08/11/2018

065 671 9021

clareecho.ie

editor@clareecho.ie

Thai rescue movie films in Clare

H

ERO Thai cave rescuer Jim Warny returned to Shannon Airport on Sunday five months after his glorious homecoming to feature in a film retelling the story that gripped the world, when 12 young boys and their soccer coach were rescued from a flooded cave in Thailand.

Called The Cave, the film is written

STUART HOLLY

editor@clareecho.ie

and directed by Tom Waller, a Thai filmmaker with Irish heritage.

Director Tom Waller said that they have already shot in a number of locations in Clare. “We have been shooting in West Clare in Doolin, at the Cliffs of Moher and quite a lot of remarkable locations that you wouldn’t find anywhere else on the planet.”

More on PAGE 9

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8 Nov 2018

lSILVER SCREEN: Jim Warny, pictured with his parter Asia Mania, will star in a film called The Cave Photo by John Mangan

2 NEWS

THURSDAY, NOV 8 2018

Index

-27

NEWS

2-13

AOIBHÍN GARRIHY

14-15

ENTERTAINMENT

16-17

BUSINESS

24-27

PROPERTY

28-29

MOTORING

30-31

SPORT

32-33

CLASSIFIEDS

34-37

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

NEWSDESK

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

SALES

Email: ciara.farrell@clareecho.ie or ger.naughton@clareecho.ie

l ALL ABOARD: Michael and Claire Considine, Ennis at the MSunderstood Café Roadshow which opened for customers in Abbey Street, Ennis on Tuesday to raise awareness of the impact of multiple sclerosis (MS). Crowds came aboard the experiential bus and experienced what it is like to live with MS for just a small portion of their day. The 10-day Irish tour, launched by MS Ireland in partnership with Roche, is calling for change and asking the Government to improve access to treatment for people with MS

Photo by Eamon Ward

ENT consultant at Ennis hospital a positive move STUART HOLLY

editor@clareecho.ie

T

HE appointment of an Ear Nose and Throat Consultant in Clare will significantly impact waiting lists in the county and Midwest as a whole.

That’s according to Minister for Trade, Employment, Business, EU Digital Single Market & Data Protection Pat Breen, who has welcomed the appointment of Clareman Peter Leddin to the position of Consultant Ear Nose and Throat Surgeon at Ennis Hospital and the UL Hospital Group.

Minister Breen said, “A significant amount of Mr Leddin’s work will take place in Ennis Hospital, with the majority of the region’s ENT day surgeries expected to move to the Ennis hospital from next year.

“ENT has one of the longest patient waiting lists, and progress needs to be made in this area.

“The HSE is therefore planning to significantly reduce the waiting times for pa-

tients by undertaking an initiative in Ennis similar to the cataract unit in Nenagh.

This would eventually see the majority of ENT day case surgeries from the UL Hospital group migrating to Ennis.”

“I believe this appointment, and plans for more ENT day surgeries in Ennis, will significantly reduce the number of people on the waiting list here in Clare and throughout the region,” he said.

“I look forward to the impact the new cataract unit in Nenagh hospital will have on the waiting list for cataract surgeries in Clare and the Mid West region, and also the significant role Ennis hospital will play in cutting the waiting time for ENT day surgeries next year,” added Minister Breen.

Meanwhile Minister Breen described the confirmation of funding for the 60-bed modular unit at University Hospital Limerick by Minister for Health Simon Harris as progress in the battle against overcrowding at the region’s main hospital.

“Preparatory work has already begun on this much needed €40 million facility which is expected to open by late 2019.”

4

NEWS

'Massive' numbers speak Irish in Clare PÁRAIC McMAHON

news@clareecho.ie

P

UBLIC support for the Irish language is “undeniable” according to research published earlier this week while it has been claimed that the amount of people speaking the language in Clare is “massive”.

Céard é an Scéal is a newly published research report conducted by Conradh na Gaeilge, with Kantar Millward Brown and Cinnteacht.

It found that 66 percent of people believe the State should do more to support the Irish language while 70 percent felt public services should be made available as Gaeilge.

Dr Niall Comer, President of Conradh na Gaeilge was encouraged by the findings, he said they “demonstrate that the public have a respect for and an understanding of the importance of the Irish language”.

Implementing some recommendations could lead to 1,100 jobs based on estimations from General Secretary of Conradh na Gaeilge,

Julian de Spáinn. The findings were reiterated by Mark Nestor who became Development Officer with An Clár as Gaeilge at the beginning of October. “Given the tradition people have with the language going back many years, the need for services to be provided in Irish is very much evident amongst locals in the town of Ennis and in the county of Clare”.

Of the work being done to promote the Irish language in the county, Mark told The Clare Echo, “There is a very strong effort being made in the town of Ennis but we could try and strengthen that and push it out to take all of the county of Clare. The officers here in An Clár as Gaeilge have been doing a lot of good work with the likes of Féile na hInse, the Féile Scoldrámaíochta, the effort to try and get businesses to speak through Irish like Inis Dom. "There is a strong effort being made here in the county, organisations like Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Éireann, Cumann Luthcleas Gael have made strong efforts to try and promote the language, that has become very much evident when you see an

increase in the uptake of classes”.

Some 67 percent of those surveyed maintained the presence of Irish language centres in cities and towns would help with the uptake of our native tongue. None exist in Clare, with the An Clár as Gaeilge offices in Ennis “the closest thing to a language centre” according to Nestor.

A native of Ennis, Mark who also graduated with an Irish degree from NUIG, stated that the Irish speaking community in Clare “is massive”.

A conversation circle is held in the town of Ennis every Tuesday.

“Here in Ennis, I think it is very strong, we have the language classes that take place once a week in Cois na hAbhna and they are full up, we’ll have the Féile na hInse taking place in March 2019 and we’ve more than 2,000 young kids from throughout the county taking part in that."

He added, "The Irish speaking community is massive, the Gaelscoil here in Ennis is quickly developing and it’s growing very quickly. There is a demand to provide services for the Irish speaking community at the moment”.

THURSDAY, NOV 8 2018

GRAVEYARDS SUNDAY

REMEMBRANCE: Every year in Clare, Newmarket and Shannon graveyards have 'Graveyards Sunday'. This year prayers and blessings were said at the Crematorium for the first time where more than 500 people turned up. The Columbarium Wall in the background has about a dozen resting place for ashes at the crematorium, which has had 750 funerals to date.

Pictured is parish priest Fr Arnold Rosney at The Columbarium wall and (inset) with Canon Brendan O'Donghue and Fr Francis

Photo by Joe Buckley

HGXmasFPG-2017-61118-ENNIS.qxp_Layout 1 07/11/2018 14:38 Page 1

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6

NEWS

Woman denied food for child in provision centre KATE O'GORMAN

A

news@clareecho.ie

WOMAN staying in the direct provision centre in Knockalisheen has complained about the centre’s poor service and facilities after being denied food or milk for her sick child.

Donnah Sibanda Vuma took to social media to highlight the lack of support provided for her by the provision centre when she apparently needed it the most.

The mother of four expressed how hopeless she felt after the Knockalisheen provision centre ignored her cry for help.

In a Facebook post last week, Ms Sibanda Vuma wrote: “It’s 1.07am, I have a sick child in the room. He has tummy ache, diarrhoea, has vomited a couple of times already. In an attempt to help him keep his strength up I've asked a friend to accompany me to the canteen to ask for

some bread and milk so I can give him. The night staff has refused to give me even one slice of bread despite explaining the situation to them.

"They have notified me that the centre management has given strict instruction not to give any food items tea, coffee, milk, bread, sugar etc. outside of canteen hours! After pleading with them that this is an exceptional case they told me to wait until 7am to speak to management.

One of them said to me I should give the child water because he doesn't make the rules, that’s the end of it”.

A spokesperson for the Department of Justice said that the contractor has “has acknowledged responsibility for this regrettable and isolated incident.

The contractor will meet with the resident to apologise to her personally” The contractor in charge of Knockalisheen Accommodation Centre is Aramark, said that staff will be retrained.

The spokesperson said that,

lUPSET: Donnah's child was denied food despite his poor condition

unfortunately, a new staff member “misunderstood a request” and informed the night porter “that no food was to be provided which led to the regrettable incident”. The contractor will also ensure that tea/coffee and snacks are available on a 24/7 basis.

Towards the end of July 2018

there was approximately 355 people living in direct provision centres in Clare. According to the monthly statistics from the Reception and Integration Agency, the provision centre in Lisdoonvarna has a capacity of 115 people whilst Knockalisheen could accommodate 250.

THURSDAY, NOV 8 2018

1,000 Clare dads avail of paternity CLARE fathers are continuing to benefit from the Government’s paid paternity benefit scheme with more than a thousand availing of the scheme since its introduction in September 2016.

That’s according to Clare Fine Gael TD Joe Carey who said that the current rate is €240 per week will increase to €245 per week from next March as a result of the recent budget.

“This will gihve new fathers the opportunity to be more involved at the earliest stages of a child’s development, which is important for the whole family.

“There has been good take up of the scheme so far, with 1,151 Clare fathers availing of the payment since its introduction. 607 availed of the scheme last year and so far this year, there have been 437 approvals granted.

“I am encouraging prospective fathers to sign up for paternity benefit and I think they will find the application process to be clear and simple. They will require a Public Service Card in order to apply, and if they are an employee, they need to give four weeks’ notice to their employer to qualify for the accompanying paternity leave,” he explained.

“Fathers who fulfil the PRSI requirements are eligible for paternity benefit when they take two weeks of paternity leave at any time within the first 26 weeks of their child’s life, or following adoption."

8

NEWS

THURSDAY, NOV 8 2018

'No need for legal advice' in Lisseycasey

PO closed 'in accordance' to protocol PÁRAIC McMAHON

A

news@clareecho.ie

N POST have said there is no requirement for legal advice over the closure of the Lissycasey Post Office.

This week it emerged that the Lissycasey Post Office Action Group were seeking legal advice as “misleading information” was published. However, An Post have told The Clare Echo there is “No need for legal advice. The closure of Lissycasey post office and the subsequent reviews were carried out in accordance with the protocol drawn up to deal with decision of postmistress’ to exit from the business”.

A spokesperson for the State-owned company denied that the option of using Talty’s Mace Store in the village fell through. “Our Postmistress sought to exit the business and, under the terms of the national agreement with the Irish Postmasters Union, we were able to facilitate that exit. Accordingly the post office closed and customers

moved to Kildysart. It was not envisaged that the post office would move to an alternative local location”.

Postmistress Mary Hanrahan who retired this week said that 55 percent of her customers were elderly people.

Many of these will be unable to make the journey to Kildysart but An Post maintain these individuals were factored into the decision.

An Post added they were "conscious of all our customers in making this decision. But the imperative here was to deal with the reality that a number of Postmasters were leaving the business while still preserving a national post office network”.

When asked why the error of claiming Talty’s Store already had a post point in operation occurred, the spokesperson said it was "a simple misstatement".

Moving the post office from Lissycasey to Kildysart is part of An Post’s national strategy. They added, “Six post offices in Clare have or will close during this round of consolidations.

This will help ensure the sustainability and continued operation of the 32 post offices that remain in the county."

Locals must travel 13k

RESIDENTS in Lissycasey must now travel 13km along a narrow stretch of road if they are to continue using post office services.

Postmistress Mary Hanrahan (right) retired after serving Lissycasey for 22 years. “It’s the end of an era, it’s the end of a chapter and it’s the end of the post office services in our parish”, she said.

Among those who now have to travel to Kildysart are 100 pensioners who according to Mary will struggle to find transport to avail of the alternative service.

“I’m dealing with 55 percent of elderly people who don’t have transport and find it difficult to get transport.”

l HATS OFF: BA Science in Medical Technology graduate, David Normoyle, Kildysart gets a helping hand from gran aunt Sarah Normoyle at the LIT conferring ceremony last weekend Photo by Alan Place

THURSDAY, NOV 8 2018

Hero Warny films for movie on cave rescue STUART HOLLY

H

editor@clareecho.ie

ERO Thai cave rescuer Jim Warny returned to Shannon Airport on Sunday five months after his glorious homecoming to feature in a film retelling the story that gripped the world, when 12 young boys and their soccer coach were rescued from a flooded cave in Thailand.

Ennis cave diver Jim Warny was one of an elite group of divers who volunteered to assist in the dangerous rescue mission and is now playing himself in the film. The crew recaptured the poignant scenes of Mr Warny’s homecoming and the moment he was reunited with his fiancée and his dad in Shannon Airport.

Mr Warny said he was overwhelmed by the outpouring of support when he touched down in Shannon following the rescue.

“It’s very nice and I am happy to tell people what happened

there and share the story. It might inspire someone to do something special. Maybe I was a bit naïve about it. Of course, I was anticipating a bit of media but even a bit of media was nerve wrecking for me as I didn’t anticipate a big crowd like that.”

Called The Cave, the film is written and directed by Tom Waller, a Thai filmmaker with Irish heritage. Mr Warny said he was happy to play himself in the film. “Who else could play me anyway, with my accent,” he laughed. “You can’t find a stunt man either to go into the caves...

With any publicity around this, we take it with huge responsibility and you don’t want to do the story wrong.”

Mr Warny was involved in writing parts of the scripts and admits that reliving the experience was intense. “It’s been very hands on for me from the get go, from interviews, script writing and things. You live with it all the time. I was sitting there in my office, writing the stuff down and you get the sweats again when you think back at it.

l SILVER SCREEN: Jim Warny and his partner Asia Mania during filming at Shannon Airport on Sunday Photo by Arthur Ellis

“It will be nice to see Thailand again. It will be nice to see those people again. I would like to meet the boys...that’s going to be a very special moment.”

Director Tom Waller said that they have already shot in a number of locations in Clare.

“We have been shooting in West Clare in Doolin, at the Cliffs of Moher and quite a lot of remarkable locations that you wouldn’t find anywhere else on the planet.

It has been a pleasure to be able to come to Ireland and contrast with the scenes in Thailand.”

Concern on data centre expectations ENNIS Labour Party activist Seamus Ryan has warned that realistic job expectations need to be had about any potential new data centres in Clare.

Recent media reports indicated that plans for a data centre in the county are at an advanced stage. These plans are being progressed under new planning legislation introduced after severe delays halted the €850m investment by Apple in Athanry in the last year.

“Under new section 49 planning legislation it will become easier for data centres to move through the planning process as strategic national infrastructure.

However expectations of hundreds of permanent and construction jobs must be tempered by the reality that data centres employ at most 50 to 60 people permanently as was estimated by Apple when they were making their application for such a centre in Athenry,” he said.

“If the Government are serious about developing a high tech industrial base in Clare and creating high-quality, longterm jobs then they must accept that people of all ages must be given the skills needed not just to work in constructing these data centres but to work in the innovative and creative industries that come with them. We cannot see a return to the disastrous results of over reliance on property and construction as a primary employer where almost 20 per cent of men worked In the related industries.”

AIB Ennis Mortgage Awareness Evening Meet Ennis’s Housing Experts & AIB Mortgage Experts Tuesday 13th November 2018.

Refreshments from 5.30pm in AIB Ennis Jean Stack, AIB Homes Advisor would like to invite you to the AIB Ennis Mortgage Awareness Evening. Whether you are buying, building or renovating your home this is a fantastic opportunity to hear from and meet experts in the housing market in one location.

Speakers on the day will include Diarmuid Keane – Diarmuid Keane & Associates Architecture Engineering and Surveying Cormac O’Sullivan – DNG O’Sullivan Hurley Auctioneers, Ennis Caitriona O’Connor – Kerin Hickman & O’Donnell Solicitors Register your interest by emailing jean.c.stack@aib.ie or just turn up on the day. Everyone welcome.

WE BACK BELIEF

Lending criteria, terms and conditions will apply. Allied Irish Banks, p.l.c. is an authorised agent and servicer of AIB Mortgage Bank in relation to origination and servicing of mortgage loans and mortgages. AIB Mortgage Bank and Allied Irish Banks, p.l.c. are regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland.

NEWS 9

10

NEWS

Setback for Clonlara flood defences THURSDAY, NOV 8 2018

Objections stall plan three years on from forced evacuations in flood-hit Springfield PÁRAIC McMAHON

F

news@clareecho.ie

LOOD relief plans for Springfield have been withdrawn following an environmental objection.

Environmentalist, Peter Sweetman a son of former Fine Gael minister Gerard Sweetman and State agency National Parks and Wildlife filed objections against works in Clonlara. Their submissions come three years after forced evacuations of residents from their homes in Springfield.

As a result, Clare County Council has decided to shelf the plans. The local authority explained their reasons for doing so in a statement. “Following consideration of a number of submissions received as part of the Part VIII application, it became apparent that further information and more detailed assessment of some environmental factors was required.

Having regard to that... it was considered appropriate to withdraw the current Part VIII application. On completion of the necessary further assessments, we will then be in a posi-

tion to prepare and submit an updated application”.

Gerardine Quinlivan had to leave her home in 2015 as a result of severe floods.

The objections have come as a setback to all residents in Springfield. “My initial reaction was disappointment that it wasn’t going to go ahead for the moment.

We were looking forward to this embankment and we put a lot of work in getting it to this stage. I was annoyed that yet again environmental requirements are put before people”.

Ms Quinlivan's family resorted to building their own wall as in her view,

the area is not prepared for more floods. She praised the council for their "tireless work" but expressed frustration that people who did not experience the floods three years ago have power to stall relief works.

“We so badly need this embankment and it seems to be very unfair that one person and a State agency is allowed to stop 17 homes from being protected, the mind boggles. I cannot understand for the life of me how this mud embankment would have an effect on any SAC considering we are actually a mile and a half away from the river”.

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THURSDAY, NOV 8 2018

CAB wants residents to report crims STUART HOLLY

I

editor@clareecho.ie

N CLARE, people who believe there are members of their community who don’t have any apparent means to support their lavish lifestyle can now contact the Criminal Assets Bureau (CAB) on 01 6663266 and CAB will carry out a detailed fraud profile on the individual(s).

Cllr Johnny Flynn is encouraging Clare residents to report any suspicious activity on an anonymous basis.

“You now have a confidential avenue to report your suspicions of dealing in drugs, insurance fraud, extortion or other organised criminal activity.

Separately in Clare, Garda has recently committed to doubling the number of Garda working in its drug squad in the new year,” says the Ennis councillor.

Cllr Flynn says drug lords and gang members tend to flaunt their wealth to cement their status. This behaviour in towns like Ennis is being brought to the attention of CAB on a confidential basis by members of the public which leads to investigations and convictions.

While CAB has made the headlines

for seizures in Dublin and other cities, the unit has increased their staff by 20 per cent to assist in the seizure of ill-gotten gains around the country.

Cllr Flynn adds, “Having met and spoken to the head of CAB, Detective Chief Supt. Pat Clavin, I’m encouraged that CAB confiscated materials worth €14 million last year and that the number of seizures nearly tripled. CAB has become more active outside the cities with at least 10 investigations currently underway in Ennis and Clare.

“Drug activity and organised crime lead to 45% of the serious crime reported in Clare occurring in Ennis District. I understand that there have been 24 assaults causing harm and 73 minor assaults in the last nine months in Ennis District which are an indication of the increased negative impact of the level of drug related issues, organised crime and petty criminals. I’m repeating my call at the upcoming Ennis Municipal District meeting for the re-establishment of an Ennis Joint Police Committee or Forum which would enable community, business and local politicians to closely partner with Garda and CAB to deal with the crime trend and drugs issues particular to Ennis and surrounding district.”

Photo exhibition

A PHOTOGRAPHY exhibition showcasing a sample of work by the Clare Camera Club from 31 October to 24 November launched last Saturday.

Taking place at Clare Museum, the photographs on exhibit will be for sale and half of the value of purchase will be donated to a local charity. All welcome to call in.

l SNAP HAPPY: Ciara Mangan, Carmel Mangan, Rory O’Neill and John Mangan and (above) Shannon Lara Smith and Michael Kearney at the exhibition launch Photos by Martin Connolly

NEWS 13

14 COLUMNIST

THURSDAY, NOV 8 2018

Aoibhín Garrihy

LOVE

CLARE

Day out with the sisters THE NOTEBOOK

T

HIS week had a dreamy start. My sisters Ailbhe and Doireann and I were invited to Kildare Village on Monday to shop and get a sneak peak of their Private Sale which kicks off this Saturday with up to 20 per cent off most brands (see kildarevillage.com for more). If you’re planning to be more organised this year, now is your chance to tackle the Christmas shopping ahead of the madness!

We had a wonderful night for the West Clare Lip Sync battle last Sunday in aid of two very deserving charities…Pieta House and Elevate.

It was a full house at the Armada Hotel and all the acts really gave it everything, entertaining us all evening. I had the difficult task, along with my fellow judges Karen

McInerney and Colum McGrath, of choosing a winner but it was a performance that Meatloaf himself would be proud of that took the gold on the night. Congrats Butcher featuring Pencil and a huge congrats to all the team for organising a wonderful evening.

I took a “soul day” as I like to call it on Saturday and did the Cliffs of Moher walk. What incredible views.

They never cease to amaze me.

It was a pleasure to host the EOY Awards alongside Mark Little last week (massive congrats again to all the winners and the nominees) and I am looking forward to being back

HAPPENINGS MORGLOR AWARD CONCERT

On Saturday 17 November, the people of Clare will come together to celebrate Chris Droney for his enormous contribution to Traditional Irish Music with a concert in glór featuring Chris’ friends and family, and some of the most renowned traditional musicians and singers including The Kilfenora Céilí Band; Ann Kirrane; Garry O Briain; Francis Droney; Áine McGrath; Edel Vaughan; Vincent Griffin and many more.

A NIGHT AT THE OSKCARS

Clare Football is going to the OsKaRs. Over the last number of weeks the Movie Producers have been hard at work filming their movies that could win them the illustrious Oscar. Why not join them on November 23rd at Treacys West County when they will find out if their movie can win the famed Golden Statue.

WEST CLARE DRAMA FESTIVAL

The West Clare Drama Festival (Nov 10-12th) has become a constant feature of the social and festival calendar of the locality with strong audience attendance each night. The adjudicator this year will be Geoff

O’Keeffe. Doors open at 7pm and curtain up at 8pm. See Facebook for show details.

Tavern all in aid of two very worthy charities, Elevate and Pieta House. Tickets are on sale now.

l SAY CHEESE: Myself, Ailbhe and Doireann had a great time at Kildare Village and (left) hosting the EOY Awards with Mark Little

on the small screen next week for a very special live show called Growing Up on RTÉ One presented by the fabulous Angela Scanlan.

Speaking of growing up...it’s frightening how quickly the small lady is rocketing along!! Someone shout freeze so I can savor every moment of this precious time. All in all though she’s healthy and happy thank God and that’s the main thing.

COVET IN

CLARE

CORNUCOPIA There’s a new brand in town and it’s got your party season wardrobe all wrapped up!

Queguapa at Cornucopia, Ennis has a fabulous mix of statement and classic pieces that will have you looking seriously chic this winter. See www.cornucopia.fashion

HOME THERAPY Looking for a little facial treatment that doesn’t break the bank? Check out Laserderm Clinic’s new home skincare gift sets from Murad. There is great value on products including masks and peels. I’ve recently tried the Ultimate Hydration and loved it.

l WHITE ALRIGHT: Aoibhín’s stunning dress for the Entrepreneur of the Year Awards.

THE DARK SIDE I wasn’t always a big fan of dark chocolate but the different flavours of the Green & Black’s Velvet range are so delicious – Salted Caramel is my favourite. Available at most health food stores.

LIFE SAVER Hanorah is getting to the stage now where she just wants to be up and watching what’s happening which doesn’t leave much time for getting work done! Cue the Moby Fit Carrier from Mo Leanbh.

So comfortable and easy to use around the house or outdoors and Hanorah seems to concur! €65 GARMENT RACK If space or the lack there of is getting you down, check out this brand new garment rack at Meadows and Byrne, Bunratty. It’s compact enough to fill the smallest of corners and will help you see things a little clearer.

COLUMNIST 15

THURSDAY, NOV 8 2018

Top 5 Ways to give back this Winter TAKE 3 FOR THE SEA

1

The community of Kilkee have been taking the lead in the reduction of plastic pollution in costal areas and on a global level its of massive importance with experts predicting that by 2050 plastic will outweigh fish in our ocean. Each person can make a difference and coastal communities are now proposing that by simply picking up 3 pieces of plastic during a visit to the beach, together we can make a difference. It’s the perfect excuse for a walk on the beach to clear the head and make a difference along the way.

2

STEP INTO THE RING

The Battle for the west is about to go on the look out for new participants for this year’s white collar boxing event.

Training takes place in January and February with a fight night at the end. It’s a once in a life time experience for many to step in to the ring, and not only will you be fitter, stronger and meet new people, you will raise money for great causes too. The Battle for the west has supported the construction ASD unit in Spanish point, the amazing work of Slainte an Chlair, Clare Crusaders and Elevate. Who knows you might have a natural ability of a famous fellow Clare man to ‘Float like a butterfly sting like a bee’.

GIVE BLOOD

3

You will never know when you might need it, only 3% of the eligible population in Ireland currently donate while 1 in 4 people will require a blood transfusion. The people who are regular donors are saving the lives of people every day, but they always need more people.

Certain bloods are rare and in dire need and you could have the key to save someone’s life by simply dropping into one of their donor locations. Visit their website giveblood.ie (www.giveblood.ie) and check your eligibility, gather more info and look out for the donor evenings or simply drop in to a clinic.

4

SHARE A DREAM FOUNDATION

Grant the dreams of very sick children and dress up as an Elf, Mrs Clause, Mickey & Minnie this festive season. Assisting children on a tour around the Magic of Christmas with their families. Helping them write a letter to Santa, ice buns, v isit Santa etc and add a little sparkle to a child’s Christmas this year. For more info visit volunteerclare.ie( www.volunteerclare.ie)

RUN WITH THE CRUSADERS

5

The Clare crusaders rely solely on donations to operate their clinic in barefield, and must raise over €250,000 a year to do so. The clinic was founded by a great bunch of local people with Howard Flannery at the helm. The original foundation of the running a marathon is still at the core of what they do and while they have just completed the Dublin marathon, its soon time to start thinking about next year. Why not make it a new years resolution to join them in their crusade to promote health through exercise while raising awareness and funds for the clinic as you go. You don’t need to wait till Dublin next year they participate now in runs nationally and around the world.

Entertainment

SHANNON AIRPORT SANTA FLIGHTS SET FOR TAKE OFF

O

VER 2,000 lucky children and their parents will get to meet Santa 15,000 ft above sea level as Shannon Airport launches its 2018 Santa Flights adventure today.

Short of Christmas Eve itself, Santa’s busiest day in the run up to December 25th is set again for Shannon Airport as the big man jets in for his sixth successive annual Santa Flights, one of Ireland’s best loved and unique Santa experiences.

In what has become the most sought after Christmas event for children across the country, Santa will take to the skies with a troupe of elves on Saturday 1st and Sunday 2nd December. The

excitement will be palpable and spirits will be soaring as the delight fills the airport’s terminal building and skies above for a very special treat for children.

The event will be supported by teams of staff volunteers from Shannon Airport, a Shannon Group company. The build-up will take off from the minute the very special passengers enter the airport where Mrs Claus herself and her team of helpers will be manning the airport check-in desks.

Tickets for this prized event will be allocated through a lottery system. A €1 per seat lottery application fee will apply to enter. A flat €1.50 booking fee will also apply. All profits raised from the event will go to Shannon Group’s designated charities for 2018, the Share a Dream Foundation and the

Clare Crusaders.

The lottery system goes live on Wednesday November 7th at 12 noon with details on how to enter the lottery available on the Shannon Airport Facebook page, the airport’s twitter account and on its website www. shannonairport.ie. The lottery will close on Tuesday 13th November and the winners will be notified by text soon after.

A packed programme of entertainment is being laid on as children will also be treated to a range of Christmas activities dancing elves, games and other treats - in the transit lounge to help them while away the final minutes before boarding.

Bookings are confined to a maximum of six but with the airport determined to ensure as many children as possible avail of the very special Christmas

treat, a maximum of two adults will be allowed with any group of six.

Not only do they add to the excitement and magic of Christmas for our younger customers, but they are also an integral part of our community fund raising efforts for local charities. I am proud to say that our staff have raised over €230,000 for a range of worthy charties. ”

WEEKEND OF DRAMA IN DOONBEG

D

RAMA groups from around the country will descend on Doonbeg for the annual One-Act Drama Festival taking place on Saturday the 10th, Sunday the 11th and Monday the

12th of November at the Community Hall. Local audiences will be treated to a total of 9 performances over the 3 nights of the festival from renowned Irish, British and American playwrights.

The Doonbeg One-Act Drama Festival is now in its 30th year and has grown to be a very popular festival with groups and audiences. The 2019 festival will offer a wide range of plays to suit all audiences with everything from comedy and farce to tragedy and drama productions.

Performances will be adjudicated each night with Final Adjudication and presentation of prizes taking place at the end of the Festival on Monday night.

All this is included in the admission price of €12 for Adults and €6 for Children as well as a €30/€15 Season Tickets, offering great value for those who attend all three nights. Doors open at the Festival on each of the three nights at 7.30pm with Curtain Up at 8pm sharp. The Festival Club also takes place each night in the Igoe Inn in Doonbeg after the performances. For a full line up of the Festival go to www.westclaredramafestivaldoonbeg.com or Find us on Facebook.

THURSDAY, NOV 8 2018

ENTERTAINMENT

17

CLARE ROLLS OUT ASK FOR ANGELA

H

OSPITALITY providers across Clare including bar, restaurant, café and hotel owners are being invited to help make Clare a safer destination to socialise by committing to the ‘Ask For Angela’ code-word campaign.

The Clare Joint Policing Committee (JPC), comprising Clare County Council, An Garda Síochána, Elected Members and community representatives, have teamed up with the Clare Branch of the Vintners Federation of Ireland (VFI) to back the countywide roll out of the campaign which encourages people who find themselves in an uncomfortable situation whilst socialising to ‘Ask for Angela’ at the bar or service counter. The phrase alerts staff that something is amiss and they can proceed to safely diffuse the situation.

Clare hospitality providers interested in taking part or finding out more are invited to two information evenings at Lucas Bar, Ennis, on 13 November at 7.30pm and at Malones, Kilrush, on 27 November at 8.00pm.

Members of Clare JPC are committed to supporting the rollout of this innovative initiative across the county.” *Clare JPC member and Chief Supt for the Clare Garda Division, John Kerin* commented, “An Garda Síochána works closely with local businesses and the Council to ensuring that anyone socialising in Clare has a fun and safe experience. However, in some cases, people may feel at risk and isolated or afraid to seek help. Ask for Angela gives patrons at participating venues a simple way to seek assistance if they feel at all at risk.”

“The purpose of the upcoming information sessions is to inform hospitality operators about the code word campaign and to encourage them to participate. I invite all VFI members in Clare to help build on our reputation as safe places to socialise and help roll out the initiative to other parts of the sector. Providing reassurance there is support available, if needed, will help the hospitality sector across the county” he added.

lPROMOTING ASK FOR ANGELA: L-R: John Kerin, Annette Donnellan, Leonard Cleary, Mary Howard, and Darragh McAllister.

Calling All Hospitality Providers in Clare You are invited to help make Clare a safer destination to socialise by committing to the ‘Ask For Angela’ campaign.

Information Evenings Lucas Bar, Ennis 13 November, 7.30pm Malones, Kilrush 27 November, 8.00pm

18 THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK

THURSDAY, NOV 8 2018

Ronan Scully

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK Author spreading the word of positivity

NOVEMBER, A TIME TO REMEMBER LOVED ONES

N

OVEMBER evokes memories and reflections within us. The world of nature appears in decline and, as it were, about to fall into a deep hibernation as we arrive into winter. The symbol of this decline are the colourful leaves on paths, walkways and roads we have traversed in recent weeks. It is a time for reflection as the darker evenings gather in and we have fewer daylight hours.

November is also the month that we remember our dead, our loved ones gone before us or the Holy Souls, in the firm belief that our prayers can assist our deceased brothers and sisters on their way to God, to the joy and peace of heaven. In writing this thought for the week I would like to remember in prayer all of you who are reading this article and let me offer my sympathy and heartfelt prayers to all of you who have experienced the loss of a loved one. We carry in our memories those who have gone before us, and our dead live on in some way in a new presence in our lives.

We don’t like being reminded of our mortality. Woody Allen (pictured right) famously quipped, “I’m not afraid of death; I just don’t want to be there when it happens.” It strikes a chord because that is how many of us deal with death. We joke about it while keeping our real thoughts and fears to ourselves. Some of our deceased relatives who have gone before us, we were blessed enough that we got to say goodbye too, while others left us before any goodbyes could be exchanged.

These faithful departed handed on to us many of the things that make life worthwhile such as insights, beliefs, culture, traditions and values. We remember them with gratitude and real love at this time.

BE KIND TO EVERYONE

Grief and loss affects everyone. None of us knows how to truly process those emotions. We at times really don’t know how to grieve. We don’t make space for it and try to bury our grief and act as if it’s not

there. And yet it comes up in all kinds of ways and in places we least expect. If you are truly awake in your own life, you are in touch with the loss you have experienced.

And it’s no doubt painful. I have cried privately many times at situations and losses in my own life and recently on a trip to Africa I cried for days at the extreme poverty I witnessed especially for the children who were close to death. The best way to cope with it is to deal with it kindly, gently, lovingly and with the support of family, friends and the communities we live in.

We should try to keep in our minds and hearts the knowledge that everyone deals with these feelings. If we truly remembered that, we would be kind to everyone.

By being more aware and awake, we can make a choice to be conscious, caring and compassionate to ourselves and others every day of the year. Now there’s a thought worth remembering.

LOSS OF A LOVED ONE

A sudden loss, such as the death of a family member or a close friend or colleague, makes us realize the brevity of life.

We often take life for granted. Their death can make us sit down and reflect. Losing a friend recently made me take time to appreciate the loved ones in my life because I don’t know what tomorrow will bring. It made me put things in perspective. I want to live life and love it; I don’t want to spend my life being unhappy or dissatisfied. I want to put a smile on my face and indeed on others faces, because that’s what can make a dark day seem bright. My friend is gone; I cannot bring him back, but, at least in memory of him, I can live a life that I know he would be proud of. Stop putting things off. The only people who should be afraid of death are those who haven’t lived, those who say, “I’ll do it when I get around to it”, or “I will tell him or her I love him or her tomorrow.” If you don’t live today, your “tomorrows” will run out. Live life now, tell people now, when their eyes are open, “I love you.” Tomorrow it might be too late.

REMEMBER

A little word of love during a person’s life is worth far more than all the speeches after their death. I notice at times at funerals how people try to outdo one another in buying the most beautiful wreath of flowers. I often think, did these people ever think of giving the person who died beautiful flowers when they were alive so they could smell the beautiful fragrance and really cherish the gift? Here is an ancient poem about remembering that I shared recently at a friends funeral and that I have at times adapted for others who have gone before us, that gives me hope in times of grief, let me share it with you now.

A POEM OF REMEMBRANCE

“Somewhere in the early morning of Eternity you are running free. Loosed from the bonds of Earth. Unchained from all that bound you here. The years together were too brief, yet who is to measure time? Or how long is long enough? You brought joy and whispered hope to those who loved you most.

A single thread of darkness or loneliness pulled you beyond to the moment of now. We cannot fully understand nor shall we try. We simply know that somewhere in the vastness of all that is you are running free and the ocean of eternity cools your feet as you run unhampered on the sands of all tomorrow’s.

And a lone seagull calls to you and you respond with laughter. You carry now, no

burden, no chain nor bond to hold you.

You carry only the warmth and the love of those who cared. So run free and open your arms and touch the clouds and dance with the morning sun and know that even in our tears we celebrate with you and bid you good journey, Till we meet again.

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK 19

THURSDAY, NOV 8 2018

Ronan Scully

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK Author spreading the word of positivity

NOVEMBER, A TIME TO REMEMBER LOVED ONES

N

OVEMBER evokes memories and reflections within us. The world of nature appears in decline and, as it were, about to fall into a deep hibernation as we arrive into winter. The symbol of this decline are the colourful leaves on paths, walkways and roads we have traversed in recent weeks. It is a time for reflection as the darker evenings gather in and we have fewer daylight hours.

November is also the month that we remember our dead, our loved ones gone before us or the Holy Souls, in the firm belief that our prayers can assist our deceased brothers and sisters on their way to God, to the joy and peace of heaven. In writing this thought for the week I would like to remember in prayer all of you who are reading this article and let me offer my sympathy and heartfelt prayers to all of you who have experienced the loss of

a loved one. We carry in our memories those who have gone before us, and our dead live on in some way in a new presence in our lives.

We don’t like being reminded of our mortality. Woody Allen famously quipped, “I’m not afraid of death; I just don’t want to be there when it happens.” It strikes a chord because that is how many of us deal with death. We joke about it while keeping our real thoughts and fears to ourselves.

Some of our deceased relatives who have gone before us, we were blessed enough that we got to say goodbye too, while others left us before any goodbyes could be exchanged.

These faithful departed handed on to us many of the things that make life worthwhile such as insights, beliefs, culture, traditions and values. We remember them with gratitude and real love at this time.

BE KIND TO EVERYONE

Grief and loss affects everyone. None of us knows how to truly process those emotions. We at times really don’t know how to grieve. We don’t make space for it and try to bury our grief and act as if it’s not there. And yet it comes up in all kinds of ways and in places we least expect. If you are truly awake in your own life, you are in touch with the loss you have experienced.

And it’s no doubt painful. I have cried privately many times at situations and losses in my own life and recently on a trip to Africa I cried for days at the extreme poverty I witnessed especially for the children who were close to death. The best way to cope with it is to deal with it kindly, gently, lovingly and with the support of family, friends and the communities we live in.

We should try to keep in our minds and hearts the knowledge that everyone deals with these feelings. If we truly remem-

bered that, we would be kind to everyone.

By being more aware and awake, we can make a choice to be conscious, caring and compassionate to ourselves and others every day of the year. Now there’s a thought worth remembering.

LOSS OF A LOVED ONE

A sudden loss, such as the death of a family member or a close friend or colleague, makes us realize the brevity of life.

We often take life for granted. Their death can make us sit down and reflect. Losing a friend recently made me take time to appreciate the loved ones in my life because I don’t know what tomorrow will bring.

It made me put things in perspective. I want to live life and love it; I don’t want to spend my life being unhappy or dissatisfied. I want to put a smile on my face and indeed on others faces, because that’s what can make a dark day seem bright. My

FEATURE/INTERACTIVE

THURSDAY, NOV 8 2018

Fitness & Mindset with Cillian Keane, Personal Trainer

Don’t look for the quick fix

D

O YOU realise how much progress you are making at the moment?

Being a Personal Trainer for the last five years and having trained so many people, the one thing that people want is fast results.

I had a good chat with a client the other day about not seeing the results straight away. Some may look for that quick fix but is that the solution?

Many will look at how much time they are spending training without seeing any reward. But I reframed to my client that she is doing so much more than three weeks ago when she was doing very little. She got it into her head that she wanted a result within a really short timeframe.

I explained that patience

is key and looking at the overall picture, she then realised a few things in the process of all her training.

She is stronger than she was before. She can lift her kids with ease without her arms getting tired.

She is getting fitter day by day and doesn’t get out of breath going up the stairs.

She is becoming more confident and wears clothes she feels comfortable in and feels good within her own skin.

She is happier on a daily basis and this has a positive impact on her day to day work and life. Her friends have noticed how much of a changed woman she has become with training, eating healthy and being accountable to me.

So in your own situation with your fitness regime, you need to celebrate every

small victory and every bit of progress. Don’t give up when times get tough or you seem to think you are not making any progress.

I assure you that you are making good progress.

Keep doing the work when nobody’s watching!

You won’t regret the early morning training sessions, the late nights preparing meals or the consistency it takes over time that will get you to where you want to be.

My one tip for this week: Don’t give up.

Cillian Keane is a personal trainer at Hustle Fitness in Ennis. If you are looking to kickstart your fitness regime and get the results you strive for, contact Cillian on 0863305024 or email cillian.keane87@ gmail.com.

INTERACTION Tweet of the week ANTHONY DALY @DaloAnto

“This ten mins really is a farce”

READER’S PHOTOS

GAIL NORTON (10), SENT IN BY PHOTOGRAPHER NIALL COSGROVE

IN REACTION TO BALLYEA AND BALLYGUNNER BEING FORCED TO PLAY A SECOND ROUND OF EXTRA TIME AT THE WEEKEND

19

20 COMMUNITY

Community ENNIS AREA ENNIS PLAYERS SUPPER THEATRE Ennis Players will host their annual Supper Theatre in the Old Ground hotel from Nov 19-22.

Supper Theatre has been an institution in Ennis for 33 years and over the years audiences have been treated to great theatre and of course the Old Ground’s renowned supper.

This year promises to be a wonderful year with a perfect mix of plays, the witty comedy Interior Designs by Jimmie Chinn and Malachy McKenna’s award winning The Quiet Land.

Jackie Scanlan takes up the directorial baton for Interior Designs and describes the play as “a masterly observation of human relationships and conflicting viewpoints”. The play introduces us to ‘Him’, a brash, arrogant odd job man, who is offering his ‘services’ to three women: Holly, a successful TV-am newsreader; Irene, a solitary school teacher; and Amy, a frustrated housewife.

Although of very different backgrounds, the three women share a common fate of loneliness and frustration. The play follows their yearning to fill the emptiness of their lives and their various attempts to trap the eligible ‘Him’.

Featuring Joe Moran as Him, Laura O’Brien as Amy, Gillian Davis as Holly and Ethel O’Mahony as Irene, Chinn’s witty and pithy dialogue makes this a highly entertaining piece of theatre.

Geraldine Green has had much success as a director with Ennis Players over the years and was at the helm of both the All-Ireland winning 1-Act productions; Lone Star by James McLure and The DandyDolls by George Fitzmaurice. This year Geraldine directs, The Quiet Land which celebrates the humour, resilience and innocence of an exiled generation as it struggled to survive in a modern rural Ireland. The Quiet Land features two elderly neighbours, Eamon played by Hugh Gallagher and Nashee played by Brendan Quinlivan. These farmers are old friends and rivals. They are forced to confront each other with some heartbreaking truths that test their friendship to its limit. Supper Theatre runs nightly from Nov 19th – 22nd at 8pm in the Old Ground hotel and tickets are €18, available at the door.

COMMUNITY GAMES AGM Doora Barefield Community Games is holding its AGM in the GAA Clubhouse in Gurteen on Wednesday next November 14 at 8pm sharp. There are a number of positions to be filled

on the night so all are welcome especially new members who may be interested in joining the committee or getting involved as an event co-ordinator.

We have had fantastic success over recent years winning Clare, Munster and National Area of the Year awards last year. We again won the Best large Area in Clare this year and go on to represent the County at the National Awards in December. Last year we also purchased a Perpetual Cup to be presented to someone who has make a significant contribution or being outstanding in some area during the year. We called it the “Spirit of the Parish” Cup and named it after Lott O’Halloran, a man who has given decades to Doora Barefield Community Games. The inaugural winner was Katie Callaghan and Lott was very proud to present it on the day. Unfortunately, Lott passed away recently, RIP, but a member of his family will be in attendance on the night to present the cup to this years worthy recipient. All are welcome and hope to see you on the night.

ENNIS TENNIS CLUB The Ennis tennis club is delighted to announce that the final of the Junior Club Championships will take place on Sunday the 11th of November at 1.15pm.

The junior boys and girls, under different age categories, competed in a Round Robin, during the Summer with the top two players from each section coming through. These children will play out to become club champions in their age categories.

We like to invite all children, parents and friends to the finals which promises to be a thrilling ocassion with plenty of friendly rivalry!! On the day there will be a draw for partners for a friendly doubles tournament which will also take place. Food and prizes galore!! (Sponsors: The Computer Store, Barrack street, Ennis).

THURSDAY, NOV 8 2018

CONTACT NEWSDESK

065 671 9021 news@clareecho.ie

ENNIS

l LEADING LIGHTS OF THE FUTURE: Congratulations to Lifford AFC U11s who won The CSSL Clare Cup. They are proudly sponsored by Sutton’s Lightning.

NORTH/WEST CLARE FIRST AID FOR FARMERS Learn how to be competent in basic first aid emergency response and basic skills in treatment of minor illnesses and injuries. Thursday Nov 8 10am-1pm at Teagasc Kilrush. Booking call CLDC 0656866800.

EAST CLARE

TABLE QUIZ Tourism East Clare is holding a Table Quiz in Cois na hAbhna, Mountshannon on Friday Nov 9, at 9pm. Teams of 4, €40 per table. Cash prize for the winning team. Raffle on the night.

l SELFIE APPROVAL: LIT BA Science (Hons) in Computer Networks & Systems Management graduates, Joe Donnellan, Miltown Malbay, Eoin Heelan, Pallasgreen and Ray Whelan, Caherdavin Photo by Alan Place

COMMUNITY / CUSACK PARK 21

THURSDAY, NOV 8 2018

CELEBRATING 60

T

HE Clare Association is celebrating 60 years with the release of a wonderful book named ‘Clare: Our People Our Place’.

The Special Diamond Jubilee Edition was launched last Friday night at The Old Ground Hotel in Ennis, with current Clare Person Of The Year John Burke, the first Clareman to climb Everest, among those in attendance.

The 216-page book, edited by Kieran Barry, is filled with in-depth interviews, feature-length articles accompanied by a range of historical and

topical photographs.

It takes an in-depth look at every winner of Clare Person of the Year while also exploring significant moments in Clare’s storied history, from sporting successes to the Famine and the current battle to establish rural regeneration in Clare.

The Clare Association – Muintir an Chláir is a non-political and non-sectarian representative body of Clare people resident in Dublin. Its primary aim is to promote the social, cultural and economic interests of Clare. The Association also aims to foster comradeship and stimulate pride in our native county. lBEST OF BANNER: (top right) Cllr Mary Howard with current Clare Person of the Year John Burke and Cllr Ann Norton, Clare Person of the Year 2013; (below right, l-r) Clare Association Hall of Famer Tony Mulvey, Association Chairman Gerry O’Reily, Cllr Norton, John Burke and Sean Mulvey; (left) the cover of the book celebrating 60 years

BALLYEA FANS MAKE TRIP TO WATERFORD

lGREAT DAY FOR THE PARISH: (above) Andrea Carroll, Caoimhe Francis, Ava Courtney, Laura Casey and Emily Carroll were in Walsh Park Waterford supporting their heroes Ballyea last weekend; (left) Ciara Kelly and Saoirse Conway were also amongst the sizeable travelling contingent of Ballyea fans in Walsh Park, Waterford

Photos by Martin Connolly

22 NEWS BRIEFS / OPINION

THURSDAY, NOV 8 2018

90 sessions going on Neylon at Ennis Trad Fest Eoin An inside look at Clare’s

IRISH traditional music fans are in for a treat this weekend as one of the genre’s most popular festivals, Ennis Trad Fest, is held.

“It is our twenty-fifth festival in a row, so it is our Silver Jubilee anniversary and we are going to give everyone a great weekend – the best yet,” commented Blackie O’Connell of the organising committee. For a quarter of a century, the Co Clare town has played host to what the organisers describe as “a festival for musicians, run by musicians.”

A carefully planned blend of the traditional arts will be held, include a number of exciting formal concerts, a free Session Trail throughout the town with upwards of 90 sessions, instrument master classes, a Céili, an array of CD launches, Sean Nós and Set Dancing classes, the ever popular Trad Disco, the Trad 4 Teens programme and a Traditional Music table quiz. The Session Trail is a mainstay of the festival, taking place in the bars and restaurants of Ennis, featuring 250 musicians, all are free of charge.

The official launch of Ennis Trad Fest 2018 takes place at The Sanctuary in the Queen’s Hotel tonight (November 8) at

7pm. Directly after that event and at the same venue, there are a pair CD launches.

The first is by Galway singer Don Stiff and the second sees banjo player Páraic Mac Donnchadha, launch his new CD. “This is going to be a big, big night,” said O’Connell and is of the ‘not to be missed’ variety. Another midnight Festival Club gig takes place at The Auburn Lodge on Saturday and features the effervescent and commanding vocalist and flautist Ríoghnach Connolly, with her band. After that, for those who like to party late, DJ Ollie Mullooly will present his ever popular and Ennis Trad Fest, trademark event, The Trad Disco.

The final concert of the festival certainly falls into the ‘keeping the best wine until last’ category and is headlined by internationally renowned fiddle player and Clare man Martin Hayes, in the company of crack guitarist Steve Cooney.

This takes place at the Queen’s Nighclub at 9pm on Monday 12th, with the opening act, comprising of Josephine Marsh, Mick Kinsella and Patrick Marsh. For more go to Ennitradfest.com.

Clare goes to the Oskars C

Shane Lurgan, Tom Francis and JJ O'Dea during filming for Fr Ted Pic: Gerard O’Neill

LARE Football Supporters in conjunction with Clare Ladies Football have joined forces and come up with a novel idea to raise funds for their respective organisations.

Various groups across the county have combined to produce seven movies which will be shown at the West County on November 23. Each movie will be approx 10 to 12 minutes in length, the movies are: Bridesmaids, Fr Ted, The Snapper, The Field, Shawshank Redemption, Sister Act & Forest Gump.

Last weekend three movies were recorded and this weekend the other four will be recorded.

Clare Football OsKaRs are delighted to have Treacys West County Hotel as their main Sponsor.

Tickets for the event are on sale online at treacyswestcounty.com, at Treacys Hotel reception or from Sandra McCarthy on 087 653 4479.

Rugby museum for Limerick AN BORD Pleanála has decided to uphold the granting of planning permission for the International Rugby Experience in Limerick.

The International Rugby Experience will draw tens of thousands of visitors each year, it is expected, and have a positive impact on the Midwest region as a whole.

Reacting to the decision, Limerick Chamber CEO Dee Ryan said: “This is a project of unquantifiable significance for Limerick. It’s a game-changer. One of our key objectives in Limerick Chamber is to see the value proposition for the city centre strengthened so that we attract more people to live, work and shop here. We’ve long since argued that we needed a stimulant for that and the International Rugby Experience is exactly that.

“Together with the planned €9.1million LUCROC project for the revitalisation

of O’Connell Street by Limerick City and County Council and the work of Limerick Twenty Thirty in redeveloping key city centre sites that will accommodate thousands of jobs, we are looking at a whole new era for Limerick city centre.

“Limerick has made massive gains over the past five years, with 12,000 new jobs announced in that time. But that’s only brought us part of the journey and what’s now about to happen will take us to another level again.

Ms Ryan said that the McManus family, Paul O’Connell and other key drivers of the project deserve huge praise for their commitment. “The International Rugby Experience will be a unique, permanent and dynamic celebration of one of the world’s great team sports, a sport that’s part of Limerick’s DNA but also one that’s equally cherished across the globe,” she added.

political spectrum

Expect a knock on the door by Christmas...

F

OR most people, the local elections are a way away at the end of next May. They won’t enter people’s minds for at least six months. However, unbeknownst to them, the actual process of the local elections is underway. As reported previously in the Echo, the Social Democrats were first out of the traps with official candidates selected for next May’s elections in Clare. They won’t be alone on that score for much longer. While the country was busy looking at presidential polls and all its distractions, Fianna Fáil, with no candidate in the fray, was busy getting its local election campaign underway. Members in certain local electoral areas (LEAs) in Clare have already received their nomination papers and potential candidates now face the first hurdle in their race to Áras an Chontae.

To earn the right to put your candidature to the membership at large, a person must secure the backing of a registered Fianna Fáil cumann or at least five individual registered FF members from the LEA in which they wish to run. Given that Clare has among the larger membership lists on paper in Fianna Fáil, that should not prove too difficult for any serious candidate. From there the real fun starts as members will be lobbied up and down the county by candidates before a vote is taken at the five selection conventions around the county for the various LEAs. Make no mistake about it, the results of these conventions and similar in other parties will have a huge bearing on the eventual outcome of the final makeup of Clare County Council once the votes have all been counted.

The rumour mill is currently in overdrive but of the unconfirmed rumours, a few keep cropping up with such frequency that they are all but announced

at this rate. In West Clare, two stalwart Fianna Fáil councillors look set to call time on their illustrious careers of public service.

This will leave the party with a headache of who best might replace them.

Among those reported to be set to enter the fray is 2016 General Election candidate, Michael ‘Malty’ McDonagh. With a strong support base in Miltown he’d hope to mount a successful campaign after his good showing with West Clare voters two and a half years ago. A word of caution must accompany that though in that we often have seen good general election numbers fail to materialise in local elections with a much tougher local field splitting the vote.

Another consideration for Fianna Fáil in the West might be Rita McInerney.

The confirmed general election candidate could do with a test run, should the general election fall after the local poll and offer her candidature to her local people first and foremost.

That said, would it appear disingenuous or perhaps defeatist of her to run in the locals if the Dáil is really where she’s herself?

That’s a question only she can answer.

Another matter of interest is that Kilmaley-based outgoing Councillor Tom McNamara, who looks set to be nominated by members in both the Ennis and Kilrush LEAs to fight the election on each side of the local boundary.

This will leave the popular councillor with a choice to accept a nomination for either of the two LEAs and a bit more time to make up his mind if he stays in the Ennis LEA or moves with his native Kilmaley into the Kilrush LEA. It’s also a dead cert that secondary teacher and Irish dancer Mark Nestor will secure a nomination to contest the Ennis LEA convention for Fianna Fáil.

Outside of that, all other outgoing FF councillors

look set to defend their seats where they were elected last time out, with current Ennis Mayor Clare Colleran-Molloy staying with the Ennis LEA instead of following Quin, the place where she was raised, into the Killaloe LEA. Fianna Fáil would appear to be slightly ahead of the other major parties in getting their 2019 local elections house in order.

Fine Gael have not set any dates for opening of nominations. Labour are gearing up for selection conventions. Sinn Féin, who have a number of local area reps appointed for some time in Clare, also seem to be on the cusp of announcing their local election candidates. They may see a similar difficultly with nominating Noleen Moran to contest the locals, however, I still expect to see the Ballyvaughan native on the ballot paper next May. All in all, a lot of party candidates will be in place and knocking on doors by the time we sit down to the turkey. With the changes to boundaries and new parties contesting here for the first time, a lot of attention will fall on Clare for these elections. Like all votes, Clare is a bellwether constituency that predicts how the rest of the country will react. In 2014, Sinn Féin won their first ever Council seat in Clare, reflecting their improved lot nationally. Clare also returned Fianna Fáil as the largest party on the local authority, replicating the national mood on the day. Will we see a Labour return this time out, or perhaps the Social Democrats make a breakthrough? Can FG turn the tide on FF in local government? The only people that can answer that is you, the electorate. Make sure you have your say next May by getting registered

by November 25. And remember, every resident, regardless of citizenship, has a vote. It’s up to you to decide and only those who vote can change the result.

NEWS 23

THURSDAY, NOV 8 2018

New flood Furniture upcycle workshop scheme by year’s end

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LARE County Council expects to be in a position to award a new contract for the Ennis South flood relief scheme by the end of the year, according to Finance Minister Paschal

Donohoe.

Responding to a question from Clare Fine Gael TD Joe Carey in the Dáil last week, Minister Donohoe said that the tender competition initiated last year had to be relaunched due to issues surrounding the costs submitted by the preferred tenderer which could not be resolved.

“The tender was subsequently re-advertised, with ten applications received by the closing date on September 28. All of the applicants have passed the quality assessment stage of the process and Clare County Council and its consultants are now engaged in the assessment of the pricing element of the submissions.

“It is hoped that the council will be in a position to award the contract before the end of the year, with construction commencing next spring,” the Minister said.

The scheme is being administered by the council who are the contracting authority with funding from the Office of Public Works.

When completed the scheme will provide protection for 74 residential and 10 non-residential properties.

The OPW has previously confirmed to the council that funding would be made available and Minister Donohoe said this position remains unchanged, pending a full budget estimate submission.

The OPW has also authorised Clare County Council to progress land purchase arrangements in relation to the scheme.

The work includes overflow culverts from the streams at St. Flannan’s and Ballybeg to the Clareabbey flood plain, and the upgrade of the existing flood defence embankment between the Quin Road and the Clarecastle tidal barrage, including rehabilitation and construction of sluices.

Deputy Carey, who is a long-time advocate of the scheme, said it was the final main programme of works needed to provide full flood protection for Ennis following on the major works undertaken on the Ennis Upper and Lower Schemes.

“The scheme which is now back on track is estimated to cost €8.6 million and will bring total investment in flood relief in Ennis to €39 million,” he explained.

Zero Waste

SICK of plastic and bins that are overflowing with unnecessary stuff? This November sees the launch of the Zero Waste Challenge in Ennis with a series of three workshops. A number of speakers will share their knowledge to help participants move towards zero waste.

The workshops will explore ways to cut back on plastic and other waste, including easy steps for households and businesses to reduce waste.

This workshop series is being held in association with Ennis Tidy Towns taking place at Waterpark House, Ennis: Mondays Nov 12, 19 and 26 at 6.45pm. The workshops are free events. All are welcome.

For further information call 065-6797355.

CLARE County Council’s Greener Clare Programme and Clare Haven Horizons have joined forces to support National Reuse Month 2018 by hosting a ‘Trash to Treasure’ furniture upcycling workshop at the Clare Haven Horizons, Gort Rd, Ennis, today (Nov 8)

from noon to 2pm.

The free workshop will feature a demonstration by Dave Corboy of Revive & Retro on the many ways to upcycle old furniture pieces.

“October National Reuse Month 2018 aims to inspire and provide skills and tools to

reuse more at home, at work and at play,” explained Karen Foley, Environmental Awareness Officer, Clare Co Council.

Ms Foley said, “We are asking everyone to go further for this National Reuse Month and beyond by prioritising repair, buying second hand and

upcycled, borrowing, swapping and refilling. We would like encourage people to come along to this free workshop and see firsthand how new life can brought back to old unwanted furniture.”

For more visit www.crni.ie/ reuse-month.

24 BUSINESS

BUSINESS

THURSDAY, NOV 8 2018

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

Clean Ireland scrub up well to take top gong Clare firm wins Pakman Award

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LEAN Ireland Recycling’s status as Ireland’s most innovative environmentally friendly waste management operator has been given its biggest endorsement yet after becoming the first waste collector to win the outright honour at the prestigious Pakman Awards.

Having previously won Household Collector of the year, most recently in 2017, the Mid-West based company, which has a 90 per cent recycling and recovery rate, has claimed the recycling industry’s top honour, the ‘Overall Winner’ at the Pakman Awards, as well as the individual ‘Waste Recovery Operator of the Year – Commercial’ award.

In doing so, Clean Ireland Recycling, which has been Ireland’s most progressive provider of environmentally friendly innovations since it was established in the early 1990s, has become the very first waste management provider to be selected as the outright winner of the awards.

Over 400 representatives from across the country gathered for the Repak sponsored event at the InterContinental Hotel Dublin, with Clean Ireland Recycling, which employs over 100 people across the Mid-West, admitting afterwards to being taken completely by surprise by being chosen as outright winner.

The awards were presented by Sean Canney, Minister for Rural Affairs and Natural Resources.

Brian Lyons, receiving the award, said, “This is a great moment for us and our customers. It is the biggest possible recognition that a company in our industry can get.

In the past the honour has gone to the likes of RTE, companies that basically introduce environmentally friendly solutions to lower their own carbon footprint. But for a waste collector to be chosen as outright winner is unprecedented.

“There are 15 individual categories and we were shortlisted in three, the household collector, green transport and commercial collector awards, winning the latter. But we were completely taken aback when we were announced outright winner.

“It’s a tribute to our staff and, indeed, the people of the Mid-West for buying into the green ethos of the company.

By adopting our solutions, they are taking responsibility for their own carbon footprint and that’s something we all have to do.”

The Clean Ireland Recycling General Manager said that winning the award has been the culmination of a lot of hard work over three decades.

“When we started out talking about an environmentally friendly solution back in the 1990s, a lot of people

l CONFERENCE: At the Pakman Awards 2018 were Minister for State at the Department of Communications, Climate Action and the Environment, Sean Canney TD; Brian Lyons (also below); Michelle Nagle; and Diarmuid O’Donnell from Clean Ireland Recycling; Séamus Clancy, CEO of Repak; and Tony Keohane, Chairperson of Repak, as Clean Ireland Recycling is named winner in the Overall Pakman Award category at the Pakman Awards

thought it was not possible to offer these solutions and yet be a successful business. But we’ve proven that you can do this.

“For the past three decades, we have been driven by a green agenda. We have been at the forefront of new initiatives in the Irish Waste industry from introduction of wheelie bins almost 30 years ago to using multi-compartment trucks and we have now introduced the first dedicated Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) waste collection trucks into Ireland, which again will lead to lower emissions. That’s three decades of a really innovative track record.”

The Pakman Awards seek to recognise complete excellence in the environmental approach taken by a business, organisation or community group in all aspects of their operations. T he Pakman judging panel was looking for measurable impacts across all elements of the waste hierarchy. Reuse, reduction, recycling and waste minimisation alongside environmental management of food, water, energy and biodiversity.

Thank You

Together we continue to protect the environment while achieving sustainable savings with this award-winning service.

Clean Ireland Recycling wishes to thank you, our customers and staff, for your role in win-ning this prestigious national award!

Find us on Facebook for service information, news & offers.

CALL 1890 361 800 www.cleanireland.ie

26 BUSINESS

THURSDAY, NOV 8 2018

BUSINESS

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

Reagecon €10m boost PÁRAIC McMAHON

news@clareecho.ie

A SHANNON company has secured a €10m contract with its largest Chinese distributor.

On Tuesday, Reagecon announced the signing of a €10m contract with Chinese distributor, Beijing Thorigin for the delivery of Reagecon’s products over a five year period in the Chinese market. All of the products will be produced in Shannon with customer support supplied by Reagecon’s Shanghai sales office.

With a workforce of 100 in Shannon, fifty of which are chemists, Reagecon is now developing 10,000 products in the county. These are used to calibrate scientific instruments across a whole span of different industries that include pharmaceutical, food, environmental, paper production, beverages and niche areas such as petrochemicals and biofuels.

Speaking at the signing of the contract, Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation, Heather Humphreys labelled Reagecon “a great Irish success story. Its progress is down to both a very significant annual expenditure on Research and Development and the skill and dedications of its workforce. Its products are very complicated to manufacture and test and are at the top of the value pyramid in the field of science.

“This is recognised by the worldwide scientific community, which is a tremendous accolade for an indigenous Irish company that has grown from a small start-up in 1990 to the world’s largest producer of physical and chemical standards. It is a good indication that Irish companies are competing and winning lucrative contracts in China and will continue to expand their reach.”

Welcoming the signing of the contract, Minister of State for Trade, Employment, Business, EU Digital Single Market and Data Protection Pat Breen said: “Companies like

Reagecon, which has grown from a small start-up to the world’s largest producer of physical and chemical standards, are the backbone of our economy.

“I commend them on their resilience and commitment to continual R&D, which is so important in sustaining and expanding business.”

Reagecon’s founder and managing director, John Barron, added: “The resources expended on our new eCommerce site recognise the growing importance that we attribute to this form of sales and marketing and reflects our belief that ecommerce will play a major part going forward in the scaling efforts of the company.

“We expect that within six months, as part of the roll-out of our ecommerce facility, to have full translation in Mandarin of the rich technical content of this new site.

Our current 400-page Physical and Chemical Standards Compendium in Mandarin has been available to our Chinese customers for a number of years.”

Grainne Cullinan, of Carey Corbett financial solutions has received the prestigious Salesperson of the Year from Brokers Ireland.

Over 600 brokers and staff attended the ceremony in Mansion House Dublin. Directors Dónal Carey and Tommy Corbett said they are thrilled that Grainne was selected as a recognition, not just for her results, but for everything she does above and beyond for the customer. Grainne (pictured with Mr Corbett), a Crusheen native, has been working with Carey Corbett for five years.

Hole in one for Dromoland Newmarket location wins Parkland Course of the Year

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l THEY’VE COME A FAIRWAY: Golf Manager Mark Reynolds (second from left) and course superintendent Paul Coleman (right) accepting the award for Parkland Course of the Year at the annual Gala Irish Golf Awards

ROMOLAND Castle Golf Course has been named ‘Parkland Course of the Year 2018’ at the annual Gala Irish Golf Awards. The prestigious award ceremony took place in Northern Ireland on Monday, 22nd October.

The Ireland Golf Tour Operator Association Ltd (IGTOA) is an organisation that represents Ireland’s leading Golf Tour Operators and is pro-active in the promotion, growth and development of the Irish Golf Tourism domestically and overseas.

The IGTOA National Golf Tourism Conference & Gala Irish Golf Awards is the largest annual gathering of Irish Golf Tourism Industry professionals, who participate from all

areas of the Irish Golf Tourism industry.

Mark Reynolds, Dromoland Castle Golf Club Manager, commented: “We are delighted to receive such a prestigious award amongst such strong competition. This has been a terrific year for Dromoland Castle following our recent €20 million renovation investment.

This award very much reflects the ever-improving golf course”.

Paul Coleman, Course Superintendent at Dromoland Castle added: “We are extremely proud to win this award.

“We have a great team on the course and there is no doubt that Dromoland Castle Golf Club holds its own as a Parkland in the West of Ireland”.

BUSINESS 27

THURSDAY, NOV 8 2018

RECRUITMENT

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

SEAT TO FILL? Be seen in The Clare Echo recruitment section.

Call 065 671 9021 or email ciara.farrell@clareecho.ie or ger.naughton@clareecho.ie.

Take the pain out of sharing news of your vacancy today.

Would you like to work at Ireland’s most visited natural attraction?

We’re Hiring for the following position:

HEAD OF OPERATIONS The Head of Operations will be responsible for the overall operational management of the business for the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Experience organisation, he/she will form part of the senior management team and will participate in the operational & strategic management of the iconic Cliffs of Moher Visitor Experience. The position will head the Operations department including facilities and will provide line management for the Operational Management team. The objectives of the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Experience is to provide a world class visitor experience. This position will have a focus of service delivery and the achievement of quality standards and objectives. A full job description can be obtained by e-mailing careers@cliffsofmoher.ie

Excellent project management, decision making, communication and influencing skills G

G A commitment to excellence, continual innovation & world class service delivery G Ability to be a clear thinker, analyse and resolve problems exercising good judgment G Experience with a TMS (Time Management System) & rostering packages G Flexibility and a strong problem solving approach to issues

Experience of managing people in a small to medium size enterprise G

REQUIREMENTS/ ESSENTIAL SKILLS AND ATTRIBUTES REQUIRED FOR THIS ROLE: Coordination of all operational activity of Ireland’s busiest natural visitor attraction to ensure customers receive a world class visitor experience

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Communicates expectations & implements all Standard Operating Procedures and Polices to all staff & Managers on site

D

Develop operational plans to improve the overall operation of the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Experience

D

G Proven organisational skills & experience in multi-tasking

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G PC literate with good keyboard skills and Microsoft Office proficient

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G Excellent project management, decision making, communication and influencing skills

The post will be operational on a seven days a week basis according to business requirements G

Health & Safety onsite at the Cliffs of Moher of employees and customers Advance operational planning and managingcapacity at the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Experience Maintenance of site standards and overall facility management as a World Class Visitor Experience

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If you wish to apply for this role please forward your curriculum vitae accompanied by a cover letter stating what you can bring to this role to; careers@cliffsofmoher.ie before 5pm on Friday 30th November 2018.

Co. Clare, Ireland.

E: careers@cliffsofmoher.ie

www.cliffsofmoher.ie

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Stunning semi detached home

11 GLASSAN. LAHINCH ROAD

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BEDROOM semi detached house located in a nice corner site in a well sought after residential estate just off the Lahinch Road. South westerly aspect to the rear, fully block wall to sides and rear boundaries, not overlooked. Raised painted decking area, cobbled paving, fully tiled paving area, all low maintenance upkeep. Brick surround BBQ area and detached block built shed. Outside area to the front is a cobbled lock driveway with ample space for at least 2 vehicles.

Contact: DNG O’Sullivan Hurley, 74 O’Connell Street, Ennis Tel: (065)6840200

Great location BARNTICK, ENNIS

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€269,000

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OCATED in the very much sought after Barntick suburb of Ennis town, just 2km from Clarecastle village and 3km from Ennis town centre. This stunning elevated 4 bedroom detached bungalow is set on a mature landscaped and tree lined 0.75 acre site fronting on to the main Ennis to Kildysart Road. The property offers bright spacious well portioned accommodation throughout, boasting an open plan main reception wrap around into formal dining/kitchen, 4 double bedrooms, 2 of which are En Suite, Main Bathroom and separate utility.

Contact: DNG O’Sullivan Hurley, 74 O’Connell Street, Ennis Tel: (065)6840200

Surrounded by countryside

CASTLEVIEW B&B, ENNISTYMON ROAD, LAHINCH,

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HIS is a substantial property superbly located on the main approach road into Lahinch within five minutes walk from the main street, golf course and the beach and all the town\’s main facilities. It is located along the main passing route to the Cliffs of Moher. Lahinch is one of the west coast of Ireland\’s most popular holiday resort towns and is set to become even more so with the hosting of the 2019 Irish Open Golf Championship on its renowned links course of which this property has views.

Contact: DNG O’Sullivan Hurley, 74 O’Connell Street, Ennis Tel: (065)6840200

THURSDAY, NOV 8 2018

PROPERTY 29

Motoring MOTORING EXPERT NEIL BRISCOE GIVES HIS VIEWS

THE SNAKE, CHARMED Kia’s snake-faced sports saloon loses its mighty V6 engine but gains a more sensible diesel

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ROAD TEST: KIA STINGER 2.2D

GUESS the Kia Stinger shouldn’t have been so unexpected. I mean, Kia has been making sporty cars almost since its inception. The Korean giant even once made a version of the 1980s, wedge-shaped, Lotus Elan sports car, and sister firm Hyundai has for years had big, rear-wheel drive, saloons and coupes in its global (if not European) lineup.

Even so, the Stinger did manage to feel as if it kind of came out of nowhere. A big, low-slung, distinctly sporting saloon (actually it’s a fastback, with a big, practical, 406-litre boot) that aims right down the throat of the likes of the BMW 3 Series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class. It even has rear-wheel drive, for proper handling balance, and has been worked on by the genius that is Albert Biermann, who has left his old job at BMW’s M-Division to take the Hyundai/Kia shilling as their handling and dynamics guru.

It even came with a proper engine — a twin-turbo V6 with 370hp (same as a BMW M2…) which proved both powerful and eerily refined. It was fun, big fun, but obviously a little limited in an Irish context with a big, emissions-heavy petrol engine (how does 225g/km grab you?).

Kia, being no fool, has a more acceptable version up its sleeve, though. The Stinger diesel.

Using the same 2.2-litre four-cylinder engine that you’ll find in the Kia Soren-

to SUV, the Stinger GT diesel manages to pack a punch that’s impressive, even when you compare it to the mighty V6 version. The headline 200hp power output is arguably only fine (it’s still 10hp to the good compared to a BMW 320d, mind) but the 440Nm of torque on offer is much more interesting. After all — you boast about power, but you actually drive on the torque. Well, most of the time anyway.

Probably the best news is that the Stinger’s styling is untouched by the switch to the black pump. The same snake-like face.

The same sharply sloped rear end. Yes, you can find a few hints and throwbacks to other, lesser Kias (the Optima most obviously) but the Stinger has amazing proportions. It’s low, it’s very, very wide, and quite long too. It’s also really rather gorgeous, and one of those cars that, as soon as you’ve clapped eyes on it, you simply cannot wait to drive.

Wait we must, though, as there’s an interior to be inspected first. Again, the diesel version gets the same cabin as the V6, so while there’s a bit of a mish-mash going on in here, the overall effect is very impressive. The mish-mash comes from having bits and pieces taken from regular, cheaper Kias and plonked into what is otherwise a bespoke cabin. The overall design is an obvious homage to that of the Merc C-Class (three round air vents in the middle, broad centre console, big

free-standing screen) and for the most part, quality levels are little short of excellent. The occasional cheap switch grates even more because of that, but Kia had thrown in a trump card by swathing the entire cabin in rich, deep, red leather.

We’re suckers for red leather...

Space is actually pretty good. There’s slightly more rear legroom than you’ll find in the German competition, and although headroom in the back is compromised a little by that sloping rear roofline, all but the tallest of passengers will be able to get comfy. Up front, the seats are brilliant, there’s legroom to burn, and you pretty much never want to get out.

Will the driving experience do the same? Well, almost but not quite. If you’re expecting the Stinger diesel to be as good to drive as the V6 version, it’s not. It’s almost as good, but falls a touch short, and most of that is down to the engine and the way it delivers its power. The 2.2 diesel is a fine engine in a Sorento, but here in the Stinger its low-down punch just isn’t sharp enough for the Stinger’s chassis. Whereas you can use the V6’s grunt to help turn and steer the car on the throttle, the diesel is much less adjustable.

Does that really matter? Well, to most of us probably not — after all, most of us don’t drive like The Stig on our way to work, and the fact is that the Stinger diesel does the job most of lSNAKE FACE: Kia’s new animal sports saloon

FACTS & FIGURES: Model tested: Kia Stinger GT Line 2.2 diesel

Pricing: €52,995 as tested; range starts rom €52,995 Engine: 2.2-litre turbocharged four-cylinder diesel Transmission: eight-speed automatic, rear-wheel drive Body style: five-door fastback CO2 emissions: 154g/km (Band C, €390 per annum) Combined economy: 48.7mpg (5.8 litres/100km) Top speed: 230km/h 0-100km/h: 7.6 seconds Power: 200hp at 3,800rpm Torque: 440Nm at 1,750-2,750rpm Boot: 406 litres (seats up); 1,114 litres (seats down) EuroNCAP Rating: Five star: 93 per cent adult; 81 per cent child; 78 per cent pedestrian; 82 per cent safety assist

us would need it to do really well. It owns the outside lane, with that aggressive front styling doing a better job of clearing people out of your way than blue lights. It’s better than the V6 in this role, too, simply because it’s so much less thirsty.

Any other complaints? Well the ride quality could definitely be better, but that’s about it. The price tag of €52,995 represents a saving of almost €14,000 compared to the V6 version, and is around €400 cheaper than a BMW 320d M-Sport automatic, which will be less well-equipped as standard than the Kia. Plus the Kia comes with the same, expansive, seven-year warranty as does the humblest Ceed hatchback, so it’s almost certainly going to be very reliable.

Not a perfect car, then, but equally neither is the V6. The Stinger represents Kia’s first try at a German-bothering sports saloon, and while certainly not un-flawed, it gets so close to the bull’s eye that Munich should really be worried.

MOTORING 31

THURSDAY, NOV 8 2018

BACK IN FASHION PETROL ENGINES RENAULT LEADING THE WAY IN INNOVATION

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lTHE LEADER OF INNOVATIVE CARS: The new Renault Megane is ahead of the rest with a top of the list chic interior

ESPITE being the pioneering manufacturer of lot of car genres – e.g. the people carriers (Espace and Scenic) and the compact crossover (Captur) - Renault’s best-selling car in Ireland is the Megane, with us over 20 years now. A hatchback no less, it has recently been enhanced with the addition of some new petrol engines. In this case the tasty, TCe 130 version Key here is 130 for the 130 bhp of power under the bonnet. That’s the most powerful entry petrol engine in its class that includes the Focus and the Golf for example. All from a 1,200cc engine reinforcing the bhp not cc argument which is

being supported by Audi who are labelling all their cars based on power, not engine size now.

The Megane at every iteration was generally better looking than its competitors at the time and the current version is no different. Instantly recognisable from the front with the by now very familiar Renault face. The back looks squat and sporty with the sides connecting them both in a butch way with a high shoulder line. Whatever your car preferences it hard not to like its looks.

That engine on paper it is very appetising. I’ve driven quite a few of these 1,200cc engines with three cylinders but this has four that

helps considerably to reduce engine noise. Up to a point though, as at motorway speeds I’d say it is no quieter than its turbocharged 3 cylinder equivalents. Nevertheless, for day to day use the ambience is a hushed environment in which to travel and responds well to the right foot. However, you’ll find it difficult to reconcile the manufacturer’s figures with the actual return.

The Megane interior is very, very chic and if you have not sat in a Renault in a while I urge you to do so. The material quality is excellent and the too much plastic criticism of old is exactly that, old. Renault interiors are at the top of my list.

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32

SPORT

THURSDAY, NOV 8 2018

Heartbreak for Ballyea JAMES MULVIHILL

MUNSTER SENIOR CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP SEMI FINAL BALLYGUNNER: 2-26 BALLYEA: 2-23 (after ET)

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ALLYEA suffered a heartbreaking defeat at the hands of Waterford Champions Ballygunner after two rounds of Extra Time in Walsh Park on Sunday.

The Clare champions were brilliant throughout this contest and manager Kevin Sheehan should be proud of his players given the fact that they were without five players from the 2016 season through emigration and injury. Niall Deasy caused serious problems for the Ballygunner defence scoring 2-10 including 2-4 from play, while Jack Browne was immense once again at centre-back.

Meanwhile, Pauric Mahony was in fantastic form scoring 0-14 including six from play for Ballygunner, who have qualified for the Munster Final for the third time in four seasons where they take on Limerick’s Na Piarsaigh on November 18.

The sides were level towards the end of the first half before Ballyea scored the opening goal. Niall Deasy broke onto a loose ball before bursting through the Ballygunner defence and scored a terrific goal from an acute angle. Ballygunner responded with a point of their own through Ian Kenny to leave the score at 1-09 to 0-09 in favour of Ballyea at the interval.

Ballyea scored the opening three points of the second half through Tony Kelly, Martin O’Leary and Gary Brennan to extend the lead to six points but in a game where both sides refused to be beaten, Ballygunner hit back with a placed ball from Pauric Mahony before a goal through Conor Power cut Ballyea’s lead to just two points after 40 minutes (1-13 to 1-11). Conor Power and Gary Brennan traded points before Pauric Mahony levelled matters once again with two frees.

With Ballygunner stretching into a two-point lead, Ballyea hit back with their second goal when a long delivery from Tadgh Lynch landed on the edge of the square and Deasy flicked the ball into the net to give the county champions the lead going down the home straight. Martin O’Leary and Pearse Lillis added points to extend the lead to three points.

However Ballygunner scored a dramatic late goal when Philip Mahony batted the ball into the net thanks to a cross field pass from Conor Power to force this epic tussle into Extra Time.

Another period defined by two sides unwilling to lay down ebbed and flowed before Niall Deasy showed nerves of steel to convert a ‘65 at the very death to leave it at 2-23 apiece at the end of extra time.

That forced another round of Extra Time, five minutes a side, and Ballygunner scored three points through Barry O’Sullivan, Pauric Mahony and Conor Sheahan to finally seal their place in the Munster Final on November 18th.

l FIGHT TO THE END: (above) Barry Coughlan of Ballygunner has his hurley smashed in this challenge with Ballyea’s Niall Deasy; (below left) Tony Kelly in Full Flight and (below right); Staunch Ballyea supporters Frankie and Iarla Griffin who were part of Ballyea’s strong travelling contingent Photos by Martin Connolly

Ballygunner: Stephen O’Keeffe; Eddie Hayden, Barry Coughlan, Ian Kenny (0-1); Philip Mahony (1-0), Wayne Hutchinson, Billy O’Keeffe (0-1); Harley Barnes, Shane O’Sullivan; Pauric Mahony (0-14,8fs), Peter Hogan (0-1), Brian O’Sullivan (0-3); Tim O’Sullivan, Mikey Mahony, Conor Power (1-2).

Subs: Barry O’Sullivan (0-2) for M. Mahony (HT), JJ Hutchinson (01) for O’Keeffe (41 mins), Stephen Power for T. O’Sullivan (60 mins), Mikey Mahony for S. Power (ET), Stephen Power for M. Mahony (70 mins), Billy O’Keeffe for W. Hutchinson (73 mins, injured), Conor Sheahan (0-1) for Hogan (77 mins, injured).

Ballyea: Barry Coote; Joe Neylon, Brian Carraig, Brandon O’Connell; James Murphy, Jack Browne, Aonghus Keane; Tadgh Lynch (0-2), Tony Kelly (0-3,1 side-line); Pearse Lillis (0-2), Niall Deasy (210,5fs,1 ‘65’), Cillian Brennan; Martin O’Leary (0-4), Gary Brennan (0-2), Ryan Griffin.

Subs: Eoghan Donnellan for R. Griffin (53 mins), Brian Murphy for Carraig (57 mins), Aaron Griffin for C. Brennan (60 mins, injured), Cillian Brennan for A. Griffin (ET), Brian Casey for O’Connell (72 mins), Aaron Griffin for C. Brennan (76 mins), David Sheehan for Neylon (77 mins).

Referee: Fergal Horgan (Tipperary).

Feakle reach Munster Final Feakle have reached the Munster IHC Final after defeating Waterford Champions Clonea on a score-line of 5-15 to 2-15 in Fraher Field on Saturday. Feakle will take on Charleville

of Cork in the Munster Final on November 18.

Meanwhile Newmarket-on-Fergus retained their Clare Cup title after a hard fought 0-10 to 0-07 victory over Kilmaley in Sixmilebridge on Saturday Evening.

SPORT 33

THURSDAY, NOV 8 2018

Ennis RFC on the double

ENNIS RFC are celebrating a double success at the weekend as their 1st XV defeated Douglas in J3 on a score of 45-8, while their second team beat Presentation of Limerick 12-11 at Lee’s Rd in the Gleeson League.

Pres took an early lead with a try in the corner but good play from Ennis over the next 15 mins ended with John O’Neill breaking the tackle to rumble over for his first try of the season.

From the start of the second half Ennis were camped in Presentation’s 22 but were unable to capitalise while Pres kicked two penalties from two brief visits to Ennis’s half. But Ennis battled back and great play from the pack created space out wide for Niall O’Brien to dot down in the corner. Up stepped Jack Hannon to coolly slot the conversion giving Ennis a well deserved onepoint win, their first of the season.

Team: Seán Conry, Mark Slattery, John O’Neill, Colin Fitzgerald, Simon Crawford, Alan Rynne (40m-Hugh Butler), Brian Lennon (40m-Noel Kelly), Ruarí Quinlan, Michael Lyons, Joey Connighton (40m-Niall O’Brien), Ronan Correy, Tom Lernihan, (15m-Jack Hannon), David Reynolds, Mike Clinton, Mike McCarthy(70m-Brian Lennon)

All-Star gong means world to Duggan

P

ETER Duggan and John Conlon have been named as Clare’s two All Stars for the team of 2018, which includes six names from champions Limerick, three each from Galway and Cork, and one from Kilkenny.

Clare’s beaten All Ireland semi-finalists had five players in the running with Éire Óg’s Shane O’Donnell, Tulla’s David McInerney and Clonlara’s Colm Galvin joining Duggan and Conlon..

Peter Duggan, the first Clooney-Quin man to win an All Star, told Clare FM that the award meant the world to him.

“To actually have it in front of me is a dream come true

because when you’ve put in as much hard work and effort as I have in the last few years, to actually get something back... some momento for the year [is something] to always remember.

John Conlon, on his first All Star award, said it was a great honour for his family and club.

“Since 2013 we lost a lot of games, not showing the talent and skill levels we showed [that year]. It’s great to get back to those skill levels this year...

“I was starting my 10th year last year and questioned was it worth all the sacrafice ... but I’m looking forward to many more years of it now,” he add- l CREAM OF THE CROP: Peter Duggan in action in the All Ireland semi final against Galway at Croke Park and (inset) John Conlon arriving at the lost ed. replay in Thurles

Photos by Martin Connolly

Awkward lies above or below my feet...

T

HE key when I’m setting up a golf shot from either of these two awkward lies is finding a posture that helps me to maintain balance. The top reason golfers struggle from these lies is they are off-balance before they swing. Therefore I’m going to discuss how you can alter your posture to help you to maintain balance throughout your swing when the golf ball is above or below your feet.

Ball below my feet: The first thing I look to achieve is a good balanced setup. When I address a shot with the ball below my feet, I feel the weight favours your toes. With the slope I must crouch my spine angle more than normal, in order to help reach the ball as it’s going to be further away from me. To prevent weight going towards my toes, I flex my knees more than normal and I try to move my backside back until I feel my weight at the centre of my feet. Flexing my knees also helps me to get closer to the ball and find a balanced position.

If it’s a severe slope then I will also widen my stance to help me to get even lower and this helps maintain a better balance. From this posture the arc of my swing is going to be more upright and due to this the ball will curve left to right (for a right handed golfer). Therefore aiming left of my target is a must to allow for this left to right curvature. The amount of curvature will be further exaggerated depending on the severity of the slope or the higher loft I’m using.

I also always like to choose at least one extra club when I’m hitting from this lie; firstly it allows me to swing smoother, helping to maintain my balance and secondly when the ball curves left to

right it loses distance, so the extra club will help me to reach my target. Remember the additional length of the shaft on a longer club also helps when your trying to reach for a ball that is further away from you. Therefore hitting at least one club longer is a must when playing this awkward lie.

Ball above my feet: Again the first step to achieving a perfect shot from this lie is about achieving good balance at address. Naturally I will find the weight going towards my heels from this lie because of the slope, therefore I will flex my knees and lean slightly forward towards the hill until I feel the weight in the centre of my feet.

This time I’m going to be closer to the ball, therefore I like to grip down on the club to achieve a cleaner strike. Again I will choose at least one extra club depending on the severity of the slope as it will allow me to swing smoother to help achieve good balance.

From this lie my swing plane will be more around my body and my angle of attack will be shallower, which will lead to a ball flight that will curve right to left (for a righty). This curvature will be exaggerated on a steeper slope or also with a club that has a greater loft, therefore don’t be afraid to aim right especially if the slope is severe or if you are using a high lofted club.

Next time you are out practicing don’t be afraid to play a few shots from both of these awkward lies. Focus on finding a posture that maintains your balance and swing smoothly. This shot is difficult to perfect unless you’ve spent time practicing it and remember the more severe the slope the longer club you need to use and the more you need to aim to the right or left of your target depending on which lie your playing from.

PGA Golf Professional

#PadraigKnowsGolf

Padraig McGrath

GOLF ANALYSIS

The Scorecard in association with

ENNIS GOLF CLUB Mixed Scramble Results Tuesday 30th October 2018 1st Carmel Verling Pat McInerney Steve Burns 45.25 2nd Ollie Kennelly Pauline Parks Margaret Flanagan 46 3rd Phil Butler Kevin Murray Peter Quinn 46.75 4th Carmel Warner Alice Darcy Michael Dempsey Pierce Cahill 47.2 5th Mary Lenihan Michael Vaughan Eamon Corry 49.75 Saturday 3rd Nov. 2018 1st Una O’Reilly, Tim Kelly & Dom O’Connor 80pts 2nd Ann Casey, Sean O’Gorman & Eamon Corry 77pts 3rd Geraldine O’Rourke, Mike Dempsey & Tim Scanlon 75pts 3 BALL MOD. SCRAMBLE WITH 72 PLAYERS 1ST LUKE COOTE , PAUL HIGGINS , P J HEHIR 78 POINTS 2ND FRANK SHEEDY , PAUL MOCKLER , PAT P MCINERNEY 73 3RD FINTIN MCEVOY , JOHN

MCNAMARA , MATT FLYNN 73 4TH MICHAEL DEMPSEY , JOHN O FLYNN , EAMON MURPHY 72 5TH MICHAEL KERIN , BRIAN TUOHY , PAT G MCINERNEY 70 6TH PAT RUTHERFORD , NED RYAN , STEVE BURNS 70 Gent’s 4 Ball B/B(9/10hdc) 18 Holes Sat.3rd /Sun.4th Nov. 2018 1st Tom Glynn(13)& Richard O’Connell(14) 46pts 2nd Mike Dempsey(19)& John Dempsey(13) 46pts 3rd John Mc Carthy(15)&Tony Mc Inerney(13) 45pts 4th D Considine(11)&K Ryan(18) 45pts 5th Pat Murphy(10)&Ronnie Guinnane(16) 45pts 6th Ml Kerin(18)&Tim Kelly(22) 45pts WOODSTOCK Club Singles(G) 03/11/18 & 04/11/18 1. Frank Tone (13) 39pts 2. Brendan Neylon(7) 37pts 3. Matt Power(25) 36pts (BOT) CSS 72(36 pts) Upcoming Fixtures Club Singles Stableford (G) 10/11/18 & 11/11/18

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38 CROSSWORD/HOROSCOPES

THURSDAY, NOV 8 2018

Your Horoscopes Nov 8 THEY say that only two things are certain: Death and taxes.

Fortunately, you won’t be dealing with either of those now.

Unfortunately, you will have to deal with a lot of uncertainty.

Changes will be popping up all day long -- expect continually revised schedules or postponed social appointments. Just go with the flow and enjoy the fact that change is constant.

When the time is right, it will happen!

Taurus

Gemini

THINGS keep changing, and usually, you’re ready to roll with the punches. It’s part of what keeps things exciting.

Right now, these changes may require some painful adjustments on your part. You might even have to postpone some big travel plans, but this adjustment doesn’t have to be permanent, so let go of that concern for now. It’s not like you’re failing, you’re just putting off the inevitable.

IT’S not difficult to find something about yourself that you want to improve -- bad habits or a less than totally healthy lifestyle may be getting to you right now. Instead of feeling down on yourself, feel the power you hold. Change is within your grasp, and this is a great starting point for curbing or adjusting your behavior. Find a similarly struggling pal to help you sort things out or join you in your quest.

Cancer

Leo

Virgo

AN EXCITING, vibrant energy is coming into your world -look for new people (or a new version of one of your current friends) to inject your life with a new level of risk. They have been taking big gambles lately -- and it has been paying off big-time. If this success serves as an inspiration to you, start taking a few risks yourself and see what happens. Put yourself out there and work the odds -- you can be more daring and still be realistic.

PROBLEMS in your professional realm will be weighing on you, dragging you away from the pleasurable events all around you. Instead of pushing it out of your mind to deal with later, take a few minutes with a friend and spill what’s bothering you. You won’t be yourself until you get the truth off your chest, and a sympathetic ear will help you feel renewed. Then (and only then), you’ll be able to fully enjoy all the people and fun stuff around you.

OTHER people’s secrets are becoming clear to you -- so if you think you know something juicy, you just might. It can be tough to know how much information you should share and how much you should keep to yourself (especially now), so you might want to play it safe with any controversial insider knowledge. It can be a dangerous thing, but luckily, these secrets might give you an upper hand; so feel free to use what you know to edge ahead of the competition.

Libra

Scorpio

Sagittarius

Capricorn

Aquarius

Pisces

THINGS that normally bug you will drift right by without your notice -- you are entering into a very enriching period of reflection in your life, and this is distracting you from seeing much of the peripheral world. Your attention will be diverted throughout the day, so important meetings that require full concentration may not be a good idea. Don’t make any commitments right now.

ONE of the most important skills you still need to master is knowing when to ask for help. It’s important to not immediately call out to friends or coworkers if you feel like you’re in over your head. First, take a deep breath and assess your situation. Chances are things are nowhere near as daunting as you think. Only when details pile up and obscure your route to success should you send up a signal. The farther you can go on your own, the better.

1/1

Aries

RELATIONSHIPS can be like a dance -- one partner leads while the other one follows. One of your relationships -- it could be a friendship, romantic partnership or even a business connection -- is in the middle of quite a tango. Your goal should be to advance things and become closer to this person. But in order to do that, you may have to let them lead for a while.

MOVING upward requires you to utilize every resource you can find, including some of your friends. Now, this doesn’t mean you should ‘use’ friends in the exploitative sense -- that’s not your style -- but it does mean that you should feel free to extend your feelers and let it be known that you have certain goals and would appreciate the help. Before the end of the day, chances are good that someone you already know will help you make everything happen.

The Clare Echo Crossword

ACROSS 7 Barker, a crossword compiler from Eire (5,6) 8 Force capital on workers’ leader in industrial action (2-4) 9 Get mother to request material (6) 10 Feudal worker comes back, taking care of painting (6) 12 A different composer from Bach and Elgar (6) 13 Bother with a party? (3) 14 Result of lob? (6) 16 Weapon providing gunners with support (6) 18 Dog with dog’s head in a Dorset resort (6)

YOUR role as supportive mentor to the rest of your crew may feel uncomfortable at times, but it gives you a perspective on your friends that no one else has. Now, more than ever, you can see the connections that make people need each other so much -- and you have keen insight that could help them sort out their issues. Don’t advise unless you’re asked, but when you are, be honest.

NOT everything you do has to have some grand plan or goal behind it. Explore situations that require no risks (and no big payoffs) whatsoever. Play around with what intrigues you right now, and get comfortable with making mistakes.

You aren’t perfect and there is no reason to even try to be.

Everyone loves your imperfections because they make you who you are. Create things with just your own preferences in mind -- amuse yourself above all others.

cludes right pig (6) 19 Repeat the choral part (4) 21 A language from overseas (4)

20 Conference about player (6) 22 Peasants hold out when surrounded by police (11)

sailors’ dance (8) 15 Unshod, poor explorer of North America (6) 17 Card game in-

DOWN 1 In the nick I lost weight (4) 2 Homes where villains dropped in (6) 3 Musical craft (4,4) 4 Feat unaffected by revolution (4) 5 Part of flower, extremely sweet, with new name (6) 6 Rare gems scattered in lake (8) 11 Upbraid fish salesman first (8) 12 Wild hopper in

CROSSWORD ANSWERS

QUIZ 39

THURSDAY, NOV 8 2018

The Clare Echo Quiz CLARE FOLKLORE & HISTORY

Which famous actor unveiled the Who is the youngest ever person 6 statue of Richard Harris in Kilto be honoured by Clare County 1Council kee? with a civic reception?

Rhys WIlliams, Davy Fitzgerald, Sharon Shannon

Leonardo Di Caprio, Tom Cruise, Russell Crowe

was the first of only two ever Which Clare rugby player played 2 Who female TDs to be elected in Clare? 7 for Munster, Ireland, the Lions and Harlequins?

Sile De Valera, Aoife Guilfoyle, Madeleine Taylor Quinn

Kieth Wood, Anthony Foley, Marcus Horan

Who became the only Clare perWhich Clare hurling legend 3 son to climb Mount Everest last 8 penned the autobiography ‘Raisyear ing the Banner’?

4

Which of the following Ireland soccer heroes has strong links to Darragh, Co Clare

Terry Phelan, Kevin Sheedy, Ray Houghton

Jamesie O’Connor, Davy Fitzgerald, Ger Loughnane

9

l QUESTION 5: The O’Donovan brothers “pull like a dog” and take Olympic Silver

Who wrote the song ‘Clare To Here’?

ANSWERS

Robbie McMahon, Ralph McTell, Bon Jovi

The O’Donovan Brothers, Sonia O’Sullivan, Derval O’Rourke

10

Which legendary Clare Champion reporter was presented a media award by Finance Minister Michael Noonan in 2016?

Seamus Hayes, Paschal Sheehy, Tony Mulvey

6. Russell Crowe 7. Kieth Wood 8. Ger Loughnane 9. Ralph McTell 10.Tony Mulvey

5

Which Cork Olympian’s grandfather is from Ennis

1.Rhys WIlliams 2. Madeleine Taylor Quin 3. John Burke 4. Kevin Sheedy 5.The O’Donovan brothers

JJ McCabe, Padraig Haugh, John Burke

OLD IMAGES OF COUNTY CLARE

“The Battering Ram has done its work” [Eviction scene, Ireland] Vandeleur Estate, Co.Clare.

Image NLI.ie / Collection: Lawrence Photograph Collection