALAD ₏9.50 Mixed leaf selection with crispy bacon, Tulla Bonina Black Pudding, caramelised red onion and fresh pear. (Gl, Sd, Md, Sb) SIDE SALAD (Md) LYONNAISE POTATO HOMEMADE CHIPS POTATO & CHORIZO HASH (Eg, M, Sm, Sd) SOUP OF THE DAY Served with homemade Brown Soda Bread (Gl, M, Cl)

German film shoot has ‘unbelievable impact’

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Use same entrance as door or take away window Thank you for your continued support & custom Address: Quin Rd. Business Park, Ennis Phone: (065) 689 1010 www.peppermillennis.com

THURSDAY, OCT 8 2020

Meelick locals raise wind farm concerns CIAN O’BROIN

R

cianobroin@clareecho.ie

ESIDENTS of Meelick have raised concern over the possible construction of a windfarm stretching from Ballycar to Cappantymore and on to Gallows Hill.

The proposed windfarm, which is yet to go to planning, will allegedly include a number of windmills positioned strategically across five landowners' farms, with each landowner substantially compensated. Local objectors, who have come together to form a Meelick community action group called, 'Meelick Says No To Windfarm' are deeply perturbed by the potential health and environmental effects that could occur as a result of the development.

Lifelong Cappantymore resident, local objector and father of three children under the age of 10, Niall Ward, expressed his concern at the lack of public consultation, questioning the

motives of both the Council and the private group supposedly commissioned to construct the windfarm.

Mr. Ward states, "We have only become aware of this informally. We are very concerned. We are at a bit of a disadvantage in that no developer has identified themselves.

Only through a couple of farmers that have spoken have we managed to get any information. We are all very worried for our own health and our kid's health."

Clare County Council have designated the locality as a strategic area for wind farming.

Niall stresses that the local environment is 'much too built up' and that hundreds of individuals would be directly affected by the turbines. In addition, Niall alludes to the impact on the ecological environment, remarking that the Council's environmental survey is privately and externally conducted on behalf of the group that is expected to be responsible for the construction of the wind farm.

Meelick residents say that

they feel 'stranded', that the wind farm would be positioned too close to their homes and would subsequently devalue their properties overnight.

"My own brother in law said he would move if this goes ahead," Niall admits.

On a final note, Councillor Pat O' Gorman (FF) has come on the record, stating, "There is

no planning permission sought yet. Before that there has to be public consultation.

"As a public representative, I have spoken with some of the concerned residents, telling them that I will work on their behalf as a liaison officer between them and the council's planning department in order to put any meetings in place."

l OBJECTION: Gallows Hill in Cratloe Photo from Tripadvisor

NEWS 11

Brexit set to become a 'major concern for businesses CLARE businesses have been warned that Brexit is set to become "a major concern," writes PĂĄraic McMahon.

Negotiations on Brexit continue with the EU setting the end of October as its deadline for a deal however it is believed that talks will continue into November.

Speaking this week, European Commission Vice President Maros Sefcovic said both parties must ensure ratification for an agreed deal by January 1st, no-deal territory is on the horizon if this does not occur.

"Brexit is coming to the forefront and it is a major concern," Head of Enterprise with Clare LEO, Padraic McElwee stated. Addressing a meeting of Clare County Council's Economic Development SPC, he listed the uncertainty, difficulty to plan ahead, supply chain, UK land bridge, increased costs, customs and tariff complexity, the impact of VAT, currency fluctuations and the temporary assignment of EU staff to work in the UK as the main local concerns.

He was of the view that no deal would be agreed by the time Brexit arrived "which will have huge ramifications".

McElwee stressed the need for Clare businesses to engage in training and workshops on the subject, "a lot of businesses will suffer with paperwork involved for exporting and importing to UK".

He admitted that the impact of assigning staff to work in the UK was not expected but has become a major issue.

12 NEWS

THURSDAY, OCT 8 2020

Nine transformational sites identified in Ennis 2040 Plan PÁRAIC MCMAHON

N

paraic@clareecho.ie

INE transformational sites have been identified as part of the Ennis 2040 plan.

Commissioned following the adaptation of the National Planning Framework (NPF) for 2040, Ennis 2040 is a spatial and economic plan for the county town.

An Taoiseach, Micheál Martin (FF) has committed to launching the plan, a date for which has yet to be agreed.

Officials compiling the strategy have listed nine transformational sites in Ennis that are expected to undergo works as part of the plan.

Major retail and hotel use has been suggested for what is aimed to become a revamped Cornmarket St while big commercial ideas are said to be in place for the riverside area of Abbey St. Accessibility for pedestrians to

the town is one of the goals for potential works at Harvey’s Quay and the Post Office Field.

The construction of a multi-storey car park is listed as a possible use for Friar’s Walk. Residential, retail and commercial prospects

are considered for the site of the former Ennis National School.

Development of a boardwalk, paths and cycle paths is envisaged for the Wetland and Enterprise Area in Clareabbey as a tourism attraction.

lDEVELOPMENT: Abbey St has been iddentified as one of the key sites in the Ennis 2040 plan

The site of the Roche building is viewed as “an opportunity” with the Clare Technology Park deemed to be a potential location for future job creation. The final transformational site included in Ennis 2040 is the planned Ennis Data Centre.

Acting senior planner with Clare County Council, Helen Quinn explained that the “vision” from the project is to strengthen Ennis’ “role as a key regional economic driver and major tourist destination in the Mid-West through expansion and diversification of its economy. Its purpose is to guide the long-term development of Ennis and highlight opportunities that will deliver competitive advantages”.

“This is a piece of work that is two years in the making,” Director of Service, Liam Conneally stated.

Speaking at an Economic Development SPC meeting, he outlined that Ennis 2040 “shows the confidence Ennis has in itself to put forward projects, hopefully some of which will be realised in the next 20 years”.

The next County Development

Plan will be influenced by the document, he stated. More information on the plan will be released in the coming weeks, Conneally hinted.

Cllr Pat Daly (FF) described the works as “an exciting project” and referenced the nine sites mentioned with particular praise for the walk from Ennis to Clareabbey.

“The biggest problem in Ennis at the moment and I’m tired of talking about it is a lack of parking.

“We should be developing a multi-storey car park for staff members”. He believed the old Ennis National school building was the ideal location for this purpose.

Ennis Chamber representative, Pat Morris commented, “I hope it is not the next two or three months before the Taoiseach agrees to present it to us all”.

He added, “It is the largest town from Donegal to Kerry, it is bigger than Tralee, Donegal and Sligo, it is also the second largest town in southern region behind Kilkenny.

We need to focus on the strengths, this is a good step but we need to move quickly”.

Clare Echo teams up Clare minor footballers with Meals on Wheels go into Covid isolation PÁRAIC MCMAHON

paraic@clareecho.ie

THE Clare Echo has launched a new partnership with South Clare Meals on Wheels.

Operating out of their Obair offices in Newmarket-on-Fergus, South Clare Meals on Wheels has seen demand for its service triple during COVID-19. Much of this demand occurred overnight following the initial recommendation for over 75s to cocoon at the onset of the pandemic, and the majority of individuals in this age-bracket have continued to avail of the meals.

Service users are located in Newmarket-on-Fergus, Shannon, Ennis, Clarecastle, Sixmilebridge, Quin, Kilkishen, Kilmurry, Doora and Ballyea. Food which is prepared in compostable boxes is delivered around the county five days a week with the distri-

bution each Friday also including meals for Saturday and Sunday.

Commencing this Thursday (today) each Meals on Wheels user will also be getting a copy of The Clare Echo.

"We had been contemplating the idea for a while but we're delighted to now add The Clare Echo to the meal drop-off every Thursday. Some of the service users have been feeling very cut off over the last few months and having the local paper delivered means they can keep in touch with everything going on.

It's a small thing to the rest of us but means so much more to them," co-ordinator of the South Clare Meals on Wheels programme, Eimear Murphy said.

Editor and Managing Director of The Clare Echo, Stuart Holly commented, "We are delighted to partner with South Clare Meals on Wheels and the highly committed team at Obair, who provide such a vital service across our communities.”

l READ ALL ABOUT IT: Head of News & Sport with The Clare Echo Páraic

McMahon, Meals on Wheels co-ordinator Eimear Murphy, chef Orla Martin, Editor of The Clare Echo Stuart Holly, Obair community development officer Siobhan O’Driscoll

Photo by Joe Buckley

CLARE'S minor footballers are restricting their movements following positive Covid tests, writes Páraic McMahon.

Members of the county minor football panel were advised to begin self-isolating last week after it emerged that panellists had tested positive for COVID-19.

On Friday last, Clare played Galway in a challenge game with members of the panel travelling by bus to the match.

Advice from the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) and the GAA is for players to travel separately to training and games unless they are living in the same household as fellow passengers.

"Unfortunately this game was fixed for a

Friday evening and as you are well aware it is hard to get parents in cars to travel with under seventeens of a Friday evening down to Galway.

“The team is preparing for the Munster championship which is coming up in a couple of weeks, the most important thing of all is the health and safety of all our players and backroom team," Chairman of Clare GAA, Joe Cooney explained.

Subsequent to confirmation of a positive case of COVID-19, the entire panel and management have been tested.

They are due to play Tipperary in Semple Stadium on October 24 in the provincial quarter-final.

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This provision is co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Social Fund as part of the ESF Programme for Employability, Inclusion and Learning 2014 -2020.

14 NEWS

THURSDAY, OCT 8 2020

‘Think of the impact of your actions’ warns GP PÁRAIC MCMAHON

paraic@clareecho.ie

C

LARE recorded its highest amount of cases in a 48 hour period this week while a West Clare GP has urged the public to think of the consequences their actions may have over the coming weeks.

Figures released by the Department of Health showed that 32 cases were reported in Co Clare on both Saturday and Sunday of this week. The announcement of 37 cases on June 1st is the highest amount reported to date for Clare.

From the period of September 29th to October 4th, a total of 139 cases have arisen in the county. Clare has a 14 day incidence rate of 143 per 100,000 people which is one of the highest in the Republic of Ireland.

Numerous schools across the county are dealing with confirmed cases of Coronavirus involving both staff and students. The Clare Echo understands that there are multiple positive samples to Clarecastle NS Top Partconnected Ennis & Shannon 20200916.pdf

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with further cases at schools including Barefield NS, Ennistymon CBS, Ennis Community College and Scariff Community College.

Consequences must be considered by all members of the public when it comes to their decision making over the coming weeks, Dr Billy O'Connell stated.

"Before we go out we have to think of what happens next. It is not emphasised enough, we blame young people when it happens but we don't give them the best information to avoid getting into those situations, through lack of guidance from some of us and poor decision making with a few drinks it is hard to avoid".

Speaking to The Clare Echo, Dr O'Connell urged individuals particularly young people to realise that their actions can have severe impacts on the lives of others including their loved ones.

"The younger people have to realise that it isn't just themselves, a lot of them if they get it they will be able to shake it off but it is so insidious that they could be a carrier of it and bring it home and mix it with elderly people".

GP in Miltown Malbay, the Kerry native believed that the challenge of suppressCOVID-1909:28 is bigger now than it was in 1 ing 22/09/2020

March and April.

"One can imagine how easy it is to spread through coughing, we're going to be indoors a lot more which will be a cause for it to spread. The idea of level three is to limit this happening.

“If we kept going as we were, it would spread horrendously. Our biggest worry would be the hospitals and the ICU beds, thankfully we haven't had many casualties but the amount of ICU beds we have is minimal for the population we have, the biggest issue then is the people that need treatment for other medical conditions can't be due to a lack of bed space".

Senator Martin Conway (FG) welcomed confirmation that the new 60 bed modular unit at University Hospital Limerick (UHL) would open on November 9th. He said the opening "will dramatically reduce pressure on the hospitals A&E unit".

l PUBLIC HEALTH: Dr Billy O’Connell (right) has urged people to consider the consequences before they make a decision which could lead to the spread of Covid-19

Photo from Irish College of General Practitioners

Arts & Entertainment 15

THURSDAY, OCT 8 2020

The Burren Food Fayre goes virtual STUART HOLLY

editor@clareecho.ie

THE Burren Food Fayre is going virtual this year, with an impressive line-up of food producers and chefs from all over the Burren taking part in a series of free online events.

The event, now in its ninth year, will be live streamed on Facebook and YouTube starting on the 3rd of November at 7pm each evening.

“Our aim is simple, we want to showcase the rich food culture we have here in the Burren, and bring the recipes of our hugely successful book, ‘Burren Dinners’, alive.

“This event is particularly important this year as it brings the Burren to attendees who are unable to travel due to Covid 19 restrictions, as well as those who have a connection to the area. It means we are still able to offer a taste of the Burren in a safe and responsible way,” said Jarlath O’Dwyer, CEO of Burren Ecotourism Network and organiser of the event.

Over the course of the event, 12 chefs or food producers will present a 20 minute demo each evening from wherever they are in the region.

Those taking part include head chef Robbie McAuley from Gregan’s Castle hotel, Chef John Gilmartin from Hotel Doolin, Birgitta Curtin from the Burren Smokehouse, Siobhan Ni Ghairbhith from St Tola Goats Cheese, Oonagh O’Dwyer from Wild Kitchen and Ciara O’Halloran from Flaggy Shore Oysters.

People who aren’t able to attend the event, can catch up later as everything will be recorded and available on Facebook and You Tube.

“We are hoping to reach a bigger audience on the Social Media Platforms and also to give more people a chance to see some of our well known chefs, producers, cheesemakers, foragers and bakers in action. If people like what they see, when it is safe to travel again they can visit the Burren and taste the foods in person.” concluded Mr O’Dwyer.

For more information go to www.burren.ie or https://www. facebook.com/VisittheBurren

lYES CHEF: Gregan's Castle Head Chef Robbie McCauley

Trade some time to read Owen’s tale CIAN O’BROIN

O

cianobroin@clareecho.ie

WEN Martin, a frequent visitor to his second home in Killaloe, has penned a unique work of sci-

ence fiction.

His first and only publication, Trading Time, draws solely on a wealth of experience and the compulsion to tell a unique story that explores temporality, mortality and the trade off between the two. Exploring a narrative that contrasts Favelas in Brazil to the wealthy elite in New York, Owen's associations with both walks of life has allowed him to create a documentary like depiction of the polarity between rich and poor.

Now an accountant, based in Zurich, Owen's career has seen him journey several culturally rich continents. Originally from a mixed, medium-sized farm in rural Monaghan, Owen's business ventures have allowed him to acquaint himself with the likes of Singapore, Canada, France, the UK, Ireland and Switzerland. 15 years ago, Owen purchased a second home in Killaloe to which he habitually likes to return to every year, affixing the town as, "beautiful and a nice place to return home to."

The idea for Trading Time began seven years ago, Owen tells, "I tend to go back home every spring or Christmas. During one of those regular visits I was sitting there at the table drinking a cup of tea.

The Irish news was on, showing this very wealthy person who had passed away. It got me thinking.

“That person could have bought anything in the world, but still had passed away and couldn't buy that wonderful product called time.

I started to dwell on it a little bit and thought, well if they could

buy time, would they? Where would they get it? Would other human beings be willing to sell it? The idea was intriguing to me.

The story evolved into the transfer of wealth, if the poor of the world could sell time to the rich, would you have a massive transfer of wealth across the world.

“I wanted the story to be as real as possible, even though it's science fiction. It can't be done. I thought, how do I tell it as real as possible? I turned it into a normal story. It's almost documentary like. I wanted it to be polarising, people would sit on one side of the fence or other. It's balanced and offers views on both approaches."

Owen, who refrains from reading fiction altogether, admits that

lPAGE TURNER: Owen Martin’s new book

he was compelled to tell this story and that it suited his life experience. Traces of trading, finance, industry and travel are included in Trading Time. In an honest surmise, Owen concedes that, unlike most authors of fiction, he doesn't consider himself a reader and has

only read a number of books in his life. An accountant by trade, exposition to words on a page generally takes the form of textbooks, magazines and newspapers. The last book he read was Bill Clinton's 'Back to Work', a work he describes as "far from fiction."

Owen spends a lot of time conversing in the business world as part of his job, which invariably feeds into the style of Trading Time; reasonably straight forward, conversational and effective, easy to read style of language.

Owen has experienced what life is like on both ends of the financial spectrum; having spent three weeks in Brazil. Two weeks were spent in the favelas and one week was spent exploring the Amazonian rainforest. On the opposite end, his working life has resulted in a great deal of time spent in New York, the second major destination used in the novel. Owen can identify with both, confessing, "you have to use what you have experienced in life and capitalize on that.”

Owen approached Red Door Press, opting for a shared risk publisher rather than peruse around the major publishing houses. A shared risk publisher shares some of the costs and Owen felt like this option provided a much quicker route to market.

On a reason to pick up Owen's new science-fiction thriller, he states, "I think this is something different. The subject matter is slightly different to what someone would typically read. It's a little provocative. It's also an easy read.

From listening to people who have read it, they have described it as 'a page turner' and 'entertaining'.

Generally, the feedback is very good."

Trading Time is available in all Dubray or O' Mahony booksellers, on Kindle as well as online on Amazon.

16 NEWS

THURSDAY, OCT 8 2020

Work on bringing COVID-19 testing and screening to airport underway PĂ RAIC MCMAHON

A

paraic@clareecho.ie

CLARE cGovernment TD has confirmed that work on bringing a "robust" COVID-19 testing and screening system to Shannon Airport is underway.

Minister for Transport, Eamon Ryan (GP) has said engagement is ongoing between Government officials, the HSE and the Department of Health to explore the possibility of a robust testing and screening regime for international travel. Consultation with the aviation industry on the feasibility of airport testing such as pre-departures testing is also forming part of the discussion.

One of the key recommendations of a report by the Aviation Recovery Task Force published in July was the introduction of a comprehensive testing and tracking system to minimise travel risks associated with international travel to replace blanket restrictions.

The call to have proper testing at Irish airports including Shannon was previously voiced by Deputy Michael McNamara (IND) in May in Dåil Éireann who called on then Minister for Health Simon Harris (FG) to follow the example set by Vienna in Austria.

Such calls were reiterated by Clare politicians in subsequent months including Cllr Pat Daly (FF) at the July meeting of Clare County Council.

Clare TD, Joe Carey (FG) in a parliamentary question asked Minister Ryan if the Government

would consider following the example of Rome's Fiumicino Airport, which is currently trialling a pre-departure Covid testing system for passengers.

In his response, Minister Ryan said Ireland will "broadly support" the European Commission proposals for an EU common approach to Covid-19 international travel, whereby testing would be considered as a viable alternative to travel restrictions.

The Green Party leader also outlined that he was hopeful to bring forward a 'Memo for Government' concerning international travel within the next fortnight.

Deputy Carey in a statement to The Clare Echo stressed the need to introduce an innovative testing regime to replace blanket restrictions which were "strangling our airports and decimating our entire

aviation sector."

He stated, "Time is of the essence. Ryanair has threatened to pull out of Shannon and Cork for the winter if the Government does not implement the EU traffic light system to allow for a return of international air travel, while Aer Lingus' transatlantic and Heathrow flights remain grounded."

"We have 140,000 people working in the aviation sector in Ireland, many of whom work in the Shannon region. “Our aviation sector provides a huge amount of direct and indirect jobs, in Shannon Airport itself but also in supporting highly skilled jobs in MRO (manufacturing, repair, overhaul) and in aircraft leasing.

In addition, the connectivity delivered through Shannon is of critical importance for business and

tourism," Carey said.

Further supports for Shannon Airport are under consideration as part of Budget negotiations, Minister Ryan added.

"I have committed to undertaking an examination of the future viability and sustainability of Shannon Group, and I will consider restructuring measures, financial supports and any other measures that may be necessary and appropriate as part of this wider review of Shannon Group. “I will bring recommendations to Government in this regard shortly. “It is my intention that the Company, including Shannon Airport, will be well positioned for the future particularly given the importance of Shannon Airport to the economy of the Midwest region and indeed nationally."

People of Shannon remain angry MAYORS PLEDGE SUPPORT with standard of grass-cutting PĂ RAIC MCMAHON paraic@clareecho.ie

Attention to detail is lacking in the maintenance of Shannon leading to an unflattering portrayal of the town.

Constituents in the Shannon Municipal District have frequently voiced their frustration with the standard of grass cutting and maintenance in the town. An appeal for a local company to be awarded the contract for carrying out such works was issued

by Cllr Donna McGettigan (SF) at the MD's September sitting.

An open tendering process is conducted every year for contractors to apply in the Shannon Municipal District, senior executive engineer Aidan O'Rourke stated. He outlined that contracts cannot be awarded based on geographic location.

O'Rourke confirmed that an enforcement structure is now in place with the existing contractor which only permits payment when the job is carried out "to a satisfactory standard". He said there is a consistent line of communication between the managing director of the company and Council officials.

Speaking at the meeting, Cllr McGettigan highlighted that grass cutting is "one of the issues I'm contacted about on a regular basis. People are very angry about it". She queried if the past of the current contractor was assessed before a new deal was signed. "I would like to see it a bit more local if it can be," she added.

Fellow Shannon representative, Cllr Gerry Flynn (IND) acknowledged, "There was an improvement this year when complaints were made earlier on".

He commented, "What's really destroying the whole look of Shannon is the road edges, the over grown footpaths, the attention to the detail is not there and the timing of spraying weeds is totally off ". Flynn concluded, "The place doesn't look great".

lCOMMITTED: Pictured at the inaugural meeting of a new alliance group of six mayors from Clare, Limerick, Galway, Tipperary and Kerry, who have come together to support Shannon Airport are l-r: Mary Considine CEO Shannon Group.

Cllr Michael Smith Cathaoirleach Tipperary County Council, Cllr James Charity Cathaoireach of Galway County Council, Cllr Mike Cubbard Galway City Council, Cllr Mary Howard Mayor of Clare, Cllr Patrick Connor-Scarteen Mayor of Kerry and Cllr Michael Collins Mayor of City and County of Limerick Photo by Eamon Ward

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TAKE AWAY COCKTAILS

Each Cocktail Bottle Serves 4

FEATURES 17

THURSDAY, OCT 8 2020

GREEN CLARE

Action group are Wild about Miltown CIAN O’BROIN

T

cianobroin@clareecho.ie

HE Wild About Miltown Malbay (WaMM) Biodiversity group is a committed group of volunteers with the aim of raising awareness on ways of improving biodiversity, actively creating more wildlife habitats in the area and controlling Non-Native Invasive Species (NNIS).

A sub-group of Miltown Malbay Tidy Towns established in 2019, the group’s mission objective is to respond to the global crisis, destruction of habitat and biodiversity loss as well as fostering a better sense of community through work and recreation.

The WaMM group, made up of a committee of five members, come from a variety of disciplines and their skills and abilities have given the group the momentum they need to complete the tasks they envision. Some of the WaMM members participated in the Burren Beo biodiversity course in 2019 and the CLDC bio course in Ennis in 2019, and lectures run by Seedsavers and Dr. Frances Giaquinto and others.

The group felt the courses deepened their knowledge and understanding of how to enhance biodiversity, but they feel they still have a lot to learn.

On the sub-group’s undertakings, Su states, “We started with the film night on 12th June 2019. That was ‘Symphony of the Soil’ and it was our launch night. We had a packed-out house and received great feedback from that. We then set up a Wild About Miltown Malbay Facebook page and twitter account where we inform the community about our projects and activities as well as answer any queries they may have about

biodiversity. “After that, in September 2019, we started a monthly lecture and workshop series.

The monthly meetings were to get people interested in biodiversity and the environment and help with fundraising as well. We arranged for Cormac McCarthy from Tidy Towns - Wild about Ennis, to speak about their experiences and he really encouraged us to keep going. “A local man, Donal De Barra, regaled us with tales on his experience on sustainable living, Bob Wilson on planting native trees, Vincent Keane spoke eloquently on Farming & Conservation in the Burren and Clean Coast lead a team from NUIG who spoke passionately to a full house about the importance and uniqueness of the West Clare coastline. Before Christmas, a large number of birdboxes were produced by friends of WaMM and were distributed to those that would be happy to provide a good home to our feathered friends. Oonagh Dwyer brought a small group of us on a foraging afternoon this September but covid-19 may stall us going forward.�

At this time, a variety of projects were also undertaken. The first full project tackled by the biodiversity group was the development of a third of the LCETB field.

After securing Leader funding, a few hundred trees, hedging and bulbs were planted around the perimeter. Essential equipment was provided as well as what the group have described as ‘tremendous help’ from the local Direct Provision (DP) group. The second endeavour was a community garden on Mullagh Road, opposite the National School. Architectural plans were drawn up and mixed native wildlife hedging was planted. The four-phase project also incorporates an Ogham native tree circle, one tree for every lunar moon of the year as well as a unique wildflower garden that flourished in the summer.

WaMM work with the all-Ireland pollinator guide, an effective manual for anyone looking to improve the biodiversity of their own garden. Lush and Leader funding have also allowed for the WAMM group to team up with Invasive Species Specialist Dr. Frances Giaquinto and associates, to assist in eradicating nine sites overrun with Japanese Knotweed around the town.

On the future for the forward-thinking biodiversity group, Su informs, “We hope to try and create more community spirit in realising that this is a global crisis. We can start locally and change what we are doing here in Miltown. We love to bring communities together, where we are all singing from the same hymn sheet and working together

is better for our environment. “The church car park is our next project.

It has been chosen by the County Council to develop and we look forward to working with them in bringing it to its full potential.�

Honora adds, “We are continuing to work with other groups, whether business, culture or archaeological. We haven’t worked with some of them yet but we know that working together is essential for our town.�

Wild About Miltown Malbay are open to new members. Anyone interested can contact Su at wildaboutmiltownmalbay@gmail. com. The group also has a GoFundMe page for their community garden. Any contribution is warmly welcomed.

CENTRAL WASTE MANAGEMENT RECYCLING FACILITY, BALLYDUFF BEG, INAGH, CO CLARE

Saturday 10TH October, 2020 8.30am - 1pm

FREE disposal of hazardous waste items listed. Normal charges apply for other waste/recycling • For safety reasons, all waste containers must contain original labels/ identification • Staff will not accept unknown wastes or waste that are not in original containers • Medical sharps (needles) will not be accepted

HAZARDOUS ITEMS ACCEPTED FREE OF CHARGE ARE: • ADHESIVES • AEROSOLS • ANTIFREEZE • BATTERIES (HOUSEHOLD, CAR & FENCE)

• HERBICIDES • HOUSEHOLD DETERGENTS • MEDICINAL WASTE (HUMAN & ANIMAL) • MIXED FUELS

• OIL (COOKING & ENGINE) • OIL FILTERS • PAINTS & VARNISHES • PESTICIDES

Waste from commercial operators WILL NOT be accepted For further details please contact: email: enviroff@clarecoco.ie | telephone: (065) 6821616

lFEATHERED FRIENDS: Birdboxes are assembled by friends of WaMM

This is part of the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment Anti Dumping Initiative 2020 and is co-ordinated by Clare County Council and the WERLA Southern Region

18 FEATURES

The pencil maker

RONAN SCULLY

Thought for the week

I

LOVE working with the people I call "the change makers."

They’re the people who want to make a difference in the world so that they leave it in a slightly better way than they found it.

An example of changemakers in our lives especially during these strange and worrying times of Coronavirus is our amazing heroic fabulous "frontline workers" who are doing all they can to keep us safe and well in every way and in every aspect of our living.

I have been very lucky over the years to have worked with some of them in some organisations like the organisation I work with now Self Help Africa and many other organisations that have paved the way for good and life-giving and life-saving work in our country and in our world.

I love these types of people because they’re so driven by their heart and passion to genuinely care for others.

They value and really love and care for people and the world in which we all live in. They have great empathy for others and a desire to make the world a better place for everyone. They strive for justice, care, faith, inclusion and equality for all earth's inhabitants.

Do you know what really amazes and inspires me about these change makers?

They’ve had their own hurts but instead of letting those things harden them, they’ve allowed themselves to stay open and vulnerable.

They’ve taken those things that have wounded, battered, and pierced them and transformed the experiences into fierce empathy for others.

They can’t walk past the person who’s hurting because they know how it feels to hurt. They have a way of recognizing the human condition in all of us.

They turn it outward and use it as a learning experience, one that enhances their ability to empathise and drives their conviction to change things for others with real purpose in their hearts.

Deep lessons

"The Pencil Maker took the pencil aside, just before putting him into the box. "There are 5 things you need to know," he told the pencil, "Before I send you out into the world. Always remember them and never forget, and you will become the best pencil you can be."

"One: You will be able to do many great things, but only if you allow yourself to be held in Someone's

hand.

"Two: You will experience a painful sharpening from time to time, but you'll need it to become a better pencil.

"Three: You will be able to correct any mistakes you might make.

"Four: The most important part of you will always be what's inside."

"And Five: On every surface you are used on, you must leave your mark.

No matter what the condition, you must continue to write."

The pencil understood and promised to remember, and went into the box with purpose in its heart.

Now replacing the place of the pencil with yourself. Always remember them and never forget, and you will become the best person you can be.

One: You will be able to do many great things, but only if you allow yourself to be held in God's hand. And allow other human beings to access you for the many gifts you possess.

Two: You will experience a painful sharpening from time to time, by going through various problems and sufferings in life, but you'll need it to become a stronger person.

Three: You will be able to correct any mistakes you might make.

Four: The most important part of you will always be what's on the inside.

And Five: On every surface you walk through, you must leave your mark.

No matter what the situation, you must continue to do your duties for the good of everyone you come into contact with."

The Shipwreck and Life Preferences

As usual a story might help.

"One day, after a shipwreck, the sole survivor drifted toward an uninhabited island with the tide.

Day after day he sincerely prayed to God to save him out of this place earlier so that he could return to his hometown.

And every day he gazed out to sea to see if there was any sign of ship. But there was nothing except a vast expanse of water.

Later, he used wood of the island to build a shanty to protect himself in the perilous environment and to store all his remains.

But one day when he finished fishing and went back, he suddenly found that his shanty was in roaring flames with heavy smoke climbing up to the sky continuously.

The most miserable thing was

that all his possessions had become nothing. He grieved and yelled up at the sky, “Oh God! How could you act so?”

He lost the shanty for shelter, and had a really rough night in great fear. Early the next morning, he was awakened by the siren of a ship approaching the island. Yes, someone was coming to rescue him.

When on board, he asked the crew, “How do you know I’m here?” They replied, “Because we have seen the signal-like thick smoke.”

After reading this story, I perceived that when we sometimes encounter difficulties and tribulations or have something deprived in life, it may not necessarily be a bad thing.

Just like the survivor on the island, a fire burned down his hut, but the sailors found the heavy smoke, then rescued him from the island, and brought him back to his hometown.

Having real faith is knowing all things and events are under God’s control.

A real gift

It’s the ability to grow through these hurts and preferences, to come out the other end stronger, clearer, and with a renewed zest for life.

I think that’s what many of us fail to recognize in ourselves, that those dark times of fear, far from diminishing us, can give us the most profound of gifts, the gift of recognizing human life in all its messy, hurtful, courageous glory.

We can take those gifts and use them to be a light to others to say as my friend David always says, “It’s okay. This too will pass.”

And that surely is a real gift worth giving.

THURSDAY, OCT 8 2020

A tree is not just for Tree Day STUART HOLLY

A

editor@clareecho.ie

TREE is not just for Tree Day, it’s for every day. That’s the message being given to the students of Ennis National School, anyway. Lá na gCrann, in association with the Tree Council of Ireland, fell on 1st of October, and the 4th Class students of Ms. Aoife Kelly’s class and Mr. Griffin’s Sunshine Class were busy ensuring that there would be trees in their school garden for many years to come.

Elm and Rowan trees provided by the Department of Physical Development and Clare County Council arrived just in time for Lá na gCrann, and were duly and carefully planted in their new home.

"Earlier this year had seen the introduction of the new school garden at Ennis National School, and while it is a great setting for the tree planting, it also showcases many other aspects of nature.

The school has invested in

the garden to give students experience of bird baths and bird feeders, herb planting and tasting, seed planting and plant blooming, and even an insect hotel for a bit of experience with creepy crawlies.

The garden is a colourful and happy place to learn," said a spokesperson for Ennis National School.

School Principal Brian Troy commented: "It is well documented and spoken about that bio diversity has many benefits for our county, our country and our world.

"At Ennis National School, we realise that it’s important to not only talk about this, but demonstrate it, and to let the kids get their hands dirty. To facilitate that, we’ve dedicated a portion of the school grounds to giving real life experience of biodiversity to our students."

The 4th Class students planted trees that are all natural to Ireland, including an oak tree donated by a family of the school and a beautiful rowan tree.

The Sunshine Class planted the Spruce tree which they intend to light up at Christmas time.

PAIN WON'T STOP ME

Thought for the week

As your thought for the week, always remember that when something bad happens, you have three choices.

You can let it define you, let it destroy you, or you can let it strengthen you so that you can change things for the better.

My hope and prayer is that you will always let it strengthen you and shape you into a better loving, caring and compassionately strong person.

Maybe you are at a low point in your life or encounter hardships at the moment, but please don’t lose your confidence because of this.

As long as we truly rely on God and believe that He is watching by our sides, perhaps one day soon, we will see that something unpleasant is exactly God’s great protection and salvation toward us, and is the moment that He stretches out His hands of salvation toward us.

You too can be a change maker and God knows our world needs plenty of them now.

lPROUD: 23 year old Barefield woman Nicole Norton pictured with her mum Ann. Nicole, who has cerebral palsy, is set to go through the pain barrier to complete a ‘virtual’ Dublin City Marathon in order to help raise funds for Clare Crusaders.

Nicole has gone through “at least 50 operations” during her life and requires four doses of morphine each day to manage her pain and allow her function Photo by Eamon Ward

Online activities for over 55s Because of Covid-19 we have all had to change and adapt how we do things and for the next few months the West Clare Family Resource Centre have organised a wide range of activities you can join online. They have Sit Fit, Singing, Down Memory Lane, Tai Chi, Book Club, Crafts, and Social Chat on-line groups available for people to join. If you require assistance with getting online please let us know and we are happy to help. If you do not have a smart phone or tablet or laptop please contact us and we can look at options available to you. Contact us at 065 9052173 or 086 7524377 for more information. Stay safe and stay connected.

COLUMNISTS 19

THURSDAY, OCT 8 2020

Opinion

Get in contact Become part of the conversation. Submit your letters to the editor by emailing editor@clareecho.ie or via post addressed to 36c Abbey Street, Ennis, County Clare

Public now perceives NPHET as bunch of well-paid autocrats EOIN NEYLON Politics

I

T’S fair to say that Sunday evening’s news that NPHET were to recommend full level 5 Covid restrictions for the entire country caught people by surprise. Nobody expected the seemingly draconian recommendation, not least members of the Government who reacted with shock to the letter they received from returning Chief Medical Officer, Dr Tony Holohan. My own reaction was one of incredulity, initially brandishing the move utter lunacy.

On reflection, my initial shock clearly led to anger, based on the thought that all the sacrifice to date had been for naught. On examination of social media, this was the same story for hundreds of thousands of people at the time. It must be reiterated that NPHET are the experts in public health and have access to a full range of data that noone else in the country has access to. That said, no person or body of people is infallible, and no public body can or should be above questioning.

Accountability has to remain a cornerstone of our democracy.

With that in mind, one must ask, why was the NPHET letter to the Government, one of such importance, likely to cause widespread shock and anxiety, leaked to RTÉ news on Sunday evening? The person responsible for the leak should feel repercussions for their actions. In leaking this information before giving anyone any chance to prepare the public for it, the mental health of the entire country took a battering.

Not a great position from which to start a month of severe lockdown measures. The leak undermined the authority of NPHET itself in the eyes of the public.

After seven long months of sacrifice, mainly affecting the lower paid, elderly and vulnerable people, the perception of NPHET changed overnight from a caring body of experts to a bunch of well-paid autocrats, out of touch with the public mood. Nevertheless, you must recall that their job is not to placate people, nor score popularity points. They are there to advise on pubic health, regardless of all other factors.

Nevertheless, a move to level 5 would undoubtedly severely

affect mental health as well as cancer screening and other medical services. In the context of the media leak on Sunday night, the perception was that none of those factors appear to have made NPHET’s consideration.

It’s the Government’s job to reflect on the medical advice and weigh that up against the broader economic, societal and public wellbeing. The leak really put Government in an impossible position of either implementing a deeply unpopular and seemingly over the top lockdown, or not going ahead with expert public health advice.

On Monday morning, that task was further complicated when Dr Mary Favier of NPHET appeared on Morning Ireland and highlighted that ICU beds were the main concern of NPHET. She made the remark that, at current rates, NPHET feared that ICU beds would be full by next month. This was a shocking revelation, and a damning one of Leo Varadkar and the Government he led until June.

Effectively, if true, it means that the FG/IND minority Government had wasted the time bought in March and April with lockdown. The whole point of that lockdown was to avoid the hospitals being overwhelmed and allow Government time to significantly boost the ICU bed numbers in the State. This has not transpired. Varadkar’s Government skipped an entire stage of reopening also, which at this juncture, looks to have been premature, as much as we all wanted it. This was done against NPHET advice also.

The question remains though as to whether the NPHET modelling is correct or if they’re merely being over cautious.

This coming week is a vital one for determining just how the virus is behaving in terms of hospitalisations. We had been acting as if cases identified at present behave in the same manner as those identified in March and April. But is this correct?

There are many differences between the two time periods, notably that we now have a significantly improved testing regime and our contact tracing is hugely improved. The efficiency of both has also increased in

that time. As a result, we are finding far more asymptomatic cases than we were in Spring, meaning a far smaller portion of new cases identified are requiring hospitalisation. In truth, I do think NPHET jumped the gun slightly, but they may have had more clear data showing they were right.

The communication of their position was terribly handled, however. It gave Taoiseach Martin little choice but to make his public address on

Restrictions that now apply

Monday night, effectively warning us all we are on our last chance to avoid another lockdown.

It remains to be seen how well people adhere to new restrictions. Hopefully, people may have been ‘scared straight’ in terms of the bad habits large sections of the population had fallen into. Remember folks, wear a mask, wash your hands regularly and keep your distance; it’s the only hope we will have a Christmas to look forward to.

l The Taoiseach made it clear we’re on our last warning with his public address

Property

Beautiful homes all over the County

17 SHANACLOON, ENNIS, CO.CLARE

€195,000

BALLAGHBOY DOORA, ENNIS, CO CLARE

€219,000

IRAGH, O’CALLAGHANS MILLS, CO CLARE

20

€185,000

NO.17 located in the popular Shanballa Housing Development, just off the Lahinch Road within minutes drive of Ennis Town Centre while enjoying easy access to Ennis Bypass and the M18 Limerick/Galway Motorway. With cobble lock driveway to the front and off street private parking for 2 vehicles, the property fronts onto a large green area with extra communal parking spaces. Built in 2004 the property boasts many quality features throughout with built in wardrobes to all bedrooms, gas central heating and a landscape private rear garden area. This impeccably presented three bedroom home would make an ideal family or first time buyer property with viewing highly recommended and strictly by prior appointment with sole selling agents.

LOCATED on the main Ennis to Quin Road, in the townland of Ballaghboy on a site extended to approximately 0.65 acres, bound by mature trees hedgerows and dry stone walls, this home is a must view to appreciate the enormous potential on offer. The current owners configured the property to facilitate two residences, both of which are fully equipped with two double bedrooms, bathroom, reception rooms, fully fitted kitchens and extensive quality timber flooring and tiling. Converting the property to facilitate one entire dwelling is very easy to complete by simply removing a door sized timber frame panel. This home offers the best of both worlds while offering a magnificent family detached bungalow on a fantastic site with each room offering bright and well proportioned accommodation and is also ideal for those seeking a countryside dwelling, with all conveniences on your doorstep and excellent income potential from adjoining self contained two bedroom home.

FANTASTIC detached modernised bungalow located in the heart of O’Callaghan’s Mills Village within walking distance of local primary school, Montessori, GAA pitch and amenities. This property offers excellent potential to the discerning purchaser with planning permission in place to convert garage to an extra 2 bedrooms and extend the property to the rear if desired. Currently the property offers 3 double bedrooms, living room, kitchen, dining room and bathroom on a large landscaped site. Block wall boundaries to the front with tarmac drive and large lawned areas to the front, side and rear of the property with mature hedging and trees in place throughout Oil fired central heating and solid fuel stove with back boiler.

The property has been modernised recently throughout to include the installation of modern double glazed windows.

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

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

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

BURREN HAVEN COTTAGE, BALLINAHOUN, LISDOONVARNA

LACKEN, KNOCKALOUGH, KILMIHIL, CO CLARE

4 CORROVORRIN DRIVE, ENNIS, CO CLARE

€230,000

€265,000

€159,000

PERCHED on a beautiful elevated, approximately 1.4 acre site, this fully refurbished and extended 3 bedroom cottage has been tastefully decorated to ensure the original character is retained.

The property has fantastic Atlantic Views of the Aran Islands and the Cliffs of Moher from the west facing sun lounge. It is ideally situated on a quiet country road in the heart of the world-famous Burren region. This property is close to Lisdoonvarna and Doolin, approx 5 min drive from both. Fanore beach is 15 min drive along the coast and Lahinch is just 20 minutes away. On entering the property the quality tile flooring leads to the open plan living area with a mix of solid oak and tile flooring with access to the rear hallway, the west facing sun lounge and the first of the three double bedrooms. The rear hallway gives access to the family bathroom and a further two double bedrooms which also connects to the rear brick paved court yard with stone walls and split level gardens to enjoy the wonderful countryside and Atlantic views.

LARGE extended 5 bedroom bungalow overlooking Knockalough Lake. Driveway raises up from the road with large tarmac driveway with ample space for 4/5 vehicles. Separate entrance to the side leading around to the rear of the property. Cut stone wall and pillars to the front, mature manicured gardens and raised beds with a lawned area to the front overlooking Knockalough lake. Full paving area to the side of the house which is a sun trap and overlooks the manicured gardens and lawns. This area has lake views. Concrete pathway which leads to a small greenhouse. This would make a fantastic family home with viewing highly recommended and strictly by prior appointment with sole selling agents.

CORROVORRIN is one of Ennis Towns more mature residential estates, conveniently located just off the Ennis to Tulla Road, 10 minutes walk from Ennis Town Centre with all amenities at your door step including convenience stores, secondary and national schools, excellent transport links, Tim Smythe Park and much more. Number 4, boasting a not overlooked rear garden with extensive patio, is a bright and spacious 4 bedroom semi-detached home boasting two receptions, kitchen/breakfast, utility and bedroom at ground floor bedroom and 3 bedrooms and main bathroom to first floor. Requiring some modernisation, the property would make a fantastic first time buyer or family home in this very much sought after residential area of Ennis Town Centre.

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

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

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

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PRICES FROM €266,000 Sized from approx 1,296 sqft to 2,000 sqft.

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T: 065 6840200

22 PAID FOR ADVERTORIAL

THURSDAY, OCT 8 2020

Treacy offers first wedding photography job for €5

E

AST Clare Photographer James Treacy is spreading his wings and he is now undertaking his first wedding as a photographer. He has approached Joe Duffy’s Liveline radio show with a view to doing his first wedding as part of Joe’s Fiver Friday promotion.

James who hails from Scarriff celebrated six years in business as a photographer this year. He started from a humble beginning taking a group shot of a pilgrimage he organised to Lough Derg and since then he has gone from strength to strength.

James says he learned his trade in the Limerick Institute of Technology and later in the Limerick College of Further Education. He comments that he is a Graduate of the University of Limerick and holds an Honours Degree in Law and Accounting and holds Master of Laws (LLM) from Liverpool John Moores University and University College Dublin.

Last year James also was admitted as a qualified photographer to the Societies of Photographers which is a worldwide Professional Body which encourages Continuous Professional Development and has a networking aspect to it also. He has joined the Society of Wedding & Portrait Photographers (SWPP) and the Society of International Media & Press Photographers (SIMPP).

He has been doing work for various newspapers covering cattle and sheep marts from

Tullamore to Castleisland. James has had his photos published in the Farmers Journal, published work in The Clare Champion, The Limerick Leader, The Connacht Tribune, The Clare County Express, The Irish Examiner, The Farming Independent and The Clare People.

He is based in the Mid-West but he travels outside this area for Baptisms, Holy Communions and Confirmations and now Weddings. His Press work includes photographing sheep and livestock in marts including Tullamore, Gort, Birr, Nenagh, Roscrea, Ennis, Scarriff, Kilmallock, Fermoy, Castleisland, Sixmilebridge Maam Cross and Tipperary Town.

His current portfolio spans more than half a decade. He says “my services for this Wedding Job are virtually free but the couple will have a choice of using the images which I will give them for €5 on a USB memory stick or pay extra for an album with leading wedding album manufacturers Loxley Colour in Scotland.

James is currently doing a course in The Limerick College of Further Education in the Media Department in Videography which will last 10 weeks and he then hopes to pursue a career in both video and photography in weddings. He intends travelling all over Ireland including Northern Ireland to get work.

His portfolio can be seen on his website www.jamestreacyphotography.ie.

lLOCALS: Some shots from James Treacy's hometown of Scariff

lSTILL: The Killaloe Bridge post lockdown, taken in Black and White with a special film camera imported from Japan

Sport Clare Echo THE

08-10-20

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Huge boost as Brennan & Malone return for Clare footballers SEAMUS HAYES

EXCLUSIVE

C

LARE football has received a boost ahead of the resumption of inter county activity with the news that Gary Brennan and Jamie Malone have rejoined the squad. All star nominee Brennan opted out of the

squad at the end of 2019 as he had plans to go travelling.

Malone did likewise however Covid-19 disrupted those plans and both were in sparkling form in the recently concluded club football and hurling championships.

St. Flannans teacher Brennan picked up a serious ankle injury while playing for Clondegad against Cratloe in the senior football championship. He returned to action joining the Clare senior football squad for training last week and while he didn’t play when Clare faced

THIS RUNS www.grireland.ie

Mayo in a challenge game in Cusack Park on Sunday last, he is expected to be part of the Clare panel for their upcoming league games against Fermanagh and Armagh and their championship clash with Tipperary on November 1.

Malone is also expected to feature in those games.

Clare are due to resume their league campaign on Sunday week with the visit of Fermanagh and six days later they are also due to have home advantage against Armagh in the final round of

the league, however question marks hang over these fixtures due to Covid-19.

Croke Park has ordered that panels must be cut down and this together with the shorter time to prepare for a resumption of competition is likely to see preparations confined to the outgoing panel.

Amongst the players understood to have caught the management’s eyes during the recent championship are Daniel Walsh (Kilmurry-Ibrickane), Michéal Garry (Cooraclare) and Aaron Griffin (Lissycasey).

Jamie Malone and (inset) Gary Brennan return for Clare Photos by Martin Connolly

Clare owners take Galway by storm CLARE greyhound owners from Moy, Miltown Malbay, Ennistymon and Shannon were winners at Galway track over the weekend.

Rugby ensured just one night of racing took place at the Galway track over the weekend with the A1 graded 550 Yards contest the feature event of 11 races.

As the traps rose Cloneyogan Blaze and Headford Melody were away well with Caislean Roddick also prominent towards the opening bend. Rounding the opening bend the Siobhan Garrahy of Moy owned Cloneyogan Blaze got around in front and grabbed the rails, leading by over a length entering the back straight. The lead extended to over three lengths approaching the second last but off the home bend the son of Kinloch Brae and Tiermana Rum was all out to repel the renewed effort of Headford Melody close home to prevail by half a length in 30.61.

In the A3 graded tenth contest Grahams Jet and Brickhill Davy led the charge to the opening bend with Grahams Jet holding a half length advantage on

the outside as they turned down the back straight.

Racing down the back the front pair led by three lengths but leaving the back straight the Sean Meade of Miltown Malbay owned Paradise Mozart began to close on his rivals and off the home bend the son of Droopys Nidge and Alexandra swept through between runners to win going away by two and three quarter lengths in 29.09.

Willbroo Fiddler owned

by Ennistymon’s Claire Davoren made it two wins from two starts in the S8 graded contest, leading on the crown of the home bend on her way to a two & a quarter length success over Killanin Pippa in 19.63.

As they rounded the opening bend the winner swept through between runners to take command. Two lengths clear straightening for home the winner was in control up the straight for a comfortable success.

Without a win in 14 previous attempts the James McLaughlin of Shannon owned Drumgeely Prince left all previous form behind him in race six in an A5 graded contest as he made all the

running to defeat Kilbannon Psycho by six and three quarter lengths in 28.87.

Trapping well from trap six in company with Be Slow Django led by a length at the opening bend but turning down the back the son of Pat C Sabbath & Athlacca Queen left his rivals in his wake. Eight clear leaving the back, the winner was all along racing up the home straight as Kilbannon Psycho kept on well for second.

In race seven, the Gordon Vaughan of Miltown Malbay owned Deerpark West got up close home to record his third career win in this A4 graded affair as he collared the always prominent Peteles Queen close home to prevail by half a length in 29.91.

There was huge local interest in Heat 14 of the English Derby on Saturday night last with Inagh’s Noel Hehir’s brilliant bitch Coolavanny Chick making every inch of the running. It was a tremendous run from the daughter of Droopys Sydney and hopes are high that she can make further progress in the second round which takes place on this Saturday night.

08-10-20

Clare Echo THE

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Podge Collins in league action against Laois earlier this year Photo by Gerard O’Neill

MUNSTER SENIOR FOOTBALL SEMI-FINAL Compiled by Seamus Hayes

Cahir (Tipperary) 4-16 Banner Ladies 4-15 Venue: St Michael’s Park, Kilmihil

Cahir Frees For: 27 Wides: 9 Scores from Play: 4-11 Spread of Scorers: 6 Top Scorer: Aishling Moloney (1-6, 4f) Own kickouts won: 24 from 30 (80%)

Banner Ladies Frees For: 24 Wides: 11 Scores from Play: 4-13 Spread of Scorers: 7 Top Scorer: Graine Nolan (2-06, 2f) Own kickouts won: 24 from 29 (83%)

Brian Murphy, Cahir manager: “This was a huge performance from both teams. I thought we were done for when it went to extra time because we had extra time on Sunday as well when we won the Tipperary title.

These girls just don’t give up. In extra time we owned the first half and they owned the second half. We just about held on and we are delighted. There was nothing between us, two great teams. With players like Aishling Moloney, they can pull games out of the fire. It was a superb game and both sides got tremendous scores. It didn’t do our hearts any good. We could do with a bit of a break now and we will go again next week. There is no end to this group. The facilities are great here and it was an excellent game.”

JJ O’Dea, Banner Ladies manager: “It was heartbreaking, a one point defeat is tough. It’s a lonely place and its lonely here now after been beaten by one point in extra time. It was a superb game, it was end to end stuff even in extra time. In normal time were were four points up with a minute left. It was a superb goal

by Aishling Moloney. We couldn’t stop her there tonight. That’s sport. We are well up there, we have a panel of players and hopefully we will be back. We need close games like this to learn from them.”

SCAN HERE FOR MATCH REPORT

Niamh O’Dea

Photo by Burren Eye Photography

Lohan adds white hopes to panel as Podge departs PÁRAIC MCMAHON

T

paraic@clareecho.ie

WO members of Clare’s All-Ireland winning team of 2013 have departed Brian Lohan’s senior hurling panel.

A nominee for Hurler of the Year when Clare claimed the Liam McCarthy seven years ago, Podge Collins left the hurling panel at the end of last week. The Cratloe dual-star featured predominantly as a substitute during Lohan’s first Allianz National Hurling League campaign.

Collins had previously left the Clare hurling panel in 2015 to focus solely on football having previously managed to play both at inter-county level. He first joined the Clare senior panel in 2012 during Davy Fitzgerald’s first year as boss and the UL graduate was one of the standout players in 2013 collecting an All-Star for his exploits.

The Clare Echo has learned that Podge has not linked up with the Clare footballers as of yet despite reports in the national media stating otherwise. He was Cratloe’s best player in the club championship as the side reached the county decider, falling short to Kilmurry Ibrickane.

Injury has prompted the departure of Colm Galvin from the Clare panel for the 2020 inter-county season. A reoccurring groin injury limited his involvement for Clonlara in the senior hurling championship, and he missed out on their Senior B final win over Newmarket-on-Fergus.

Colm informed Lohan of his decision last week. An All Star winner in 2013, he is to remain part of the backroom team assisting with stats on matchdays.

His younger brother, Ian is no longer part of the Clare panel. A Fitzgibbon Cup winner with UL, the attacker is not part of management’s plans for the upcoming championship bid. Ian memorably scored the winning goal to defeat Tipperary in the 2018 Munster SHC. He also hit the net in Lohan’s first outing as Clare manager to once again seal a win over the Premier County, this time in the Munster Senior Hurling League.

The Clare Echo understands that Ballyea’s Niall Deasy has been forced to leave the panel due to work commitments. Deasy made his county senior championship in May 2018 when Clare defeated Waterford 2-27 2-18 in Cusack Park. Alongside Tony Kelly, he had been one of his club’s top performers as they reached the last four of the Clare SHC. Seadna Morey’s return to the county panel had not been confirmed at the time of going to print. Earlier this month, he collected his fifth Clare SHC medal with Sixmilebridge and had been focusing entirely on the club campaign when the county panel resumed training.

Lohan and his management team of Ken Ralph, James Moran and Sean Treacy had been regular attendees at club games over the summer months as they aimed to bolster their panel. All-Ireland winning U21 captain of 2013 Paul Flanagan has rejoined the panel.

Some of the county’s most promising young hurlers including Scariff ’s Mark Rodgers, Shane Meehan of The Banner and Cian Galvin of Clarecastle have began training with the senior side. Corner back Paddy Donnellan of Broadford and Wolfe Tones defender Darragh Lohan have also received a call from the former full-back.

pg 25

08-10-20

Clare Echo THE

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Experienced duo McMahon and Morey return for Clare PÁRAIC MCMAHON

T

paraic@clareecho.ie

WO of Clare’s most experienced camogie players have rejoined the county panel ahead of the start of the All-Ireland championship next weekend.

Roisin McMahon who has captained her club Newmarket-on-Fergus to two senior camogie championships has answered the call from manager Ger O’Connell to return to the Clare panel. The Shannon based primary school teacher who was nominated for an All Star in 2017 had not been part of the county panel since Patricia O’Grady’s last year as manager in 2018.

McMahon featured at centre-forward and midfield for The Blues as they reached the county final but came up short against Inagh/Kilnamona. O’Connell and his management are believed to be considering the ex Clare minor captain for a position in the backs.

She is joined by long-time teammate Chloe

Morey in returning to the county setup. An All Star in 2013, the Sixmilebridge woman had opted to take a year out for the season but has been enticed back to the squad.

However, injury is set to rule the St Caimins school teacher out from playing a part in the All-Ireland championship. The youngest member of the Clare side that were crowned All-Ireland Junior champions in 2008, Morey is now one of the most experienced panel members.

It remains to be seen if additional members of the Inagh/Kilnamona championship winning team will be added to the Clare squad. They had yet to link up with the county side prior to their Munster semi-final win over Courcey Rovers on Sunday.

Clare are paired alongside Tipperary and Dublin in Group Three of the All-Ireland senior camogie championship. The Banner are scheduled to begin their campaign against Tipperary on October 18th and face the women from the capital on October 31st.

Roisin McMahon and (inset) Chloe Morey

Photos by INPHO / inset by Martin Connolly

MUNSTER SENIOR CAMOGIE SEMI-FINAL Inagh-Kilnamona 1-19 Courcey Rovers (Cork) 1-04 Venue: Inagh Inagh-Kilnamona Frees For: 14 (8/6) Wides: 9 (7/2) Scores from Play: 1-13 Spread of Scorers: 7 Top Scorer: Amy Keating (0-08, 6f) Own Puck-Outs won: 6 from 6 (100%)

Courcey Rovers Frees For: 14 (6/8) Wides: 1 (0/1) Scores from Play: 1-02 Spread of Scorers: 3 Top Scorer: Jacinta Crowley (0-03, 2f), Linda Collins (1-0) Own Puck-Outs won: 14 from 28 (50%)

Eugene Foudy, Inagh-Kilnamona manager: “It’s absolutely brilliant. As I just said to the girls, this is my fifth or sixth year involved with them and this was probably the game of that entire period due to their work-rate. But I knew it all week, they have been awful focused for this championship and have built it up in each passing game. I mean the girls wanted to even train Friday night and I had to try and hold them back and tell them to save it all for Sunday. And I think they did their talking on the pitch today.

“With the weather that was promised, we essentially broke down the game into the four quarters. The aim was to win each quarter and whatever happens we reset and regroup for the next. As it turned out, I think we won all four quarters and to score 1-13 or 1-14 from play is a great score in these type of conditions.

“The wind was obviously a huge factor and I was hoping we might get a goal with its aid in the first half but we didn’t and then the girls ran at them [Courcey Rovers] in the second half. And through the likes of Fiona Lafferty, Aoife Keane, Danielle Griffin and especially Amy Keating, those four in particular ran the show in the second half while the backs also stood up to the challenge. Laoise Ryan hit some amount of ball, Clare Hehir as well was immense and you have to remember that four of those girls [Laoise and Aoibhin Ryan, Sinead Power and Clare Hehir with the Banner Ladies] played a match on Friday night as well so to come back out today and put in a performance like that is a testament to their character.”

Compiled by Eoin Brennan

SCAN HERE FOR MATCH REPORT

Inagh Kilnamona’s Aoibhín Ryan

Photo: Burren Eye Photography

08-10-20

Clare Echo THE

pg 26

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Clare’s Ryan Nolan completes move to Getafe

S

HANNON’S Ryan Nolan has signed with La Liga outfit, Getafe.

Born in Co Clare, Ryan and his family moved

to southern Spain when he was eight years old. Inter Milan scout, Pierluigi Casiraghi spotted Nolan in action for his local club Torre Pacheco, in an U16s schoolboy

tournament in 2015 which led to his signing by then Inter Milan manager, Roberto Mancini.

Last year, Ryan ended his four year spell with Inter, a

stint which included captaining the Milan club’s youths side to the prestigious Primavera title in 2017/18. He signed with Serie C outfit SS Arezzo in a bid to get more

first team experience.

Injuries hindered his chances of progression with Arezzo and influenced his decision to return to Spain.

Ryan has agreed a deal with

Getafe’s B side who currently play in Segunda División B, the third tier of Spanish football. The club’s top team finished eighth in last season’s La Liga.

Shannon narrowly lose out in Munster final

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SEAMUS HAYES SHANNON were narrowly defeated in the Munster final of the Jimmy Bruen shield played at Mahony’s Point golf course in Killarney on Saturday.

Having recorded a 4/1 victory over Fota Island in the semi-final on Saturday morning, they faced Berehaven, semi-final winners over Tramore, in the afternoon’s final, a match they lost on a 3/2 scoreline In match 1 P.J. Moroney and Jimmy Corry were 2 up winners over Declan Dune and Luke O’Sullivan. Kevin Standord and David Jones lost their match with David Kelly and Chris Downey on a 3/2 scoreline while Chris Willetts and Paul O’Connor lost to Brendan O’Driscoll and Seamus Spencer on a 4/3 scoreline.

The final was all square when Keith Buckley and Adrian Carew defeated Craig Murphy and Liam Hanley on a 2/1 scoreline. In the decisive match Joe Finlay and Pat McHugh suffered a 3/2 loss to Lorcan Harrington and Dean Hegarty.

In the semi final Shannon had a 4/1 victory over Fota Island. P.J. Moroney and Jimmy Corry beat Barry and John Doyle 4/2 while Kevin Stanford and David Jones were 3/2 winners over Sam Hogan and Ben O’Connell. Keith Buckley and Adrian Carew beat Adam Luddy and Paul Hayes 7/6 while the matches involving Joe Finlay and Pat McHugh, Adam McMahon and Murty O’Donoghue were called in LAHINCH GOLF CLUB: The Greg Young memorial trophy was played for over two days with the opening day’s play on the Castle course while the second day’s competition was on the championship course.

Declan McInerney (1) emerged as the winner with 142 (68 and 74) and he had three strokes to spare over Gerry O’Sullivan (4) who had 145 (66 and 79) while third spot was filled by Fergal Deasy

(scratch) with 146 (75 and 71) John Gilmartin (10) had the best nett with 139(66 and 73).

Bob Loftus (scratch) had the best gross on Friday with 68 while Jerry Kehane (9) had the best nett on Friday with 65. The gross winner on Saturday was Eddie Power (scratch) with 76 while Liam Pyne (7) won the nett on Saturday with 69.

Last week’s men’s singles competition on the Castle course was won by Oisin Vaughan (8) with 43 points from Bert Gleeson (16) with a similar score. Darragh MacDermott (12)was third with 42 points.

In a similar competition on the old course, Conall Haugh (9) was the winner with 41 points from Bernard O’Brien (13) with 42 points, Ray Hennessy (2) with 39 points and John Organ (13) with 39 points.

Jonathan Keane (+2) won the gross with 39 points.

The Phelps Vase was played for on Saturday on the championship course when Mark McGrath (1) was victorious with 43 points. Bob Casey (17) was second with 41 points followed

by Dan O’Donovan (11) with 40 points and Gabriel Considine (12) with 40 points. Jonathan Keane (+2) won the gross with 37 points.

Last Sunday’s men’s singles stableford competition on the championship course was won

by Niall Shaw (6) with 43 points from Dara O’Loghlin (13) with 41 points, Ross Burke (7) with 39 points and Harry O’Donnell (5) with 39 points. For the second day in a row, Jonathan Keane (+2) won the gross, this time with 36 points.

Last weekend’s ladies singles competition on the old course was won by Fiona McCarthy (14) with 39 points from Eimear Costello (8) with 36 points, Rachel Maher (17) with 35 points and Frances Wood (16) with 33 points. Miriam Abernethy won the gross with 28 points.

In a ladies singles alternate day competition, Val Shannon (7) was the winner with 39 points from Ann O’Dwyer (35) who had a similar score.

Kyra Donworth (13) was third

over 30 years.

with 32 points followed by Jacqueline Joyce (13) with 31 points. Niamh O’Dwyer won the gross with 32 points.

WOODSTOCK: Michael Griffin, John O’Donovan and Eugene Conroy were the winners of the seniors competition at Woodstock last week. They returned 28 points for the 9 hole competition.

KILRUSH GOLF CLUB: Brendan Carrig (30) won the Banner Contractors open at Kilrush last week with 43 points. He had one to spare over Fergal O’Connor (18) with third spot filled by Tom Buckley (14) with 41 while John M. Cuggeran (13) was fourth with 40 points. Rory Lillis (11) won category 1 with 40 points, Eric Dore (17) won category 2 with 39 points while Michael Shannon (22) was the winner of category 3 with 33 points.

DROMOLAND: The winner of the members 18 hole singles stableford competition at Dromoland at the weekend was Jason Mulderrig with 41 points. He had two to spare over Cathal Kilmartin with Brendan McMahon a point further back in third spot.

Conor Ryan won the gross with 31 points.

Friday’s open singles was won by Paudie McCarthy with 38 points from Nicky Duggan who had a similar score. Declan Colleran, also with 38 points was in third spot while Gordon O’Neill won the gross with 32 points.

In the mid week 9 hole competition Darren Reilly was the winner with 23 points from Billy O’Mahony with 22 points and Jason Mulderrig with 19 points.

Week 3 in the ladies player of the year competition was won by Leslie O’Flynn with 38 points from Ellie Cotgreave with 34 points and Katrina O’Neill with 32 points while Dervla O’Neill won the gross

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065 689 3540 with 21 points. In the ladies 9 hole competition Siobhan Fitzpatrick was the winner with 21 points from Majella Cotgreve with 18 points.

GORT GOLF CLUB: John Collins (26) was the winner of the weekend singles at Gort with 45 points from Eanna Melville (4) with 42 points. Ray Beatty (15) was third with 42 points while Mark Deegan (8) won the gross with 32. Teresa Mahon (28) won the ladies competition with 40 points from Siobhan O’Connor (12) with 38 points.

DOONBEG GOLF CLUB: Doonbeg Links president Seanie Moloney’s prize was played for last week when Sean Neylon (13) emerged as the

winner. Sean, currently president of Kilkee golf club, returned a score of 38 points to win by two from Martin Grffin (20). In third place was John McGuire (9) followed by Diarmuid Griffin (15) and they both also scored 36 points.

Timmy Killeen won the gross, John Igoe won the past president’s category while the nines were won by Shane Igoe and Brian McGooey. The Winter league will begin on October 29 unless impacted by Covid 19 restrictions.

SPANISH POINT: In the Club Classic Teams of Four, the Best All Men’s Team consisted of Mervin Hehir, Sean McMahon, Johnny Leahy, Micheál Hehir with 103 pts. They finished ahead of the quarter of

Gerard Talty, Michael O’Brien, Fergal Hehir, Fergus O’Brien who had 100 pts. In third place with 98 pts was Laurence Murray, Patrick Hogan, Michael Hogan, and Patrick Darcy.

The Best All Ladies’ Team was Sally O’Dwyer, Carol Akroyd, Emer McCarthy, and Mary Kenny with 90 pts.

The Best front 9 went to Greg Davidson, Bernard Clarke, Jack Clarke, Martin Davis. Best back 9 was Mick Daffy, Paul Clune, Martin Duggan, James Casey.

Last week’s Seniors’ Mixed Open Singles 18-Hole S/F was won by Donal Singleton with 41 pts, followed by Michael O’Connor and Brian O’Loughlin (both 38 pts).

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THE GAME CENTRE LADIES FOOTBALL

CAMOGIE

Results Munster Senior Semi-Final: Cahir 4-16 Banner Ladies 4-15 AET

Results Munster Senior Semi-Final: Inagh/Kilnamona 1-19 Courcey Rovers

1-04

HURLING

RUGBY

Results Junior B Final: Banner 2-11 Newmarket-on-Fergus 1-06

Results Munster Club U18 Conf 3 St Senan’s RFC 3 UL Bohs 12 (2T) Munster Club U18 Conf4 Bruff 7 (1T) Ennis RFC 17 (1T) Munster Club U16 conf 3 Garryowen FC 20 (3T) St Senan’s 19 (3T) Munster Club U16 conf 4 Ennis RFC 30 Newport 7 Ballina-Killaloe 12 (2T) Bruff 22 (4T) Munster U20.5 League A Young Munster RFC 48 (8T) Ennis RFC 5 (1T)

Munster Junior Semi-Final: Feakle/Killanena 2-15 Dungarvan 2-02

Club activity is Doherty is national champ paused in Clare C PÁRAIC MCMAHON paraic@clareecho.ie

C

LUB activity in the GAA and FAI has been put on hold in Co Clare following the moving of the entire country to Level 3 on the Living with COVID-19 Framework.

Non contact training only in pods up to 15 is approved under Level 3 with an exemption for professional, elite or inter-county athletes, a similar stipend applies for matches.

All club fixtures in the GAA have been pulled for all ages and clubs on the island, social centres and bars affiliated to clubs have also closed. In correspondence issued from Croke Park, GAA officials noted that “in particular” post-match celebrations and a lack of social distancing at certain events “have proved disappointing and problematic”.

Clare GAA had been praised for managing to conclude the senior and intermediate hurling and gaelic football championships. Fixtures that will not proceed include the Junior A football decider between The Banner and Ballyvaughan and

the Munster camogie final outings for Inagh/Kilnamona and Feakle/Killanena.

Bord na nÓg officials have opted not to hold the U16 championship in 2020. The resumption of the U21 hurling campaign is also in doubt.

Following the Government’s introduction of Level 3 COVID-19 restrictions across the country, the Football Association of Ireland announced the cessation from October 6th of all Adult Amateur and Underage football matches with the exception of elite football - namely the SSE Airtricity League, the Women’s National League and all five underage National Leagues.

Adult amateur and non-elite Underage clubs can continue to train under non-contact conditions as per the Government Guidelines. Coaches and players are not permitted to leave their resident county for training with adult amateur and non-elite underage teams.

Sporting officials are to monitor the ongoing situation with regard to cases over the coming week before further clarity is provided on the running of the inter-county season. Clare’s senior footballers are due to play Fermanagh and Armagh later this month but both panels have been impacted by confirmed cases of COVID-19.

LARE cyclist, Ella Doherty screamed with delight on Sunday morning as she won the Irish Junior Cycling Road Championships.

Hosted by Newcastle West Wheelers, Ella was first home in the Junior (1618) category with the Clarecastle rider taking victory in the sprint. A 60km circuit, the race consisted of three 20km laps and was held in Knockaderry.

Of Greenmount Cycling Academy, she held off Caoimhe O’Brien (Weston Expert Homes/Torelli/Assure) and Ellia Tutty (Dungarvan CC) who took silver and bronze respectively to taste a memorable victory.

Reacting to the victory, Ella said, “We were coming up the hill at the end and

Ella Doherty after her win in Knockaderry Photo: Barry Sutton

we were together. I am not a sprinter but I just put the head down, I just told myself “I can do this”.

“I’m so, so delighted,

thanks to my coaches, they were just so supportive for the whole year. I really can’t believe it,” the delighted Doherty added.

Eigth ultra race for Cusack

ENNIS’ Noel Cusack has completed his eigth ultra cycling race in four years.

In a non-stop 800km race around Northern Ireland, Noel completed the route in 37 hours and 40 minutes. With no sleep, he kept cycling through the night where temperatures dropped to minus four degrees.

Noel finished in third position and told The Clare Echo that he pushed through the

pain barrier to get over the line. “I suffered blurred vision that restricted my sight, an issue I experienced before but still manged to suffer it out and finish”.

Cusack, one of the county’s most high-profile endurance cyclists, holds a long-term goal to take on the Race Around Ireland Ultra in 2021.

CDSL AGM deferred as clubs lodge nominations

O

NE of the most anticipated CDSL AGMs of recent times has been deferred on account of the Level 3 restrictions.

Due to be held on Monday, CDSL officials have agreed to set November 2 as the provisional date for the annual general meeting.

Nominations for positions on

the CDSL committee have been submitted by clubs in the past fortnight.

As first reported by The Clare Echo, Jason Ryan of Kilrush Rangers is the sole nominee to replace Oliver Fitzpatrick as Chairman of the CDSL with Ronnie Pyne to continue as Vice Chairman. Tony Downey is nominated for post of Treasurer.

Ennis Town clubman De-

nis Collins has been nominated unopposed to take on the mantle of Secretary.

He will succeed Michael Lydon in the role; both he and Fitzpatrick announced their immediate resignations last month. Former officer, Jim Madden has declined a request to become PRO. Newmarket Celtic’s Alan McCoy is expected to be elected as Fixtures Secre-

tary with Pyne tipped to work alongside him in this capacity. Ger O’Halloran of Rhine Rovers has been mooted as Ryan’s potential successor as Registrar, the Quin man is parliamentary assistant to Clare TD, Joe Carey (FG).

Earlier this month, a club delegate meeting was held with members of the CDSL Committee where the possibility of reducing club affilia-

tion fees was raised. It was also stated that the Oscar Traynor competition is unlikely to proceed in the coming season.

With the AGM deferred, it also means the start of the new CDSL season cannot commence until November at the earliest. The rise in COVID-19 cases in the county is likely to delay this even further.

Ex Chair Oliver Fitzpatrick with Vice Chair Ronnie Pyne Photo by Martin Connolly

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THURSDAY, OCT 8 2020

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

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL MERCHANTS QUAY, KILRUSH, CO. CLARE Take notice that Kilrush Maritime Ltd are applying to Clare County Council for retention permission for the placement of a portacabin and shipping container and the erection of fencing surrounding a Dinghy Park Area and planning permission to amend the existing parking area to facilitate 8 camper bays along with all associated works at the above address. The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the offices of Clare County Council during its public opening hours and a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL CLONLARA CO. CLARE Take Notice that We D.T.W Construction Ltd. intend to apply to Clare County Council For Permission for the Construction of a total of 70 Dwellinghouses (including 14 no. Detached 4 Bed houses, 4 No. split level 4 Bed houses, 12 No. Semi-Detached 4 Bed houses, 36 No. SemiDetached 3 Bed houses, 4 No. Semi-Detached 2 Bed houses) and for new connections to public services including water & foul sewerage including pumping station, rising main and associated plant. Permission is also sought for vehicular and pedestrian entrances, access roads, footpaths, landscaping works, parking areas, boundary treatments & all ancillary site works at above address. A Natura Impact Statement(N.I.S.) shall be submitted to the Planning Authority as part

of this application.

The Planning Application and The Natura Impact Statement may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the offices of the Planning Authority of Clare County Council, Planning Department, Áras Contae an Chláir, New Road, Ennis, Co.Clare during it’s 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 of €20 within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

CLARE CO COUNCIL CAHER, OGONNELLOE, CO CLARE Permission sought to retain as constructed single storey garden rooms, adjacent garden shed and pump house (located at rear of main dwelling house which received planning

permission under previous planning ref P13-438.

Retention is also sought to retain and complete construction of roadside boundary including all ancillary site works and services at above address, applicant Paul Blake. ‘’The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours and that a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

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

CLARE CO. COUNCIL ROSMADDA EAST, PARTEEN. Take notice that John Madden intends to apply for permission for development, the development consists of the construction of a slatted cubicle 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.

PLANNING 29

CLARE CO. COUNCIL KILVOYDANE SOUTH, SPANCILHILL. Take notice that Ronan O Connor intends to apply for permission for development, the development consists of the construction of an extension to existing slatted unit, new straw/machinery store 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.

30 PUZZLEPAGE

THURSDAY, OCT 8 2020

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QUIZ 31

THURSDAY, OCT 8 2020

The Clare Echo Quiz

Burren is surrounded by a What is the name of the only river 1TheyThe circle of 6 villages and towns.

7 in the Burren to flow entirely over are Tubber, Corofin, Kilfenora, ground from source to sea?

Lisdoonvarna, Kinvara and what oth- • The river Fergus er Clare town • The river Clare

• A place of stone • An old place • A place of hills

3The Burren national park is the…

• Largest national park in Ireland • The smallest national park in Ireland • The second smallest national park in Ireland

Before the last ice age the Aran 4 Islands were attached to the Burren. True or False?

5

A legless lizard was introduced to the Burren after being brought from Great Britain in the late 20th century. It is often mistaken for a snake but what is it actual name of it?

The Burren contains 71 of the 72 8 species of land snails found in Ireland. True or False?

The Burren is the only region in 9 the world with a cool, temperate climate where livestock are transferred to uplands in winter. True or False?

The Burren contains one of 10 the largest populations of feral goats in Ireland. Approximately how many feral goats are estimated to live in the Burren?

l QUESTION 9 : The Burren is the only region in the world with a cool, tem-

perate climate where livestock are transferred to uplands in winter. True or False?

• 300 • 700 • 1000

• A slow lizard • A slow worm • A slow reptile

Ireland is home to three species 6 of amphibians. Which of the three is the only one not found in the Burren?

• The frog • The Natterjack Toad • The Smooth Newt

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

The answers will be revealed in next weeks edition.

ANSWERS 6: The Natterjack Toad 7: The river Caher 8: True 9: True 10:1000

Irish name for the Burren, An 2The Bhoireann means what?

• The river Caher

1: Kilfenora 2: A place of stone 3: The smallest national park in Ireland 4: True 5: A slow worm

• Ennistimon • Kilkee • Kilfenora

By Tadhg Holland

TY student at Pobalscoil Ghort Inse Guaire

Last weeks Answers . Green Sticker missing on rail . Bottle of water missing on rail . Crest missing on man (front right) . Yellow line missing on man (left middle)

. Pole missing (bottom of pic) . GAA missing on man (middle right) . GAA missing on woman (front)

Tastes Like Home with Catherine Fulvio Visits Spain – home of the Delicious Tapas as Catherine Fulvio says Hola to San Sebastian and Barcelona