The Clare Echo 09/05/24

99 PROBLEMS Cllr Tom branded a misogynist

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

A FORMER mayor has branded sitting councillor, Tom O’Callaghan ‘a misogynist’ in a heated exchange.

Following comments made on Tuesday by Cllr O’Callaghan (FF) claiming that Cllrs Ann Norton (IND) and Mary Howard (FG) had stayed in a

meeting despite a conflict of interest on their part, a furious Cllr Norton demanded an apology from Cllr O’Callaghan, which was not forthcoming.

“I’d like him to take it back because it is inaccurate and disgraceful. I don’t know what his issue is, I don’t know why he keeps drawing my name into this, I’d like it to be withdrawn,” said Cllr Norton.

Cllr Howard commented, “This conversation is nothing more than misogyny, look that up in the dictionary, you seem to target women in this Chamber the whole time,” she said to Cllr O’Callaghan.

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l Members of the Ennis RFC U18 Girls team, Eileen and Emma Keane from Barefield attend the Junior interprovencial match between Munster and Ulster held at the showgrounds on Saturday afternoon

Photo by John Mangan

Hundreds to rise at dawn for Darkness into Light

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

HUNDREDS of Clare people will be up for sunrise this Saturday for Darkness into Light. Six Clare locations will be

holding Darkness into Light walks in the annual fundraiser for Pieta House which is sponsored by Electric Ireland.

Vital funds for Pieta’s lifesaving support services for those in

suicidal distress and those who have been bereaved through suicide are raised through the Darkness into Light 5km walk every year. This year, the event will take

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place on Saturday May 11, when hundreds of people will walk until sunrise in towns and villages across the country starting at 4.15am, including Ennis, Killaloe, Kilmihil, Newmarket-on-Fergus, Shannon and Whitegate.

Clare hurler, Shane O’Donnell was involved with this year’s launch. “I think everybody has been touched whether it’s themselves or someone that they know closely by mental health and mental health issues. It’s a brilliant initiative. Darkness into Light is something that everyone is aware of.

“Reading some of the statistics in the information that’s sent out to you before these events, one of them that came up was that suicide is the leading cause of death in Irish men under 25. I don’t think there’s too much really that needs to be said about that. It’s a scary statistic and it’s the reason we have things like Pieta House and Darkness into Light. Yeah, just delighted to be involved,” Shane said.

Visit darknessintolight.ie for details on your local event.

Haugh highlights movie potential of the banner

TOWNS in Clare have untapped potential as a location for films, a Newmarket-on-Fergus based freelance director has said, writes Páraic McMahon Montpelier born John Haugh (AON) who is contesting the local elections in the Shannon Municipal District has worked as an assistant director on television productions such as Game of Thrones, Vikings and Hidden Assets since completing a masters degree in 2007.

Clare’s potential as a location for shooting films has not been capitalised on, he maintained. Within the Shannon MD, he pointed to the “distinctive” landmarks of Bunratty Castle and Dromoland Castle as potential locations.

“We should be looking at what JP McManus has done in Adare as a model. The local businesses in the town of Adare are thriving alongside the success of Adare Manor,” Haugh stated.

He continued, “Even closer to home, if we took inspiration from Sixmilebridge native, the late Brendan O’Regan, without whom Shannon wouldn’t exist as it does. O’Regan was a vi-

sionary who strived for better, bolder ideas, constantly pushing the boundaries”.

Haugh said, “O’Regan recognised the need for vision and persistence, O’Regan himself stated ‘If you’re involved in developing an important idea, you have to let it possess you. If you keep knocking on the door, the

get there, not particularly with your own abilities, but with others that you gather around you’,”.

Shannon Airport remains “a huge asset to the MidWest region”, he noted. “Imagine how much the region could develop if there was a light rail system linking to Ennis and Limerick”.

will open. You’ll

door

lRISE & SHINE: Clare hurler Shane O’Donnell pictured at the launch of Darkness Into Light 2024

Photo by ©INPHO/Dan Sheridan

lVISION: Local election candidate John Haugh (AON)

Claims of misogyny in Council clash

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

AN EX Mayor of Clare branded a sitting councillor ‘a misogynist’ while a retiring elected representative of Clare County Council was unsuccessful in her attempts to secure an apology from a colleague.

Tuesday’s meeting of the Ennis Municipal District once again contained spats and heated debates but the latest bout saw a furious Cllr Ann Norton (IND) shout down colleagues in her bid to get an apology from Cllr Tom O’Callaghan (FF) who during the course of the debate was labelled as ‘a misogynist’ by Cllr Mary Howard (FG).

Ironically a code of conduct for councillors was issued to the Ennis MD representatives prior to Tuesday’s meeting and the latest shouting episode.

For the second meeting in a row, Cllr O’Callaghan’s probing of the General Municipal Allocation (GMA) ruffled feathers with the Kildysart native’s comments on the “conflict of interest” with allocations to different groups and organisations kicking off the row. The previous meeting had asked for councillors to leave the Chamber for a period of time if they had a perceived conflict of interest on an allocation.

This year it was decided following a vote by the majority of Ennis MD representatives that councillors can use their GMA individually rather than from a collective pot. The Council’s adopted budget for this year includes a GMA of €1.37m for the entire county, an increase of €364k on the 2023 provision. This fund is used by elected members of the Council to benefit community and voluntary organisations. The GMA was introduced following the reform of the Local Government Act in 2014.

Speaking on Tuesday, Cllr O’Callaghan stressed the importance of abiding by the code of conduct. “I do have a concern on the basis that when you have the allocation of GMA monies and there is a conflict of interest, it is very important to reiterate that a councillor must withdraw from a meeting after the disclosure and not take part in the discussion”.

He claimed this procedure was not followed at the April meeting. “There was conflict of interests highlighted at the last meeting but Cllr Norton and Cllr Howard did not leave the meeting”.

Responding to these remarks, Cllr Norton stated, “I’m finding it hilarious over the fact that Cllr O’Callaghan stated I did not leave the meeting, I got cut off at the meeting so I wasn’t present for any of the section of the meeting, I genuinely don’t know where he is coming from, I’d like him to take it back because it is inaccurate and disgraceful. I don’t know what his issue is, I don’t know why he keeps drawing my name into this, I’d like it to be withdrawn, it is extremely inappropriate and damning to use my name on something I wasn’t present for, anything there has been a conflict of interest for over the last ten years, I’ve removed myself”. She asked that his comments be taken back and that an apology be issued by Cllr O’Callaghan.

Councillors are “asked to join a lot of committees, they are always run by volunteers, they don’t run on fresh air and they need funding,”

Cllr Howard commented. Of the groups she was giving a portion of her GMA to for this month, she said she is on the Board of Management for the Holy Family Senior School, she lives within a mile of Inch NS, she has gone to hurling matches in Kilnamona when suggesting accusations of a conflict of interest could be argued for in each instance. “I’d rather give money to help kids go to a Cúl Camp rather giving a cheque for €10,000 to buy votes,” she remarked of her contribution to Ennis Educate Together students attend- ing a camp in Éire Óg and O’Callaghan’s decision to give money to sporting organisations. “I’ve been over at the Men’s Shed does that make it a conflict of interest,” she added. “I don’t make a penny from any of them. It is really distasteful, it is creating drama when there is no drama, I give a huge amount of time to these organisations as does everyone in this Chamber. I believe an apology is in order”.

Director of Service, Carmel Kirby told councillors, “this item was dealt with at the last meeting, I’m not

sure what addition Cllr O’Callaghan wishes to add”. Offering his response, Cllr O’Callaghan stated, “It is very important that we realise this is not insinuating in any shape or format, I’m saying it is a matter of fact and I go by what is in front of me”. He continued, “If there was a line cut off then there was a line cut off with technology”.

Now shouting while attending remotely, Cllr Norton roared, “I want an apology”. She said,

“This issue was addressed at the last meeting, it was brought up at the last meeting, he should not be allowed to insult other Cllrs. You should not be allowed discuss this in this meeting. It is up to the Mayor to stop you from talking”.

“It is crucially important,” said O’Callaghan to which Norton again shouted, “I want an apology”.

Mayor of the Ennis MD, Cllr Pat Daly (FF) told his colleagues, “this is out of order, Ann can you settle

down please”.

All councillors were circulated with the code of conduct, O’Callaghan reminded the meeting. “Everything needs to be done according to the Act, I see nothing wrong with asking the questions”. Pressure was then put on senior engineer Seán Lenihan by Cllr Norton, “it is your job to come in and clarify, it should not have been brought in today”.

Lenihan advised the meeting, “The issue has been raised as a matter arising which is in order, I’m repeating what I’m saying the last day, I don’t see a conflict of interest, we’re complying with the SIPO regulations”. He said someone being a member of a committee was not a conflict of interest.

He was reminded by Cllr O’Callaghan, “It clearly states in the act that a councillor must withdraw from meeting” to which Lenihan stressed “the definition of a conflict of interest is important”. Clare County Council are “subject to strict auditing” annually, Lenihan stressed.

According to Cllr Howard it was Cllr Norton who was “shouted down” as she asked for her to be allowed to speak on the matter. “This conversation is nothing more than misogyny, look that up in the dictionary, you seem to target women in this Chamber the whole time,” she said to Cllr O’Callaghan. A calmer Cllr Norton then addressed the meeting, Is Cllr Tom O’Halloran (sic) not going to give me an apology for issuing infactual (sic) material. I’m extremely insulted from the comments made, I’ve been very forthcoming in everything I’ve done over the past ten years”. She said her work with Clare Crusaders has been done on a voluntary basis, “I’ve a 27 year old daughter with a serious illness, we’re providing support for 439 children, the only benefit I’ve received is that my daughter and 439 other children in this county are receiving a weekly or monthly service”. No apology was issued by Cllr O’Callaghan who said Howard’s remarks contained “an accusation that was most staged to suggest I single out anyone”. He said the contribution of Cllr Howard was “very distasteful”.

16 beach operatives for North & West Clare this summer

SIXTEEN beach operatives will be employed by Clare County Council in North and West Clare during the 2024 summer season, writes Páraic McMahon

Within the Ennistymon local electoral area, a total of 12 beach operatives will be employed this summer season focusing on the upkeep of facilities and welcoming visitors to Spanish Point, White Strand (Miltown Malbay), Lahinch, Doolin and Fanore.

Contracts for each of the 12 will vary explained acting senior executive officer in the West Clare Municipal District, John Corry but he confirmed six have commenced work already, some of which since March 1st and other contracts will run until the end of October.

He said, “In effect our ‘season’ is now eight months in duration”.

Corry outlined, “Each beach operative will work in conjunction with existing Clare County Council staff to ensure our facilities are maintained to a high standard. On rota-

tion, a total of eight staff from our roads crews are deployed full time, seven days a week, to beach maintenance, provision of toilet facilities and litter control during the season to emphasise the prioritisation that we place on effective beach maintenance. As part of the Doolin Pier Bye Laws 2017 a Harbour Master is required when ferries are in operation.

“Two Harbour Masters are engaged to provide this service seven days a week between March and October inclusive”.

Across the Kilrush local electoral area, four beach operatives will be employed for the summer season, two of these started in time for the May Bank Holiday weekend with the remaining two to be on duty prior to the June Bank Holiday weekend.

Senior executive officer in the West Clare MD, John O’Malley outlined, “At present it is envisaged that they will be assigned primarily to Kilkee, but they will also be assigned to our other beaches, Cappagh (Blue Flag), White Strand Doonbeg (Blue Flag), Carrigaholt

(Green Coast) and Seafield (Green Coast)”. He added, “An additional resource will be in place to carry out regular beach clean ups and maintenance in the Seafield area. Our town crew in Kilrush open and maintain the public toilets in Cappagh and ensure that the area is kept free of litter. In addition staff from our roads crews are assigned to beach duties occasionally, which increases during the main summer season, especially if the weather is favourable”.

Staff from the roads crew in West Clare are also deployed full time, seven days a week, to beach maintenance, provision of toilet facilities and litter control during the season plus the Community Warden, Traffic and Litter warden will be assigned to the beaches for the summer.

Detail on the support for coastal beach maintenance and litter controls for the summer season had been sought by Cllr Joe Garrihy (FG). He was hopeful of a busy season along the west coast of Clare. “It is really

important that the resources are put in place and people kept on-side,” he stated while welcoming the resources. “We want to see that enhanced and brought to an even better quality”.

Speaking at Tuesday’s meeting of the West Clare Municipal District, Cllr Cillian Murphy (FF) observed “The response is clearly highlighting the poor relation is in Kilrush, we’re looking at twelve versus four, a March start versus May”.

He said his phone was “ringing off the hook” because the toilets weren’t open at the weekend in Kilkee, we’re only looking for parity, it’s great to look up the road and see the staffing in place”.

Offering to count the amount of beaches in North Clare for his colleagues, Cllr Shane Talty (FF) noted, “it’s an accumulation of work over the years”.

He said Lahinch had “big numbers” last weekend and wished all business “that are so reliant on the tourist season” the best of luck.

lTENSION: Cllr Mary Howard (FG) Photo by John O’Neill

80 year old former Scout Leader jailed for molesting five boys

by Gordon Deegan news@clareecho.ie

A JUDGE has jailed an 80-year old former Scout Leader to six years and eight months in prison for molesting five young boys, all scouts in the 1970s and early 1980s.

At Ennis Circuit Court, Judge Francis Comerford imposed a 16 month prison term on Jim Harmon of Pinewood, Shannon for each of the five boys he indecently assaulted over a six year period between 1976 and 1981 at locations in Clare and Limerick.

Addressing the five complainants in court, all now men in their fifties, Judge Comerford said that they have been “denied justice for a very, very long time”.

Harmon was aged 33 to 38 during the period of the indecent assaults and the counts of indecent assaults took place at Cratloe, Holy Island on Lough Derg, Garryowen, Limerick and the Ennis Rd, Limerick.

One of the five in his victim impact statement said that he has carried what happened to him for decades “and those decades are matched by the others who brought this case”. He said, “I therefore hope the court can appreciate that five of us in our 50s nearly have 250 years of hurt; the ripples add many more years to this, this is the impact of evil”.

The man said that Harmon’s victims were “young children seven and eight years of age, children who still believed in Santa who were supposed to have innocence in their lives, making their Communions”. He said that the lives of Harmon’s victims “have been forever altered and corrupted by the deviant nature of a predator”. He said, “We know that predators do not operate in isolation so are we five just the unluckiest children - or are there more”.

Describing Harmon as a “prolific paedophile”, another victim told the court that “this predator used a position of trust to deceive parents

and their children to repeatedly molest vulnerable young boys with no regard for the impact his actions had on his many young victims”.

The man said that he is thankful for the decent life he has achieved “despite the devious efforts of Jim Harmon to destroy my innocence for his now perverted pleasure”.

Judge Comerford noted that one of the five informed his mother that Jim Harmon - who lived in the Garryown area of Limerick at the time of his offending - had indecently assaulted him as far back as 1981 while in the scouts.

The boy’s mother in turn informed local scouting authorities who took action against Mr Harmon and dismissed him from his senior scouting role in 1982.

Judge Comerford said that “it didn’t go any further” and Gardaí were not informed at the time by the scouting authorities or Mr Harmon’s offending. Judge Comerford said that a complaint by one of the five to Gardaí in 1996 about Mr Harmon “went nowhere” while the DPP recommended that no prosecution take place against Mr Harmon concerning a complaint by the same

man in 2014 and made the same direction concerning a separate complaint by another victim in 2016.

Judge Comerford stated that it was only after Scouting Ireland had set up a helpline for those abused by adults in the organisation that another man came forward to make a complaint against Mr Harmon and the older complaints were reviewed.

Judge Comerford said that the current ‘exhaustive’ Gardaí investigation that resulted in Mr Harmon’s guilty pleas involved Gardai taking 80 witness statements.

Counsel for the State, Lorcan Connolly BL (instructed by State Solicitor, Aisling Casey) said that in the 1970s Mr Harmon was well respected in Limerick scouting circle and had the trust of families to bring their boys away on overnight camping trips.

One of the five, Ruairi Hickey (54) told Gardai that Harmon molested him when he was nine or ten while the two played chess on a scouting trip to Holy Island in Co Clare.

Two other boys were on the same scouting trip and in his victim impact statement, Mr Hickey - orig-

inally from Limerick’s North Circular Rd – said, “I remember seeing the other two walking away and being powerless, knowing and dreading what was to come”.

Mr Hickey also recalled another scout visit with Harmon to O’Brien’s Estate, Cratloe, Co Clare where Harmon lined up the boys present in their underpants and measured their bodies with a soft measuring tape.

The only one of the five to waive his anonymity, Mr Hickey said that Harmon measured him from his inner thigh to his hip, brushing against his genitals. Mr Hickey said that Harmon’s abuse was regular.

Harmon was Leader of the second Limerick Troop and another victim said on camping trips, Jim Harmon “told scouts that they weren’t allowed to wear underpants under their pyjamas”.

He said at night, Mr Harmon would come into the tent at night and put his hands into their pyjamas. Referring to Jim Harmon, the man told Gardaí that “Of f**k, who is going to be in the tent tonight?”

He said another time, Harmon had boys strip to their underwear on the

pretence of undergoing a physical examination where he felt their genitals and told them they had passed “and they were great young men”.

Mr Connolly told the court that in a ‘remarkable coincidence” another one of the five first disclosed Harmon’s abuse for the first time during a telesales call in the early 2000s to a man who also happened to be a victim of Harmon’s. Both men had lived in Limerick and were in the local scouts.

Sgt Niall Donovan of Roxboro Garda Station Limerick, told the court that Harmon has one previous conviction in 2017 at Waterford Circuit Court for indecent assault of a young boy scout in 1976 where he received a suspended one year and three months.

Sgt Donovan said that Harmon married a widowed woman in 1994 and was step-father to her five children. He said that the couple took in a six year old under a foster care arrangements with the HSE. Mr Harmon’s wife died in 2000.

Sgt Donovan said that Mr Harmon worked as ground crew for the RAF from 1960 to 1973 and worked with now defunct semi-state agency, Shannon Development from 1973 to 2003 where he had a number of roles including Euro Information Officer.

Counsel for Mr Harmon, Donal Cronin BL said that Mr Harmon is alone in this world after becoming estranged from his family following the Waterford case.

Mr Cronin said that Mr Harmon was himself a victim of similar type behaviour in the past and expresses profound regret for his actions. He said more than 40 years have passed since Mr Harmon left the scouts and there has been no further evidence of wrongdoing.

Speaking after Mr Harmon was jailed today, one of the five outside Ennis courthouse said he was happy with the sentence imposed. He said, “I wanted him convicted. I wanted him going somewhere. I wanted him to hear the cell door close behind him”.

Scouting Ireland declines to comment on Limerick scouting organisation not informing Gardaí

SCOUTING Ireland has apologised to the five victims of ‘prolific paedophile’ and former scout leader, Jim Harmon (80), writes Gordon Deegan

Last Wednesday at Ennis Circuit Court, Judge Francis Comerford jailed the exadult Limerick Scout Leader to six years and eight months in prison for molesting five young boys, all scouts, in the 1970s and early 1980s.

Addressing the five complainants in court - all now men in their 50s - Judge Comerford said that they have been “denied justice for a very, very long time”. Harmon of Pinewood,

Shannon was aged 33 to 38 during the period of the indecent assaults and the counts of indecent assaults took place at Cratloe in south east Clare, Holy Island on Lough Derg, Garryowen, Limerick and the Ennis Rd, Limerick. In the case, Mr Harmon -who turns 81 in May - had pleaded guilty to 12 separate counts of indecent assault against the five boys from 1976 to 1981.

In a statement, Scouting Ireland stated that it “welcomes the successful prosecution and conviction in the courts of Jim Harmon”. It added, “Our thoughts are with the survivors whose

bravery led to Jim Harmon’s conviction”.

The statement added, “Scouting Ireland has publicly apologised to all survivors of historic sexual abuse in our organisation, and we do so again to those hurt by Mr Harmon”.

However, Scouting Ireland would not be drawn on the local scouting organisation in Limerick not informing Gardai of sex abuse allegations against Mr Harmon it had received from a parent of a victim in 1981.

In his sentencing, Judge Comerford noted that one of the five informed his mother that Jim Harmon who lived

in the Garryowen area of Limerick at the time of his offending - had indecently assaulted him in 1981 while in the scouts.

The boy’s mother in turn informed local scouting authorities who took action against Mr Harmon and dismissed him from his senior scouting role in 1982.

Judge Comerford said that “it didn’t go any further” and Gardaí were not informed at the time by the scouting authorities or Mr Harmon’s offending.

In its statement, Scouting Ireland continued, “We have learnt from the failings of the past and we put the

safety of the young and the vulnerable above all else. We can reassure you of our safeguarding procedures”. The organisation stated that “we fully cooperate with any investigations by the relevant authorities on safeguarding matters, and we did so in this prosecution of Jim Harmon”.

The agent stated that “we have a fully professional safeguarding team, and our safeguarding procedures are independently reviewed to ensure they are best in class”.

It added that it is the policy and requirement of Scouting Ireland that no adult participates in scouting activities until their Garda vetting has

been approved and they have completed the appropriate safeguarding training.

Describing Harmon as a “prolific paedophile” in court, one of the five told the court that “this predator used a position of trust to deceive parents and their children to repeatedly molest vulnerable young boys with no regard for the impact his actions had on his many young victims”.

The man said that he is thankful for the decent life he has achieved “despite the devious efforts of Jim Harmon to destroy my innocence for his now perverted pleasure”.

l Ennis Courthouse

Photo by John Mangan

HO TEL & SPA, CORK

Judge gives jail warning to woman who walks kids six miles to and from school

by Gordon Deegan news@clareecho.ie

A JUDGE has told a banned driver and mother who has to do a six mile round walk with her three young children to their local school every day that her driving days are over.

At Killaloe District Court sitting in Ennis, the 39 year old east Clare mother of three told Judge Alec Gabbett that her four year old finds the twice daily three mile walk on a back road between their home and the school “very challenging”.

Judge Gabbett said that he is concerned for the safety of the children walking along the road “where you would have cars tearing along”.

Judge Gabbett told the woman “that the wheels are coming off the wagon and there are all sorts of flashing lights going off” in her life.

The woman and her children live in an isolated part of east Clare and the woman was before the court pleading guilty to driving with no insurance near the village of Scarriff on July 17th 2023.

The court was told that the woman has eight previous convictions for no insurance and has previously received a suspended four month prison term at Nenagh District Court for no insurance.

The woman is also serving a four year driving ban and Judge Gabbett told her that if she drives “the suspended four months will kick in and you will go to jail”.

Judge Gabbett told the woman: “You simply cannot drive. You would be remanded in custody if you drive.”

He said: “Where is the justice in that three children would end up in foster care?”

The woman said: “I can submit my steps to the Gardai if needs be.”

Judge Gabbett told the woman: “You are never going to be insured. If you tell the truth to an insurance company and you strike me as a truthful person they won’t insure you.”

He said: “That is the end of it -driving is over for you and we have to get you a house close to a TESCO and a school.”

On the mother walking her children three miles to school every

Tragedy in Ennis as boy dies in fatal road accident

A MALE infant has died following a fatal road traffic accident at a residential area of the Quin Rd in Ennis, writes Páraic McMahon

Tragedy struck Ennis shortly before 12:30pm on Wednesday afternoon after a child was involved in a road traffic accident. The scene has since been preserved pending an examination by Forensic Collision Investigators.

The boy was transferred from the scene to University Hospital Limerick where he was since pronounced dead as a result of his injuries.

A family liaison officer is being appointed to support the family at this time.

“No further information is being made available,” a spokesperson for An Garda Síochána stated on Wednesday.

day from their home, Judge Gabbett said during the Winter “it is not pleasant”.

He said: “A lot of people walked to school all their lives and it did them no harm but you have an awful lot going on in your life.”

The mother told Judge Gabbett that the walk to school with the children “is awful”.

Judge Gabbett said that the woman is living “under extremely con-

cerning circumstances”.

He said: “I am worried about you and the children.”

The woman’s key worker told the court that the woman lives in a very isolated area.

She said: “She is a very good Mum and the kids are her priority.” The woman said that the three bedroom bungalow that the mother rents from her parents is freezing apart from the living room.

The woman said that the father of the mother’s prison is now in prison and the relationship broke down.

The woman said that she hopes to get a house close to a bus route and shop.

Judge Gabbett said that he would adjourn the case to October 1st. Judge Gabbett imposed reporting restrictions on the identity of the accused in this case.

Ennis 2040 Chief to come before Council

CHIEF Operating Officer of Ennis 2040 DAC, Kevin Corrigan is expected to appear before a sitting of Clare County Council on Monday, writes Páraic McMahon 2pm is the anticipated start time of the briefing which will be open to the public and the media.

His appearance in the Chamber comes following a proposal by Cllr Tom O’Callaghan (FF) who has sought further clarity on the spending of the €10m loan drawn down to establish the designated active company and its loan repayments. He questioned if the Council was “financially liable in any event of unfortunate financial misadventure”.

In March, Cllr O’Callaghan issued copies to all present in the Chamber on the minutes of the June 2021 meeting when a vote was passed to draw down a €10m loan for the Ennis 2040 DAC. Chief Executive of Clare County Council, Pat Dowling in June 2021 stated that the Chief Operating Officer of Ennis 2040 DAC would report directly to him and also report to elected members.

Corrigan had been in the Chamber on Tuesday as students from Rice College gave a presentation to the Ennis Munici-

pal District on their vision for Ennis as part of the Ennis 2040 DAC’s educational programme.

Matters are likely to be more tense on his next visit with many councillors frustrated on different aspects surrounding the economic and spatial strategy.

Speaking to The Clare Echo, Cllr Johnny Flynn (FG) outlined, “I’d be interested to hear where the €2.2m has been spent by Ennis 2040 where the most recent accounts show that it has assets of €11,700 so I’d like to know how the money was spent”.

Cllr Flynn calculated that as part of the terms of the drawing down of the €10m loan, the Council will be charged €133,000 per annum but that Ennis 2040 DAC will only be asked to repay €57,000, he said these figures need to be clarified.

He recalled that in 2021 when there was significant opposition in the Chamber to approve a loan of €10m the Chief Executive of Clare County Council “in the statutory adopted minutes” said the Ennis 2040 COO would report back to him and the Council.

“There seems to be a reluctance to discuss the financial report,” added Cllr Flynn

who resigned from the Board of Ennis 2040 DAC in September 2022.

l The woman has eight previous convictions for no insurance

l Kevin Corrigan Photo by Natasha Barton

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Conor O'Sullivan added to Sinn Féin election ticket

SINN Féin will be fielding candidates in every electoral area in Clare for the local elections following the addition of Conor O’Sullivan (SF) to their ticket, writes Pára-

ic McMahon

Born in England to a Quilty father and a mother from Listowel, Conor has lived in Co Clare since 1995 and is running in the Ennisty-

mon local electoral area.

Sixty two year old Conor recalled of his youth growing up in England, “My parents went to England in the 1950s when thew drain came

and they couldn’t get work here.

“I grew up in an Irish community and played gaelic football, I did all the things I would have done as if I had been raised in Ireland”.

Now living in Corofin with his wife Ann, relocating to Ireland was always the plan. “I came back to Co Clare in 1995, it was always my intention to come and live back in Clare”. He continued, “I was the only one of my family to come back, I had my mind made up from an early age that I wanted to come back to Ireland, I never considered myself English, we called ourselves the lost generation”.

He becomes the eighth candidate in the field for the Ennistymon LEA, all of whom are bidding to win any of the four seats on offer. Formerly a technical liaisons officer with CRC in Dublin and Limerick, Conor was involved with setting up software for children with special needs. From the age of 21, he has been confined to a wheelchair having had cancer in his spine. While living in England, he formed the Disabled Action Group which he described as “a more militant group.

“We would protest if someone refused us entry into a public building or pub. I’m still a fighter and if I’ve an issue to fight for then I will fight for it”. He is of the belief that a United Ireland can happen in his lifetime.

Housing, health services and disability access are among the main items on his agenda. “I’d always be pushing for public transport especially in rural areas”.

He outlined, “I’m a dedicated community activist, one of the things is the disability, we’ve autism in our family, I’m dedicated to working in the community in

North Clare, I’m going back to my roots and where I started with Sinn Féin when I came back over”.

O’Sullivan continued, “I’m running as a candidate that wants to get involved in North Clare, I want to be more involved with what is going on especially with public transport, that is very important to me. Disability is very important to me because it affects me”.

Since he was 16, Conor has been a Sinn Féin member. “I’ve had a lifetime with Sinn Féin, my whole family come from a Republican background”.

On his decision to enter the election race, Conor told The Clare Echo, “I got the offer a few years back but I didn’t think it was time, I was working and I was involved in other thing. I put myself in for it this time because nobody had come forward. I am a member of Ennis Sinn Féin but also a member of Clare Sinn Féin”.

He is running in North Clare despite not being a member of the party’s branch in this electoral area. “I was in North Clare for some time, it was a friend of mine in Ennis who used to pick me up to get me to the meetings, it was a lot easier to get to meetings in Ennis than Lisdoonvarna,” he said when asked why he wasn’t in the North Clare branch, he said he made this move in 1998.

A fortnight ago, he attended an event at The Helix where he spoke with other candidates and personnel in Sinn Féin’s head office whom he told “there’s been no attempt to get a candidate in North Clare, I said if you want me I’d definitely run in North Clare because there’s loads of issues I want to get involved in”.

Bill breaches poster rules and faces prospect of €3000 fine

by Páraic McMahon

ELECTION mode kicked off in North Clare with one candidate in the Ennistymon local electoral area breaching the Litter Pollution Act by erecting posters early.

Lahinch candidate, Bill Slattery (FG) has been mounting a strong canvass and such was his eagerness with the campaign that he erected an estimated twenty posters before he was permitted to do so and so faces the risk of a €3000 fine.

Posters were only permitted to be erected in advance of the June 7th local and Europe-

an elections as of midnight on Wednesday which is thirty days before the poll date.

In accordance with the Litter Pollution Act 1997, as amended, election posters and ties must be removed within 7 days after polling date. Failure to do so may result in prosecution. The associated fixing arrangement particularly plastic ties must be removed at the same time the poster is being removed.

Slattery’s posters were erected on Monday afternoon in Lahinch and Ennistymon, almost 32 hours prior to being permitted.

When contacted by The Clare Echo, Bill said, “I won’t make any comment on it”.

Members of Slattery’s canvassing team have said they got their dates wrong when putting them up on Monday and had not checked the legislation in advance but upon learning the error the posters stayed as they were.

Co-opted to Clare County Council in 2011 following Martin Conway’s (FG) election to the Seanad, Bill was successful in a competitive 2014 election when he secured 1,769 first preference votes.

In 2019, he was the only sitting councillor in Clare to lose their seat when first-time candidates Cllr Shane Talty (FF), Cllr Joe Killeen (FF), Senator Roisin Garvey (GP) and Cllr

Joe Garrihy (FG) claimed the four seats in the Ennistymon LEA.

Since then, he has been actively campaigning to win back the seat and has served on the Clare Joint Policing Committee.

Some of his opponents for the 2024 election have said the stunt in putting posters up early was “taking the piss” and “needless agitation”.

Ennistymon’s Denis Vaughan (LAB) told The Clare Echo, “we should all play by the rules”. He said he will be erecting posters but is waiting on them to arrive and that he was keen to comply with the regulations.

lPOLITICS: Conor O’Sullivan (SF) with his wife Ann

Frustration in Sinn Féin over lack of consultation on selection

SINN FÉIN’s members are feeling aggrieved with the lack of consultation on the selection of candidates for the local elections, writes Páraic McMahon

For the June 7th elections, Sinn Féin is running a total of six candidates. It is the second election in a row that the party is fielding candidates in all of the five electoral areas in Co Clare.

Cllr Donna McGettigan (SF) is joined by James Ryan (SF) in the Shannon Municipal District, Tommy Guilfoyle (SF) is garnering strong levels of support in the Ennis Municipal District while the trio of Martina Cleary (SF) in the Killaloe Municipal District, Dawn Bennett in the Kilrush local electoral area and Conor O’Sullivan

(SF) have been added as candidates since the end of March.

Questioning of the processes followed by party officers have been raised by members since the announcement of Cleary as a candidate at the end of March. “No meetings were held with local members to get consensus before announcing candidates this is resulting in the membership deciding not to renew on large scale. What’s the point if they have no say on matters or who represents them,” one long-standing member told The Clare Echo Moves to add candidates in each area has been described as “box-ticking for the head office”.

As was first reported by

The Town Hall Bistro

Providing a welcoming environment with great value food championing local ingredients.

The Clare Echo, Cleary announced her candidacy prior to the Munster Cúige of Sinn Féin issuing correspondence that they would be selecting one local election candidate in the Killaloe Municipal District and that it had to be a female candidate.

heavily involved in the Clare IPSC which holds weekly marches in Ennis every Saturday. He has been the point of contact with the media for

Following on from this, Noeleen Moran (SF) a former General and local election candidate for the party called for the resignation of Finbarr MacGabhann, he currently serves as Sinn Féin’s Cuige chair, Director of elections for the county, Membership officer, PRO and treasurer. This request led to the party issuing notification of a formal disciplinary investigation against the Ballyvaughan woman. MacGabhann has been

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The Poets Corner Bar

A traditional Irish pub that opens its doors onto the main town street of Ennis. Perfect for a pint, a bite to eat or traditional Irish music session..

the announcement of firsttime candidates in Clare, Ryan, Cleary, Bennett and O’Sullivan. However repeated requests to get contact numbers for Bennett from The Clare Echo and later for O’Sullivan to carry out interviews on their candidacy were not provided by the official.

is a traditional Irish pub that opens its doors onto the main town street of Ennis. Perfect for a pint, a bite to eat or traditional Irish music session.

One disenfranchised Sinn Féin member told The Clare Echo, “There are a lot of decisions being made of late without any consensus from the membership”.

Previous correspondence from local chairpersons in East Clare and North Clare issued to the party leader, Mary Lou McDonald (SF) outlining concerns on selection procedures received no response.

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Ideal for special occasions. The menu features traditional cuisine with a modern day creative twist.

l Noeleen Moran

Change in visitor patterns at Moher cliffs

VISITOR numbers at the Cliffs of Moher are changing following the pandemic, writes Páraic McMahon.

Last year the Cliffs of Moher had 1.38m visitors, a reduction of 14 percent compared with figures from 2019

Director of the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Experience, Geraldine Enright acknowledged, “visitor numbers are changing post COVID”. She said, “There are nineteen percent less coach visitors coming to the Cliffs since 2019, there are thirty six percent less coaches on the road since 2019, the reason is there are less numbers coming to the Cliffs and more people on coaches.

“The coach average is consolidating and there is a higher average travelling on coaches, it has gone from 26 to 34 in 2023, that is positive from a community perspective, we have seen big issues in traffic and transport in North Clare but there is a shift in how the visitors are coming to the Cliffs, it is a positive thing from a community perspective”.

Easter falling in March this year brought figures for 2024 up slightly compared with 2023 but they remain “on level”, she explained. Coach activity has recorded a drop of one percent so far this year.

Visitors coming to the Cliffs by car “has remained strong,” Geraldine said. “Visitors travelling by car stop at more local visitor attractions and other tourism related business and spend more money”.

Between 11am to 4pm is the “busiest time of the day” and remains the peak time for visitos.

“We’ve distributed several strategies including opening 13 hours, from 1st May we’re open from 8am to 9pm, the arrival time over the course of the day during peak times

has reduced by eight percent and we’ve increased morning visits by three percent and evening visits by five percent, it is positive on redistribution of visitors and reduction of coaches”.

She continued, “We continue to work on our visitor experience and provide world-class experience, it is to entertain visitors and make sure we are making the most of our product”. The implementation of PV panels is one of their objectives for 2024 with a strong focus on digital, “through the digital assets and with help of digital team we can sell Co Clare better and be more efficient in our product”.

Long-term plans including a 2040 strategy are ongoing, “the process is almost complete, in strategic assessment phase and it will be done in May, we hope to have the strategy at the last Council meeting or it might fall over to the new Council in June for approval,” Geraldine commented. “To implement sustainable parking solutions, we are researching park and ride facilities in Lisdoonvarna and Ennistymon, it is to bring people into the area, slow them down and get them to spend more in the area,” she advised. “We have ongoing bird surveys, we are implementing a habitat management plan, the footprint of the Cliffs will enlarge over twenty years with the acquisition of lands and those habitats will have to be protected”.

Management of the Cliffs of Moher coastal walk remains on the agenda, it stretches 18km and has forty landowners involved, “we are working with Tobin Consultants and the Department of Rural/Community, we need to ensure landowners are adequately renumerated”.

Festivals such as the Lahinch Trad Fest and Cliffs of Moher Cycle “outside of the peak season are massive,” commented Cllr Shane Talty (FF).

lPOLITICS: Bunratty Castle and Folk Park

Bidding to make Bunratty ‘a

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

GETTING Bunratty to become “a world-class attraction” is the vision of East Clare Tourism.

General Manager of East Clare Tourism, Stephen Hanley put forward the case for billing Bunratty among the best in the world and outlining the new additions since the Shannon Heritage sites were transferred to Clare County Council in May 2023.

A medieval quarter in front of the castle opened on the May Bank Holiday which saw craftspeople and TikTok sensations in attendance. “It will enhance the whole animation element of the whole

experience,” he remarked of such events. Speaking at a sitting of the Rural Development SPC, he outlined that there will be licences submitted to allow for jaunting cars in Bunratty. An outside restaurant that can cater for 150 people is also planned and is set to open this year according to Hanley. “The new car park will be an extension of the car park and it will open up to camper van bays”.

Works on the footpaths and the whole attractiveness are part of efforts “to get Bunratty to be a world-class attraction”.

He said, “our objective is to deliver a five star experience in Bunratty and its surrounds”.

Knappogue Castle to open as private residence

KNAPPOGUE Castle is to be opened up as a small residence starting off with rates between €2,000 to €5,000 later this year, writes Páraic McMahon

Located in the parish of Quin, Knappogue Castle is to open up as a small residence in a new venture as part of East Clare Tourism’s new plans for the sites now under the ownership of Clare County Council.

General Manager of Clare Tourism East, Stephen Hanley outlined the plans for Knappogue Castle when addressing a meeting of the Rural Development Strategic Policy Committee (SPC).

It is hoped that it will become a five-star venue. There will be five bedrooms in the premises and it will be available for private

hire with rates starting off at €2,000 and running to €5,000. He said, “It will be there for private hire, it will come along with private butlers and dining, it will be a great addition to the area”.

Clare Tourism East are targeting opening the Knappogue residence later this year. He pointed to the formal gardens as another selling point. “The walled gardens have ran out of control, weren’t tended to since 2016, we need to attack the growth but that will be next year,” he admitted. Events for the community will begin to take place from August and September at both Knappogue and Craggaunowen.

Built in 1467, Knappogue expanded in the mid nineteenth century, it was later restored

and opened to guided tours. The original castle was built by Seán Mac Conmara son of Síoda Mac Conmara. The name translates as “castle of the place abounding in little hills”.

In 1927, Knappogue demesne was purchased by the Irish Land Commission and the castle became the possession of the Quinn family. The castle and lands were then purchased in 1966 by Mark Edwin Andrews, former Assistant Secretary of the United States Navy, from Houston, Texas.

He and his wife Lavonne, a prominent American architect, in collaboration with what was then Shannon Free Airport Development Company and Bord Fáilte Éireann carried out an extensive restoration around 1969. This was intended to accommodate use

of the castle as restaurant and private residence.

Their work returned much of the castle to its former 15th century state while encompassing and retaining later additions that chronicle the continuous occupation of the castle.

The Andrews later leased part of the castle to the Irish Government as a cultural and tourist facility for a nominal rent.

Shannon Development purchased the castle in 1996 but the transfer of those sites to Clare County Council in May 2023 has resulted in the new vision.

l

Knappogue Castle (right)

world-class attraction’

Issuing a brief update on Inis Cealtra, he said it is “a case of watching this space, it will be an exceptional project,” he pledged. “We are intent on delivering world class attractions, Clare already has a lot of them, my home county of Kerry doesn’t have an international airport, there is a motorway serving each side of it or cities on each side, Clare is awash”.

Hanley added, “We’re really hoping to enhance the world class visitor experience”. He admitted, “We were very stuck in the mud on our opening

and closing times, all of that mindset has been changed, there will need to be an evening requirement”.

Cllr Cillian Murphy (FF) said the work undertaken since the transfer of the sites has been “an amazing process”.

He said the “wider picture” must be factored into the equation where camper vans are concerned. There has been plenty positive feedback on the work undertaken in Bunratty, he noted, “it is like day and night is what has been said to me”.

Coláiste students Dare to Believe

AN ENNIS school won two awards at the Dare to Believe PTSB 10th PExpo, writes Páraic McMahon.

Held last Thursday in the National Indoor Arena in Abbotstown, the senior prize in the PExpo was claimed by two Clare students.

Amy Hennessy and Gemma Hassett from Colaiste Mhuire won the senior prize in the technology and media category along with a special sport for business award.

Noticing that women athletes have different physical challenges to men, they came up with an online programme called FemFlexOfficial which, among other things, provides special exercise programmes that will help women ward off injury.

They explained, “We’re both keen soccer players and during the Women’s World Cup last year, we noticed how many women suffered from ACL injuries, far more than men. Yet when we started our research, we struggled to find websites specifically aimed at women athletes and their problems. So we decided to make one ourselves”.

Designing appropriate exercise programmes was the first step for the girls who consulted physiotherapists and coaches. The girls then tested out their programmes on the Tulla United U12 team. “We completed warm-ups, strength and conditioning, and cool-down programmes with the team, which won its league. We believe that starting our programmes from a young age will give rising female athletes the best chance of excelling without acquiring injuries,” the duo recounted.

Their programme was also introduced to the schools U16 championship winning volleyball team with notable success. They have since created an Instagram account (@ femflexofficial).

Ennis Psychotherapist honoured for research

Jayne Leonard from Ennis has been honoured with the Research Excellence Award by the Irish Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy at its 9th Annual Conference for her article titled “Staying in my lane: An exploration of counsellors and psychotherapists understanding and use of nutrition in the therapy room” which was published in the peer reviewed Counselling and Psychotherapy Research journal in 2023. This paper looks at the silence that can surround nutrition within the therapy room, noting that while there is substantial evidence from the area of nutritional psychiatry for the benefits of discussing diet and nutrition in therapeutic settings it still remains largely unacknowledged by the psychotherapy profession as a whole. Jayne is pictured receiving her award from IACP Chief Executive Officer Lisa Molloy and Caitriona Kinsella

lSENIOR PRIZE: Colaiste Mhuire

students Amy Hennessy and Gemma Hassett

Gradam Ceoil Awards

Footpath extension set for completion in 2024

WORKS are to be completed by the end of this year on the extension of a footpath into the village of Carrigaholt, writes Páraic McMahon

Leas Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council, Cllr Gabriel Keating (FG) requested an update from the local authority “on the extension of footpath from Caravan Park to the Village of Carrigaholt”.

Senior executive engineer in the West Clare Municipal District, Alan Kennelly in response to Cllr Keating’s motion outlined, “It is planned that this work will be completed in 2024. A number of environmental consents remain to be finalized”.

Speaking at Tuesday’s meeting, Cllr Keating praised Kennelly for the “positive reply”. Seconding

the proposal, Cllr Cillian Murphy (FF) stated, “it is something that both of us have had motions on”.

QUIZ NIGHT

KILMURRY McMahon Defibrillator Group will host a quiz night in Murty Browne’s on Friday 24th of May at 9pm to raise funds for a defibrillator for the parish. 3 people per table €15. Raffle on the night. All welcome.

Horse fairs in focus in Kilrush

IN A bid to ensure the survival of horse fairs in Kilrush, amendments to casual trading by-laws have been sought, writes Páraic McMahon Cathaoirleach of the West Clare Municipal District, Cllr Ian Lynch (IND) in a proposal before Tuesday’s meeting brought the matter into focus.

He outlined, “As one of fifteen heritage towns, Kilrush is recognised for its market heritage. While the long stand tradition of horse fairs still takes place in the town the profile and accessibility to horse fairs has changed.

“To ensure the survival of this long standing tradition I request that the casual trading bylaws are amended to allow the horse fairs

to take place on Sundays”. Senior executive officer in the property management unit of Clare County Council, Carmel Greene advised that

horse fairs in Kilrush had traditionally been held on March 25th, the first Thursday in June, October 10th and November 23rd “and have never been held on a Saturday or Sunday”. She said, “If the date happens to fall on a Saturday or Sunday, then the fair moves to the following Monday instead”. Carmel added, “As part of the Horse Fair event, casual trading in permitted in accordance with the Casual Trading ByeLaws adopted for the West Clare Municipal District. Should the organisers of the Horse Fair seek to formally change the dates and days of the Horse Fair, the Council can consider a review of the ByeLaws”.

“Practically nobody was at the last horse fair,” Cllr Lynch told Tuesday’s meeting.

He said the Sunday fair has proven successful in Ennistymon. The proposal was seconded by Cllr Cillian Murphy (FF).

l Cllr Ian Lynch (IND) Photo by Eamon Ward

lCarrigaholt

Former young musician recipient Liam O'Brien with his mother Bríd O'Donoghue and his sisters at Gradam Ceoil TG4 in University Concert Hall in Limerick on Sunday night last

Photo by Diarmuid Greene

Green Kavanagh puts Shannon Airport rail link at top of agenda

PROVIDING a rail link to Shannon Airport has been flagged as a key issue for Fursa Kavanagh (GP) in his bid to get elected to Clare County Council, writes Páraic McMahon

Fursa will be running in the Shannon Municipal District, the twenty six year old from Caherdavin is still living in Limerick but said he has aspirations of moving to Shannon. For the past “few

he credits which giving “a strong love of the countryside, hiking and nature”.

He has been a member of the Green Party for the last year and a half. “I find their primary goal is stopping the earth from dying, that is something I can get behind,” he said of his decision to join the Greens.

“I like Shannon, an opportunity presented itself and I decided to go forward for the candidacy. I think it is a good idea and I decided to run”.

Shannon MD he had canvassed. “One issue brought up was the argument of the rail link and the collector road, I’m considering both,” he said.

His role in Shannon Airport has enlightened him, “there’s a lot of arguments, being a part of Shannon Airport, I’m aware of the arguments on getting more flights in and out of Shannon Airport, getting more companies and jobs in Shannon and making Shannon have

months” he has been working as a security officer at Shannon Airport. He worked in Centra, Dunnes Stores, DLG and in photography before his latest role.

A past pupil of Christ King in Caherdavin, Fursa also attended Ard Scoil Rís before spending two years in LCFE and a further four years at TUS.

Although his family are “all Limerick based”, his mother Teresa Kilmartin hails from Newmarket-on-Fergus. He was involved with the scouts from the age of five which

Senator Roisin Garvey (GP) was the first to gauge his interest in running, he recalled after initially having doubt on who made contact.

Joining the election race a month out from the June 7th polling day is a challenge for a candidate without a strong presence in the area but Fursa is undaunted. “It’s either join late or don’t join, I’d rather turn up late than don’t”.

While he said canvassing was “going well,” Kavanagh admitted “I can’t remember” when asked what areas of the

Shannon Chamber shortlisted for Awards

SHANNON Chamber has been shortlisted in three categories in the 2024 Chamber Awards, sponsored by Zurich, writes Páraic McMahon

Having submitted entries into the Sustainability and Biodiversity, Event of the Year and Local Authority Engagement categories, Chamber CEO Helen Downes said that she is honoured that all three entries were deemed worthy of being shortlisted.

its own identity”.

Securing more bus routes and cheaper bus fares to Shannon, Limerick and Galway were also flagged as priorities by Kavanagh. He said he would not have “any complaints” about the performances of sitting councillors in the Shannon MD, “Shannon is getting stronger in a lot of ways. I’d like to get certain things done like the rail route into Shannon Airport and getting more inter-connectivity”.

The Chamber’s entries included the hosting of an inaugural Sustainability Week in September 2023, via its member-led MidWest Sustainability Network; the Mid-West Lean Network conference 2023, themed ‘Maintaining Lean Momentum’; and its expanded engagement with Clare County Council.

Commenting on this success, Ms Downes added, “It is very rewarding when the work that goes into organising initiatives of this nature is recognised. It’s not about us as Chamber executives; it’s about what we do, why we do it and the results we achieve.

The decision to host a week focused on sustainability was described by our members as a brave and progressive step as it has helped to place sustainability and the four key themes (waste, water, energy, and biodiversity) the Mid-West Sustainability Network is concentrating on to the fore.

“The Mid-West Lean Network conference provided a unique platform for like-minded lean practitioners to discuss challenges

and opportunities emanating from lean deployment. It was described by attendees as ‘exceptional’, ‘highly engaging’, ‘presented enthusiastically’, ‘great range of sectors’ covered, and a ‘great networking opportunity’.

“Our engagement with Clare County Council has resulted in an inclusive, cohesive approach to meeting the objectives of both organisations - the betterment of Shannon. It has enabled us, and our members, to proactively contribute to the planning and delivery of key infrastructural projects for Shannon.

“Our team works tirelessly to ensure that our activities deliver value and remain relevant to our membership, and we are now looking forward to attending The Chamber Awards on Thursday, 6 June in the Killashee Hotel, Co. Kildare,” Ms Downes added.

The Chamber Awards is an annual celebration recognising the hard work and dedication of Chambers across the country in representing their members, engaging stakeholders and fostering vibrant and thriving local communities.

This year there has been 44 projects shortlisted across eight award categories, which showcase innovative communications campaigns, successful events, sustainable development initiatives, and creative collaborations between companies, local authorities and wider communities.

lHAT TRICK: Shannon Chamber CEO Helen Downes

Tributes to Corofin's Leonard Cleary as he bids farewell to Council

COROFIN’s Leonard Cleary received glowing plaudits as he bids farewell to Clare County Council after twenty seven years of service.

Cleary begins his new role as Chief Executive of Galway City Council on Monday, ending his near three decades of service to local government in Co Clare.

Staff and elected members of the Council were out in force on Tuesday evening with a gathering in the Foyer of Áras Contae an Chláir to mark Leonard’s contribution to Clare County Council.

Leonard held several senior leadership roles in Clare County Council, including in Housing, Tourism, Human Resources, and Community and Rural Development. He also was Ennis Town Clerk in Ennis Town Council with a significant interest in urban economic regeneration.

Under his watch as Director of Service, Clare County Council was the first local authority in the country to produce a Rural Development Strategy supported by a full Directorate.

Subsequently, he led the first dedicated Tourism Development Directorate in a local authority in the country guided by a ten-year County Tourism Strategy.

Colleagues in the tourism directorate of the Council held a farewell lunch with Leonard on Friday last in the Vandeleur Walled Gardens where he was presented with a framed photograph documenting

his time in the Council.

On Tuesday, he was presented with more gifts including a Galway jersey.

Serving on the team in Clare was a “privilege”, Leonard told the gathering while extending “deep gratitude” for the friendships gained. “Success is measured for me in the strength of the partnership, the ethos of all of us as colleagues,” he added. Leonard said, “I always enjoyed the interaction with elected members, democracy in action and always the spice of political theatre, I always found a healthy dynamic between staff and elected members”.

Mentoring, support and belief shown by Pat Dowling when he arrived to the Council seven years ago was recalled by Leonard. “It didn’t feel like work at all because I was with teams that I enjoyed being with”. He has been part of the management team of the Council since 2006. He paid special thanks to Claire Rutherford who has been his PA for the past twelve years.

“I am looking ahead to my next chapter, I’m surprised and excited, I play to stay in contact with my friends in Clare and will make new friends in Galway, here’s to the next ten years in the city of the tribes”.

Although not present, Cllr PJ Kelly (FF) received an indirect mention from Leonard, “I’m on the lookout for a civil servant called John Joe who sends his regards,” this in reference to the Lissycasey’s

long-running view that a civil servant dubbed John Joe is running the country.

Mayor of Clare, Cllr Joe Cooney (FG) noted that getting appointed to the job in Galway was “some achievement”. “He is leaving to take up such a prestigious position which shows now just how fortunate we were to have him”. Replacing him “will be impossible”, the O’Callaghans Mills man said.

“His many achievements leave an extensive legacy,” Cllr Cooney said while pointing to the development of tourism and rural strategies in Clare plus the creation of digi-hubs in the county. Cllr Cooney praised the “calm wise manner” shown by Leonard.

Chief Executive of Clare County Council, Pat Dowling quipped that they will have to start charging a levy for local authorities in Galway

for taking Clare talent with Cleary following Galway County Council Chief Executive Liam Conneally across the border.

“Most of us work hard, commit to the cause and do what is right and good for the county, Leonard his displayed that commitment in spades, always took on challenge whether rural development, tourism or the acquisition of the Shannon Heritage sites,” he said.

Finn flying form

You will need

n 4 pork steaks, approx 140g/5oz each n 1 tbsp oil n 2 eating apples, cored and cut into eight n 1 onion, halved and sliced

n small handful sage leaves, torn, or 2 tsp dried n 100ml/3½ fl oz chicken or ham stock

n 2 tsp Dijon/ wholegrain mustard

Method

1) Rub the pork steaks with a little oil and season with pepper and salt to taste. Heat a large frying pan and fry the steaks for 2 minutes on both sides until golden. Transfer to a plate. Adding a little more oil to the pan, fry the apples, onions and sage

for 5 minutes or until the apples have softened.

2) Pour in the stock and spoon in the mustard, then return the pork to the pan and simmer for 10 minutes until the sauce has reduced by about a third and the pork is cooked through. Serve with veg and mashed potatoes.

FÓRSA’s Kevin Callinan launches the Festival of Finn Photo by Liam Jones

Hayes attends EU exchange

MAGHERA’s Liam Hayes was one of five representatives for Ireland to attend an exchange discussing the European Union and its policy making process, writes Páraic McMahon

Last month, Liam was one of the Irish Youth representatives that attended the seven-day Youth4EU Youth Exchange in Berlin.

Germany, Ireland, Romania, Greece and France were the five

countries with representatives at the exchange which discussed the European Union and the policy making process. There was a strong focus on empowering young people in the respective countries also discussed by participants.

A son of sitting Cllr Pat Hayes (FF), Liam is currently a final year politics, international relations and history student at UL.

‘Fusion’ theme for arts festival

MOUNTSHANNON

Arts Festival will screen the IFTA award winning family, ‘The Days of Trees’ this June Bank Holiday weekend, writes Páraic McMahon Fusion is the theme of this year’s Mountshannon Arts Festival. Its schedule over five days includes poetry readings, music in the park, historical walks, art exhibitions, community market, dance and drama.

Historic venues such as a barge in Mountshannon Harbour will be hosting events.

On the final day, winner of the George Morrison Feature Documentary Award at the IFTA awards, ‘The Days of Trees’ will bring the curtain down on the 2024 festival.

All details and tickets can be found at www. mountshannonarts.ie

Killaloe Music Festival to celebrate global music

ST FLANNAN’S Cathedral will host the twelfth annual SCS Killaloe Music Festival, writes Páraic McMahon Sponsored by Shannon Coiled Springs, the Killaloe Music Festival promises a weekend of music, art and culture from May 31st to June 2nd. This year’s programme continues the tradition of bringing together musicians from across the world to Killaloe and Ballina.

Artistic Director Katherine Hunka has created a programme which supports Irish musicians from around the globe to join in the celebration of music. Through the works of Bach, Tchaikovsky, Lili Boulanger and more, including two world premieres, one by Katherine, the weekend festival will be an immersive experience for all the family.

On Friday 31st May, the festival will open at 7.30pm with Bach’s Toccata and Fugue in D minor, performed by celebrated accordionist Dermot Dunne, followed by works from Mozart, Debussy, Salina Fisher and Strauss.

For the first time, a Late

Night Animation Extravaganza will take place after the Evening Concert, featuring festival musicians performing specially-written music alongside new and innovative animations by students from TUS Limerick School of Art and Design.

This year’s weekend festival will also include a Coffee Concert at 11am on Saturday 1st June. This Rising Star performance will highlight the

talent of young bassoonist Carl Roewer, performing works by Bach, Mozart and more. He will be accompanied by musician friends, featuring Róisín Fleming on the cello. At 3pm, Far Flung Trio will host a free music event suitable for all ages in the Killaloe Catholic Church.

Saturday’s 7.30pm evening concert begins with Schubert’s Fantasia in F minor for Four Hands, performed by pianists

Fiachra Garvey and Simon Mulligan, followed by further works from Boulanger, Bartok and Brahms. After this, the Late Night Concert kicks off at 10pm, with Simon Mulligan taking us into the jazz world of Cole Porter and Gershwin.

A lunchtime concert at 1pm marks the final day of the festival on Sunday June 2nd across the river in the Ballina Catholic Church. Here, local choirs, including the Gúnas, Voices of the Derg, The Ború Singers and the Killaloe Male Voice Choir, will perform a concert of sacred and secular gems. This free event is suitable for all the family. Following this at 3pm there will be the always popular Musicians of the Future Children’s Concert and will include a series of performances under the musical direction of Diane Daly. The festival will then draw to a close with a final evening concert at 7.30pm, beginning with a World Premiere and festival commission from Paul Frost.

The festival podcast is also available on Spotify and Apple Music.

Empowering local councils: A call for subsidiarity

IN THE heart of every community lies a desire for positive change, a hope for betterment, and a commitment to progress. Yet, for those who aspire to serve as County Councillors in Ireland, this noble ambition is often met with a stark reality: the limited power to effect meaningful change on the ground.

Unlike many other countries where local governments wield significant influence over a wide array of essential services such as education, healthcare, waste collection and infrastructure, Irish local authorities find themselves shackled by a lack of autonomy.

While they may play a role in the administration of certain services, the decision-making power remains largely concentrated in the corridors of Dublin, far removed from the communities they serve.

At the heart of this issue lies the principle of subsidiarity – the notion that decisions should be made

as close to the affected community as possible. While countries like Germany and the Netherlands have embraced greater subsidiarity, empowering local governance structures, Ireland appears to be moving in the opposite direction, centralizing power in Dublin and diminishing the voices of local communities.

The consequences of this lack of subsidiarity are palpable. Our healthcare system languishes, exemplified by the dire situation in the A+E department of University Hospital Limerick. It’s not hard to imagine a scenario where local control could lead to more responsive and effective healthcare services tailored to the needs of specific regions.

Similarly, decisions on local infrastructure projects, like the future of Abbey Street Car Park in Ennis or the installation of water treatment plants in rural villages, are often dictated from afar, neglecting

the nuanced needs and aspirations of local residents.

As candidates prepare for the upcoming local elections, it’s imperative to shift the focus from hollow promises of change to a steadfast commitment to subsidiarity. The Social Democrat party stands firm in its advocacy for subsidiarity as a cornerstone of effective governance.

Aspiring councillors must pledge to champion this principle, amplifying the voices of their communities and reclaiming the power to shape their own destinies.

While we may not have all the answers to every local challenge, we can ensure that decisions are made transparently, inclusively, and with the genuine input of those who will be most impacted.

Together, let us embrace subsidiarity as the guiding light towards a more empowered, resilient, and vibrant local democracy in Ireland.

lAUTONOMY: Hilary Tonge and Social Democrats leader Holly Cairns

lTRADITION: Artistic Director Katherine Hunka

Housing Allocation Scheme change to benefit Gaeltacht communities

AN AMENDENT has been issued by Galway County Council to its housing allocation scheme aimed at addressing population decline and strengthening Irish language and culture in parts of Ireland’s largest Gaeltacht, writes Páraic McMahon

Local authority tenants originally from the Galway Gaeltacht that have accepted a tenancy outside of the Gaeltacht can now apply for a transfer to facilitate them in returning to live in the Gaeltacht under the amendment.

Having been endorsed by the Local Authority’s Housing SPC and following the unanimous approval of Elected Members at the April Monthly Meeting of Galway County Council, the amended transfer policy will be implemented this month subject to the approval of the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh O’Brien TD (FF)

Welcoming the change, Cllr. Liam Carroll (FG), Cathaoirleach of Galway County Council said, “The amendment will assist in supporting sustainable communities in the Galway Gaeltacht and also will serve to further promote the Irish language as a living language”.

Michael Owens, Director of Services, Housing & Ukrainian Response commented,

Election candidates support Burren Lowlands launch

lSUSTAINABLE COMMUNITIES: The new policy will be implemented this month

“Galway County Council is mindful that the county contains the largest and most populous Gaeltacht in the country which is of immense importance. Therefore, it requires careful consideration to ensure it is both preserved and promoted at every opportunity, ensuring the long-term growth and vibrancy of An Ghaeltacht”.

He continued, “The Council also recognises that the Irish language is stronger in some communities than in others. It is considered that this amendment and new approach will further help to address population decline in certain areas of An Ghaeltacht whilst also ensuring the consolidation and strengthening of the Irish language and culture of An Ghaeltacht”.

The Housing Allocation Scheme provides for Galway County Council to maintain a record of households that have applied to transfer to another dwelling.

The record consists of a transfer list of existing tenants, including tenants of leased dwellings, tenants of dwellings provided under the Rental Accommodation Scheme (RAS), and qualified households who have availed of the Housing Assistance Payment, (HAP) wishing to move to another dwelling.

Three Loughrea area candidates attended the launch of Burren Lowlands Tourism Information point in Gort last Saturday.

Pictured are Lucina Kenny, Gerry Finnerty and Megan Flynn Dixon. A spokesperson for Burren Lowlands said: “The upcoming local elections remind us of our local councilors’ hard work on local issues.

“Make time to Vote on June 4th.

Burren Lowlands want to thank all our Councillors for their past support and wish Joe Byrne well in the future. He has supported our efforts over the past 10 years.”

Notes

MILFORD SERVICE

Milford Care Centre

cordially invites you to a Service of Remembrance and Thanksgiving at Our Lady Help of Christians Church, Castletroy, on Sunday, May 12th, 2024, at 3 pm. This service is dedicated to honouring the memory of those who have passed away, while under the care of Milford Care Centre.

We warmly welcome all members of the community, regardless of faith, to join us in commemorating their lives.

We invite families to bring along a stone either from your home, or a place that holds a special significance to you and your loved one.

We invite you to write your loved one’s name on it. These stones will be placed beneath the altar at Christmas and again at the foot of the Easter cross next year.

Cliffs of Moher event to benefit three Clare charities

A CHARITY event at the Cliffs of Moher Experience will raise funds for three Clare organisations, writes Páraic McMahon

Sláinte an Chláir, Brothers of Charity Services Clare and Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind (IGDB) Clare Branch have been chosen as the beneficiaries of the Cliffs of Moher Charity Fun Day, which will feature family entertainment including live music and dancing, singing, face painting and spot prizes.

Organisations will also get the opportunity to meet and speak with members of the Clare public about the vital services they provide.

Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council, Cllr Joe Cooney (FG) stated, “Staff at the Cliffs of Moher Experience have a long track record of hosting charity events and helping to promote awareness of many good causes. This year’s chosen charities each do fantastic work in delivering community-based services that help people all over Clare and I would urge the public to show their support on the day”.

Geraldine Enright, General Manager of Cliffs of Moher Experience

and Clare Tourism North West commented, “The Cliffs of Moher Experience Charity of the Year programme was first initiated by staff in 2020 and is part of the ongoing support and social responsibility activities that help the Cliffs of Moher Experience build bridges with the local community”.

She added, “We are inviting people of all ages to come along to enjoy the fun activities taking place throughout the site and to help to generate much needed funds to enable our three chosen charities to continue delivering a range of vitally important services in communities throughout our county”.

Brothers of Charity Services Ireland provides a combination of day, residential, respite and training services to people with an intellectual disability and their families in communities across County Clare and is the largest such provider of services in Ireland today.

Kilnamona-based Sláinte an Chláir is a voluntary cancer support centre that helps people and their families affected by cancer. All services are provided free of charge.

Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind

(IGDB) is Ireland’s national charity dedicated to enabling people who are vision impaired and families of children with autism to achieve improved mobility and independence. In Clare, the charity is currently working with

The EU as a leader in environmental protection

A LOT has happened in the past 5 years in the European Parliament. With the Local and European elections only a few weeks away, it is the perfect time to reflect on the achievements of this mandate.

I arrived at politics from an activist background. I have always had a strong sense of duty to protect our world. After 20 years of experience serving on Greenpeace ships, followed by pursuing a degree in ecology it seemed about time to use my experience and make my voice heard on a European level.

The line where environmental protection meets human well-being is what informs my work. Passing the EU ‘Right to Repair Law’ makes the repair of products easier for the consumer and

therefore encourages a more circular, sustainable economy. The 8th Environment Action Programme included legislation I drafted on soil quality that was the first of its kind. Which not only sets out a framework to protect our soils, but to restore them as well. The Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation targets the seemingly endless tide of plastic flooding our world and aims to turn the tap off at the source. The Nature Restoration Law, one of the most ambitious pieces of environmental legislation aims to restore 20% of land and sea areas by 2030.

As a lifeguard, surfer and ecologist - water quality is an issue close to my heart. Many people in coastal communities in Ireland know

this concern all too well. I’ve been working on robust protections and improvements to the Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive that ensures the collection and treatment of waste water that would otherwise pollute rivers, lakes and the oceans.

But it doesn’t stop there, and frankly, it can’t stop there. There is so much more work to be done on these issues and we need as much help as we can get to make our voices heard in Brussels. The past 5 years have been a fantastic start, with so many milestones to mark our achievements along the way. But it’s just that, a start.

The next batch of MEPs elected will need to continue the fight for a just transition and robust measures to safeguard our future.

lEYES ON THE PRIZE: Irish Guide Dogs Pixie and Elodie at the Cliffs of Moher Experience

Photo by Arthur Ellis

BACKGROUND: Post swim at Ballyalla Lake: Shirley Butler, Carmel Lynam, Green Party Local Candidate Bridget Ginnity, MEP Grace O’Sullivan, Áine Purcell

two puppy raisers, two brood holders, one Assistance Dog family and two Guide Dog owners. All services are provided free of charge. For more on the Charity Fun Day visit www.cliffsofmoher.ie.

Be SunSmart this summer and reduce your risk of developing skin cancer

DID you know that skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in Ireland?

The good news is that skin cancer is largely preventable by protecting our skin from ultraviolet radiation (UV) from the sun and not using sunbeds. Bernadette Mullins is a Senior Health Promotion & Improvement Officer Cancer Prevention with HSE Mid West Community Healthcare. Here, Bernadette outlines some of the simple steps we can all take to reduce our risk of skin cancer:

UV INDEX

Get to know the UV index – it measures the strength of UV rays at the surface of the Earth and is a good indicator of when the sun is most dangerous. The higher the UV index, the higher the risk of skin and eye damage. When it’s 3 or above you need to protect your skin. You can check it daily on www.met.ie/ uv-index

It is usually 3 or higher between April and September and is typically strongest between the hours of 11am and 3pm. UV is not always strongest when it is hottest so remember, UV rays can damage your skin even when it’s cloudy!

REMEMBER THE SUNSMART 5 S’S MESSAGES: SLIP, SLOP, SLAP, SEEK AND SLIDE!

Protect yourself and your children by being SunSmart as part of your daily routine especially from April – September (even when cloudy!).

If your child is badly sunburned more than 3 times before the age of 20, their risk of skin

cancer as an adult more than doubles so take simple steps to prevent this using the SunSmart 5 S’s:

SLIP ON CLOTHING

Slip on clothing that covers as much of your skin as possible (such as long sleeves and t-shirts with collars). Hold your clothing up to the sunlight - if you can see through, then sunlight can get through so choose close-woven material. Dark clothes block more UV rays than light-coloured clothes.

SLOP ON SUNSCREEN

Choose a broad-spectrum (provides UVA and UVB protection) sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30+ for adults and 50+ for children and high UVA protection of at least 4 stars or more and which is water resistant.

Never use sunscreen that is out of date. Once opened use within the recommended amount of time (a good tip is to write the date you opened it on the side of the bottle). Store in a cool dry place. Reapply regularly, every 2 hours but more often after swimming, towel drying or sweating. Apply generously and use more than you think you need. No sunscreen can provide 100% protection, it should be used alongside other protective measures such as clothing and shade.

SLAP ON A WIDE-BRIMMED HAT

Protect your face, ears and neck with a wide-brimmed or bucket style hat. Baseball-style caps provide no sun protection for the ears and neck, which are particularly vul-

nerable and often overlooked.

SEEK SHADE

Sit in the cover of trees to avoid direct sunlight. Use a sunshade on your buggy or pram. Keep babies and children out of direct sunlight.

SLIDE ON SUNGLASSES

Guard your eyes against UV ray damage by wearing wraparound sunglasses that block 100% of UV rays (UVA and UVB) and carry the CE mark.

TANNED SKIN = DAMAGED SKIN

Avoid getting sunburn and never deliberately try to get a suntan - there is no such thing as a healthy suntan!

NEVER USE A SUNBED

Using a sunbed increases your risk of developing skin cancer. There is no safe way to use a sunbed. The earlier you start and the more often you use a sunbed, the greater the risk. In fact, people who use sunbeds for the first time before the age of 35 increase their risk of developing melanoma skin cancer (the most serious form of skin cancer) by 75%.

DATE FOR YOUR DIARY

May 22nd 1pm – 2.15pm The NCCP is hosting a free webinar on ‘Sunscreen Myths and Facts’. The webinar will answer the many questions we have about sunscreen. Visit www.hse.ie/sunsmart to register and learn more

Follow the SunSmart 5 S’s to reduce your risk of skin cancer

Slip on clothing that covers your skin

Slop on sunscreen on exposed areas using factor 30+ for adults and 50+ for children

Slap on a wide-brimmed hat

Seek shade – especially if outdoors between 11am and 3pm

Slide on sunglasses

Do not deliberately try to get a suntan. Avoid getting a sunburn. Never use a sunbed

Countywide events to celebrate National Biodiversity Week

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

A SERIES of biodiversity events will take place across Clare as part of National Biodiversity Week which runs from Friday, 17th May to Sunday, 26th May, 2024.

Clare County Council’s Biodiversity Office, in conjunction with the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), BirdWatch Ireland, National Biodiversity Data Centre, Coastwatch, Irish Seed Savers, Clare Libraries, Connolly Tidy Towns and local experts, has organised 10 free events which will include biodiversity talks and field outings to mark the occasion. Many aspects of Clare’s biodiversity from its flora and fauna to its coastal marine life will be celebrated.

This year’s varied programme includes a talk on identifying the sounds and calls of some of the county’s bird life, workshops on native orchards, and information on habitat site selection for barn owl nest boxes. There will also be an event to support biodiversity enhancement actions in the community.

These events will also provide information to the public on how they can make their observations during the pre-draft consultation phase for the new Clare Biodiversity Action Plan 2024-2030, which is open for public consultation from May 3rd to June 4th.

Barry O’Loughlin, Biodiversity Officer with Clare County Council commented, “National Biodiversity Week is an important way for the public to learn about habitats and species in their local area from experts in their field, and at the same time participate in biodiversity cit-

izen science initiatives. This will give the public an opportunity to upload biodiversity records in their locality to the National Biodiversity Data Centre’s online database”.

Clare’s programme of events include: On Friday, 17th May, Barry O’Loughlin, Biodiversity Officer, will give a talk to members of Connolly Tidy Towns on biodiversity funding opportunities for Community Biodiversity Action Plans and biodiversity enhancement actions communities can undertake. This event is registration only –visit https://biodiversityweek.ie/ to book your place.

On Saturday morning, 18th May, local expert and ecologist Donncha Ó Catháin will give a walk and talk at Ballybeg Woods in Ennis. The talk will cover the ecology of long-established woodlands and the rich flora and fauna this site supports. The event is open for all to attend.

Irish Seed Savers will host two workshops on the creation and management of traditional native orchards, the first on Monday, 20th May, in Clarecastle and the sec-

ond on Saturday, 25th May, in Inagh. The event is part of the local biodiversity action funded project, ‘Return to Nature Clare Church Biodiversity Project’ led by Clare County Council’s Biodiversity Officer. This event is registration only – visit https://biodiversityweek.ie/ to book your place.

On Tuesday, 21st May, John Lusby, BirdWatch Ireland Raptor Officer, will give an online talk on barn owls and the identification of suitable habitat site selection for the installation of barn owl nest boxes. Collette O’Flynn of the National Biodiversity Data Centre will give an online talk on Tuesday, 21st May, from 7:30pm to 8:30pm and will cover invasive species, targeted at Tidy Towns groups and local interest groups.

Jane Kelleher of Coastwatch will lead a field outing on Saturday, 25th May, at Seafield Pier where people can learn about the marine life of rock pools and seagrasses. The event is open for all to attend. On Sunday, 26th May, NPWS Local Ranger Jamie Durrant will lead a talk entitled ‘Birds of Craggaunowen’. The event will cover bird identification of woodland and wetland birds of Craggaunowen and bird sounds and calls. The event is open for all to attend.

Clare Libraries have organised two events at Scariff Library for both adults and younger groups. On Saturday, 25th May, Scariff Library will host a one-hour workshop on ‘Become a Citizen Scientist’, which will cover how the public can record biodiversity in their local area and participate in citizen science recording initiatives (suitable for adults and children aged 9 and up). On Friday, 24th May, Scariff Library will host a one-hour nature art workshop and seed planting for pollinators, aimed at children aged 7-12 years. Please contact Scariff Library to book your place for both events.

National Biodiversity Week is organised by the Irish Environmental Network (IEN), with support from the NPWS. Events are run by IEN member groups, as well as by Heritage Officers, Biodiversity Officers and other local groups.

For further information on National Biodiversity Week and to register your place, please visit: https://biodiversityweek.ie/ or contact biodiversity@clarecoco.ie

l FAUNA: Pine martens are native to Ireland Photo by Enda O’Loughlin

Tour of wastewater plants sought

A SCHOOL-TOUR like trip for elected members of the West Clare Municipal District to wastewater treatment plants in North Clare is on the cards, writes Páraic McMahon.

Officials in Clare County Council are to request Uisce Éireann to facilitate a visit by elected members of the West Clare MD to their wastewater treatment plants.

It follows a proposal by Cllr Liam Grant (GP) who called for a trip to Uisce Éireann’s wastewater treatment plants in Ennistymon, Lahinch, Liscannor and Miltown Malbay along with the Ballymacraven water treatment plant be organised.

He stated, “I think it is really important that the elected members see how disgusting some of wastewater and water infrastructure is and better understand the controversies that have surrounded them. We currently have the wastewater infrastructure of a third world country and more needs to be done to fast track new facilities. Uisce Éireann should be present on site to explain to elected members the short comings in our infrastructure and what is being planned to improve this”.

Multi-tasking by attending both Tuesday’s West Clare MD meeting and that of the Physical Development Strategic Policy Committee (SPC) online, Cllr Grant remarked, “if a coun-

cillor got a call to look at a road or a pothole you’d go to have a look at it but so few councillors have visited the wastewater treatment plants”.

Lahinch based Grant said he has asked Uisce Éireann to be let into their facilities and has received no correspondence but this has not stopped him from entering onto their grounds. He called the Miltown facility “a disgrace” and claimed it can only be accessed once a year to desludge it while leaking sewage onto an adjoining field. “People might be proactive if they went and looked with their own eyes, it might give Uisce Éireann a kick to do something about because it is very clear that nothing is being done,” he said.

Admitting that it is possible he will lose his seat following the local elections on June 7th, Cllr Grant outlined that he was keen for the incoming councillors to carry out the visit to have “a good understanding of our wastewater treatment facilities and our water”. He added, “We don’t know where our water facili- ties are. I want Uisce Éireann to know that the councillors are watching”.

Describing it as “a school tour” of Uisce Éireann’s facilities in North Clare, Cllr Grant said “Whether it is wearing a hard hat or wellies I’m happy to do it”.

Cathaoirleach of the West Clare MD, Cllr Ian Lynch (IND) seconded the proposal. “Irish Water should facilitate it and it’s important to see the different types of treatment”. If an invite is received, he believed the county’s TDs should be asked to attend “because they have access to the purse strings”. There is an onus on Uisce Éireann to bet-

ter inform the public of their plans, Cllr Cillian Murphy (FF) maintained. “We’ve a situation in Kilkee where public have come out strongly on a proposal to put in a wastewater treatment plant. If Uisce Éireann brought buses of people from Kilkee to their new plant to see it and see it working I’m not sure if they would have had the same level of push back”.

l PROACTIVE: Uisce Éireann’s treatment plant in Ennistymon

Photo by John Mangan

Networking with women ‘worth its weight in gold’

by Stuart Holly editor@clareecho.ie

SHANNON HR consultant Elaine Ryan has been shortlisted as a finalist in the prestigious Network Ireland Businesswoman of the Year Awards 2024.

Elaine’s professionalism through 17 years of delivering HR & business solutions to the corporate sector has been recognised with a nomination in the Established Businesswoman category for Network Ireland in Limerick.

Elaine Ryan & Associates is at the forefront of the industry in the Midwest providing operational, management, coaching and mentoring support to “every type of business”. Elaine serves on a number of mentoring panels across Ireland, including that of the Local Enterprise Board in Clare.

Serving on-site with businesses, Elaine explains, “We provide education and training on front-line management, prevention of bullying, harassment, sexual harassment, and provide training in how to have your handbook on all your policies, a living document. We inspire change and we inspire peace. I get a lot of calls from people trying to handle workplace issues, so that accessibility to someone you can safely talk to, to work through an issue, come up with a plan of action, do the engagement, help resolve the issue, then apply the learning into the business.”

The mother-of-two told The Clare Echo she has been humbled to be recognised in the category of Established Businesswoman. “I’m so honoured, priv-

ileged, and humbled. The women in the category are just amazing and encouraging so I was absolutely gobsmacked that I was shortlisted.”

Elaine works with a number of award-winning clients however she admits being nominated for an award

lSHORTLISTED: Elaine Ryan

herself is breaking new ground. Elaine –who serves as a Deacon in the Shannon Christian Church – is encouraging all businesspeople to capitalise on the abundant networking opportunities available in the Midwest. “With Ennis Chamber, Shannon Chamber, the Clare Business Network, we have so many resources

around us. You’re surrounded by people that want each other’s success and to support each other, that is powerful.”

The next chapter of Elaine Ryan & Associates sees her daughter Chelsey joining the business as operations manager and Elaine adds that she has been particularly inspired by women supporting women in the local business space. “We need to champion each other. I’m quite introverted and stepping outside my comfort zone as a business coach was challenging, but it was those women around me who said go for it.

“The first meeting I went into in Limerick in the business network, it was The Clare Echo’s Denise Quinn who encouraged me to join. Along with Denise O’Brien [of O’Brien Learning Solutions], there are two amazing women I have in my circle of encouragement, and the warmth and welcome, the energy and excitement that women have for each other in business, it’s absolutely worth its weight in gold.”

Reflecting on her business journey, Elaine points to her faith as a Born Again Christian as a guiding principal which has inspired her to success. “My faith is my cornerstone. When I came out of my last role I was Chief of Operations, I took a month out and literally put my hand on my diary and said ‘Lord, this is a walk of faith and please fill my diary and bring in to my business the type of people who are like-minded and I can inspire and support. Seventeen years later, my diary has been filled. My faith is my cornerstone.”

Curley elected Deputy Chair of Teaching Council

ENNIS’ Mary Curley (inset) has been appointed Deputy Chairperson of the Teaching Council, writes Páraic McMahon

Former Doora NS principal, Mary Curley has taken up her new post as Deputy Chairperson of the Teaching Council with Eamon Dennehy a native of Castlemaine in Kerry and an engineering teacher at Heywood Community School, Ballinakill in Laois elected Chairperson.

A graduate of Mary Immaculate College, Mary began her teaching career in Sixmilebridge N.S. before becoming principal of Doora NS. She has been a member of the Teaching Council since 2020, and has served on the Investigation Committee, the Registration Committee, and the Registration Review Group.

Provincial and as chairperson of Sixmilebridge N.S.

From 1997 until 2005, Mary served as Director of the Ennis Cathedral Choir. She is currently Director of the Forever Young Singers.

There are 37 members of the Teaching Council including 22 members of the profession (primary and post-primary) who are directly elected by registered teachers, and others including nominees of the Higher Education Institutions, teacher unions, school management, National Parents Council, IBEC and ICTU, as well as Ministerial appointees.

Since retiring as principal of Doora NS, she has maintained her interest in education through her work as co-ordinator of the Gort area Small Schools Research Project, as secretary of CPSMA Munster

As the regulator of the teaching profession in Ireland, the Teaching Council’s role is to protect the public by promoting and regulating professional standards in teaching. This is carried out through the statutory registration of teachers, ensuring a highly qualified teaching profession, whose members meet and uphold high standards of professional competence and conduct.

Summer season in full swing

WELL, gardening season is in full swing, Hurray! It’s so exciting to see all the colors and the different textures, like the ponytail grass coming in.

There is an abundance of varieties and plants now available. I must say, I am in my element when I see the choice.

So many young kids come in looking to grow something for themselves to mind, and one of the easiest is the strawberry plant. It can be sown in a pot or a hanging basket and needs very little care. Keep the soil moist, place it in a sunny location, and watch it grow; the kids will enjoy helping to harvest them once ripe.

Summer bedding plants are coming into full color, and it’s so nice to be able to pick and

choose from such a large selection. Geraniums are one of the most reliable plants, providing a show of color and doing well in containers or beds. They prefer full sun and welldrained soil and are a great centerpiece for a pot, thriving throughout the summer.

The Osteospermum, commonly known as the African daisy or cape daisy, are lovely flowering plants that give a beautiful display all summer. They come in a selection of colors and do well in pots or beds. They thrive in full sun and like well-drained soil. They are easy to care for; remove the dead flower heads and feed every two weeks for the best results.

Perennials are coming in

now with lovely buds, and some are very long-flowering. The Geum has a nice cottage garden-type look to it and is long-flowering. It comes in lovely colors: orange, red, yellow, and is quite attractive in a group. It likes full sun or partial shade and well-drained soil. There are so many perennials coming in that we sometimes get overwhelmed with the choice.

Some tips to remember when buying perennials or shrubs: consider the height— how big would you ideally like it? Consider the width—the space it can grow into; can you give it space to expand? Ask yourself these questions, and if in doubt, give us a shout. Happy planting.

lAfrican daisy

Thought for the week: Queen of the May

Spreading the word of positivity

RONAN SCULLY

IDEDICATE this thought for the week to Jim Browne and for his family, friends and neighbours who sadly passed away recently.

Jim was a spiritual leader and a great example of a person of faith who dedicated his life to Our Lady and guiding many back to their faith and empowering countless souls through the Word of God. His faith was his armour and his rosary, a powerful love of God and Our Lady wielded daily. Jim lived as a true soldier for Christ, dedicating his life to saving souls, in and through the Word of God and leading them back to their Saviour. Jim leaves behind a legacy of faith, love, and service that will continue to inspire us all. Rest in peace, dear Jim you will be deeply missed. In this month of May we also celebrate and dedicate the month of our Mother Mary our Queen of Peace.

TURN TO OUR LADY

It is certain that we have many faults of character. Let us examine ourselves in front of Our Lady’s May Altar, by comparing our weakness with her magnificence of soul. When we have discovered our failings, let us be courageous in eradicating them. We can offer this sacrifice to Mary, with love and generosity, no matter how hard it may be. We can spend every day of this month, digging out those weeds in the garden of our soul, which, our passions and the influence of evil in our world have helped to flourish. Let us plant and bring to perfection

in their place, the flowers of caring and loving virtues. We all need to be positive and embrace abundance, love, care, prayer and joy into our lives, treasuring each moment as it comes. We get so wrapped up at times, well I know I do, with thinking about the past, a lot of the time trying to control the future and forgetting to enjoy and be at peace in the present moment of now. In this world there is strife. There is hardship. There is suffering.

There is inequality. There is abandonment. There is racism. There is injustice. There is also abundant beauty amidst it all. And within that beauty there are reminders tucked away everywhere, encouraging us to persist, to be grateful, to strive, and to bring our dreams for a better world to life. We have only to open our hearts and look, and we will see them.

Please this summer try to embrace the positive in your life as it’s meant to be and be grateful for all we do have. Live and dwell in the moment. Nothing stays the same look at nature. Too often we worry about the future and brood about the past. It is the fear of what might be or what was that keeps us from being in the present. Focus your energy on the present. In the present you are as alive as you can be. Whatever you are doing now, give it your full attention . See it. Hear it. Touch it. Smell it. Taste it. Sense it. We all need to start focusing on positive thoughts and creative ideas that make us happy and content. Less negative thinking, it only brings down our spirits and serves no purpose. Let’s all try this summer and always to make the most of all that is good in our lives and never take anything or

anyone for granted. Turn to our blessed Mother Mary in prayer and ask her to help you to live out your journey of life as lovingly and as faithfully as she always did.

MARY’S JOURNEY

Mary grew up learning about the promise of the Saviour. When she was a young girl, Mary was engaged to a man named Joseph. Before they were married, she received a vision of an angel who asked her to be the mother of the Saviour she had waited for her whole life. Mary accepted, saying “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word” (Luke 1:38). Being the mother of Jesus was not an easy task. Mary’s life was full of great joys and great sorrows. Mary and Joseph were poor people, so they both worked hard to provide food and shelter for Jesus.

Mary raised her son in

the traditions of her culture, presenting him in the temple when he was a baby and taking him to Jerusalem for the religious festivals. Since she knew who Jesus was and what his mission would be, it would have been a huge responsibility!

During one trip to Jerusalem, Mary and Joseph lost Jesus. Since he was only twelve years old, they were very worried about him, and searched the city for three days. They finally found him in the temple, preaching to the elders and teachers. When Jesus was an adult and began preaching, Mary accompanied him. She asked him to perform the miracle at Cana, in which he turned water into wine. Mary was completely faithful to the message that Jesus preached, and she was confident that he would grant her request. She instructed other people who were there to “do whatever he tells you” (John 2:5). Mary was also

with Jesus when he carried his cross. She witnessed the terrible deeds that others committed against him. Because of her faith, Mary did not leave Jesus when he was suffering, even though it would have been a painful experience for her. She stood at the foot of the cross still listening to him and trying to comfort him.

JESUS FIRST DISCIPLE

Since Mary was the first to hear about the mission of Jesus, she is his first disciple. She dedicated her life on earth to following him and supporting his work. She showed others how to follow Jesus as well. It was there that Jesus entrusted all of us to her care. This mission was very close to Mary’s heart. She comforted the Apostles and prayed with them after Jesus’ Ascension into heaven. Mary was with the Apostles when they received the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, and watched them depart for many different countries to spread the Good News of God’s love. Her faith came from an understanding of the great gifts that God had given to her, especially the gift of her son Jesus. This month of May, Mary’s month, spend some extra moments in the rose garden of Marian devotion, for it is there that Christ loved, and still loves, to dwell.

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK

As your thought for the week and throughout this month of May I invite you to pray as Mary did in the silence of your heart. Take the time to find a place in your home where you can spend half an hour to an hour in silent meditative prayer and in this silent atmosphere try to discover the silence within yourself. This will need time, effort and discipline

but the rewards of peace and harmony leading to true understanding and faith make all the work worthwhile. Mary wants us to pray to her because she wishes to obtain for us, the graces which we require. She loves us very much and is ready to help us to become, like her, living imitations of Jesus, insofar as the weakness of our nature will permit. Let me leave you with this beautiful Marian prayer I like to recite during the month of May and all year through. Mary is the beautiful fragrance of Jesus and to be the fragrance of Jesus is the call of every disciple.

As the prayer of St. Mother Teresa and St. Cardinal Newman goes, “Dear Jesus, be the Light that others see when they look at me. Jesus, help me to spread your fragrance wherever I am. Fill my heart with your Spirit and your life. Penetrate my being and take such hold of me that my life becomes a radiation of your own life. Give your light through me and remain in me in such a way that every soul I come in contact with can feel your presence in me. May people not see me, but see you in me. Remain in me, so that I shine with your light, and may others be illuminated by my light. All light will come from you, Oh Jesus. Not even the smallest ray of light will be mine. You will illuminate others through me. Place on my lips your greatest praise, illuminating others around me. May I preach you with actions more than with words, with the example of my actions, with the visible light of the love that comes from you to my heart. Amen.” Enjoy a beautiful May and summer and may Our Lady Queen of peace look after us and bring much needed peace into our lives and our world!!

• Clare FM - Cúl-chaint le Domhnall Ó Loingsigh chuile Dé Sathairn, ag 9am ar Clare FM

• CILL INÍNE BAOITHE - Ciorcal Comhrá san XPO, chuile Dé Céadaoin ag 7.30pm

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

• AN SCAIRBH – ‘’Lón i nGaeilge’’, 1-2pm, CHUILE DÉ MAIRT i gcaifé ‘’An Gáirdín’’, fáilte roimh chuile dhuine. Imeachtaí/Events:

LE MACDARA Ó CONAOLA

Macalla an Chláir

l Bambie Thug: Beidh siad le feiceáil sa Eurovision san oíche Dé Sathairn ag 20:00. Go n-éirí leo!!!

lVirgin Mary

Behind the Lens: Insights from Experts

IN

AN era where security concerns are paramount, video surveillance systems have become indispensable tools for safeguarding homes, businesses, and public spaces.

These systems, comprising a network of cameras strategically placed to monitor activity, have evolved significantly over the years, offering

NOTICE OF ELECTION

Local Authority: Clare County Council

advanced features and enhanced capabilities. To delve deeper into the effectiveness of video surveillance, we consulted experts in the field, including Grisha Kovalov,

An election of members for each of the local electoral areas of the above-mentioned local authority is about to be held.

Nomination papers may be obtained from the address below during the usual office hours.

A person may nominate himself/herself as a candidate or may, with his/her consent, be nominated by a proposer who is registered as a local government elector in the local electoral area of the local authority for which he/she proposes to nominate the candidate.

A nomination paper from a candidate of a registered political party must have a certificate of political affiliation attached which must be produced with his/her completed nomination paper.

If no certificate is attached, the candidate must, before the latest time for receiving nominations, either-

• secure 15 assents to the nomination by way of statutory declarations by local government electors registered in the relevant local electoral area (forms available from the registration authority), or

• make a deposit of €100 (deposit may also be made on the candidate’s behalf).

Completed nomination papers may be delivered to Kieran O’Donnell by the candidate or his/her proposer, by appointment during office hours, from 10am on the 11th May 2024 until 12 noon on the 18th May 2024 which is the latest time for receiving nominations.

It is required by law to attend to receive nominations between 10am and 12 noon and between 2pm and 5pm on the 17th May 2024 and between 10am and 12 noon on the 18th May 2024

If the election is contested, a poll will be taken on the 7th June 2024 between the hours of 7 am and 10 pm.

PAT DOWLING, RETURNING OFFICER, CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL, NEW ROAD, ENNIS, CO. CLARE

Date: 9th May 2024

ENHANCED GRANT SCHEME FOR DEFECTIVE CONCRETE BLOCKS WALK IN CLINICS ONE TO ONE SUPPORT ON THE APPLICATION PROCESS AND GENERAL QUERIES

Clare County Councils Defective Concrete Blocks (DCB) Facilitator plans to hold Clinics in County Clare to assist community members who are in the process of applying for the Enhanced Defective Concrete Blocks Grant Scheme. These clinics will provide one to one support in how to apply for the grant, information on documentation that is required as well as general information on the scheme. Clare County Council will assist in the scanning and uploading of documents at the clinics.

We would encourage individuals who require guidance and support around the application process to come along to one of these clinics, no appointment necessary.

If you are unable to attend on the scheduled dates below, and have any query regarding the application process, please email the Defective Concrete Blocks Team at dcb@clarecoco.ie

with over 12 years of experience.

The primary objective of any video surveillance system is to deter and detect unauthorized activities, providing valuable insights for investigation and prevention. Grisha Kovalov emphasizes the pivotal role these systems play in modern security infrastructure. “Video surveillance is not merely about capturing footage; it’s about providing a comprehensive security solution,” he asserts. “By leveraging advanced technologies such as high-definition cameras, artificial intelligence, and cloud-based storage, we can enhance situational awareness and response capabilities.”

One of the key advancements in video surveillance technology is the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning algorithms. These algorithms enable cameras to analyze video feeds in real-time, detecting suspicious behavior or anomalies automatically.

Grisha explains, “AI-powered video analytics can distinguish between routine activities and potential threats, reducing false alarms and enabling proactive intervention.” This capability is particularly valuable in large-scale deployments, where human monitoring alone may be insufficient to cover vast areas effectively.

Furthermore, the shift towards cloud-based storage solutions has revolutionized the scalability and accessibility of video surveillance systems. “Cloud storage offers unmatched flexibility and resilience,” notes Grisha. “It allows for seamless remote access to video footage from any location, facilitating timely decision-making and collaboration between stakeholders.” Moreover, cloud-based architectures enhance data security and integrity, mitigating the risk of footage loss or tampering.

Despite the technological advancements, challenges persist in optimizing the effectiveness of video surveillance systems. Chief among these challenges is priva-

cy concerns and regulatory compliance. Grisha emphasizes the importance of balancing security needs with individual privacy rights. “Responsible deployment of video surveillance requires adherence to strict privacy guidelines and transparent communication with stakeholders,” he asserts. “By implementing privacy-enhancing measures such as anonymization and access controls, we can uphold privacy standards without compromising security objectives.”

Another challenge lies in the evolving threat landscape, characterized by sophisticated cyberattacks and emerging vulnerabilities. “Securing video surveillance systems against cyber threats is paramount,” emphasizes Grisha. “Implementing robust authentication mechanisms, encryption protocols, and regular security audits are essential measures to safeguard sensitive footage and prevent unauthorized access.”

Looking ahead, the future of video surveillance holds promise with continued innovation and integration with other security technologies. Grisha envisions a convergence of video surveillance with biometrics, IoT devices, and predictive analytics, enabling proactive threat detection and personalized security solutions. “The synergy between different technologies will redefine the capabilities of video surveillance, making it not just a tool for reactive monitoring but a proactive force for risk mitigation and crime prevention,” he predicts.

In conclusion, video surveillance systems have become indispensable assets in safeguarding our communities and assets.

Through technological advancements and expert insights, these systems continue to evolve, offering enhanced capabilities and effectiveness. As Grisha Kovalov and other experts attest, the future of video surveillance holds immense potential in shaping a safer and more secure world.

THE journey of fertility treatment is often a rollercoaster of emotions, marked by uncertainty and hopes for a successful outcome.

It’s a path individuals embark upon with unwavering determination, leaving no stone unturned in their quest to realise their dream of parenthood. Yet, despite adhering diligently to conventional treatments as prescribed, many find themselves still struggling with fertility obstacles. However, for numerous individuals I’ve encountered, the missing puzzle piece that ultimately optimised their entire treatment plan was hyperbaric oxygenation.

For years, forward-thinking fertility experts have recognised the potential of hyperbaric oxygenation in enhancing fertility treatment outcomes. Their dedication to going the extra mile underscores a commitment to finding solutions where conventional methods may fall short. Among them is Dr. Lyuda Shkrobot, based at UNQLIFE in Dublin, who wholeheartedly embraces the benefits of hyperbaric oxygenation. At her clinic, Dr. Shkrobot offers hyperbaric oxygenation sessions and has witnessed transformative results first-hand.

One remarkable success story involves a woman initially seeking HBOT for inflammatory markers. Despite a disappointing first IVF cycle, her subsequent cycle following the introduction of HBOT, led to the development of six embryos and a twin pregnancy after transfer. These outcomes underscore the profound impact that hyperbaric oxygenation can have on fertility outcomes.

In Ireland, fertility concerns impact about 1 in 6 couples, underscoring the urgent demand for effective interventions. Fortunately, with improved accessibility, individuals can now avail of hyperbaric oxygenation sessions at OxyGeneration in Galway. This development eliminates the need for those living in the West to make the journey to Dublin to access this transformative treatment.

One of the remarkable aspects of hyperbaric oxygenation is its ability to benefit both men and women in their quest for parenthood. For men, HBOT has shown improvement in sperm quality and count, thereby enhancing the chances of natural conception. Dr. Shkrobot’s experiences highlight this, where male patients undergoing HBOT sessions observed significant improvements in sperm mor-

phology and DNA fragmentation, leading to better fertility outcomes. Similarly, women undergoing fertility treatments like IVF have also reaped the benefits of HBOT, with enhanced egg quality, improved ovogenesis, and better endometrial preparation for embryo transfer. This holistic approach to fertility treatment underscores the inclusive nature of hyperbaric oxygenation in addressing the diverse needs of couples striving to start a family.

As someone deeply invested in this topic, it’s heartening to witness the substantial growth in scientific literature published in reputable medical journals, underscoring the tangible benefits of HBOT. What’s particularly inspiring is the holistic approach it offers, not only improving the likelihood of conception but also alleviating pain and discomfort, particularly for women grappling with conditions like endometriosis. The inclusive nature of HBOT as a treatment that couples can attend and experience together fosters a sense of unity and support on the journey toward building a family. I feel that with hyperbaric oxygenation, the future holds even greater promise for individuals seeking to overcome fertility challenges.

FERTILITY usually isn’t something we think about until the day comes when we decide we are ready to have a baby. For most people, this approach works out in their favour. But unfortunately, there are many people who only realise it might not be that simple when an issue presents itself. I am one of those people. I never, ever imagined myself in the situation I am currently in. The more openly I speak about it, the more women come forward to talk to me about their losses or their fertility journeys, and I am now learning how many people are impacted by this. I also am now in a position to empathise with women in particular who are dealing with this fertility issues or pregnancy loss.

There are many situations when it comes to fertility in which medical intervention is needed. I am so grateful for medical intervention as it saved my life last August when I had a ruptured fallopian tube from an ectopic pregnancy. I am also grateful that there are amazing treatment options available to me if it gets to the point where I may need it, such as IVF. However, since being on this journey, I realise the importance of looking after myself physically, mentally, emotionally & spiritually. We are very quick to assume that what we need to focus

on is the physical, and although yes, it is very important, if you are on a fertility journey; patience, ease, rest & self-compassion are absolutely vital also. And these things come when we focus on the mental, emotional & spiritual. So how do we mind ourselves emotionally and mentally during this process? I find that as long as I know I am doing everything that is in my control to look after myself holistically, then I can let go just a little bit and feel some element of peace. Lets not forget the impact stress can have on our physical

bodies. And how it is proven fear creates physical tension, which is not an ideal environment for conecption to occur. Don’t get me wrong, this situation is stressful. Stress is absolutely normal and warranted. And there is nothing worse than when someone tells me to “just relax and it will happen”. I feel I can safely say on behalf of anyone struggling to conceive that this is the most unhelpful thing you can say! You cannot help that this is a stressful situtaion, and that you feel stress, but what can you do to counteract it? Thats the key.

There are a number of things I have been finding helpful and that my clients are benefitting from. To cover the mental aspect, I have regulary been seeing a Psychotherapist. Having a space that is free of all judgement, and feels neutral, has helped me process a lot of difficult emotions.

Emotionally and spiritually, I find that holistic therapies have been extremely helpful. I regularly receive fertility reflexology from Anne at Talamh Holistics. This is targeting your reproductive and endocrine systems, so it is physically aiding your fertility, but also holding space and time for you to rest which is of huge benefit in allowing your body to heal and be in a state of calm for all its natural processes to occur. It also gives me time to switch off from my thoughts. I receive monthly acupuncture from Hannah O’Connell, which I know is aiding the process and bringing down inflammation since my surgery last year when I had the ectopic pregnancy, and increasing blood flow to my reproductive organs. One of the most helpful people I met was a Reiki practitioner who had also been through a similar situation. Her ability to empathise with me and hold the space for me was such a gift. In my opinion, Reiki can really help with the emotion-

al and spiritual side of infertility. And being in this situation and seeing how much other practitioners have helped me, I aim to hold a safe space for women who are going through fertility issues or pregnancy loss. I want to make them feel heard, understood, validated and to just provide a listening ear. This can be so much easier knowing that the person holding the space can empathise and knows what you are going through. The Reiki itself can provide emotional release, release any energy blocks that may be blocking conception, provide a state of ease and rest for your physical body, connect you with your spirituality to help you feel a sense of hope, and so much more. I hope anyone reading this going through anything similar can feel it is safe to reach out to me to book a session and that I aim to help you move through this period in your life in the gentlest way possible. And most importantly, it can feel like you are completely alone, but you’re not. Let’s try to help each other and support each other as best we can and remove any discomfort around discussing this topic. There is healing in sharing. Please don’t hesitate to contact me on 0833629532 or go to my website www.draiochthealing.ie to find out more about my services.

Campion Insurance acquires AML Insurance Brokers

AML Insurance Brokers, based in Rathmines, Dublin, is the latest specialist brokerage to become part of PIB Group Ltd (‘PIB’). The business was acquired through

Campion Insurance, which leads PIB’s Irish division.

Campion Insurance purchased three Clare-based insurance companies last year.

FURTHER EDUCATION & TRAINING DIVISION

ADULT LITERACY ORGANISER x 2 POSTS

Post 1: College of FET, Kilmallock Town Campus, Kilmallock, Co. Limerick

Initial responsibility: Part-time provision in East Limerick

Post 2: College of FET, O’Connell Avenue Campus, Limerick City.

Initial responsibility: Core Skills in Limerick City

Post Ref. No. 015401

Applications are invited for the above post.

form and further details are available on

Closing time and date for receipt of applications is 12 noon on Thursday, 16th May 2024.

Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board is an Equal Opportunities Employer.

Canvassing will disqualify.

FURTHER EDUCATION & TRAINING

ADULT LITERACY ORGANISER

Initial duties

COORDINATING REGIONAL LITERACY

Ref. No. 24/13

Applications are invited for the above post.

Application form and further details are available on www.lcetb.ie/recruitment

Closing time and date for receipt of applications is 12 noon on Thursday, 16th May 2024.

Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board is an Equal Opportunities Employer. Canvassing will disqualify.

This acquisition builds on Campion Insurance’s and the wider PIB Group’s strategy of developing specialist businesses in their markets. It will complement the significant footprint Campion Insurance has in Ireland.

Following recent acquisitions, including the acquisition of FitzGerald Flynn Insurance in January, Campion Insurance is well placed to meet the needs of all its customers by offering a broad range of services and offerings from specialist commercial products, motor and home insurance, as well as life and pensions products.

Jim Campion, CEO of Campion Insurance, commented “I am delighted that AML Insurance Brokers, led by David and Sally Arigho, has agreed to

become part of Campion Insurance and PIB Group. We would like to extend a very warm welcome to David and Sally, and we look forward to working with them.”

David Arigho, Managing Direc-

tor, AML Insurance Brokers said: “Sally and I are delighted to now be part of PIB Group, and we look forward to working with Jim and the Campion Insurance Team.

PIB is a dynamic and diversified independent specialist insurance intermediary which is experiencing rapid acquisitive and organic growth.

CLARE TOURISM DEVELOPMENT DAC

Clare Tourism Development DAC is a subsidiary company of Clare County Council that oversees the management, development, and promotion of a portfolio of signature visitor attraction sites throughout County Clare.

Cliffs of Moher Experience are now hiring for HEAD OF OPERATIONS

HOW TO APPLY / FURTHER INFORMATION:

If you are interested in applying, or want to know more about the individual position, contact careers@claretourismdev.ie or email your CV with cover letter to careers@claretourismdev.ie

Closing date for applications Friday, 17th of May 2024 at 5pm.

Launched in 2015, PIB has grown rapidly through acquisitions and by employing outstanding individuals with a wealth of knowledge and experience in the insurance market.

PIB Group offers a range of specialist teams, products, and services to clients and has offices throughout the UK, Channel Islands, Ireland, Germany, Italy, Poland, Denmark, Spain and the Netherlands. Backed by world leading private equity firms, Apax Funds and The Carlyle Group. Campion Insurance was established in Urlingford Co. Kilkenny in 1984 by Jim and Margaret Campion. Since then, it has grown into one of Ireland’s largest brokers, with offices nationwide.

The business was acquired by PIB Group in 2021, and Campion Insurance is now PIB’s lead brand in the Irish market.

This combination of local knowledge and international strength has enabled Campion Insurance to accelerate its growth in the marketplace.

lJim Campion

SOMETIMES, when I work with managers and leaders, they refer to the programmes we create together as ‘soft skill programmes’ as this is generally a term used for people-development within an organisation.

This can tend to mean that the term “soft skills” often carries a misconception of being secondary to technical or “hard” skills. However, the reality is quite the opposite. Soft skills, encompassing traits like communication, emotional intelligence, adaptability, and empathy, are the bedrock of effective leadership and organisational success. Contrary to popular belief, developing these skills is far from easy; it requires dedication, practice, and a deep understanding of human behaviour and interaction.

CHALLENGING MISCONCEPTIONS

The notion that soft skills are merely “fluffy” undermines their critical importance in driving business outcomes. In today’s interconnected world, where relationships and collaboration are key, soft skills are the hard skills that set exceptional leaders apart. Investing in developing these skills is not a luxury but a necessity for fostering a positive work culture, enhancing team performance, and driving innovation.

Consider the example of a leader who excels in technical expertise but lacks the ability to communicate effectively with their team. Despite possessing all the hard skills required for the job, their inability to inspire, motivate, and engage others can hinder overall productivity and team morale.

This highlights the indispensable nature of soft skills

in leadership roles. And this is a scenario we all too often see in the workplace.

A person promoted on the strength of their technical skills but who doesn’t have the wherewithal to foster relationships of trust and intimacy.

Research by organizations like the World Economic Forum consistently ranks soft skills such as emotional intelligence, creativity, and critical thinking among the top skills needed for success in the workplace.

Furthermore, studies have shown that companies that prioritize soft skills training experience higher employee engagement, lower turnover rates, and increased profitability. In my experience, the teams which are recognised at national level here in Ireland are the ones who don’t just pay lip-service to employee development and staff retention policies. They ‘walk the talk’ from top leadership levels downwards.

THE IMPORTANCE OF HUMAN CONNECTION IN THE WORKPLACE

As Maya Angelou famously said, “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” This quote encapsulates the essence of strong relational skills in leaving a lasting impact on others through meaningful interactions and relationships.

To challenge biases and embrace the value of investing in people, leaders must recognize that employees are not just resources but invaluable assets to an organisation’s success. By prioritising behavioural development through training, coaching, and mentorship programs, leaders can cultivate a culture of empa-

thy, collaboration, and continuous learning.

WHAT IS REQUIRED OF LEADERS AND BUSINESS OWNERS?

Unlocking people’s potential is intricately tied to understanding what intrinsically motivates them. Effective leaders recognize the power of getting to know their team members on a personal level to uncover what drives them beyond monetary rewards. Surprisingly, non-financial incentives can often be as, if not more, effective in motivating individuals. However, it is crucial for leaders to address basic needs like fair compensation, as outlined in Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, to prevent them from becoming sources of discontent among

employees. An inspiring example of intrinsic motivation is the story of the janitor at NASA who saw his role as crucial to sending people to space, emphasizing the profound impact of purpose and meaning in work.

Similarly, Elon Musk’s hands-on approach of interviewing the first 500 employees at Space-X underscores the significance of leaders connecting with their team members to understand their motivations and aspirations, and to hand-pick the ‘right fit’ for the organisational culture.

These anecdotes highlight the importance of fostering a work environment where individuals feel valued, understood, and aligned with the organisation’s mission, ultimately unlocking their full potential.

My recommendation to anyone who is responsible for overseeing the development of staff, management and leaders, is to be clear that the development programmes link directly to the organisational strategy.

People need to know ‘why’ the development interven-

tions are available, and what the expectation is when they attend and complete such programmes.

Making soft skills the hard skills is a paradigm shift that requires a shift in mindset and a commitment to ongoing personal and professional development.

By recognizing the significance of soft skills in leadership and management, individuals can unlock their full potential, inspire others, and drive organisational excellence to new and unexplored levels.

PANEL OF SPECIAL NEEDS ASSISTANTS

COMMUNITY SPECIAL SCHOOL

Ref. No. 015421

Applications are invited from suitably qualified and experienced candidates to form a Panel from which future fulltime, part time and substitute posts may be filled in Limerick Community Special School.

The school will have an initial allocation of 10 SNAs to be selected from this panel.

Closing date for receipt of completed online application forms is Thursday, 16th May 2024 at 12 noon Late applications will not be considered.

Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board is an Equal Opportunities Employer. Canvassing will disqualify.

Clinical Kerry claim fourth Munster

title in a row as Clare fall short

l MUNSTER SF FINALISTS 2024 (clockwise from top left) Dara Moynihan scoops the ball from three Banner men; Emmet McMahon escapes Seán O'Shea; David Clifford takes on Manus Doherty; Darragh Bohannon reaches for the ball; Ronan Lanigan escapes Dara Moynihan; Brian McNamara goes over Joe O'Connor after winning the throw-in; Stephen Ryan makes a save from Joe O'Connor; Ciarán Downes clashes with Paul Murphy; Seán O'Shea offloads under pressure from Ronan Lanigan and Cillian Brennan.

Photos by Gerard O'Neill

'I asked for a performance from the boys and for the most part that is what I got' -

MUNSTER SENIOR FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL

Clare 1-13

Kerry 0-23

Venue: Cusack Park, Ennis

Compiled by Páraic McMahon

STORY OF THE GAME

CLARE

Frees for: 15 (10/5)

Wides: 4 (1/3)

Scores from play: 1-7

Spread of scorers: 8

Top scorer: Emmet McMahon (0-5, 4f's)

Bookings: Joe McGann (27)

Own kickouts won: 21 out of 28 (75%)

REFEREE: Fergal Kelly (Longford)

KERRY

Frees for: 13 (8/5) Wides: 5 (2/3)

Scores from play: 0-15

Spread of scorers: 9

Top scorer: Seán O'Shea (0-9, 5f's, '45)

Bookings: Cian Burke (5), Paul Murphy (32)

Own kickouts won:17 out of 18 (94%)

“These are the games we want to test ourselves in. There was a lot of idiotic stupid talk during the week about Clare being in this competition. I think we proved today that we are entitled to be here. I’m happy to go on record and say that, these lads are a proud proud bunch of players. They showed today what they are capable of”.

“We took them on and I thought we, maybe, left another goal after us. We just wanted a performance out of the lads, better than last year and I think we got that. Look there are a lot of learnings there as well, Kerry are a brilliant side, they punished us in the first half with five points from silly turnovers from our point of view”, Fitzgerald said.

“We are coming on and there is a bit more learning in us and a bit more in us as well. I am relatively pleased but you are

Fitzerald states

l

A dejected Emmet McMahon at the final whistle

never happy to lose a game. I asked for a performance from the boys and for the most part that is what I got”.

“Dermot Coughlan is as good as what’s in Ireland, there is no doubt about that, Darragh Bohannon was brilliant, Manus (Doherty) did a decent job on David Clifford, we had good performances all around the pitch”.

Jack O'Connor, Clare manager

“We kicked 5-14 against Clare last year and thought we were going great. Then we got a real lesson two weeks later from Mayo. This game will stand to us, as will the Cork game. We have had two good tests now and fellas’ feet will be on the ground. You’d be thinking from here on in that fellas would be coming into their peak mentally and physically.

“You just need to get your house in order now going into the group stages and try and hit the ground running then in the quarter-finals.”

“We conceded two or three goal chances and that’d be something we wouldn’t be too happy about because we’d like to be mean defensively and just a bit more ruthless up front. We had a couple of goal chances near the end which we butchered. On another day, they might be fatal.”

Cork’s slick start catches Clare in Munster minor semi-final

ELECTRIC IRELAND MUNSTER MFC SEMI-FINAL

Clare 0-8 Cork 1-13

Venue: Páirc Naomh Mhuire, Quilty

Compiled by Eoin Brennan

STORY OF THE GAME

CLARE

Frees for: 31 (16/15)

Wides: 2 (1/1)

Scores from play: 0-4

Spread of scorers: 4

Top scorer: Conor Burke 0-5, 4f's) Own kickouts won: 12 out of 21 (57%)

Frees for: 14 (6/8) Wides: 7 (5/2) Scores from play: 1-10 Spread of scorers: 6 Top scorer: Dylan O'Neill (06, f) Own kickouts won: 10 out of 10 (100%)

REFEREE: Timmy McGrath (Limerick)

“We have a lot to be proud of and I’m delighted with the second haff performance but obviously we’re very disappointed with the first quarter. We started slow, the Cork runners got at us and we never matched it and I think they scored 1-5 before we got off the mark.

“When we played the running game in the second half, I thought it suited us a bit more as we settled into the game, worked some great ball and created goal chances.

“So for 45 minutes of that game, you’d be happy enough but unfortunately we probably lost it in the first 15 minutes.”

“We had a Plan B but unfortunately when you lose a man you have to work that little bit harder but overall I’m delighted that we created goal chances.

“I didn’t [see what happened with the sending off] to be honest with you and I asked the fourth official and he didn’t see anything either but

l Clare Minor Wing-Back Leo Switzer.

Photo by Gerard O'Neill

obviously the ref saw something so until I watch it back on the video I can’t really comment.

“We’ll regroup again but my initial thought is one of disappointment. We had home advantage in Quilty tonight and I felt that we had a lot of work done and also had momentum coming into the game so being our fifth game, I thought that we were well set-up to have a go.

“I know we can’t go back and play it again but that first 15 minutes will have a lot of regret for us. Once we settled in we proved that we were just as good as them and our football was as good as them but at this level, you cannot afford to give a team like that such a head start and hope to make up the ground on them.”

PLAYER WATCH

CIARÁN DOWNES

(CORNER-FORWARD)

Minutes played: 60

Possessions: 9 (6/3)

Scores: 0-2

Passess: 5 (3/2)

Long Pass: 1 (0/1)

Short Pass: 4 (3/1)

Hand Pass: 3 (2/1)

Foot Pass: 2 (1/1)

Shots: 3 (2/1)

Wides: 1 (1/0)

Tackles: 3 (2/1)

Turnovers For: 1 (1/0)

Turnovers Against: 2 (1/1)

Frees F/A: 0/0

'We will go again' - Brennan determined Clare will bounce back from Munster Final loss

by Séamus Hayes news@clareecho.ie

CLARE’s senior footballers are determined to bounce back quickly from the disappointment of losing the Munster final for the All-Ireland series, team captain Cillian Brennan has said.

Cusack Park hosted a Munster senior football final for the first time when Clare hosted Kerry on Sunday. Clare travelled to their home ground “to try and win this game so naturally we are disappointed”, Cillian commented as he signed autographs for hundreds of young Clare fans shortly after the final whistle.

Speaking to The Clare Echo, the Ballyea man said, “There were some phenomenal performances across the group and if a couple of breaks went our way it could have been a different outcome maybe. Look we are disappointed to concede twenty three points. There are things to take for two weeks time when we will be back here again”.

Cillian has followed in the footsteps of his brother Gary in captaining the county senior side while his brother Shane also lined out for Clare for many years. Goal chances were created by Clare but apart from Ikem Ugwueru’s late goal, they were not taken. “There was some great running and some great carrying by the likes of Dermot (Coughlan) and Ikem (Ugwueru) and great defending from Manus (Doherty). We knew we could punish them and it’s something to take for two weeks time, we can hurt teams if we run at them in numbers. It’s a pity some of these breaks didn’t go our way but we will go again”.

Cork in Cusack Park will be Clare’s first opponents for the All-Ireland series. Brennan is hoping “to see another big crowd here in two weeks time. It’s great for young boys and girls to be looking at this and seeing Clare football with a crowd like this in the park. It’s for them to aspire to this and go out and contribute in a few years time”.

He continued, “it’s important that we continue competing at this level. We will be back in the gym on Tuesday and on the field on Wednesday, the usual schedule as we prepare for the next test. We know Cork ran Kerry very close and they will have big ambitions looking into the summer, we know we have to bring the performance we had today. Consistency is something we didn’t have across the years. It’s up to us now to push it for the next two weeks and to compete again”. There is a strong sense of pride within the Clare panel, the full-back outlined. “These lads want to represent the jersey, there is huge pride in Clare football and these lads want to drive the standard to as high as possible. We were disappointed not to get up from Division 3 and it’s on us now to put ourselves up against the top 16 teams and see where we are over the next few weeks”.

Photo by Gerard O'Neill

Mark Fitzgerald, Clare manager

Dermot Coughlan, Clare manager

SCAN HERE FOR MATCH REPORT

Clare U20's cruise past Waterford to keep Munster final hopes on track

O'NEILLS.COM MUNSTER U20 HC ROUND 4

Clare 2-27 Waterford 1-11

Venue: Cusack Park, Ennis

Compiled by Séamus Hayes

STORY OF THE GAME

CLARE

Frees for: 21 (12/9)

Wides: 12 (9/3)

Scores from play: 2-18

Spread of scorers: 9

Top scorer: Conor Whelan (0-12, 9f's)

Bookings: None

Own puckouts won: 14 out of 18 (78%)

REFEREE: Ciarán O'Regan (Cork)

WATERFORD

Frees for: 13 (8/5)

Wides: 7 (4/3)

Scores from play: 1-5

Spread of scorers: 6

Top scorer: Charlie Treen (0-6f's)

Bookings: Charlie Treen (24), Ken McGrathManager (43), Dan Shanahan - Coach (51), Rory Dobbyn (61)

Own puckouts won:26 out of 41 (63%)

MANAGER COMMENT “

Terence Fahy, Clare manager

“It was important we got a response to the defeat in Cork and they bounced back strongly today, it qualifies them for a Munster semi-final and we are delighted”

“Waterford came with a very strong start and it took the goal to settle our lads, once we got the goal it put us in the lead for the first time and the lads took a bit of confidence from that. Waterford brought a lot at the start but they are coming off the back of two losses and we had one win on the board and there might have been a big more confidence in our team”.

“Tipperary turned the competition upside down last night with a very impressive performance against Cork, that has really thrown it up in the air and we are really looking forward to going to Thurles on Friday.

“There are three teams left in the Munster championship now and they are all in it to win it and they all fancy their chances”.

'I'm a small bit disappointed with the performance but I'm delighted with the result' - O'Connell reacts

ELECTRIC IRELAND MUNSTER MINOR HC ROUND 4

Clare 4-11 Tipperary 0-19

Venue: FBD Semple Stadium

Compiled by Eoin Brennan

for: 13 (4/9)

puckouts won: 15 out of 27 (56%) TIPPERARY

Frees for: 14 (5/9) Wides: 8 (7/1) Scores from play: 0-11

of scorers: 6

scorer: Eoghan Doughan (0-9, 8f's) Own puckouts won: 15 out of 23 (65%)

REFEREE: Seaghan Walsh (Waterford)

O'Connell, Clare manager

“I was down here for the Tipperary game, Waterford were full value for that win in the second half, they’ve done a good bit of works in the last two weeks, you can see the little bit of momentum and confidence they brought a spring in their step. It has been a banana skin for Clare teams in the past, we’re happy to get into a Munster final”.

“I’m feeling very strange at the minute. I’m a small bit disappointed with the performance but I’m de-lighted with the result so we’ve got to go down to Cork next week, it’s another big test and we just really want to get back hurling sharply and hopefully get back on track.

“We got four goals tonight and we needed them because they kept us in the game. We weren’t really hurling at all, I just can’t explain it as it was a funny sort of an evening and hard to make head nor tail of it

l Rian Mulcahy clears his lines.

Photo by Gerard O'Neill

to be honest. We badly needed those goals in the first half but then in the second I actually thought we were getting ourselves into a bit of a rhythm eventually in the game but it took us a long time to get it. So to go to Tipperary and get a win despite not playing too well, I’ll take that any day of the week.

“Liam [Murphy] was dynamite inside there tonight in fairness. Tipperary from that very first goal were really wary of him but himself and Paul [Rodgers] were a handful inside there all night.

“The third goal showed how he stays alive to the action. A lot of forwards might have stood up think-ing that Jerry [O’Connor]’s shot might have gone over the bar or wide but Liam is a real livewire in-side and was perfectly positioned to get the goal which we really needed at the time.

“Even at that stage, it was hard to judge where it was not happening for us but we brought in good energy from the bench. Tadhg Lohan came in and won three frees, Jerry O’Connor got turnover ball so we’re really happy with the response we got from the energy of the lads that went in.

“Overall it was a really good learning experience to come to Semple Stadium and win.”

INAMONA & CLARECASTLE KEEP UNBEATEN RUNS AFTER FIVE ROUNDS OF CLARE CUP

First

West Clare Cumann na

mBunscoil

hurling finals take place in Kilkee

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

108 children were in attendance as Kilkee/Bealaha hurling club hosted the first-ever West Clare Cumann na mBunscoil multi schools hurling blitz Cooraclare NS emerged victorious defeating Kilkee in the final on a score of 4-8 1-1. The winners booked their spot in the decider with a 11-4 1-1 semi-final victory against Carrigaholt/Kilbaha while Kilkee defeated neighbours Kilrush 3-9 1-2 in the other semi-final. Doonbeg NS and Doonaha NS lost out in their first round encounters.

Pupils from third to sixth class of their respective schools were involved with a total of 108 students lining out on a big day for the development of hurling in West Clare.

l Conor Whelan keeps total focus on the sliotar

Photo by Gerard O'Neill

SCAN HERE FOR MATCH REPORT

SCAN HERE FOR MATCH REPORT

SCAN HERE FOR MATCH REPORTS

l All Photos by John Mangan

‘We haven’t been put to the pin of our collars like that in a couple of years’

by Séamus Hayes news@clareecho.ie

AVENUE UTD’s bid to win three Clare Cup titles in a row survived a big scare but “depth of character” shone through for the holders.

Two goals in extra time from Steven McGann helped Avenue overcome Bridge Utd in Frank Healy Park on Saturday evening.

David Russell who has led the club to win back to back Cup titles was relieved that his side came back from conceding in extra time to go back in front and claim the win.

He told The Clare Echo, “we haven’t been put to the pin of our collar like that in a couple of years. To score twice in the last five minutes of extra time to win the game is unbelievable. I just said to the lads there, that shows the depth of character, that we haven’t needed for a while but when we needed it everyone dug deep, from one to twenty five. It’s unbelievable, I’m

still digesting it, its heartbreak for the Bridge but we are in our third final in a row, I’m absolutely delighted”.

Luke Woodrow who lined out with Tulla Utd and Bridge Utd before joining Avenue Utd produced arguably his greatest game between the posts for the Roslevan based club. “He was the man of the match by a country mile, he kept us in it when we had a bit of a falter. I thought we started really well, had fifteen minutes where we sort of lost our way, Luke stepped in, that’s what we got him for, he made unbelievable saves,” Russell reflected.

A former centre-half with the club, David said, “the ‘Bridge put on the pressure and we knew they would, I think they have won their last seven games. We knew it was going to be a tough task, they really gave it their all right up to the very end, the tie could have gone either way, lucky we came out of it helped by a bit of class from Steven McGann, He showed a lot of composure. We are into the final and

looking forward to it”.

Russell acknowledged they were fortunate the Bridge did not have a penalty moments before McGann equalised with a spot kick. “The minute the whistle went I looked on the line and Brian Punch had flagged for offside thankfully, it was a definite penalty if it hadn’t been offside. Then we go down yhe other side, Na drove into the box and won the penalty. Steven McGann has come to the club having played at a high level for numerous years. To score a goal with three minutes to go to level it shows the class and the composure the man has”.

Attention then began to switch to reigniting their rivalry with Newmarket Celtic with encounters in both the league and Clare Cup final on the horizon. “We have Newmarket next week. We need a point from the last two games for the league title. We will be going to Newmarket to win the game, we are not going to sit back”.

Bridge Utd aggrieved with penalty calls not given

by Séamus Hayes news@clareecho.ie

BRIDGE UTD were left frustrated following their exit in the Ennis Carpets Clare Cup semi-final.

Having gone ahead when Jack O’Halloran broke the deadlock in the first half of extra time, the Sixmilebridge side conceded two goals, both of which were scored by Steven McGann as Avenue ended their aspirations of claiming silverware this season.

Speaking to The Clare Echo, Bridge Utd manager Mark Culbert said he and all in the club were “devastated” with the result.

Big calls by referee Pa Gleeson went against them, Culbert felt.

“We knew when we went ahead that we had a second half of extra time to play. We feel aggrieved that there was a penalty given and there was the exact same tackle in the first half for us and it wasn’t given. There was a second penalty shout as well that wasn’t given and then they get a penalty to equalise, very harsh, we feel and emotions are running high”.

Substitute Brian Corry had been brought down in the box by Avenue netminder Luke Woodrow with the linesman Brian Punch declaring an offside. The ball was worked up the field and Avenue won a penalty which McGann netted to equalise.

They will meet Avenue Utd before the campaign is out but should

the Roslevan based club get a draw or win against Newmarket Celtic on Sunday then they will have secured the league honours.

A strong finish to the season has saw Bridge Utd eliminate three Premier Division sides from the Clare Cup and move to second in the Premier Division.

“There is a bright future for this side Our starting team today had an average age of nineteen while our squad has an average of twenty one. We are only going upwards and we will be back again”, he predicted before adding “I am especially proud of all our players. I thought we deserved a win today, I thought we deserved to get over the line”.

HEARTBREAK FOR BRIDGE UTD AS MCGANN STRIKES TWICE LATE ON TO SEND AVENUE BACK INTO CUP FINAL

Avenue need just a draw in clash with rivals Newmarket Celtic to claim league title

by Michael Maher news@clareecho.ie

AVENUE UTD can claim the Maloney Hardware Premier Division title if they manage to claim a single point in Sunday’s eagerly awaited clash with Newmarket Celtic.

In what is a dress rehearsal of the Ennis Carpets Clare Cup final, the two rivals will meet in McDonough Memorial Park in Newmarket-on-Fergus with kick off scheduled for 11am.

Sitting at top of the table with thirty eight points, David Russell’s Avenue need just a draw against Newmarket Celtic to be crowned league champions.

Celtic have a game in hand but sit in third spot on thirty points. A recent loss to Bridge Utd plus dropped points against Kilrush Rangers and Tulla Utd have left Paddy Purcell’s men under pressure in the league title race.

Mark Reilis has been appointed by the CDSL as match official for Sunday’s tie which is expected to draw a big crowd to Newmarket-on-Fergus.

l Avenue United will face Newmarket Celtic in McDonagh Memorial Park on Sunday.

Photo by Gerard O'Neill

Ennis Rugby successfuly hosts Munster V Ulster Interprovincial fixture

Ennis/Kilrush Senior Women’s Team Claim Division 1 Cup against Tralee RFC

by Dearbhla Perry news@clareecho.ie

DIVISON 1 MUNSTER SENIOR WOMEN'S CUP: ENNIS/KILRUSH 26-24 TRALEE RFC

The Banner women prevailed with a 26 –24 score over Tralee RFC to claim a cup and league double.

Ennis/Kilrush were the first to score after a hard carry from Caoilfhionn Morrissey from the base of the scrum to bring the ball into the opposition’s 22. Then, second-row forward Laura Cooney, who has had a high-scoring season, touched the ball down under the posts to score a try, converted by centre Megan O’Connor. The Kerry women responded firmly with a score of their own when they converted a series of back carries after a try to the left of the posts. Ennis/Kilrush’s formidable back row unit added another score from a series of forward carries, without a conversion. Tralee again responded with another score just before the end of halftime, touching down in the right corner, without a conversion. This brought the halftime score to 12 – 12.

Ennis/Kilrush remained fast-paced and opportunistic in the second half. They managed to capitalise in the opening of the second half, while a determined defensive

performance was called to hold firm in the game’s closing quarter. Sarah Coote added the first score of the second half when she finished a back move from a set piece, touching down to the left of the posts, converted by O’Connor. O’Connor took advantage of a missed kick cover after a clearance from Grainne Burke to run the ball under the posts, converted by O’Connor. Tralee, however, refused to yield without a fight and managed a further two scores, but only converted one. The final five minutes of the match were tense, with Tralee frantic for another score. But with Ennis/Kilrush’s defence standing proud, the final score was 26 – 24. Ennis/Kilrush had outstanding distribution and overall control of the game from the half-back pairing of captain Patricia Coote and scrum-half Aisling Browne. The Ennis/Kilrush team included Emily Anglim, Meadbh O’Driscoll, Ciara Coughlan, Laura Cooney, Karen O’Sullivan, Emily Fanning, Amy Flavin, Caolifhionn Morrissey (vice-captain), Ashling Browne, Patricia Coote (captain), Ailish Dunne, Megan O’Connor, Aoibheann O’Loughlin, Sarah Coote, Orna Moynihan. Their replacements were Grainne Burke,

Niamh Doyle, Nell Walsh, Jennifer Weston, Aoibheann Hahessy, Rosie Brannock, Ellis O’Flaherty, Caoimhe Flynn, Ciara Moynihan, Emma Ikeiby, Elena Anastasia, and Macteld Hugsegge.

l (clockwise from top left) Action from Interprovincial fixture; Muiris Watson (secretary), Brian Farrell, Seán Loftus & Brendan Foley smile for the camera; Action from Interprovincial fixture; Action from Interprovincial fixture; Mike Orchin McKeever, Tadhg Bennett & Eoin O'Connor; Dale Watson, Ben Geraghty, Joe Connaughton & Oscar O'Gorman; Finbarr Fitzpatrick poses with the Guinness Six Nations Trophy; Action from Interprovincial fixture; Michaela Glynn, Emily Anglim, Ciara Coughlan, Megan O'Connor & Laura Cooney pose in their Ennis Rugby tops.

Photos by John Mangan

Kilrush Golf Club - A Gem of the Mid-West

by PÁDRAIG MCGRATH

Nestled in the heart of County Clare's scenic mid-west region lies Kilrush Golf Club, a quaint little parkland course that will challenge golfers of all levels. Established in 1934 as a nine-hole course initially, this esteemed club has garnered a reputation as one of the premier golfing destinations in the county, drawing players from near and far to experience this charming parkland course. On top of that it is extremely inexpensive offering incredible value for money. They offer insanely low prices for the first two years of membership and even after that period the full membership deal is incredibly low. They also offer great deals on country memberships and distance membership that are perfect for golfers seeking an affordable membership and looking to join up to Golf Ireland. At the heart of Kilrush Golf Club's allure is its meticulously designed 18-hole course, which showcases the natural beauty of the surrounding landscape while providing an exhilarating test of skill for golfers of all levels. The course was redesigned by renowned architect Dr. Arthur Spring in 1994 and turned it then into an 18-hole course with Arthur cleverly redesigning

the course using the natural terrains available to him.

Course management is a must at Kilrush and keeping your tee shots in play is essential as each hole presents its own unique set of challenges, requiring precision and strategy to navigate the course successfully. Whether it's the daunting water hazards of the signature Par 3 9th hole or the demanding doglegs of the back nine, players are constantly faced with decisions that will test their skills and nerve at every turn. My favourite hole is the signature 9th, it is a stunning mid distance 168-yard Par 3 to a green situation well below the elevated tee box that is mainly surrounded by a large pond that covers the majority of this hole and runs right up to the green front eagerly waiting to gobble up any ball that doesn't reach the green. This hole also has two further hazards, two bunkers that are protecting any golf balls that make it over the water but miss on either side of the green. This hole is truly stunning and is one of Irelands hidden gems.

One of the standout features of Kilrush Golf Club is its course maintenance, ensuring that playing conditions are consistently top-notch throughout the year. The dedicated groundskeeping team along with a lot of members who often lend a hand of support on the golf course, both work

tirelessly to keep the course manicured and in good condition, the greens roll well, and the rough is challenging but fair, allowing players to fully immerse themselves in the game. Like every parkland course the winters are difficult with so much rain but the course dry's out well in the spring once the rains subside.

Beyond its exceptional course, Kilrush Golf Club offers a range of homecooked wholesome food in the clubhouse before and after your round. The clubhouse, with its warm and welcoming atmosphere, provides the perfect setting to relax and unwind after a round, with delicious dining options and views of the surrounding countryside. It has been also mentioned more than once that Kilrush Golf Club is the friendliest golf club in Ireland.

So, if you'd like to take up golf or challenge yourself to play more at an affordable course you won't get much better value than joining or visiting Kilrush Golf Club. It is a perfect course to join to get your Golf Ireland handicap that will allow you to play in most of the amateur tournaments around the country once you receive your handicap. You'll also get to meet a lot of new friends at Irelands friendliest Golf Club.

Big score from Malone to overcome Melody in Dromoland singles competition

by Seamus Hayes news@clareecho.ie

Darren Malone shot an impressive 42 points to win the men’s singles competition played over the Bank holiday weekend at Dromoland Castle golf club.

He won on a countback from Frank Melody who also shot 42 points with Declan Burke in third place with 40 points followed by Cathal Nolan with 38 points. Killian Howard won the gross with 37 points.

EAST CLARE GOLF CLUB

The ladies 18 hole stableford at East Clare on Bank Holiday Monday was won by Loretto O Donnell with 37 points and she had two to spare over Noreen Skehan with third spot filled by Marie Donnellan with 32 points.

LAHINCH GOLF CLUB

Lahinch will make the short journey to Spanish Point on this Saturday to take on their neighbours in the Jimmy Bruen competition from 3p.m.

WOODSTOCK GOLF CLUB

Kieran Crosby (8) was the winner of the club singles at Woodstock at the weekend with 40 points. He won by two from Bryan

Clune (20) while the gross was won by Sean Crowe (3) with 35 points. The category winners were Aidan Mulcahy (6) with 37 points, Vinny McInerney (18) with 37 points and Noel Crowe (19) with 36 points.

ENNIS GOLF CLUB

The ladies 18 hole competition at Ennis last week was won by Sinead O’Sullivan (48) with 45 points from Carmel Cummins (46) who returned a similar score. Bridie Hanrahn (21) was third with 43 points.

KILRUSH GOLF CLUB

Tony Lock (15) with 42 points won the Pat Geaney 18 hole open singles at Kilrush at the weekend. In second place with 37 points was Sean Moran (20) followed by Andrew Egan (15) with 36 points and Brian Scanlan (11) who had a similar score. John McNeilis (18) with 21 points won the front nine while Joe Daly (13) with 35 points was the winner of the back nine.

GORT GOLF CLUB

Brian Monaghan (17) was the winner of the open 18 hole singles, sponsored by Ward and Burke, at Gort on Friday with a score of 38 points.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL

KILRUSH HOUSE / COALHOUSE, FRANCES ST, KILRUSH, CO CLARE

Take notice that P & J Neylon are applying for retention permission for as-built partially constructed extension and planning permission for the subdivision of the existing site to form a separate independent dwelling, to complete the refurbishment & extension, construction of boundary walls including forming a new street level entrance along with all associated works. Kilrush House is a protected structure (RPS No 859)

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

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL, 4 CAPPA COVE, KILRUSH, CO CLARE

Take notice that Michael Keane is applying to Clare

Co Council for planning permission to carry out alterations to an existing dwelling house at the above address. The works will consist of the construction of zinc-clad box dormers to the front and rear elevations of the property to increase the first floor living space. The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application mat be made in writing to the authority on payment of the prescribed fee of €20 within a period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL CREEGH NORTH, CREE, CO CLARE FURTHER INFORMATION/ REVISED PLANS

Planning Ref: P24/60010

Development Description: The construction of a new dwelling house and garage, complete with a sewage treatment system and ancillary works

Location: Creegh North, Cree, Co Clare

Take notice that Eanna & Michelle Ryan have lodged

MONTHS MIND

ENZO D’AURIA MONTH’S MIND

The Month’s Mind Mass for Enzo (Vincenzo) D’Auria will take place on Saturday 18th May, 1.30pm, St. Joseph’s Church, Ennis, Co. Clare. All are Welcome

Godcalledyournamesosoftly, That only you could hear; Andnooneheardthefootsteps, Of angels drawing near. The golden gates stood open, God saw you needed rest; His garden must be beautiful, He only takes the best.

Sadly missed by his loving wife Nuala, daughters Trofi, Lianda and Olivia, and son Alfonso and all the extended family.

significant further information in respect of planning application P24/60010. This information and planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the Planning Authority of Clare County Council, Planning Department, Aras Contae an Chlair, New Road, Ennis, Co Clare during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the further information or revised plans may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee, not later than 2 weeks after the receipt of the newspaper notice and site notice by the planning authority or in the case of a planning application accompanied by an EIS within 5 weeks of receipt of such notices by the planning authority.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL SANDY LODGE, SEAFILED, QUILTY, CO CLARE V95C8C4

Take notice that Anne and Pat O Connell intend to apply for retention permission for the extension to the rear and resultant alterations to fenestration of existing dwelling & all other associated site and ancillary works at

the above address.

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

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL ISLAND VIEW, QUILTY, CO CLARE. V95P9C3

Take notice that Nuala and Bernard Bosher intend to apply for retention permission for the sunroom and the garage/ kitchen extension to the existing dwelling & all other associated site and ancillary works at the above address.

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

beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL LAVALLY NORTH BALLYNACALLY

Take notice that Miriam Crowley intends to apply to Planning Authority for permission to construct dwellinghouse, garage with loft, Advanced treatment system and ancillary site works including development of existing entrance to the site at above address.

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

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL PHAYERS ROAD, MEELICK, CO CLARE

I, Humphrey O’Connor, am applying to the above authority for Outline Permission for the following development on property at Phayers Road, Meelick, Co Clare:

Recent Deaths

Buckingham, Anthony (Tony) Killaloe

Fitzpatrick, Martin Ennis

Comyns, Celia Miltown Malbay

Gallagher, James Ennis

Gallagher, James Ennistymon

Green, Andrew Sixmilebridge

Guerin, John Doolin

Canny (née Carty), Margaret Shannon

Clune, Stephen (Steve) Quin Clare

Fitzgerald, Julie Lisdoonvarna

Outline Permission for the construction of a detached single storey dwelling, detached domestic garage, new entrance, onsite wastewater treatment system, connection to necessary services together with all associated ancillary and incidental site works

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

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL NUAFFE, INCH, CO CLARE

Take notice that Caimin Griffey intends to apply to the Planning Authority for planning permission to construct an extension to existing dwelling, new wastewater treatment system and all ancillary works at Nuaffe, Inch, Co Clare.

The planning authority may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the

GRIFFIN, Maria Clare

Liddane, Gerard Clare

O’SULLIVAN, JOHN Killaloe

Sheehan (née McGuane), Mary Ballynacally

Speed - Andrews, Nick Killaloe

Vaughan, Desmond (Dessie) Ogonnelloe

CARMODY (née Killeen), Norah Killimer

Chambers, Denis Ennistymon

Quinn, Michael Ennis

Quinn, Michael Tubber

planning authority during its public opening hours.

A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee of €20 within the period of five (5) weeks, beginning on the date of receipt by the Planning Authority.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL LAHINCH PROMENADE, LAHINCH, CO CLARE

Take notice that The Edge Bar and Restaurant intends to apply to the Planning Authority for permission to retain existing Coffee Hatch at Lahinch Promenade, Lahinch, Co Clare

The planning authority may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee of €20 within the period of five (5) weeks, beginning on the date of receipt by the Planning Authority

Saunders, William (Bill) Kilrush

Whelan, John Tulla

Barrett(née Lawrence), Bridie (Biddy) Tuamgraney

Hassett (née Walshe), Josephine Quin

GOLDEN (née Farrell), Ann

Sixmilebridge

Henchy, Vincent (Vinnie) Scariff

Hester, Joseph (Joe) Ballynacally

Hourigan, James (Jimmy) Newmarket-on-Fergus

Kenny (née Scanlan), Mary Corofin

The Clare Echo Quiz

1 Christy Moore wrote the song “Lisdoonvarna” before he was to perform at the famous festival in what year?

A. 1983

B. 1989

C. 1991

2 When is Michael D. Higgins’ birthday?

A. December 19th

B. July 22nd

C. April 18th

3 What was the nickname given to Daniel O’ Connell?

A. The Emancipator

B. The Liberator

C. The Saviour

4 When was the current Loop Head lighthouse built?

A. 1854

B. 1889

C. 1840

5 Which Saint is associated with Scattery Island?

A. St. Anthony

B. St. Brendan

C. St. Senan

6 Johnny Doran was a famous Uillean Piper said to have inspired Willie Clancy and Martin Talty. Where is Johnny Doran’s stone located?

A. Kilrush

B. Miltown Malbay

C. Ballynacally

7 Marty Morrisey is from Quilty, but where was he born?

A. London

B. Mallow

C. New York

8 In 1947, Shannon Airport became the first in the world to have what.

A. Duty Free

B. Airport Security

C. Airport Terminals

9 Which of these do not appear on the Clare coat of arms?

A. A Flower

B. A Horse

C. A Crown

10 Ennistymon is well known for which geographical feature?

A. Mountains

B. Cascades

C. Lakes

l When is Michael D. Higgins’ birthday?

Can you spot the 7 differences

THIS WEEKS PUZZLES MAY 9th

WORD SEARCH

1 Fight, strive against (6) 4 Solution (6)

8 Tropical fruit (5) 9 Generous (7) 10 Not prepared (7) 11 Notions (5) 12 Crude, poorly planned (4-5) 17 Swagger (5) 19 Without weapons (7) 21 Put into words (7)

Interior (5)

Fashionable (6) 24 Fought with swords (6)

DOWN

HOW TO PLAY

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

1 University grounds (6)