The Clare Echo 09/07/20

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JULY 9 2020

JACK STEPS AWAY FROM SHOP COUNTER

JOURNEYS TO CLOSE ROCHE 7 years to clear site, say documents PÁRAIC McMAHON news@clareecho.ie

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LARECASTLE will have fifteen to eighteen trucks driving through the village each hour for

at least seven years as part of the planned decommissioning of Roche which will also see waste transported from Co Clare across Europe.

On June 24, Roche Ireland Ltd lodged plans with Clare County Council for a phased demolition of all existing buildings, structures and infrastructure.

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A PROUD Kilkenny man at heart with a soft spot for County Clare, popular shopkeeper Jack Heaslip says he is delighted at the opportunity to finally relax, admonishing that the virus has finally pushed him into retirement.

Speaking to The Clare Echo this week as part of our Buy Into Clare series, Jack recounts his time in Ennis since his arrival in 1953 up until the current pandemic, which he says he’s sure the town will bounce back from. Some of Jack’s most cherished memories include when Clare won All-Ireland Championships which he says sparked a spike in custom.

FULL STORY PAGE 18

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2 NEWS

THURSDAY, JUL 9 2020

Index NEWS

13

SCULLY

16

GREENER CLARE MOTORING PROPERTY SPORT

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2-12

ENTERTAINMENT

#BUYINTOCLARE

ARTWORK BRINGS HARMONY IN ENNIS

17 18-24 25-27 28-29 31-34

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

NEWSDESK

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

SALES

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

l SYMBOLIC: Nicholas Murwisi and Rena Casey Lewis show off the artwork presented to 32 residents of the Clare Lodge Direct Provision Centre

Photo by Stuart Holly

ARMONY Row Bridge in Ennis recently hosted a special artwork handover to 32 residents of the Clare Lodge Direct Provision Centre, writes Cian O’Broin.

The presentation involved two of the 13 artists tasked by Ennis Welcomes Everyone to create inspiring and uplifting original pieces of artwork to soften the isolation and solitude felt at the centre during a tight lockdown.

The location was chosen for a symbolic purpose, with the bridge representing a handing over from one place to another and as gesture of geniality.

Martin Vernon established Ennis Welcomes Everyone in December 2019 to welcome and support the men who arrived at the Clare Lodge.

“People living in Direct Provision are often isolated enough, and the Covid-19 virus lockdown has made things even harder for them. We just wanted to let them know that lots of people in County Clare are thinking of them and wishing them well. We are very pleased with the generous gesture of support from the local artists, and we hope that the men enjoy their pictures,” Martin said.

Clare Lodge resident Aung Marma, commented: “I have no sufficient words to repay this gratitude, but from the very bottom of my heart, I would like to say thank you, to all, for the kindness, humanity and assistance.”

20 year plan for Cliffs of Moher STUART HOLLY editor@clareecho.ie

A 20 year strategy to guide future upgrades at the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Experience is currently in development, with all works to be dependent on the availability of funding.

Clare County Council, supported by Fáilte Ireland, is currently undertaking the Cliffs of Moher Strategy 2040 that will set out the future plans, including an architectural masterplan for the site and economic delivery plans for the wider hinterland of County Clare. UK-based tourism lead multi-disciplinary consultants Haley Sharpe Design are midway through the project schedule, which is due for completion in quarter one, 2021.

A separate contract running concurrently with the strategy has been signed with internationally renowned Dublin-based architects Henchion Reuter, with a value of €1.93m over a number of years, to design key infrastructural requirements. This contract will dovetail with the strategy to inform the wish list of developments that could be delivered over the long term.

The package of works for design include required upgrades to the waste water treatment plant facility, coastal walk 2km zone, car parking, underpass and new visitor services building. The tender for design was formulated with a notional value on infrastructure of €16.5m. Some of these designs may not be realised depending on various factors. The Cliffs of Moher is a Special Protection Area (European Communities (Conservation of Wild Birds (Cliffs of Moher Special Protection Area 004005)) Regulations 2010), and any designs will be subject to full environmental and planning processes.

Any future developments will depend on funding availability, the recommendations of the Cliffs of Moher Strategy 2040 and the ultimate decisions of Clare County Council.

Geraldine Enright, Director, Cliffs of Moher, said: "The Cliffs of Moher Visitor Experience attraction is a leader in its field, the jewel in the crown of Irish tourism. The iconic site is at a pivotal point in its development. With 1.6 million visitors in 2019, investment is required to upgrade the Visitor Experience, now in its 13th year of operation."

HomeGallery-ReopenV2-Ennis2020.qxp_Layout 1 10/06/2020 14:30 Page 1

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4 NEWS

THURSDAY, JUL 9 2020

Airport Management seek redundancies and pay cuts PÁRAIC MCMAHON

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paraic@clareecho.ie

HANNON Airport has announced it is to issue temporary layoffs, a voluntary severance scheme, reduced working hours and incentivised career breaks in widespread reductions to their cost base.

Correspondence was issued to staff on Monday by CEO of Shannon Group, Mary Considine (inset) informing them of the need to implement cuts across the Airport.

Although some Ryanair flights have resumed since last Wednesday, it is only operating at 20% of targeted traffic for the month of July.

Forecasted passenger numbers are expected to be down 70% on traffic last year, Considine outlined to staff. She cautioned that current economic predictions estimate it will be “at least three years” before

the aviation industry returns to 2019 levels.

Revenue has taken an “immediate and unprecedented decline” as a result of COVID-19, the CEO stated. “In response, we made difficult decisions” which included temporary layoffs and a shorter working week for employees. Discretionary spending has also been tackled by management which includes eliminating the costs of contractors and reducing energy output.

Considine highlighted, “It is now clear that these initiatives are not enough to bring the Airport to anywhere close to break even in the medium term”. Thus, management have decided to introduce “more substantial” reductions including the amount of employees.

Noting that

the aviation sector was battling in unprecedented times, the Clare native said it is facing its biggest challenge to date. “Taking the actions we are proposing will allow us to secure the future of the Airport and enable us to rebuild a thriving Shannon Airport”.

A voluntary severance scheme is to be launched and employees with two years service as of the first day of this year will be eligible. The terms of the scheme include a statutory redundancy payment of two weeks’ pay per year plus one week, an additional payment for four weeks of service.

The total sum payable is capped at 104 weeks’ pay while for those aged

Clare politicians criticise ‘failed leadership’ PÁRAIC MCMAHON

paraic@clareecho.ie

SHANNON Airport management have been criticised by Clare TD, Cathal Crowe (FF) for impending job cuts and reduced working hours.

In a statement to The Clare Echo, the Meelick native expressed a deep concern for the future of Shannon Airport and labelled a letter issued on Monday evening to staff informing them of such plans as a premature step.

“This is a huge blow to not only the airport but also the county and region as a whole,” he commented. “I feel the decision was taken prematurely and it would have been more prudent to wait to see is contained in the July stimulus package in

lCONCERNED: Cathal Crowe TD

Photo courtesy of Cathal Crowe TD Facebook

terms of support for the airport”.

On Monday morning, Deputy Crowe met with staff of Shannon Airport and Shannon Heritage and is to raise matters brought to his attention with Shannon Group CEO, Mary Considine. Crowe has also outlined that he is seeking to hold a meeting with Taoiseach, Micheál Martin (FF) to discuss Shannon Airport and its future.

Meanwhile, a Clare Senator has hit out at “failed leadership” from the management of Shannon Airport. Senator Timmy Dooley (FF) has heaped further pressure on the Board of Shannon Group with public comments on Tuesday afternoon.

Both Niall O’Callaghan and Andrew Murphy have resigned from their positions as Managing Director of Shannon Heritage and Shannon Airport in the past fortnight.

Dooley was adamant that Government action was required urgently to protect the future of Shannon Airport. “Workers can’t be asked to carry the can for failed leadership and failed separation plan at the Airport since separation,” the former TD stated.

Further calls have been made for Rose Hynes to resign as Chairperson of Shannon Group.

Chairperson of Labour’s North Clare branch, Denis Vaughan told The Clare Echo that Labour party members were “disgusted” with recent actions at Shannon Airport including difficulties with Aer Lingus which they said has “side-lined Shannon”.

He stated, “The Board of Shannon Group need to stand down as a matter of urgency and be replaced by a group of focused professionals to establish a suitable agenda for the airports survival as the sole issue”.

over 60 the total payment is capped at the lower figure of two years’ pay or half of the remaining pay up until retirement. A €5000 lump sum is to be added for reskilling, training and educational purposes.

Applications for career breaks of six months to three years for staff members who have two years service given from January 1st of this year will be considered as part of the cost-cutting measures. Management are also looking to receive applications for a temporary or permanent reduction to working hours of employees.

Over the coming weeks, management are to begin accepting applications for the severance scheme, career breaks and reduction to working hours. A review of the management structure of the Airport is to also take place.

“Immediate actions” are needed to cut the cost base for those remaining employed in the Airport to “align the headcount in the business with the level of scheduled passenger traffic”.

There will be a continuation of reduced working hours for staff that remain on with more temporary layoffs to also follow with the end of Government’s Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme scheduled for mid-August.

All employees earning more than €30,000 per annum will be issued with a 20 percent pay cut.

The reductions will not reduce the earnings to less than €30k for any employees earning more than the amount. The payroll reduction is to be in place from September 1st of this year until April 1st in 2023.

Management have also identified that a twelve hour team-based shift working arrangement is needed in the Shannon Airport Fire Station.

Clare TD, Cathal Crowe (FF) criticised the timing of the announcement.

“I know the airport is under immense pressure at this time but surely they could have waited for the Aviation Taskforce to conclude its work before considering staff reductions”.

Rally organised to save Shannon Airport THE Save Shannon Airport group are demanding a full and functioning Shannon Airport.

The group plan to hold a campaign rally on Saturday, July 25 at 2pm, gathering at O’Connell Square in Ennis.

“We demand a full and functioning Shannon Airport now and forever. No compromise is acceptable on this. Shannon is vital to theMid-West prosperity and must be kept fully functioning. It is vital for full employment at the Airport including associated

industries based there such as Shannon Heritage, Shannon Industrial Estate and the various back-up suppliers in the region. Shannon is also essential to the continued success of the region’s tourism and employment. The Airport is vital in its connectivity with the rest of the world,” a spokesperson for the Save Shannon Airport group said.

The campaign claims to have the support of political parties, trade unions, hotel groups, tourism groups, community groups and local traders.

NEWS 5

THURSDAY, JUL 9 2020

Roche decommissioning brings seven years of HGV traffic PĂ RAIC MCMAHON paraic@clareecho.ie

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LARECASTLE will have 15 to 18 trucks driving through the village each hour for at least seven years as part of the planned decommissioning of Roche which will also see waste transported from Co Clare across Europe.

Roche Ireland Ltd have lodged plans with Clare County Council for a phased demolition of all existing buildings, structures and infrastructure on its Clarecastle site to take place over a 10 year period.

An assessment of all buildings was carried out to determine future viability but found "there would be no practical way of maintaining the buildings in any event" and warned that they may become an "industrial eyesore".

A phased remediation of three Areas of Environmental Concern (AECs) are also part of the pro-

posed development. There is an indication to "a bulk haulage element" in the plans.

Nine pre-consultation meetings have been held between Council officials and representatives of Roche.

An application fee of â‚Ź38k has been incurred by Roche Ireland Ltd. An estimated 39,418 tonnes of hazardous waste has been identified at Roche's Clarecastle site. The plans lodged note "as a worst case scenario, this would need to be disposed of offsite and outside of Ireland at a hazardous waste landfill".

The planning report stated a proactive approach is needed to deal with the landfill "even if this entails applying solutions exceeding the individual country's legal framework to reduce its carbon footprint".

It is intended to remove the landfill in its entirety which covers an approximate area of 24,400 metres squared. Offsite waste segregation has been proposed by Roche Ireland Ltd. The planners report compiled by AECOM outlined, "Onsite segregation would not adequately segregate the landfill waste".

The Clare Echo understands that

Roche did receive third party advice from waste companies within the last year which recommended that the landfill be treated on site instead of sending contaminated soil across Europe, it is not referred to in the planning application of 4,121 pages.

As part of the works, there will be a peak of 18 heavy goods vehicles travelling through Clarecastle per hour on a daily basis, 15 of which will be electric vehicles and three will be diesel vehicles. There will be

an average of 15 HGVs per hour.

They will arrive via junction 12 of the M18 and travel through Clarecastle and when exiting Roche's site they will do so via Clarehill to Patrick St along the R458 to Manus then onto Dromoland junction of the M18 every hour passing approximately 10 commercial premises and 115 residential properties.

The proposed hours of operation are from 7am to 7pm (Monday to Friday) and 8am to 2pm (Saturday). This then equates at 360,360

lBIG JOB: It will take 360,360 HGV trips to decommission Roche

Photo by Martin Connolly

HGVs passing through Clarecastle over 2,184 days.

Waste will be on the HGVs as they make their way from Co Clare to locations such as Shannon Foynes Port, Dublin Port, Port of Cork and Port of Waterford. Materials that are not suitable to be reused will be transported to a licenced waste to energy facility.

Use of Cahercon Pier, Moneypoint and Ennis Train Station was suggested by Clare County Council staff as alternative logistical options.

A spokesperson for Roche confirmed the peak hours of traffic plan are subject to Council approval. "Ireland currently operates a number of thermal waste to energy plants, however, based on the nature of the waste generated as a result of the remediation works, these facilities cannot accept waste material associated with the remediation works.

"Therefore, this material will require treatment in facilities in Continental Europe that are suitably licenced to accept, treat and reuse this material".

6 NEWS

Keating Construction set to enter liquidation PÁRAIC MCMAHON paraic@clareecho.ie

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NE of Clare’s most well-known construction companies is set to enter liquidation.

The Clare Echo understands that the reputable marine, civil engineering and building firm, Keating Construction is to close its offices in Ireland and the United Kingdom.

With headquarters in Kilmihil, the looming announcement comes as another shattering blow to West Clare. Keating has up to 200 employees, between 20 to 25 of which are located at its Co Clare offices. The demise had been rumoured within construction circles over the past month and it is believed to have no connection to COVID-19.

Founded by Louis Keating in 1987, the Clare man left the company last year having successfully established the operation. L&M Keating had a turnover of €60m in 2018.

It was acquired by Dublin based CBD Capital in January of last year who led an extensive rebranding and appointed Gordon O’Regan as CEO and Managing Director, he is understood to have departed the role in the past six months. The firm also opened a

Dublin office in April 2019 and one in Winchester, Hampshire in the South of England.

Speaking at the opening of the Dublin offices, O’Regan stated, “Keating is in a very strong position for the future”.

Management put an emphasis on “complex and difficult projects in civil engineering, building, marine and heritage” and The Clare Echo understands that in particular marine jobs has proved costly for the construction company.

On Tuesday, Keating’s yard in Kilmihil closed while locals had observed that it had

become depleted in the past week.

No workers belonging to the company were present at the site of the new Ennis library which the company was awarded the tender for from Clare County Council. The setback for Keating is expected to delay the construction of the new library as the local authority will have to put the development out for tender again.

The Clare Echo made several attempts to contact members of management with Keating on Tuesday and Wednesday prior to the publication of this article.

l BLOW: The closure of Keating Construction will result in the loss of 200 jobs

Frustrated passengers left stranded in Ennis PÁRAIC MCMAHON

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paraic@clareecho.ie

UBLIC transport users in SouthWest Clare have been left ‘disappointed and frustrated’ at being left stranded in Ennis on three occasions this year.

Labasheeda suckler farmer, Tony Malone travels by bus to Ennis every Friday. On the majority of occasions, it is a return trip but from time to time he will travel home the 36km stretch of road with a friend.

The bus journey for Tony marks his day off and is also a time in which he gets the shopping done in the county capital, “I’d go for a bit of dinner in town or get a cup of tea before I go home, meet a few friends,” he recounts. Users of the service are not too plentiful, Malone admitted as he flagged that it has gone from being a daily route 13 years ago to a now once a week operation.

He told The Clare Echo that on three occasions this year the 338 bus did not show up with no explanation or notice given to ser-

vice users, the most recent instance being on Friday June 26th. “Every time we ask for CIE for an answer they don’t give us an answer, when it is over they apologise but an apology is no good because we want the bus home and we want it to be there, it is the only thing we have once a week”.

“It is frustrating, it is very disappointing when you can’t get home. The last day I had to go down to Kildysart Cross in Clarecastle and thumb a lift,” Tony stated. Hitching a lift during the current pandemic is “impossible,” he observed. “The bus is very handy, all you have to do is step on at the back of Dunnes and you’ll be home by 6pm.

Formerly employed at the old Ennis Mart, Tony once took driving lessons but said of the experience, “It wasn’t for me”. He was annoyed by Bus Éireann’s failure to respond to their queries but added, “I don’t want to be troubling or bothering anyone, I don’t like asking people, it is great to be able to get on the bus once a week and make the best out of it”.

“There is a fella from Coolmeen who gets the bus every week, he likes to get the bus home and doesn’t like to be disappointed like myself and not have a way home, there

are a couple of other people from Kildysart, Coolmeen and Labasheeda that don’t want to be disappointed, they want the bus to show up,” the former cross-country runner with St Mary’s Athletic Club concluded.

l WAITING: ​Bus passenger Tony Malone

Photo by Páraic McMahon

THURSDAY, JUL 9 2020

Market Ennis as ‘The Fleadh Town’ PLANNING needs to begin now so that Ennis can host Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann to mark a decade of the traditional music festival last being held in Co Clare, elected representatives have said, writes Páraic McMahon.

At Tuesday’s meeting of the Ennis Municipal District, Cllr Pat Daly (FF) called on the MD to enter into regular contact with Clare Comhaltas focused on hosting the Fleadh in Ennis to mark ten years since the running of the 2016 and 2017 events.

In late 2019 and early 2020, “proactive” meetings were held between Clare County Council’s Tourism Department, Clare Comhaltas and the Fleadh Nua committee.

Acting Head of Tourism with the local authority, Deirdre O’Shea said the discussions focused on exploring a business case aimed at expanding the current Fleadh Nua to “an annual signature festival for Ennis and Clare”.

Planning will resume when guidance is issued on the hosting of festivals and events in light of COVID-19, she added.

Forward thinking and planning is required, Cllr Daly outlined. He said that he and former councillor Christy Curtin approached Clare Comhaltas in 2012 about the prospect of bringing the Fleadh back to Ennis.

“There is no doubt the 2016 and 2017 Fleadh will go down in memory, I would love to see it happen again”.

He predicted there would be a vaccine for COVID-19 by 2026. “We should be planning ahead, there are a lot of things to be done”.

The Gallows Hill resident admitted that not being able to get past Fawls Bar from the Ennis Cathedral with the throngs of people was among the highlights of his lifetime, such was the crowd and atmosphere in the town at the 2016 Fleadh.

“Ennis has a track record when it comes to traditional music. There is no doubt about it, when it comes to traditional music there is no better place than the town of Ennis,” Cllr Mark Nestor (FF) stated.

He said it would take a strong committee and a lot of effort to bring back the Fleadh.

He suggested marketing Ennis as “The Fleadh Town”. Nestor added, “How we market the town is very important. It could be very beneficial to the tourism that we see Ennis as The Fleadh Town”.

Referring to signs and tags in the vicinity of Killarney, Cllr Mary Howard (FG) believed Ennis and the county was shy in marketing its greatest strengths.

“Clare is the home of traditional music and dance, we should put it on our signage”.

l HUP: ​Michael Hopkinks and Billy Carr enjoying the Fleadh

Photo by Eamon Ward

8 NEWS

THURSDAY, JUL 9 2020

2,100 close ‘The position pandemic claim deserves a chain’ PÁRAIC MCMAHON paraic@clareecho.ie

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EST Clare councillors are keen that the Cathaoirleach of their Municipal District be given a chain of office.

Last week, Cllr Joe Garrihy (FG) was elected as Cllr Bill Chambers’ (FF) successor in the post as Cathaoirleach of the West Clare MD. At the AGM where this was approved, Cllr Ian Lynch (IND) led the call for the holder of the position to be granted a mayoral chain.

Following the abolition of the Kilrush Town Council and establishment of the West Clare Municipal District in 2014, a decision was made by the councillors of the time “not to take a chain”.

Now in the second year of the current Council term, Cllr Lynch put forward the argument for the holder of the highest position in the District having a chain.

“I think the position deserves a chain, the title deserves a chain that goes with the office,” and suggested that a local artist be commissioned to design the chain.

He added, “When you’re invited to a place, to wear a chain of office it is important. When Shannon have a chain and Ennis has a Mayor, it is something we should consider”.

The Kilrush representative estimated that it would cost “a couple of hundred euro” and told the meeting he was willing to pay for it from his own General Municipal Allocation (GMA).

Cllr Roisin Garvey (GP) supported the suggestion and Cllr Joe Killeen (FF) queried what procedure other Municipal Districts had.

Director of Service Leonard Cleary outlined that the former

Gardaí begin checking pubs for COVID compliance GARDAÍ are to carry out checks of pubs serving food across the country to monitor adherence to public health guidelines, writes Páraic McMahon.

Licenced premises reopened last Monday with the stipulation that a substantial meal worth €9 must be purchased for individuals to also buy alcohol in such establishments.

Operation Navigation commenced on Friday evening.

It follows concerns from Garda management, the public and industry representative bodies that some licensed premises and their customers have not been adhering to the public health guidelines.

Deputy Commissioner, Policing and Security, John Twomey said, "When licenced premises were initially shut under the public health guidelines An Garda Síochána checked thousands of licensed premises to ensure they remained closed, which the vast, vast majority did.

“Our intention in this latest phase was to conduct

a large number of spotchecks of licensed premises.

“However, it now appears that just a few days after their introduction some licensed premises and their customers are ignoring the public health guidelines.

“By doing so, they are putting themselves and everyone they then come into contact with at risk of getting COVID-19.

“This is not acceptable and we are now expanding our planned checks."

Where potential breaches of the Public Health Regulations are identified, and where a person does not come into compliance with the regulations, a file is submitted to the Director of Public Prosecutions for a direction as to how to proceed.

In addition, under liquor licensing laws, a licensed premises requires a declaration of suitability from a member of An Garda Síochána in order for its liquor license to be renewed.

Town Councils had chains, “the Municipal Districts haven’t had chains to date. We will examine and investigate what is possible.

We will find out the facts,” he commented.

“Shannon got their own chain commissioned,” Cllr Lynch responded. “I accept that fully, we will investigate is as quick as possible,” Cleary said.

l IMPORTANT: Councillor Ian Lynch

Photo by Gary Collins

CIAN O’BROIN

cian@clareecho.ie

SOME 2100 people have closed their claim for the Pandemic Unemployment Payment (PUP) since last week in Clare, a Fine Gael Senator, Martin Conway has said.

Senator Conway said that while many people in Clare are still facing huge challenges as the economy reopens, it is encouraging to see the numbers relying on State aid reducing.

Senator Conway said: "I am acutely aware of the continuing challenges faced by so many families and individuals here in Clare and all over the country as a result of COVID-19.

"We are dealing with unprecedented circumstances and the PUP will continue to be available to those who need it.

"It is encouraging to see the numbers returning to work since the economy opened up further last week. This represents the highest number to return to work in a single week nationally since the crisis

began.

"The top sectors in which employees are returning to work this week are Accommodation and Food Services, Other Sectors e.g. hairdressers, barbers and Wholesale and Retail Trade, Repair of Motor Vehicles and motorcycles followed by the Construction Sector.

"It is promising to see so many people returning to work and my Fine Gael colleagues in Government will leave no stone unturned when it comes to getting Clare and Ireland back to full employment.

"Fine Gael's Action Plan for Jobs showed steady success in growing employment after the last recession.

This intense focus on job creation will be replicated again by this Government." Senator Conway concluded.

Fine Gael Minister for Social Protection Heather Humphreys, said: "This Government has set employment recovery as its top priority and my Department and I will work hard to help everybody who lost their jobs due to Covid-19 take advantage of the jobs stimulus package to be announced later this month and to get back into work."

Substantial meals in pub rules are ‘farcical’ - McNamara PÁRAIC MCMAHON

paraic@clareecho.ie

A CLARE TD has described rules that individuals must purchase a meal worth €9 in order to be served at a pub as "farcical" while also bringing Ennis Mart and Darby O'Gill & The Little People into a discussion in Dáil Éireann.

Speaking at a meeting of the Dáil's COVID-19 committee, Michael McNamara (inset) equated the regulations within pubs to a 1950s film featuring leprechauns.

He questioned if health officials were trying to tell tourists from abroad "that a substantial meal will somehow protect them from Covid-19? Is there is a risk that they might believe they are coming onto the set of 'Darby O'Gill and the Little People; or something like that".

Guidelines issued by the Department of Health stated that pubs could only reopen if they were to serve a substantial meal costing €9.

The rule is expected to stay in place until July 20th. Director of Sector Development with Fáilte Ireland, Jenny De Saulles told the meeting that they would be coming together with the Health and Safety Authority to inspect premises in relation to the guidelines.

CEO of Fáilte Ireland, Paul Kelly stressed, "With regard to restaurants, pubs, substantial meals and so on, it is important to say that, currently, pubs are not allowed to open.

“What is allowed to open are pubs that are food-serving, because of the

blurred distinction between a restaurant and a pub. The requirement for a substantial meal, and the minimum cost of €9 as set in legislation, both of which apply per person, is an indicator that the pub is acting like a restaurant and serving food like a restaurant".

McNamara also queried if pubs were entitled to have live music so long as substantial meals are being served.

Enforcing such regulations will be a difficult task, the barrister predicted. Deputy McNamara also mentioned Ennis Mart during the debate. " A diner could go to a really expensive Michelin three-star restaurant and get what might not be regarded as a substantial meal by the mart-goers who were in Ennis this morning where, up to now, they have served substantial meals".

"It was about defining a gastropub, that is, a pub that serves food. The definition was determined as a meal of about €9.

“It was intended to be a meal as opposed to a bag of crisps and a pint. As Mr. Kelly stated, for this phase it is only restaurants that are open, not pubs," Ms De Saulles replied.

Deputy McNamara who chairs the COVID-19 committee said of the rules, "It is a bit farcical. I know we specialise in farce, theatre and so on, but I would not like to have my livelihood determined by such farce".

Legislation has set out the €9 requirement, Kelly outlined. "If a pub is serving a packet of crisps or a tiny bit of caviar for €9, it is not being compliant.

“This is about creating a safe environment for people to be able to go out".

NEWS 9

THURSDAY, JUL 9 2020

Lack of safe cycling and walking facilities ‘a disservice to children’ PÁRAIC MCMAHON

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paraic@clareecho.ie

AFE and designated cycling and walking connections should be in place along local and secondary roads of North and West Clare, a local representative has said while another has described the amount of teenage girls cycling to school as "horrific".

Newly elected Cathaoirleach of the West Clare Municipal District, Cllr Joe Garrihy (FG) requested that local and secondary roads in the district be given back to the community to "open designated safe cycle and walking connections" to form a link between villages, towns and amenity areas.

Senior executive engineer, Enda MacNamara stressed that "extensive consultation" with the Department of Transport, An Garda Síochána, community groups and affected households and landowners is required when it comes to changing the use of local roads. He committed to discussing the matter further with Cllr Garrihy to determine what options were feasible.

Local roads have never been as busy with cyclists as they were during the height of

COVID-19 restrictions, Cllr Garrihy noted.

He revealed that his teenage son learned to cycle at this time as it was the only time when it was safe enough due to the diluted traffic. He acknowledged the challenges the MD has had with buses in North Clare and the vast road network it is in control of.

"It is a strategic way of linking the towns with the Greenway, there is no point having a Greenway unless the towns in between are linked," Garrihy added.

Lack of safe facilities for walking and cycling is "a disservice to the children" within the county and further afield, Cllr Roisin Garvey (GP) declared.

"It is so depressing that the children today who love cycling and walking are denied the right". She said that a quarter of children in the country are obese by the age of nine and believed improved green infrastructure "would save the State millions on health".

She described it as "horrific" that only one in 250 girls cycle to school every day and that "only 500 teenage girls in the entire country cycle to school". The Inagh native was adamant that opening up areas for walking and cycling would lower pollution, help the climate and the health of the nation. "Speed is a killer, I don't know anybody living on a quiet road that wants cars to go fast".

Ballyea says goodbye to loyal supporter Colin Barry ONE of Ballyea's most loyal supporters and a popular figure within Clare greyhound racing circles, Colin Barry has died, writes Páraic McMahon.

An ever-present member of the supporting contingent at games involving his beloved Ballyea, Colin took pride of place among the panel of players and captain Cathal Doohan when they were crowned U21 A hurling champions in 2012 for the first time in their history.

Moments after overcoming Clonlara in the county final replay, a panel photograph on the pitch was taken with Colin included in the snap.

A past pupil of St Flannan's College and Mary Immaculate College, Colin left a memorable and fond impression on those that knew him. In primary school he faced off with classmates including Tony Kelly and Niall Deasy stopping shots from the goal but as the years progressed so too

did his spina bifida and he was confined to a wheelchair.

Recent years saw his sporting participation extend to greyhound racing. Newhall Missile, a dog he owned alongside Noel Coote won the BoyleSports Irish Greyhound Consolation Derby in 2018 having started out as a 150/1 rank outside before Round One. Named after Colin's address, the dog grabbed the attention of the county two years ago making its way to the Derby.

Colin died peacefully at University Hospital Limerick on Monday. He is sadly missed by his loving parents Noelette and Gerry, brother Ronan, sister Emily, grandmother Kathleen, aunts, uncles, cousins, relatives, neighbours and friends.

Social distancing is to observed for Friday's funeral and burial at Ballyea Church.

Donations if desired can be made to MidWest Spina Bifida.

l POPULAR: ​The late Colin Barry celebrating his greyhound's win

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10 NEWS

PÁRAIC MCMAHON

L

paraic@clareecho.ie

EADING health officials have urged the Irish public to go on staycations in 2020 as opposed to travelling abroad, a Clare councillor has highlighted one location in the West of the county that needs to capitalise on this message.

Following a presentation from Acting Head of Tourism at a special meeting of the West Clare Municipal District, Cllr Gabriel Keating noted there was an omission from the list of sites referred to by the Council official.

Scattery ‘can be a big player’ Emphasis was placed on Vandeleur Walled Gardens and Loop Head Lighthouse along with the Cliffs of Moher during the discussion. “Nobody mentioned Scattery Island,” a surprised Keating commented from the Council Chamber.

“They are waiting for funding,” he said of Scattery Island. “It will be a big player in the tourism market in West Clare,” Gabriel added.

Home to a monastic settlement founded in the early 6th century by St Senan, Scattery Island is located one mile off Kilrush. Scattery Island Tours are reopening on July 3rd. Ruins of six churches and one of the highest round towers in Ireland are on Scattery.

Festivals were key to helping to reignite the economy in North-West

Clare, Cllr PJ Kelly (FF) felt. “There was a famous slogan a few years, ‘is féidir linn’, a lot of people misunderstood its meaning, it is yes we will,” he outlined. “There are areas of the county that have lots of investment but there are also areas that have had little investment with the exception of Scattery Island from Ennis to Kilrush,” the Lissycasey representative noted in response to Keating’s comments.

He continued, “We have to look at the area of festivals, they bring in a huge amount of money to the local economy, we have to be aware of it and support it”. lTOURISM: Scattery Island Photo by Scattery Island Heritage and Development

Pharmacy chain teams up with Clare Haven Services CIAN O’BROIN

C

cian@clareecho.ie

LARE Haven Services have teamed up with Safe Ireland and totalhealth pharmacies to operate a post-lockdown, locally focused initiative entitled, ‘Gateway to Safety’.

The focus is on ensuring that survivors of domestic violence and coercive control have access to community-based sanctuaries.

People experiencing domestic abuse and those within their immediate circle are asked to come forward and confide in their local totalhealth pharmacy staff who will immediately connect them with Clare Haven Services for free and confidential support.

The initiative is part of a larger scale programme run by Safe Ireland called ‘Safe Homes Safe Communities’, which is predicated on giving agency to those trapped within a cycle of domestic abuse.

The initiative hopes to harness the auspices of voice and visibility by uniting businesses, statutory groups, community organisations and civil society to change the culture of silence that allows domestic violence to continue.

Manager of Services at Clare Haven, Siobhan O’ Connor comments on the new community partnership and its centrality in overcoming the criminality of domestic violence in Clare, "If we want safe homes, we must have safe communities," she said.

"With this partnership with totalhealth, we are making it clear that you do not have to live with domestic abuse and coercive control and that support

is available, right here in your community, on your main street. “totalhealth Pharmacies are providing an accessible, safe and confidential space for survivors and those close to them who may be concerned, to take a first, simple step to safety and freedom." totalhealth is Ireland’s most widespread independently owned pharmacy chain, bolstering over 80 branches with a longstanding presence of providing care and support to local communities.

Six of these branches are rooted in County Clare and can be found in Ennis, Ennistymon, Kilrush, Scariff, Shannon and Sixmilebridge.

The partnership has arisen as a result of a substantial increase seen in domestic violence throughout the pandemic, with An Garda Siochana and Clare Haven services both noting an increase of 25 per cent in cases of domestic abuse and control.

John Arnold, Managing Director of totalhealth, finished with a shrewd statement on the relationship between totalhealth pharmacies and the necessity for a continual network of support, "Our pharmacies are rooted in their communities, for generations in some cases.

They are involved in caring for local families, their own families have grown up in the area, and they care about the communities in which they live.

“This partnership is a natural extension of the community support we pride ourselves on."

Clare Haven Services 24 hour helpline can be reached at 065 6822435.

THURSDAY, JUL 9 2020

Labasheeda ‘mini marina’ CLARE’S longest serving councillor has led the call for the creation of a “mini marina” in Labasheeda, writes Páraic McMahon.

West Clare representatives have rowed in behind the request to establish a mini marina in South-West Clare to coincide with the growing momentum in Labasheeda.

Cllr PJ Kelly (FF) has called on Clare County Council to put the facility in place and said “the straw that broke the camel’s back” in relation to him tabling the motion was confirmation that Cahercon would not be utilised for marine use in the future.

Of Labasheeda, Cllr Kelly observed, “In recent years, the community has come to life and is doing wonderful work”. He described the location as “an ideal spot for a little marine development” and believed there was now a plan for the parish.

“A very small amount of money would see a small marina there, it would be a tour-

ist attraction and would bring life there,” Cllr Kelly predicted. The former school teacher educated his colleagues that the name of Labasheeda came from a river that arrived along the Shannon Estuary during a storm, ‘a bed of silk’.

Cahercon’s closure has caught the Council offside, the Lissycasey representative added and surmised that Clare was now “a bad second” to Kerry and Limerick. “Let’s focus on the little slipways, they have huge potential. School numbers are coming up in Labasheeda, there is a sense of life there”.

Conversations have been held with the County Council and a local community group on plans for the pier.

This focused on improving paving, increasing parking, installing electric vehicle charging points, linking to cycling routes and removing silt from the pier. Funding sources are to be identified for such works, senior executive engineer Alan Kennelly said.

Wynne calls on Government to stand up for Palestinians SINN Féin TD for Clare Violet-Anne Wynne joined Saturday's Ennis rally in support of Palestinian opposition to annexation of the Gaza Strip. She called on the Government to make clear its opposition to Israeli plans to annex Palestinian lands.

"The human and political consequences of plans by Israel to annex Palestinian land in the Gaza Strip will be catastrophic resulting in the huge displacement of people, and wholesale seizures of land and natural resources, including water."

"The annexation intended to begin this month is the culmination of a decades long process to liquidate any concept of a viable Palestinian

homeland.

"No right thinking democrat can stand by and acquiesce in silence.

The Irish government must end its foot dragging and refusal to implement the decision of Dáil Eíreann in 2014, and immediately recognise the State of Palestine. It should also end it's opposition to the Occupied Territories Bill and pass this legislation at the same time.

"Ireland's new seat on the UN Security Council should be used to uphold international law, and to assist in coordinating promotion of the humanitarian and national rights of Palestinian citizens. The time to act is now, and not a moment later,” she commented.

lPROTEST: Sinn Féin TD Violet-Anne Wynne participating at Saturday's Rally in Ennis, in support the of Palestinian opposition to annexation of the Gaza Strip

NEWS 11

THURSDAY, JUL 9 2020

Sexton overcomes self-harm to become Ógra Chairman PÁRAIC MCMAHON

C

paraic@clareecho.ie

IVIL war politics are over in what has been heralded as a new dawn for the country, fresh faces are also arriving from the parties involved including those associated with the re-emergence of Clare's branch of Ógra Fianna Fáil.

After half a decade of non-action, a Clare branch of Ógra Fianna Fáil has returned with newly elected Chairman Fionn Sexton among those leading the charge to try entice younger people into politics.

The Miltown Malbay man holds the distinction of being the only Clare Ógra Chairperson elected during a pandemic.

Its return was "really necessary" coming prior to the party giving its input at a grass-roots level on the Programme for Government which resulted in Fianna Fáil going into power alongside Fine Gael and The Green Party.

Having previously dallied with Sinn Féin on a very minor basis, Fionn was inspired to become a member of Fianna Fáil while living in Austria.

"In Clare, I felt the best way to get things done was to join the party that has done the most and has proved themselves," he explained of his decision to become a member in October of last year. Young candidates like James O'Connor succeeding in the General Election plus "people like Cathal Crowe, Shane Talty and Mark Nestor are constantly on the ground doing good work" also influenced his thinking.

Sexton's interest in politics was first sparked during his mid-teen-

age years. This was also a time in which he experienced bullying and like many people on this island had mental health struggles.

"I grew up in a household where my Mam was single for a lot of it and there was a very strong emphasis of not falling into the trap, don't get involved in bad things and things that will drag you down. We spent a lot of our childhood away from the other kids in town as a preventative measure and to enjoy our own company, there was a very strong family emphasis.

"When I got to school, I never really felt like I could fit in, I was an odd child I was a bit out-there at the beginning of secondary school because it was a new social setting and I found myself at the end of teasing and unfair behaviour that I couldn't quantify or put into context because I hadn't experienced it before".

This led to the formation of negative images in his head and damage to his self-esteem while attempts to get involved in sports didn't work out, "I couldn't really hack that due to criticism," Fionn admitted.

Dark images in his head became bigger over time which led to him self-harming. "I found the only place I could get solitude was White Strand and the year I needed it the most was the year we stopped going so I found that all of a sudden all of my traditional supports would have failed.

"Around 2014, I was at a very low point in my life, I wasn't kind to myself or looking after myself, in some ways I found myself in a situation where I would be self harming, that is a very sensitive subject but it has to be said that it does exist in the school system".

In 2015, the death of his brother Tadhg by suicide "ripped my life apart and set me on the trajectory I'm on right now," he admitted.

While sitting his Junior Certificate, in between examinations Tadhg would cook meals for his younger brother from the restaurant where he worked, memories of which are treasured by Fionn today.

A "combination of factors" led to him beginning to self-harm.

He points to being a perfectionist as a particular trigger, often when things would not go according to plan he would cut himself. "It is almost like a fevered state, it is like getting blindly angry and it is

a horrific way to live because it is dangerous and can lead to worse things than self-harm".

Now working as a sous-chef at Joe's Café in Lahinch, Fionn says changing school from St Josephs Spanish Point to Ennistymon Vocational School was key "to break out of that cycle. When I moved schools and cleared my head a little bit, it dissipated almost entirely.

"It never quite went away for a long time, I was in a bad relationship at one point and found myself

l STRONG: ​Clare Ógra Fianna Fáil Chair Fionn Sexton

Photo by John Mangan

doing it again, that was at a point when I still hadn't worked out my own mental health issues.

"Self-harm is a vicious, vicious thing and the place where it comes from is ugly, you can see the parts of my hands and wrist where the scars are which I know that I put there and for me it serves as a reminder of the fragility of mental health and having a good structure and support base in place".

People suffering from self-harm "think of anything they can do so nobody will see or notice". He references gloves, long-sleeve hoodies and tight fitting clothes as ways in which he managed to hide the scars that he created.

Politics has helped to give him a focus along with trying to make Miltown Malbay a better place to live and Fionn commented that running for local office is something he would "relish". In his role as Ógra Chairperson, he is keen to advocate for LGBT youth services.

Equating mental health with grief, he outlined that for him it is an aspect of his life he works on daily.

"The challenges still come up, there are days where you might be physically shaking at the thought of going outside or you might be picking or biting your nails, that one bad day might be one out of nineteen days.

"It is stuff like that you have to be prepared to get on top of, finding a healthy support mechanism and not relying all your happiness on a partner or a single activity or a substance, it is about having a broad range of things to fall back on".

If you have been affected by any of the contents of this article, please contact: Samaritans - Free 24 hour listening service for anyone in distress. FreePhone: 116 123 Pieta House – CALL FREE 1800 247 247 / text HELP to 51444

'I would be the first to run away but I can't because I'm in a chair' A PETITION has been launched to get a forty two year old Clare woman out of a nursing home and into a "forever home", writes Páraic McMahon.

Disability rights activists are leading the petition to get Ennistymon native Jennifer Hynes out of an Ennis nursing home and into her own accommodation. Ms Hynes has been living in a nursing home since April of last year and has been campaigning on the matter for the last fourteen months.

Her story has previously been documented in The Clare Echo.

In the past seven days, a petition has been launched by Clare Leader Forum to see Jennifer

get her "forever home". They are urging the HSE and Clare County Council to put supports in place to allow for this to happen.

A spokesperson for Clare Leader Forum stated that they were calling on officials and politicians "as a matter of urgency to ensure Jennifer's human rights are met under Article 19 of the UN Convention for People with Disabilities.

"Nursing homes are not suitable places for young people to live an independent life".

Jennifer was moved into a nursing home due to what Clare Leader Forum have said was a "lack of support". She has cerebral palsy, epilepsy, and asthma which she

admitted requires "a lot of care".

Her wish is to live independently in her own home while attending a daycare facility with access to carers.

In February of this year, Jennifer gave a passionate plea to candidates in the General Election to help her get out of the nursing home at the Clare Leader Forum organised hustings.

"I would be the first to run away but I'm not able because I'm in a chair," Jennifer said this week.

l DETERMINED: Jennifer Hynes is continuing her appeal to move out of a nursing home

Photo by John Mangan

12 NEWS

THURSDAY, JUL 9 2020

Murphy leaving role as Managing Director of Shannon Airport PĂ RAIC MCMAHON

M

paraic@clareecho.ie

ANAGING Director of Shannon Airport, Andrew Murphy is to leave the role.

Shannon Group confirmed on Friday evening that Murphy would be departing his position for other opportunities in the aviation sector.

He first joined Shannon Group

in March 2014 beginning work as the Chief Commercial Officer, 22 months later he became Managing Director. Andrew is a graduate of the Shannon College of Hotel Management and worked as a Director with Ulster Bank prior to joining Shannon Group. He previously owned DeMurfo’s Coffee House in Dublin.

Commenting on his departure, Shannon Group CEO, Mary Considine stated, “Andrew has played an instrumental role at Shannon Group since the early days of its establishment and we are very appreciative of his dedication and

Cumann promises to tackle local issues A NEW Chairperson has been appointed to the Sean Lemass Cumann of Fianna FĂĄil in Shannon.

Shannon's Claire Chambers was elected as Chairperson at the Cumann's Annual General Meeting in the past week. Tony Walsh, Louise McNamara and David Griffin have all retained their positions on the Cumann.

Local issues such as the condition of footpaths, illegal dumping of rubbish along the stretch of road by Lufthansa Technik formerly Shannon Aerospace and tree cutting were highlighted at the AGM. Representations on these matters are to be made to local Fianna FĂĄil councillors Pat McMahon and Pat O'Gorman and TD, Cathal Crowe.

Honorary President: Aidan White Snr, Chairperson: Claire Chambers, Secretary: Tony Walsh, Treasurer: Louise McNamara, Youth Officer: David Griffin.

hard work throughout his career with us. I would like to wish him every success and happiness in his new career�.

Murphy is the second high-profile departure from Shannon Group in the space of one week.

Managing Director of Shannon Heritage, Niall O’Callaghan announced his resignation last week.

Last month, Clare TD Michael McNamara (IND) called on Rose Hynes and the entire board of Shannon Group to resign from their positions. Shannon Airport resumed passenger flights on July 1st.

l DEPARTURE: Shannon Airport MD Andrew Murphy

Photo by Arthur Ellis

Shannon Tidy Towns collect 100 rubbish bags PĂ RAIC MCMAHON paraic@clareecho.ie

OVER 100 bags of rubbish were collected by members of Shannon Tidy Towns during An Taisce’s National Spring Clean held last month.

Ordinarily held in April, there was a two month delay to the National Spring Clean on account of COVID-19.

Equipment including hivis, gloves and pickers were all cleaned before and after use, volunteers kept to their two metre social distance, hand sanitiser was supplied, maximum groups of 15 were allowed while a list of attendees has been kept to assist with contact tracing if

needed. A total of 65 individuals assisted on the day.

Volunteers met up at five different locations across Shannon in an attempt to cover as much ground as possible. Within a ninety minute window, over 100 bags of rubbish were collected along with trolleys and broken bikes.

PRO of Shannon Tidy Towns, Dawn Adams has confirmed to The Clare Echo that the clean up has led to more volunteers coming on board. She appealed to more people to get involved with the group. “I would highly recommend people to put their name down. It is very rewarding�.

Homes without emergency access FIVE homes in a Shannon estate containing approximately 55 houses are inaccessible for emergency services, writes PĂĄraic McMahon.

Residents living in houses 46 to 50 in Cill Chais, Tullyglass are the only ones in the Shannon housing estate that are without an access road. An appeal has been made to the Shannon Municipal District for such infrastructure to be put in place with Cllr PJ Ryan (IND) tabling a motion at a recent meeting.

An access road was “promised� by Shannon Development, Cllr Ryan stated and he flagged that it has been an issue for the last ten to twelve years.

No funding is currently available for such works, senior engineer Aidan O’Rourke highlighted in response to Cllr Ryan.

A new source of funding would have to be identified “in order to construct this proposed service road�. He said that the houses were originally constructed “without the benefit of road frontage and, presumably occupied on that basis. There is provision for car parking at this location albeit not directly in front of the houses themselves�. “Part of my business is the delivery of home heating oil, it is virtually impossible to access them,� Cllr Ryan commented. He said that residents have paperwork stating that an access road would be provided. “It is something that needs to be done, it has been ongoing for too long�.

Shannon resident, Cllr Donna McGettigan (SF) seconded the motion. “It is scary to think ambulance and fire services can’t access these houses, that says it all,� she remarked.

Cathaoirleach of the Shannon MD, Cllr Gerry Flynn (IND) believed GMA funding would not be “adequate� to cover the costs of the works. He questioned O’Rourke on whether costings could be done and the engineer committed to carrying out costings.

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Arts & Entertainment 13

THURSDAY, JUL 9 2020

Tommy brings joy to Gallows Hill with community concerts CIAN O’BROIN

T

cian@clareecho.ie

OMMY Ryan has been a resident of Gallows Hill for the last 32 years. A proud Ennis man since birth, Tommy’s passion for people and performance has struck a deep chord within the local community of Gallows Hill throughout the lockdown.

Tommy moved to Dublin as a young boy with his family, where he met his wife and inevitably returned to his beloved County Clare. In true Irish fashion and like many of his generation, Tommy has always been partial to a little sing along in the local pub. This led him to forming a local country western band called the Outlaws and later finishing up with T. R Ryan and Country Ways.

Fifty years later, at the age of 75, Tommy now spends his time putting on local community concerts each week for his son and the residents of Gallows Hill, Ennis, guiding neighbours through the tumult of a long and lonesome lockdown

and has undoubtedly fused an infrangible bond within the small suburban community.

Initially, life in lockdown saw Tommy torn from his love of performance and suffusing high spirits within the local community. On the journey to becoming the face of Gallows Hill, Tommy says, “I retired at the age of 62. I took an early retirement from my position at the airport in Shannon. I gave up the music too. My wife was sick with cancer and passed away.

“I have my son with me here and he was gone out every day and I was doing nothing. I decided to buy a bit of music equipment and I started performing voluntarily at the Day-care Centre in Clarecastle at first. I ended up doing all the nursing homes. I did St. Joseph’s, Cahercalla and the Day-care Centre in Carrigoran. I’ve been doing that now for the last couple of years. I play music with a backing track, singing along to it all the time. I always sang, never played an instrument. I’m 75 myself now and I reckon I play for the old folks, but I guess I’m one of them now.”

Visitor restrictions and an internal lockdown within nursing

homes hit Tommy really hard as he tells of how he misses playing for elderly day-care residents: “I really miss going. It was something I was really enjoying. The people are so grateful, and they are so delighted with a bit of music. I have all the old stuff. I remember everything from my mother’s time.

I was always into that kind of music. I have about 13,000 songs on my laptop. I have been gathering it over the years. A friend of mine gave me a DJ system with a couple of thousand songs. I add to it every week by downloading the music onto my phone and adding it to my playlist on the laptop.”

Two weeks into a nationwide standstill, Tommy decided to inject some joy into a tight lockdown felt within Gallows Hill. Drawing on inspiration from community exercise which had to be abandoned due to an inability to effectively social distance from one another, Tommy put his head together with two local pub owners and the trio set about hosting weekly community concerts on their front lawns.

Tommy speaks with great delight of the joy residents felt when they saw the country singer pitch

his gazebo in his front garden, clambering for the nearest deck chair and bottle of wine, knowing full well that an exuberant and sun filled sing along was on the cards.

Tommy concludes with how the concerts quickly became the highlight of the week at Gallows Hill, transforming strange faces into familiar ones and of how Gallows Hill has become the epitome of equanimity and neighbourly love, “It has worked out perfectly every day so far now. My son is a great dancer. He does a bit of Michael

Jackson. He comes out the front here and does a few dances while I play a bit of music. It’s a fabulous place to live now.

“The neighbours have gotten so much closer together. This has really opened people up to each other. We used to pass one another out down here but now we have all come together and it’s great.

It’s a great excuse to socialise. It’s the same reason why we go to the pubs, to socialise, not to get drunk.

It’s good for the people here and I love doing it.”

lCOMMUNITY CONCERTS: Tommy Ryan pictured with his son John Ryan Photo by Cian O’Broin

All Clare Library branches now open ALL seven Clare Library locations are now open and accessible to the public, following the reopening of Scariff library on Monday July 6th and the Local Studies Centre in Ennis, writes Cian O’Broin.

The East Clare location is now providing a limited service through a reduced capacity to the public and the implementation of Perspex screens and PPE equipment for all staff.

Opening hours have also been curtailed and children under the age of twelve are being asked to be accompanied by an adult, at all times.

nagh with co-star Barry Keoghan

Scariff joins branches at Ennis, Ennistymon, Kilrush, Kilkee, Miltown Malbay, Scariff and Shannon which are now open to the people of Clare and both observing and respecting proper social distancing and personal health and hygiene measures.

Pictured are Tara and Padraig who are elated at the opportunity to connect with the people of East Clare once again. A number of part-time libraries located around the county are operating a specialised click and collect service which enables members to digitally order the book they are seeking.

Corofin is the latest branch to provide this service.

Orders can then be collected at a designated time at the front of the specified library location. Items may also be returned through return boxes located at the front of the libraries.

The click and collect scheme has been run successfully over the last number of weeks at five locations and was developed as a means of mitigating the transmission of Covid-19.

For information on operating this system and Clare Library’s events, visit Clarelibrary.com.

14

COLUMNISTS

2005

THURSDAY, JUL 9 2020

Driving on with the new normal

Crime special: Cian O’Broin recounts the brutal murder of Liam Moloney in Ruan

CIAN O’BROIN History

I

N 2005, a man was murdered outside the village of Ruan, County Clare. A unanimous jury verdict was reached after just four hours. Mr Justice Paul Carney of the Central Criminal Court gave life to Anthony Kelly for the murder of his friend and father to four, Liam Moloney on February 11, 2005. Mr Moloney was found just outside a privately owned, abandoned premises. He received 17 blows to the head with a hatchet and his pockets were turned inside out. The two were introduced to one another several months previous and would drink together infrequently along with a childhood friend of Mr Kelly’s. How did it come to this? Was this passion? Fury? Madness? Read on as we delve into Reeling in the Years Clare 2005, a true crime special...

Fifty-two years of age at the time of the murder, Mr Kelly had lived and worked in the United States for 30 years as a building manager before his return home to Ireland.

He was deported back to Ireland in 2001, after serving a 21 prison sentence for faking his own kidnapping in an attempt to extort money from his uncle.

Anthony Kelly, who at the time of trial had an address of Emlagh na Muck, Emlagh More, Waterville, Killarney, was then introduced to Liam Moloney through his childhood friend. Mr Kelly claimed that Mr Moloney had been making racist remarks which upset him due to the fact that his wife was from South America. This claim was found to be untrue during the trial. Mr Kelly informed Gardaí after his arrest that he had pondered on and prepared for the killing of his acquaintance.

His preparations involved sharpening a knife as well as purchasing some oilskins to hide his face in the act.

Mr Kelly intended to kill Mr Moloney one week prior to the actual murder but told the court that he had thought better of it. Dissuaded but not deterred, on February 11, 2005, Mr Moloney, who was working as a taxi man, picked up his acquaintance Anthony Kelly outside a pub in Barefield, County Clare. The MO as put to Mr Moloney

by Kelly was that the pair would pick up his Swedish girlfriend. This was a complete fabrication on Mr Kelly’s behalf, a story spurned over a period of a few months amidst infrequent pints. The court later found this to be a major facet of Mr Kelly’s personality, telling false and illustrious tales.

Kelly made Mr Moloney pull over outside Porthouse Estate, near the village of Ruan.

He then pretended to take a phone call from his fake Swedish girlfriend and claims to have heard voices which urged him to kill his acquaintance, Mr Moloney. He later told Gardaí that he could not resist this request. A brutal murder in a fit of rage was then carried out by Mr Kelly on Liam Moloney.

Straight after the killing, Kelly went to Mr Moloney’s apartment in Ennis, aided with the prior knowledge that he knew his acquaintance kept some money there and decided to help himself to €500. Eight

lLahinch car park awash with cars last week as people flock to beaches across the county minutes later, he left the apartment and drove to the house of a young boy of 14 whom Kelly was known to act ‘as a father figure’ for. Kelly collected the boy on the night of the killing and told him that they were going to spend the mid-term break together. On the way down to Kerry, Mr Kelly and the boy stopped at Mr Moloney’s car and Kelly proceeded to set it alight but subsequently failed. He later convinced the boy to bury a meat clever, sunglasses and a padlock at a beach in Glenbeigh. He also burned the clothes he was wearing and got rid of an axe-head used in the murder. His final request to the boy was to clean his car, after which he dropped him home shortly before schools were to reconvene.

On February 25, 2005, Kelly was arrested

by Gardaí, admitting everything. They found a shotgun and some notes at his home detailing a list of resolutions such as ‘remember Liam Moloney.’

In the courtroom, Kelly’s defence was to plead insanity, claiming that he was suffering from a mental illness at the time of the murder. This allies with the Criminal Insanity Act which incorporates diminished responsibility in the event of a crime. The accused was identified as having an interesting and complex personality and was noted as being “garrulous, aggressive, charming and engaging”. Kelly and his defence claimed that he was suffering from hallucinations. This didn’t sit well with a whole host of clinicians, who believed Kelly was making this up and that his actions belied that of someone who was completely and totally enraged. The boy was found not guilty for withholding information relating to the murder.

In his closing for the prosecution, Mr Tom O’Connell SC, said the motive for the killing was ‘to enrich himself by stealing Mr Moloney’s money after he had killed him.’

And he described the killing as “meticulously planned, ruthlessly executed and followed by a cover up”.

Check back next week as we look at the year 2006 in our Reeling In The Years Clare archival series.

Photo by John Mangan

FEATURES 15

THURSDAY, JUL 9 2020

Opinion

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

Retail facing County’s lack of ministerial death by a representation not a big worry EOIN thousand cuts? T NEYLON

STUART HOLLY Editor

is another stab wound to the local retail sector. Death by a thousand cuts.

What I find particularly frustrating is that the current retail offering in Clare is currently outstanding. There are fashion houses in County Clare that are easily among the best in Ireland. While the challenge facing retailers and business owners is steep, many retailers are doing what’s in their control to manage their destiny. Patrick Bourke tells us this week he is developing an online store and I hope it’s a phenomenal success however it’s unfortunate that our savvy businesspeople are being forced to conform to an online market which could ultimately be to the detriment of our retail towns.

We can slow this process by making sure every purchase we make is done locally where possible. However more pertinantly, on a local authority level, this presents an opportunity to reconfigure our towns to create a space so attractive that we will be left with trading centres that can enhance the visitor experience - not just for tourists but locals alike so that we can prosper in the shadow of online shopping.

‘‘

The fear is towns like Kilrush, Ennis and Shannon will become centres for practical business only

‘‘

T

HE Buy Into Clare series run by The Clare Echo over the last five weeks has given us a deeper insight into the concerns and challenges facing our business community across Clare as retailers and business owners attempt navigate their way through the murky waters of trading in a post-Covid world.

For most, projections along with expectations of any profit margin have been thrown out the window for 2020 with a sharp focus on keeping staff employed and attracting customers in their doors. More than anything, this series has given us an insight into the resilience and optimism built into the local business community.

I’d like people to consider my following point. While it’s been an education to interview so many classy business people in recent weeks, I want to make short reference to our retail sector specifically.

Online shopping trends have accelerated acutely since March and the day when our town centres are fatally wounded is potentially now clear on the horizon. Without our retail, the knock-on effect is unfathomable. It could easily lead to no vibrancy in our streets, less employment, less cafés, another reason less to live in our towns like Ennis, a stagnant population, less tourism, the list goes on.

Ultimately the fear is that towns like Kilrush, Ennis and Shannon will become centres for practical business and convenience purchases only, where grocery stores, solicitors offices, opticians, pharmacies, hardware shops and the like are all we have left (and their business will suffer too with retail dead and gone).

The frightening thing is, every purchase made online

HE end of the political machinations resulting from February’s election culminated in last week’s appointment of Junior Ministers. There was no joy, despite some speculation, for either of Clare’s TDs from Government parties, Cathal Crowe (FF) and Joe Carey (FG).

Carey, a TD since 2007 had been viewed by some as having ‘served his time’. However, with so many senior FG figures getting demoted from Cabinet, it was always going to be tough for Carey to become only the third FG member from Clare to receive a Ministerial appointment, following in the footsteps of his father Dónal and his colleague Pat Breen. Carey is only the seventh member of FG to be elected a Clare TD but it seems that his wait for a promotion will go on until at least the reshuffle scheduled for 2022.

Crowe on the other hand was an outside hope to go straight into the Ministerial like his colleagues Norma Foley in Kerry. Alas, with so many high-profile Fianna Fáil TDs in the hunt, it transpired that the Meelick native would not yet become the seventh FF TD to be given a portfolio in Government. This means that no Clare TD has a Ministerial portfolio for the first time since the 2011 to 2016 Government. However, Clare has a strong tradition of having representation in Government either in Cabinet or Minister of State ranks.

Since the election of Eamon de Valera as Taoiseach in 1932, Clare has only failed to have a Minister on five occasions previously. These were the Inter-party Governments formed in 1948 and 1954, the shortlived Haughey Government of 1982 that only lasted six months, the 1992 FF-Labour coalition that fell in December 1994 and finally, the Enda Kenny led administration of Fine Gael and Labour in 2011.

Outside of Counties Dublin and Cork, with 16 Dáil constituencies between them, only Mayo and Limerick are better represented over time at Cabinet than Co Clare. Having three Presidents, one of which was Taoiseach, and a longstanding Ceann Comhairle in Labour’s Patrick Hogan, along with six other cabinet Ministers, Clare has produced many political heavyweights over the years. That’s not to mention politicians elected in other counties who were originally from Clare, like Pat Upton and his sister Mary Upton who were both elected TDs for the Labour Party in Dublin South Central.

The worry now though is that, without representation in the Government, that Clare will be forgotten about in favour of other areas with a seat at the table. I for one don’t believe that this should or will be the case, however. With seven Oireachtas members, Clare has never had more representation in the Upper and Lower houses in Leinster House. This includes five TDs and

Politics

lClare has a strong tradition of representation in Dáil Eireann stretching back to the De Valera era

Senators from Government parties and in Michael McNamara, an Independent that, so far, has voted with the Government also. This leaves Violet Anne-Wynne of Sinn Féin at an apparent disadvantage, not having the ear of Government Ministers unlike her constituency colleagues.

The seven representatives will have to work together in order to ensure that large scale projects are supported in the county and legislation initiated in either house has the Banner county’s best interest at heart. First among these will be Shannon airport and Moneypoint, two of the largest employers in the region. In tandem with these though are supports for the tourism and hospitality sectors which are huge employers in Clare but who’s tourist season has been decimated by the global pandemic.

The new Government has continued with a cautious approach to opening up the country. This seems a prudent approach given that new cases of Covid19 are once again being recorded in the community and large numbers of close contacts being recorded for these also.

It’s paramount if we are to avoid a crippling second wave then that everyone does all they can to continue to socially distance, keep up good hygiene, wear a mask and download the new contact tracing app.

The latter is vital so that people will know in real time if they’ve been in close contact with a confirmed case and can isolate and get themselves tested in good time. If our economy is to recover in a timely manner, it’s something the vast majority have to participate in.

16 FEATURES

The greater good RONAN SCULLY

Thought for the week

O

VER the years, I have travelled around our world quite a lot especially with work. In that time, I have seen and heard of so many horrific acts of racism committed against black people and of people of different ethnic minorities, from children right up to adults. Now, I have to ask myself a question: As a dad of two amazing children of colour, why haven’t I done more to try to end this? We must stand up for those who are persecuted.

We must listen to those who are harmed and stand with them and protect them. I am moved to hear so many speak of how they need to be more than not racist, but to be actively anti-racist. In a world battling the Coronavirus, especially these last few months, we have all realised how much stronger we are, when we work together.

The senseless acts of racial and ethnic violence in word and deed should have no place in our world!

So many of us, from all around the world, have helped each other through this virus pandemic and all of us are working together to save lives, exactly as we should be and you will all agree when we do all work together, what a difference we all made and we all make for the greater good!

In recent years, as right wing extremism has gained ground in our societies, we have become more aware of the overt threats to democratic principles and values.

Yet, within our own societies and cultures there remain hidden prejudices and biases. Some such manifestations are often generated by poor communication, fear or ignorance and can result in public protest such as against the relocation of refugees or migrants in our own communities. We need to focus on changing behaviour before attitudes will change.

Education, and particularly citizen education, can play a major part in cultivating critical thinking and increasing respect for all cultural perspectives. We need to ensure that all our communities are truly inclusive . Society needs to manifestly support diversity and clearly support those people and families from minority or diverse cultural backgrounds. Communities must be safe environments where all people and families, irrespective of ethnic origin, gender orientation, cultural or religious identity feel welcome and appreciated.

Education can be transformational and can be a force to erase divisions and biases. Democratic

principles which promote equality in all forms must remain at the very heart of our communities.

Communities today are preparing our citizens of tomorrow. Let’s hope their citizen education and civic programmes produce citizens who embrace diversity and respect differences . We cannot be a society that is true to the demands of in part a Christian way of life if we do not act justly, if we do not act to root out racism in the structures of our society. I realise that the subject of race can be a very difficult one for all of us.

Yet I am convinced that we must address it with honesty and courage. For it remains a significant and sinful reality in our midst.

I am saddened to observe that racism remains a very real and powerful force among us. Despite our efforts to combat it, racism continues to mar our humanity as a deep wound in our midst. It is a destructive force to our personal lives, and to our society and I firmly believe that the struggle against racism must, first and foremost, be waged in the heart!

I’m often intrigued that young children accept everyone for who they are, yet not all adults do - why is that?

The Need for a “Benny!”

Listening to people and indeed some people’s nasty racist rhetoric recently, one might think that leadership has to be aggressive and confrontational, but consider this parable about leadership. A student assigned to write an essay about an effective leader wrote this story: “I’ve been taking a bus to school for years. Most passengers keep to themselves and no one ever talks to anyone else. About a year ago, an elderly man got on the bus and said loudly to the driver, ‘Good morning!’ Most people looked up, annoyed, and the bus driver just grunted. The next day the man got on at the same stop and again he said loudly, ‘Good morning!’ to the driver. Another grunt. By the fifth day, the driver relented and greeted the man with a semi-cheerful ‘Good morning!’

The man announced, ‘My name is Benny,’ and asked the driver, ‘What’s yours?’ The driver said his name was Ralph. That was the first time any of us heard the driver’s name and soon people began to talk to each other and say hello to Ralph and Benny. Soon Benny extended his cheerful ‘Good morning!’ to the whole bus. Within a few days his ‘Good morning!’ was returned by a whole bunch of ‘Good mornings’ and the entire

bus seemed to be friendlier. People got to know each other.

“If a leader is someone who makes something happen, Benny was our leader in friendliness.” A month ago, Benny didn’t get on the bus and we haven’t seen him since.

Everyone began to ask about Benny and lots of people said he may have died. No one knew what to do and the bus got awful quiet again.

So last week, I started to act like Benny and say, ‘Good morning!’ to everyone and they cheered up again. I guess I’m the leader now.

I hope Benny comes back to see what he started. Maybe all our societies in our world need a Benny!”

Thought for the week

As your thought for the week, I ask you to join me in this race for racial justice, to do your part, so that together we can create a new world. The society we live in is the result of human choices and decisions.

We, the human race created racism and only we, the human race can defeat racism and that time has come. No longer can racism be tolerated or accepted, it needs to be stopped, and the people who have suffered because of it have the right to finally be free from its grasp.

Racism has no place here, it has no place anywhere and until we stamp it out permanently, we will never truly be free. That means that human beings can change things.

For what human beings break, divide and separate, we can—with God’s help—also heal, unite and restore. What is now, does not have to be. Therein lies our hope and our challenge. Racism, bigotry, discrimination, sexism, anti-Semitism, Islamophobia, homophobia, xenophobia, should have no place in our society. So as another new week begins, may you be blessed and may others be blessed by you.

May you be blessed with all things good.

May racism be absent from your life and may beauty, order, real love and abundance be your constant companion. May every path you choose lead to that which is pure and good and caring. And when there is only darkness and storms closing in, may the light at the core of your being illuminate the world. May you always be aware you are loved beyond measure and may you be willing to love unconditionally in return.

May you always feel protected and cradled in the arms of God, like the cherished child you are.

And when you are tempted to judge, may you be reminded that we are all one and that every thought you think reverberates across the universe touching everyone and everything. And when you are tempted to hold back, may you remember that love flows best when it flows freely and it is in giving that we receive the greatest gift. Lord, Amen

THURSDAY, JUL 9 2020

One in 1,000 10km for daddy CIAN O’BROIN

C

cian@clareecho.ie

LARE native Sandra Cook is taking part in the One in 1,000 10k for Cystic Fibrosis Ireland, in the hope of raising both awareness and financial support for an illness that she has come to learn quite a lot about over 16 years from marrying her now husband Robert, who lives with cystic fibrosis.

Joining her are her children Callum and Grace who will be taking part in a five-kilometre cycle and a two-kilometre walk, respectively. Cystic Fibrosis is near and dear to the family’s heart, with Sandra admitting that the children jumped at the chance to assist their daddy in fighting the illness that also meant that they never had the chance to meet their aunty Diane.

Each year, 25 new cases of cystic fibrosis are diagnosed in Ireland.

This adds to a total of 1,300 individuals living with it right now in the state. Sandra asserts that awareness is paramount in the battle against cystic fibrosis, with some people unable to avail of essential medicines such as orkambi or kalydeco.

Sandra also mentions a number of new and exciting drugs in the pipeline and is pleased with her husbands’ condition and his hard work to keep himself well.

On the personal battle that she has witnessed between her husband and cystic fibrosis, she admits, “Sixteen years ago when I met my now husband I didn’t know very much about cystic fibrosis. Moving on 16 years there is still a lot I don’t know. I don’t know how it feels to breathe with cystic fibrosis.

“I don’t know how it feels to get up every morning and have hours of nebulizers and physio to do and again at night-time. I don’t know how it feels to spend weeks on end in hospital fighting an infection.”

“But what I do know, is how it feels to watch someone you love go through this and more.

I have seen the courage, strength, bravery and pure determination it takes to have cystic fibrosis.

“I have also seen the amazing advances being made for cystic fibrosis, new dedicated cystic fibrosis units being built and huge breakthroughs in treatments.

“A lot of this is down to fundraising and awareness. Robert has run marathons, fundraising and raising awareness for cystic fibrosis, so now it’s my turn to take some inspiration. This is why I have signed up for the VHI’s one in 1000 virtual 10k.”

Sandra, Grace and Callum hope to complete their challenges this Saturday, July 11th and are urging the people of Clare to help raise awareness around cystic fibrosis by donating to ‘Callum, Grace and Sandra’s fundraiser for Cystic Fibrosis’ on idonate.com.

lREADY FOR ROAD: Sandra Cook with her kids Grace and Callum Cook

THANK YOU

PEADER White and all those involved with the Samaritans would like to thank everyone who supported us during our 12 hour static cycle. We raised E2000.00 which is very much appreciated.

FEATURES 17

THURSDAY, JUL 9 2020

GREEN CLARE

Putting heritage at the heart of community CIAN O’BROIN

T

cianobroin@clareecho.ie

HE County Clare Heritage Office operates an online archive for communities in Clare, highlighting and celebrating the environmental history and heritage of local people.

An eclectic and diverse collection, the website collates natural heritage and biodiversity along with cultural heritage, educational resources, the Shannon Estuary way and a highly detailed layout of the many heritage trails found within the county boundaries. The Clare Heritage website puts heritage at the heart of the community and local groups such as those in Shannon, Clarecastle, Kilkee and Scattery Island are asked to share their local environmental and community heritage for national heritage week which takes place between 15-23rd of August 2020. The website hopes to foster a community collaboration of information relating to projects in the realm of biodiversity and provide a public platform to celebrate and raise awareness around these ongoing operations within the county.

County Clare Heritage Officer, Congella McGuire, comments on the importance of the website in archiving community projects and culture, “Community archives encourage collaborative engagement with local collections of mainly primary sources: photographs, documents, material objects and oral histories. They often develop from a shared identity and can result in a better understanding and appreciation of a community’s history and heritage. Archives are a representation of a communities understanding of their history and heritage, and contain many items not traditionally found in an archive. The community archiving process can bring people in a community together with a sense of shared purpose, often leading to heritage-based educational, social and community development activities within the wider locality.�

The Clare Irish Community Archive network (iCAN) was originally planned to be launched on March 24th in Clarecastle. Various heritage groups speckled around the county are making use of digital forums to discuss topics such as the Clare Holy Wells Audit, heritage week project ideas, biodiversity and the Clare swift survey. Community heritage banners have now been completed for the various heritage groups and requests for further training has taken place in relation to navigating iMovie, heritage and historian skills, creating a timeline on their website as well as the creation of time lapses to encapsulate landscape changes over a period of time.

One such heritage group which can be found online in conjunction with the Her-

itage Office is the Clarecastle Ballyea Heritage, who have put a strong emphasis on preserving their history and biodiversity.

Most noteworthy on their website is their biodiversity gallery and their Clare Abbey walks featured section, which looks at the flora and fauna found along the pathway and even includes a picture of a fossil embedded within the limestone wall of Clare Abbey.

One prominent feature on the Clare Heritage website is the section relating to Heritage Trails. These trails bolster the County’s allure to outsiders and highlight the experience felt in the many exceptional landscapes, seascapes, history, heritage, culture and folklore found within the county, hoping to positively portray the local people and communities which make Clare unique. The Burren and Cliffs of Moher geopark trails and the Loop Head Heritage trails are featured on the website.

Also available is a wealth of oral histories on the natural environment, entwined

with tales of old. For example, short audio snippets are available on Charlie and Nora O’ Shea and the storms in Labasheeda, Viking use of the Shannon Estuary and the story of the mermaid of Killone. The website also outlines a number of key facts relating to Clare’s unique biodiversity such as Clare having twenty per cent of its land area designated for natural conservation and that there are five wildlife sanctuaries, four nature reserves and the Burren National Park as well as forty-five recognized geological heritage sites.

On a final note, County Clare Heritage Officer, Congella McGuire, breaks down the innovative and adaptive approach taken by the Heritage Office in celebrating Heritage Week this year, in spite of structural changes brought about by Covid-19: “Rather than focusing on the organisation of in-person public events, local heritage groups and organisers, families and communities are being invited to develop proj-

ects around this year’s theme of ‘Heritage and Education.’ The new approach is designed to promote the sharing of experience and knowledge. Expressions of interest and project ideas should be submitted to HeritageWeek.ie and be carried out throughout June and July.

Projects should be completed in time for National Heritage Week when they will be showcased. Accepted formats for showcasing may vary from online talks or exhibitions, to a video, podcast, slideshow presentation or blog, to media coverage, a dedicated website or moderated social media account, or by means of small, restricted social gatherings, which comply with official public health advice. All projects submitted will be considered for a Heritage Week Award.�

Clare’s rich natural and cultural history, in accordance with biodiversity can be found at heritage.clareheritage.org.

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Heaslip steps away from counter at 94 years old

Shopkeeper reflects on colourful journey that begun in Kilkenny CIAN O’BROIN cianobroin@clareecho.ie

J

ACK Heaslip has been trading in the town of Ennis for most of his life. A hearty welcome and a soul tickling smile have always been a guarantee once stepping over that fabled threshold at Heaslips Ennis.

A proud Kilkenny man at heart with a soft spot for County Clare, the blue and saffron strip has never strayed far from Jack’s door. With great fondness, a sharp and insightful wit and a deep reverence for the people of Clare, Jack looks back on his ninety-four year journey from Kilkenny in 1926, to becoming one of the most cherished and well known characters in the town of Ennis today.

Now cocooning at home, behind the back of Heaslip’s red and black tinged business front, Jack is delighted at the opportunity to finally relax, admonishing that the virus has finally pushed him into retirement, unlike the multitude of turbulent times the shop has seen through the shifting tides of business. Despite stepping away from the counter since March, Jack still manages to make it to mass every morning at 7:40am and enjoys dropping into the store from time to time to connect with a loyal and affectionate customer base.

Jack came to County Clare in 1953, starting off with Shannahan’s on the Kilrush Road. He soon became familiar with the entire span of the County, operating independently within the fruit trade, where Jack and his van travelled far and wide to towns and villages such as Kilrush, Kilkee, Miltown Malbay and Lahinch. Business was good in those times, he quips.

Before long, a store was registered on the market for a reasonable price in the middle of O’Connell Street. Formerly Mitchel’s, the shop owner told Jack that times were tough, and business had gone asunder. In retrospect, Jack feels lucky to have joined the multifarious swathe of shopfronts on the main artery throughout the town, noting that at times, business was quiet and that Heaslip’s has been through it thick and thin, with the ebb and flow of business bearing

Jack Heaslip at the entrance to Heaslips on O'Connell Street; (below) at home behind the shop many faces over the years.

“When I came to O’Connell Street it was very quiet. The business had shifted to the other side of the town. Quinsworth had come on over near the park and Williams’ was there too. We heard that Dunnes were looking to make its way into our part of town. Myself and Dennis Maurer’s Jewellers rallied together and said we would throw in our lot with Dunnes, to bring the crowds back in to town.

From then on business has worked fairly well. Before Dunnes came, there were 17 shops that sold groceries from the top of the street to the square. Every second shop was either a bar or a grocery shop.

Do you know how many grocery shops are left now? We are one and Dunnes are the other. That is a fact. Nobody could compete with Dunnes, all the small shops have died out.”

Some of Jack’s most cherished

memories and the times he mentions when business was at its best, was when Clare won All-Ireland Championships.

A longstanding love for the GAA has followed Jack through his life. In his home he keeps a framed photograph of his father, Jack Heaslip, after his 1905 Junior Football Championship win in Dublin. A Kilkenny man like the Jack that Clare has come to know so dearly, Jack Sr worked as a bar manager in Dublin. Jack also points to his brother who won two All-Ireland’s with Kilkenny at Junior level in 1957 and 1963. Jack is also known to back the Banner

on the big screen as well as his cherished Cats. He fondly recalls neighbouring Anthony Daly and his sportswear shop, where great banter would be dispersed between the two. In 1997, after defeating Kilkenny in the All-Ireland Hurling Semi-Final, he mentions that Anthony dropped in one of the

Kilkenny jerseys and despite being an avid fan since birth, Jack admits that it was the only Kilkenny jersey he ever had. Anthony is a dear friend and was an amazing neighbour, he tells The Clare Echo. Jack also takes great pride in his role as a selector for the Clare hurling panel in 1967/68, under the leadership of John Hanley. Even though they didn’t win any All-Ireland’s, we had a mighty team, he reminisces.

Jack retains as keen an eye as ever when it comes to business, putting an optimistic finger on the future of trading in Ennis. When asked about the secret to success at Heaslips’s Ennis, he ponders for a moment, sidling a gregarious grin, “I suppose we are open always. We open almost every day in the year except for Christmas Day. We have the lotto and cater for the tourists too. We kind of give as good a service as we can. Unfortunately, due to this virus, business has gone down an awful lot.

The trouble is, will it come back.

You see, there is a lot of shops paying high rent that might not be able to recover. Any shops that have closed, it has cost them thousands in turnover. That is money that they will never get back. They will have to start over and that is a big problem.”

Challenging times lay ahead, yet Jack remains as positive as ever and believes there is a bright future for the people of Clare and Ennis as a developing town. On a final note, Jack tells The Clare Echo, the pride he has for the town that has given great meaning to his life and subsequently allowed for all things family and business to flourish: “It’s a great town and I know it will bounce back from this. It is great for sport and tourists, has loads of schools and is a great place to settle down. The people are very friendly, everyone in the County is like that. The west is far different than the east. We have a homely crowd here. They come from everywhere to live here. I meet more people living here from Kilkenny than I would know at home. They come here because there is a great social life, with restaurants, bars and hotels. I would say the future is certainly bright, if only we could get a remedy for this virus and continue winning All-Irelands and hurling away. Then everyone will be happy.”

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Lahinch Coast vies to save the season O'Mearas grateful for Clare seaside location in bid to kickstart business PĂ RAIC McMAHON paraic@clareecho.ie

E

VEN a global pandemic couldn’t deter the positive effect of Lahinch hosting The Irish Open twelve months ago with two hoteliers from the coastal spot looking at the bright side having reopened their doors last Monday.

Over the course of their first weekend back in action, Lahinch Coast Hotel had an engagement, wedding and honeymoon.

Co-owners John and Brid O’Meara are grateful to have reopened and stress the benefit of being able to cater for guests in the month of July in their limited tourist season.

Understandably from a business perspective the forced closures of hotels was an upsetting period for those involved in the industry but as John outlined they managed to experience benefits on a personal level. “We got to spend so much time together in fantastic weather. I haven’t had a June Bank Holiday off since I was about 18. We’ve two young children so it was a very good reboot�.

Brid agreed that it had its merits, “We did picnics in the back garden, welly throwing competitions, our little girl was doing dancing on zoom. We’ve two children, Kayleigh who is nine and Paddy is seven, they were at a nice age where they were quite happy with us being at home. The weather made all the difference for us, there was a silver lining for a few weeks of it for sure�.

Their location in the centre of Lahinch has always been a strength and is one in which John highlighted has become evident as individuals plan their staycations. “We’re very lucky with our location being by the sea, that’s where people have been craving while they have been in lockdown. The bookings have been strong, our occupancy for July and August isn’t at 100 percent but it is very strong especially in comparison to a lot of places that would be in the Midlands that are struggling to get bookings at the moment�.

They count their fortune that a multitude of demographics are enticed to stay at The Lahinch Coast Hotel. “We’re very lucky that most of our market is for domestic anyway and we’re not very reliant on any one segment of the market,� Mallow native John commented. 80 percent of their market in 2019 was domestic.

Golf tour operators have postponed their stays but Brid is hopeful the majority will return next year. The Irish Open last year marked the first instance since the husband and wife took charge of the hotel that they recorded full occupancy. They disagreed that COVID-19 could undo the promotional work brought to North-West Clare from the European Tour event. “We’re still in a better place as a result of

Lahinch Coast Hotel owners Bríd and John O'Meara Photo by Martin Connolly Lahinch Golf Club hosting The Irish Open last year, it put Lahinch on the map and there was a huge amount of media coverage and a lot of that was our domestic market. We’re still getting mentions of the exposure it had on RTÉ, it is all very positive, there was an awful lot done to Lahinch at the time so we’re still reaping those benefits, the town is still looking great with the flowers and paving, the investment in the area is still there for tourists to enjoy,� Brid stated.

In March of last year, a significant investment in The Lahinch Coast Hotel was completed. It was adding to the momentum in their sails following stints in charge of The Sheen Falls, Moy House and the Red Cliff Lodge. A planned refurbishment of some of their 144 bedrooms has been put on hold. “July and August last year would have been mid-nineties at least with 100 percent occupancy for most dates. This year it is hard to know but it would have been close to 100 percent for July and August,� John calculated.

A collaborative approach between the hotel and local businesses is part of the philosophy the O’Mearas feel underpin the success of The Coast Hotel. They have added a click and collect service where guests can comfortably eat their meals in the stylish lounge with kitchenette in family suites but still encourage them to dine out at local restaurants. “We need people to come and enjoy the area, we need everything to be open and running so all the boxes are ticked for people to enjoy their stay, the sunshine would be a bonus but there is nothing any of us can do about that,�

Brid detailed. John added, “A lot of businesses are struggling at the moment, we’re trying to support people as much as we can by bringing as many people into the area as we can in a safe environment�.

RTÉ drama Smother which is being filmed in Lahinch is currently on hold with production teams expected to return in September.

They are hopeful it will lead to further positive promotion of the area but admitted they will not be making any cameo appearances and instead will be watching from afar.

Aberdeen Bar & Restaurant OPEN DAILY from 12.30pm

Lahinch Co.Clare E: info@lahinchcoasthotel.ie

T: +353 (0) 65 7081100 W: www.lahinchcoasthotel.ie

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'Youth must have its spring'

Pat Smyth optimistic for future trading conditions in Gort

STUART HOLLY

“T editor@clareecho.ie

HE nature of the Irishman is to see the glass as half full rather than half empty.” This is the philosophical view taken by Gort business man Pat Smyth, who has ridden out some notable storms throughout 24 years in business.

Pat Smyth’s Ladies & Gents Fashions has become an institution in Gort town and this summer, following the removal of Covid-19 restrictions, he reopened his shop with a huge summer sale which has been “hugely successful” thus far. “We’re going to run the summer sale to the end of July. Principally the idea was to celebrate that we’re back in

business and to give people something a little bit extra and more return on their money and it has been phenomenally successful.

We’re very pleased with the uptake on it and people really appreciate it,” explains Pat. With an encouraging reaction to the summer sale, Pat expects a few bogey months until interest in retail is sparked ahead of the Christmas shopping season. Facing similar challenges posed to all business people in the clothes retail industry, he admits that regaining a profitable customer base will be a slow process following the fall-out of Covid-19 on the local economy.

Pat is grateful to count four family members (including himself) among his staff, including wife Mary, daughter Stephanie and son Patrick. Armed with a dedicated workforce, he is better positioned than many small businesses to prosper in the challenging months and years ahead. “Overall, the context is we’re doing okay. We’re encour-

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Baileys, Tricot Marine, Kellerman & Benetti

from

Footwear Formal & Casual Sizes 6-14” Oddments in all departments Clearing up to

Thank you for your support over the last 24yrs

NEW OPENING HOURS TUES - SAT 9.30-6PM including Lunch

BRIDGE STREET, GORT See us on facebook

TEL: 091 632133

aged by the level of people that are visiting the shops now and are shopping local,” says Pat, when asked about customer confidence in the south Galway town.”

With all social distancing measures adhered to, Pat explains that as part of his team’s strong focus on customer service visitors are greeted at the door.

There is also additional emphasis on prioritising elderly or vulnerable customers. “We tend to Smyth's shop in Gort town and (below) the popular not be overempha- Pat menswear section which is busy due to his summer sale sising on the Covid aspect when greeting customers, rather make the experience relaxing and enjoyable for them.”

Welcoming customers from as far afield south as Limerick up to Sligo, Pat counts the motorway as a blessing for his business.

“Each little one of them customers are a gem on their own.

The motorway has been a big asset to us, people can come up from Limerick in double quick time.

Mature customers appreciate the relaxed atmosphere, the choice and the staff, all of those little tions. People want an occasion too, it’s good things make it happen. You can actually get for the mind and the soul to have something in our shop what you get in a city shop - but special to look forward to, a wedding or a the bonus is you can walk in, we meet and confirmation or any of those things that greet them, put them at ease and we’re doing have been postponed. People want an occasion and they want to feel good.” He adds our best in every other way.”

Having worked in retail for 47 years, Pat that the personal customer service gives him understands the connection between the great confidence for the future of his popservice his shop provides and the well-being ular store, “Customer service is paramount. of customers. It’s partly the reason he be- Even for me personally, taking out the busilieves customer confidence will continue to ness side of a pound, shilling and a pence, grow, albeit ensuring the avoidance of mass it’s the customer. You’re meeting sociable job losses in the economy or a second out- and cultural people and we appreciate it and they appreciate it, and it’s an experience.” break.

The outlook is one of unwavering positivThe Loughrea resident observes, “Weddings and the whole social life infrastruc- ity from Pat, who adds, “We appreciate the ture has been curtailed a lot. We are appre- support of customers for the last 24 years hensive but we are encouraged too because and we look forward to the next 24.”

Pat Smyth’s Ladies & Gents Fashions is youth must have its spring too and weddings will go ahead probably at a slightly reduced open Tues-Sat 9.30-6pm. Customers who number of guests subject to Covid restric- wish to ring ahead are encouraged to do so.

P21

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Buy into Clare

Online shop in offing for resilient standard-bearer Patrick Bourke Stephen O'Gorman, Patrick Bourke and Aileen Murtagh in Patrick Bourke's Menswear this week

STUART HOLLY editor@clareecho.ie

S

EVEN Clare retailers have been approved for Government grants to develop their stores online, as retail consumers have moved enmasse to internet shopping in recent months. And among the successful applicants is Patrick Bourke’s Menswear - who have vowed that in the case of a second wave of Covid-19 they will be prepared to continue trading online.

Bourke’s has retail businesses located in Ennis and Kilrush and has built a reputation as one of the standard bearers of independent fashion houses in Ireland. In a sit-down interview with The Clare Echo, Patrick along with manager Stephen O’Gorman and assistant manager Aileen Murtagh, say they have plans to now set that same high standard in their online e-commerce store which they expect to launch in September.

Owner Patrick is in his 46th year in retail and between the three of them, Patrick, Stephen and Aileen have a combined 83 years of serving the people of Clare in Patrick Bourke’s Menswear. Speaking about the next leg of his adventure, Patrick summarises his success ahead of diversifying his business following what will be his fourth recession.

“Resilience is the best word I can use,” says the West Clare man. “There’s a resilience built in now and Stephen says when it gets tough here, we just work harder and that’s what we will do and it’s what we have done over the years. During the last recession we went around and looked at what supermarkets were doing, what filling stations were doing, furniture shops, anything and everything in the line of business, even what airline companies were doing to attract customers. So we adapted those things to suit ourselves. This time around, we’ll look at what other businesses are doing and we’ll adapt their tactics to our line.”

While Patrick Bourke’s has an extremely active and effective online marketing ethos, Aileen admits that loyal customers became sharply aware of the absence of an online store between March and June. Plans are now in place for the launch of the website with the services of renowned e-commerce agency StudioForty9 enlisted. Laborious work is involved in creating a sleek e-commerce site and management staff are currently developing design, customer experience, product photography, getting set up with DPD and An Post along with integrating a new EPOS system. Once launched, an extra staff member will be enlisted to manage the website while all packaging and postage will be operated from Patrick Bourke Menswear in Ennis.

Patrick continues, “We’re considering it like a third door, a new business... It’s going to be a learning curve and different to what we have but we’re looking forward to the challenge. Having come through the lockdown

we can’t afford to be without it.” Manager Stephen adds, “The big thing for us is that the website has to mirror what we are doing

in-store. Everyone who goes on our site has to get the same experience they would have when they come into the shop, it can’t be alien to our customers. We’ve committed that everything that goes into our online shop is everything that we do in our bricks and mortar store; the quality of product, service, packaging, the quality of everything will be the exact same. No matter what they’re buying or how they’re getting it, they’re still getting it from Patrick Bourke’s.”

Now almost five weeks since the lifting of restrictions on the retail industry, focus is very much on his bricks-and-mortar busi-

nesses. Bourke’s are implementing cost-saving initiatives for the customer such as €100 off suits to the value of more than €300, while a summer sale is also on the way. “There’s nothing in it for us but it’s keeping three guys in jobs,” explains Patrick.

And with confusion and decimation impacting the wedding industry nationwide, Patrick says it will be at least this time next year before a clearer picture will emerge on the business’s prospects and projections. “A lot of the older generation are reluctant to go to occasions where you have more than a family unit involved and that will take a long time to get their confidence back,” says Patrick.

“And that’s the jam for anybody, the extra 20 guests for the wedding in the hotel, the extra shirts and ties for us in the shop - and the jam is going to be missing for a long time. We are looking forward to a busy year next year but it will be a very competitive year because every shop in the country is in the same boat as us having lost a hell of lot of trade.”

With such uncertainty in mind, Patrick admits that he dreads the thought of a ‘second wave’ but adds defiantly, “If it happens, we’re going to be ready for it online.”

P22

Buy into Clare

#buyintoclare

New trailer servicing facility opens in Shannon ELAINE TUBRIDY elaine.tubridy@clareecho.ie

A

NEW trailer servicing and repair facility has opened at Shannon Airport. Operated

by Tyrone trailer manufacturer Nugent Engineering, this new venture offers repair and servicing on all brands and types of trailer under the care of Catherine Nugent, who has a wealth of experience in the family business.

Nugent is the largest trailer manufacturer in Ireland, starting from humble beginnings in 1985, where they began manufacturing cattle crushes for the Irish market.

Continued growth over the years across Ireland, UK and a large export market in Europe has been owing to the superior build quality of Nugent trailer, as well as the company’s commitment to innovation and continuous product development across the entire range.

Most recently, Nugent chose the 2019 National Ploughing Championships to unveil their collaboration with Hiab, launching the Nugent Crane trailer which has a lift capacity of

995kg and a maximum outreach of 4.2m.

Following the resounding success of the recent relaunch of the Commercial trailer range, Nugent decided to target this ever growing industry by opening a base in Munster, choosing Shannon due to its central location and diverse business network.

Nugent’s Shannon depot offers their full range of trailers in stock for sale, including Livestock, Flatbed, Plant, Tipper, Beavertail, and the smaller Utility, Quad and General Purpose trailers.

A full time, qualified mechanic carries out all forms of trailer servicing and repair onsite on all brands of trailer.

Walk-ins are welcome at any time for a free visual inspection and a full range of trailer spare parts for most major brands are in stock.

Regular servicing is essential for keeping your trailer safe and legal on the road, so why not give Catherine a call now, or pop in to the Shannon Airport depot for your free post-winter service check.

Nugent Engineering is the largest trailer manufacturer in Ireland

Call: 065 671 9111; Email: catherine@nugentengineering.com; Visit us: www.nugenttrailers.ie

Going against the grain - new restaurant opens in Doolin against Covid-19 backdrop

A

NTHONY’S is a brand new restaurant located in Doolin, Co. Clare at Doolin Inn - a 22 bedroom Modern 4* Country House & Restaurant in the heart of Doolin and the Burren, on Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way. Anthony and Deirdre Moloney, the owners and proprietors at Doolin Inn, decided to open their brand new 50 seater restaurant in response to customer feedback, despite the current pandemic status.

“It was a tough decision to make, and we’re definitely going against the grain when it comes to the current situation with Covid-19, but we believe we can make the new restaurant work by optimising our guest experience and offering, and by positioning ourselves as the year-round “go-to” restaurant in Doolin and the greater Burren region.

"Local communities depend on businesses like ours to create employment and to remain sustainable as suppliers our seafood is freshly caught by local fishermen, our herbs and veggies are grown in our polytunnel and where possible, sourced from local growers and foragers, and our meat all hails from local farmers around the Burren and west of Ireland region,” explains Anthony Moloney Anthony’s draws its inspiration from the Burren - its local farmers and growers of fresh produce, its wild and lunar landscape, and last but not least, its seaboard along the west of Ireland. For many centuries, musicians, poets, writers, painters and many more have drawn inspiration from the land to enrich their works of art, lyrics, and literature. At Anthony’s, newly appointed Head Chef Tomas Walsh, and his team have this same connection, love and respect for the land, which is evident in their work. Each dish tells a story

and flavours of the Burren – and they’re reflected in the food we put on your table here at Anthony’s, celebrating sustainability along Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way,” continues Mr Moloney.

The brand new 50 seater evening restaurant is bright and spacious and overlooks the village and out to sea - the terrace is a particularly special setting on a summer’s evening.

All guests are ensured to have a relaxing dining experience - no time limit here! - and so pre-booking is required in order to help service staff space their tables whilst keeping the ambiance.

“Our restaurant by design is spacious. It is split into 5 dining areas with private dining room options for small groups, enabling two meters between tables with comfort and atmosphere. Although the guidelines permit 1 metre distancing for dining, we are committed to delivering a minimum of 1.5 metres so that guests don’t feel rushed, and can relax and enjoy their meal in their own time.”

Anthony’s launches its menu on Friday 17th July and will be serving complimentary arrival amenities for all guests over the launch weekend. There are also Dinner + B&B packages available from €160 pps for 2 nights, which can be booked directly on www.doolininn.ie. Pre-booking is required. Anthony’s is open to both guests and the public, Tuesday - Saturday, 5.45pm - 9pm. and that is what makes the food experience so unique to the Burren.

“Traditional, flavoursome, wild and fresh. Natural, wholesome, comforting and, oh-so delicious. These are the foods

Reservations can be made at www.doolininn.ie | 065 707 4421 | anthony@doolininn.ie.

P23

Buy into Clare

#buyintoclare

'Seat separation' for omniplex reopening

S

HANNON Omniplex Cinema has confirmed it will reopen on Friday week, July 17.

Mark Anderson, Director of Omniplex Cinemas said, "We are delighted to, shortly, reopen our cinemas with a selection of popular classic movies and can't wait for guests of all ages to see Star Wars V: The Empire Strikes Back on the big screen!"

In relation to how the cinema experience will change, Mark continued "We are working hard to ensure physical distancing guidelines are followed and for the first few weeks, tickets will only be sold on our website www.omniplex.ie.

Patrons will also notice new directional and instructional signs throughout the cinema as well as self-scanning of tickets. However fresh Popcorn and treats will still be available!'

2 metre gap will be provided beside, in-front of and behind each booking.

• Limited capacity – maximum of 50 guests at any time in the foyer or at any screening with social distancing in place, screen capacities will reduce by over 70% • Enhanced cleaning regimes – including screens and all customer touchpoints. Guests will find sanitisation stations in each of our cinemas • Reduced showtimes – only one movie will start every 20 minutes to facilitate social distancing and extra cleaning. These policies will be adapted in line with official guidance.

In order for staff and guests to enjoy a safe cinema trip, Omniplex have implemented a range of new

measures including: • Pre-Booking of tickets – to control the number of patrons in

our foyers and auditoriums, tickets need to be booked online.

• In-Cinema Seat Separation – a

For more information, see https://omniplex.ie/explore/stayingsafe

Win break for two at Radisson Blu

R

ADISSON Blu Hotel and Spa, Cork is a beautiful blend including the 18th Century Ditchley House, a charming manor house perfectly restored, and two elegant contemporary wings with modern facilities. The stylish hotel offers peace and tranquility while still being close to Cork city, making it an ideal location for a break away this summer.

Discover a different side to Cork with a stay at Radisson Blu Hotel & Spa, Cork as one lucky reader will enjoy an overnight stay for two adults, complete with dinner in Maestro’s Restaurant and breakfast the following morning.

During your stay, make the most of your location and get into Cork city, visit the English Market and savour the flavours of all the foods on offer or get in some retail therapy on Patrick Street. Enjoy the great outdoors with many activities within close proximity to the hotel including stand up paddle boarding, Blarney Castle, Fota Wildlife Park, Spike Island, Blackrock Castle and many cultural attractions.

For more information on the fantastic offers available at Radisson Blu Hotel & Spa, Cork this summer, visit www.radcork.com .

Win an overnight break +1 Dinner for 2 at The Radisson Blu Hotel & Spa Cork

To enter answer this simple question What river runs through Cork City?

Post your answer followed by your name and contact details to The Clare Echo, 36C Abbey St, Ennis, Co. Clare, V95 FP44 For information see article left www.radcork.com

P24

Buy into Clare

#buyintoclare

Burren businesses working together to kick-start tourism

T

HE Burren Ecotourism Network is focusing strongly on the domestic visitor market to encourage Irish people to take their holidays in County Clare this year.

As part of the recovery program for tourism in the Burren & Cliffs of Moher Geopark, the Burren Ecotourism Network has been working hard to create awareness and bridge the huge shortfall in international visitors in 2020.

“The Burren Ecotourism Network is making the destination a desirable option among Irish people that would traditionally have gone abroad, or may have visited here many years ago,” said Jarlath O’Dwyer, CEO of the Burren Ecotourism Network.

Since the start of the Covid 19 crisis in March, the members have collaborated in delivering a regional response to the crisis. This has involved lobbying the government for vital supports for the Tourism Sector and creating awareness among TDs and Councillors of the specific challenges facing hospitality business during the crisis and its aftermath.

Other initiatives include offering three Burren holiday competitions, gift vouchers and the ‘Burren Basket’. The latter is a collaboration between the Burren Smokehouse, the Mar-

ket House, Ennistymon, Ailwee Cave, St Tola Irish Goats Cheese, Burren Fine Wine & Food, Gregans Castle Hotel and the Stonecutters Kitchen.

Mr O’Dwyer said that three holidays worth over €5,000 had been won with the winners spread nationwide in Meath, Waterford and Tipperary. The prizes included accommodation in Hylands Hotel, Hotel Doolin, Merriman Hotel, dinner for 2 at Gregans Castle Hotel as well as vouchers for many other Burren businesses.

“We have learnt from the entries that there is fantastic interest from people all over Ireland in coming to Clare, and that is why we feel that there is further potential in the domestic market in 2020 and indeed into 2021.

“For many people, not being able to travel to Spain or Portugal this year, along with the strong push by Failte Ireland’s ‘Make a Break for It’ campaign has Irish people looking again at destinations like the Burren and Cliffs of Moher Geopark.” said Jarlath O’Dwyer, CEO of the Burren Ecotourism Network.

“While the numbers of Irish visitors will not make up for the devastating loss in foreign travellers, they will be vitally important to hotels, restaurants, attractions, and visitor ex-

periences in North Clare this year. Bookings in self-catering and hotels have been encouraging for July and August so far, but we need to see stronger numbers in the Bed and Breakfasts, and all businesses need the season to extend into September and October with people taking holidays later coming out of lockdown.” He added The members of the Burren Ecotourism Network have been re-opening over the last week and have adopted a Covid 19 Safety Charter to reassure visitors that the premises are safe and compliant with all guidelines.

“We have embarked on a major Destination Marketing Program since the start of July with the appointment of a new Marketing Coordinator and Video Production Contractor. This will allow us to actively showcase the Burren and Cliffs of Moher in new market segments here in Ireland in the short term. In the absence of international tourists, we are targeting people looking for staycation options and making the region visible on all digital and on-line channels will be central to this strategy.” he concluded.

NOW OPEN

26

MOTORING

THURSDAY, JULY 9 2020

MOTORING MOTORING EXPERT NEIL BRISCOE GIVES HIS VIEWS

DOES RENAULT’S NEW CROSSOVER CAPTUR THE MOOD?

SECOND-GEN CAPTUR LOOKS IMPRESSIVE

I

RENAULT CAPTUR

F ever a car had ‘sales success’ baked into its DNA, it would surely be the Renault Captur. Not only did the first generation model do much to establish the rapidly-expanding small crossover segment, it also became the best-selling car in that segment — slightly more than 10,000 first-generation Capturs have been sold in Ireland since it was launched in 2013.

With crossovers and SUVs being, apparently, all anyone buys anymore — to the detriment of family hatchbacks such as Renault’s own generally very decent Megane — this second version of the Captur is surely set for further climbs up the Matterhorn of registrations.

You can see the appeal. For slightly less than the price of a Megane (model-for-model) you get a taller, more imposing design that takes the handsomeness of the new Clio (with which the Captur shares a chassis and engines) and magnifies it. While the likes of Ford and Nissan are creating small crossovers that challenge both your eyes and stylistic orthodoxy, Renault has gone down the Brad Pitt route for the Captur — its undeniably good looking.

Look inside and the impressiveness ramps up. Following again in the Clio’s footsteps, the Captur’s cabin looks like a vast improvement over what went before. The previous Captur — pleasant car though it was — was let down by cheap-o cabin plastics. Not a mistake that the new model makes. All of the major surfaces are soft-touch (more so than you’ll find in an equivalent Volkswagen, says Renault), the part-digital dials look

classy (and fully digital instruments are on the way) and the updated touchscreen, an upright nine-inch version in our S-Edition test car, looks really good.

In fact, that touchscreen is a major improvement on Renault’s previous efforts in this sphere, which have tended towards Atari-levels of screen resolution, and fiddly and incomprehensible menus. This new one is much, much slicker, has a crisp, clear screen and is actually pretty easy to use. The only bugbear is the lack of a physical volume knob.

The Captur is practical, too, with good space in the back seats, and a thankfully not-too-steep windowline, so that those in the back can still see out. The boot, already generous at 422-litres, can be expanded to a massive 530-litres if you slide the back seats forward on their runners.

The engine is Renault’s familiar 100hp 1.0-litre unit. It’s light, compact, and happy to rev — all good things — but it could do with an extra dollop of mid-range power. Try to pick up speed in a higher gear from middling speeds and… and… and… sorry, we’re still waiting. There is, though, the option of a 1.3 turbo petrol four-cylinder which has much better power. The five-speed gearbox seems short one ratio at first, but actually it has well-chosen ratios and the shift-action is very smooth and clean.

Now, if we do have a serious criticism of the Captur then it’s the ride quality, which on 17-inch alloy wheels is unacceptably harsh around town. For a car that is, by its very nature, largely going to be used in urban settings, this is not good, and nor is the excessive head-toss motion when you drive over larger obstacles such as speed ramps. It would definitely be worth speccing your Captur with the smallest possible wheels to try and avoid this trap.

On the upside, the car’s refinement is excellent. While cars such as the Captur are most certainly destined, mostly, for in-town use, it does shine on the open road, where the cabin is quiet at motorway speeds, and things such as the excellent seats and sound system really come into their own. The small crossover market is evolving fast and that’s most evident in the Captur’s more grown-up, ‘big-car’ feel. Not to mention the fact that, as with all modern Renaults, it has incredibly impressive safety credentials.

Not that it will have things all to itself, this time around. While the original Captur staked out an early claim in that small crossover market, this second-generation version is going to have to face down some very talented new opposition from rivals such as Ford, Peugeot, and — very shortly — Toyota. The Captur has set itself up well with good pricing, handsome styling, and a roomy and comfortable cabin, but this one might have to work a bit harder to score the same successes as its predecessor.

FACTS & FIGURES Model tested: Renault Captur 1.0 TCe S-Edition Pricing: €25,645 as tested (Captur starts at €21,995) Engine: 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol turbo Transmission: five-speed manual, front-wheel drive Body style: compact crossover CO2 emissions: 119g/km (Band A4 €200 per annum) Combined economy: 55mpg (5.2 litres/100km) Top speed: 197km/h 0-100km/h: 13.3 seconds Power: 100hp at 5,000rpm Torque: 160Nm at 2,750rpm Boot space: 420-1,235 litres Safety: Euro NCAP rating for Renault Captur: Five-stars. 96 per cent adult; 83 per cent child; 75 per cent pedestrian; 74 per cent safety assist

MOTORING 27

THURSDAY, JULY 9 2020

MOTORING

OPEL SHOWS OFF NEW ELECTRIC ZAFIRA NEW OPEL ZAFIRA-E LIFE OFFERS EMISSIONS-FREE TRAVEL FOR UP TO NINE PASSENGERS

O

PEL continues the rapid electrification of its product portfolio in 2020, revealing details of the all-electric Zafira-e Life.

Stylish, fun to drive, with up to nine seats and available in three lengths, the flexible new Zafira-e Life offers emissions-free, silent travel with a choice of two battery ranges. Fitted with a 75kWh lithium ion battery, the new Zafira-e Life boasts a range of up to 330kms (WLTP), whilst a 50kWh battery returns a range of up to 230km (WLTP). The new Zafira-e Life will arrive in Ireland in late 2020. Prices and specifications will be announced closer to launch.

James Brooks, Managing Director at Leeson Motors, Opel Importer in Ireland, said: “As the new flagship of our Zafira Life model range, the new emissions-free Zafira-e Life represents an extremely attractive offer to environmentally conscious private customers and business users alike. It is yet another excellent addition to our rapidly growing e-mobility line-up of all-electric and plug-in hybrid passenger cars and light commercial vehicles. We very much look forward to our first deliveries towards the end of the year.”

With 100kW of power (136hp) and 260Nm of maximum torque from the electric propulsion system, the electronically controlled maximum speed of 130 km/h enables Autobahn cruising, while also maximising the electric range. A sophisticated regenerative braking system recovers the energy produced under braking or deceleration, to further increase efficiency and range.

The batteries, covered by an eight-year / 160,000km warranty, consist of 18 and 27 modules respectively, packaged under the load compartment to ensure there is no compromises on luggage volume, whilst also lowering the centre of gravity, to return improved cornering and wind stability. Using a 100kW DC charger, 80% charge is achieved in just 30 minutes for the 50kWh battery and in 45 minutes for the 75kWh battery.

With OpelConnect e-remote control functions, customers can use their smartphones to check the battery’s state-of-charge, or programme air conditioning and charging times.

Leather upholstered, heated, electric seats with massage function and 48cm wide seat cushions add a touch of luxury, whilst passengers can also sit facing each other and

enjoy increased legroom.

The large touchscreen comes with Multimedia and Multimedia Navi infotainment.

Both systems feature phone integration via

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A powerful sound system is available across all trim levels, with the top-of-the-range version boasting ten speakers.

BUY NOW, PAY LATER A REAL deferral that will give you a break

3 2 1 +

+

Months REAL Deferred Payments + 2.02% APR + €1,000 Cashback

Model shown: ZOE GT Line R135 Z.E.50 €31,990 (after VRT relief and maximum SEAI Grant for private customers). Finance example ZOE Play R110 Z.E.50. RRP €26,990. Deposit €11,206. Term 48 monthly payments of €339. APR 2.02%. Total cost of credit €638 inc fees of €150. Offer is made under a hire purchase agreement. Payment deferral available on request. First payment will be taken 90 days after activation of finance agreement. Subject to lending criteria. Terms and conditions apply. See Renault.ie [Warning: You will not own these goods until the final payment is made]. Renault Bank is a trading name of RCI Banque Branch Ireland and is authorised and regulated by the French banking authority and supervised by the Central Bank for conduct of business purposes.

HOGAN MOTORS ENNIS Gort Road, Ennis, Co Clare Tel 065 6821704 www.hoganmotorsennis.ie

28

Property

PROPERTY

THURSDAY, JULY 9 2020

Beautiful homes all over the County

BALLYMACAULA VIEW, CAHERCALLA, ENNIS. €265,000

2 ABBEYLAWN, CLARECASTLE €300,000

1 FIONNUR, CUSACK ROAD, ENNIS €525,000

10 THE CLOSE, CAPPAHARD, TULLA ROAD, ENNIS. €175,000

NEW SEMI DETACHED HOMES – 3 BEDS – 2 BATHS

DETACHED HOME – 5 BEDS – 2 BATHS

DETACHED 3 STOREY EXECUTIVE HOME - 5 BEDS - 4 BATHS

SEMI-DETACHED HOME – 4 BEDS – 2 BATHS

SUPERB location close to Ennis Town and easy access to M17 & M18.

SHOW HOUSE OPEN. VIEWING STRICTLY BY APPOINTMENT.

BRIGHT spacious bungalow.

Ideal family home on a large private site.

LARGE Executive Home.

Superb location close to Ennis Town and easy access to M17 & M18.

OWNER Occupied 4 bed family home on large private corner site.

Small Cul de Sac close to Exit 13 on the M17 & M18.

Contact: Helen Gallery, 68 Parnell Street, Ennis.

Tel: 065 6829481 & 086 250 4671 PSL 002433

Contact: Helen Gallery, 68 Parnell Street, Ennis.

Tel: 065 6829481 & 086 250 4671 PSL 002433

Contact: Helen Gallery, 68 Parnell Street, Ennis.

Tel: 065 6829481 & 086 250 4671 PSL 002433

Contact: Helen Gallery, 68 Parnell Street, Ennis.

Tel: 065 6829481 & 086 250 4671 PSL 002433

GLENEAGLES, FAIRGREEN ENNIS, CO. CLARE €525,000

17 ANNAGH DUN, INAGH ENNIS, CO. CLARE €205,000

1 IVY HILL, GORT ROAD, ENNIS, CO. CLARE €280,000

5 KILVOYDAN, COROFIN, CO CLARE €215,000

LENEAGLES is a stunning period style Victorian era property in an exceptional location overlooking Smyth Park, also known as the Ennis Fair Green. The property has been carefully maintained and decorated to retain its old world charm and ambience. The property includes many special features including high ceilings with hand crafted coving, sash windows and private courtyard to the rear. The property was built in about 1875 for a local magistrate.

The property is located on a quiet mature residential road running alongside the park from Rice College to St. Josephs Hospital. It is within easy walking distance of the town and local shops and amenities.

HIS beautifully presented 3 bedroom detached property comes to the market in excellent condition.

Located in an established residential development, close to all local amenities with the added advantage of being within a 10 minute drive of Lahinch. Accommodation is spacious and comprises 120 sq.m (1,291 sq.ft.) approx and includes an open plan kitchen and dining area, utility/shower room, ground floor toilet, sitting room, bathroom and 3 bedrooms (one of which is ensuite).

The gardens are mainly in lawn with a pea gravel and tarmac driveway and an easy to maintain rear garden with patio area. Due to the size and location of this property it would make an ideal family home.

Contact: Diarmuid McMahon O’Connell Square House, Ennis, Co Clare Tel: 065 686 7866 PSL 001212

Contact: Jason Pyne O’Connell Square House, Ennis, Co Clare Tel: 065 686 7866 PSL 001212

G

T

N

O.1 is a charming five-bedroom detached family home located in the popular Ivy Hill development. The property offers an abundance of space and light in one of Ennis s most established and sought-after residential areas. It is well positioned on a large corner site within walking distance of Ennis town centre.

Built in 1996, the home is in excellent decorative condition throughout.

This is a most desirable family home which has been lovingly maintained to a high standard. It is a must-see property to truly appreciate all it has to offer.

Contact: Jason Pyne O’Connell Square House, Ennis, Co Clare Tel: 065 686 7866 PSL 001212

T

HIS fine 3 bedroom detached property comes to the market in excellent condition. Ideally located within walking distance of Corofin National School, shops, Church and all other local amenities.

Accommodation is very spacious comprising 152 sq.m (1,635 sq.ft.) approx and includes an open plan kitchen, living and dining room, sitting room, utility room, store room, main bathroom downstairs with electric shower over bath and 3 bedrooms (all ensuite). Heating is by way of oil fired central heating and a solid fuel fireplace in the living room. Situated in a quiet residential enclave of only 5 houses with some nice distant views of the lake to the rear.

Contact: Jason Pyne O’Connell Square House, Ennis, Co Clare Tel: 065 686 7866 PSL 001212

SHERRY FITZGERALD MCMAHON

WE’RE YOUR LOCALS IN CLARE O’Connell Square House, Ennis , Co. Clare

GLENARD, MANUS, CLARECASTLE, CO CLARE V95 X317

AMV €385,000

FOR SALE BY PRIVATE AUCTION (Pre-Registration Required to attend) ON THURSDAY, 30TH JULY 2020.

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Sport Clare Echo THE

09-07-20

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Gardai preparing file for DPP over alleged online abuse of Clare GAA officials PÁRAIC MCMAHON

A

paraic@clareecho.ie

FILE is currently being prepared for the Director of Public Prosecutions as part of an investigation into alleged sustained online abuse of Clare GAA officers.

An Garda Síochána have issued confirmation that an investigation into online abuse as requested by Clare County Board is at “an advanced stage” with a file currently being finalised before it is handed to the Director of Public Prosecutions, The Irish Examiner have reported.

At the October meeting of the Clare County Board, clubs voiced their unanimous approval for the County Board to contact Gardaí in relation to online abuse of

the Association and its officials which Irish Officer Flan O’Reilly described as “out of control”.

Ruan’s Michael O’Regan said of the actions online, “Some of the stuff out there is scurrilous, ridiculous and insulting”. Former referee Ambrose Heagney admitted he would have walked away from refereeing after two games if that was the level of abuse received. Ex Newmarket-on-Fergus delegate, Pat Corry called the individuals behind the anonymous interactions “cowards”.

Also at the October gathering, John Meade of Kildysart said the actions of people involved in anonymous accounts are “trying to split the county”.

Online activity was also brought to the attention of Clare GAA officials at the June meeting of the County Board. Whitegate’s Dermot Hayes detailed that the East Clare club was “treated poor-

ly” on social media with claims that they and Sixmilebridge were trying to influence the structure of the Clare

club championships on behalf of the Wexford senior hurling management team. “We have no intention other

than to promote hurling. What was said about our club man and the former Clare manager was very unfair”.

Two Clare GAA clubs refused permission to apply for loans on Croke Park directive CLARE GAA have received a directive from Croke Park not to approve loans for clubs to fund planned developments on their grounds, writes Páraic McMahon.

Two clubs within the county, Newmarket-on-Fergus GAA and Clooney/Quin GAA were rejected permission to apply for loans to fund developments.

Correspondence was received by Clare GAA secretary, Pat Fitzgerald for the June meeting of the County Board by both Newmarket-on-Fergus GAA and Clooney/Quin GAA who wished to obtain approval to apply for loans to improve their club facilities.

A loan to the tune of €250,000 was sought from Community Finance Ireland by Newmarket-on-Fergus GAA to assist in the building of an astro turf. Club officials had detailed that the facility was intended to allow for gaelic games to be played all year round as a result of the construction and thus increase the promotion of the sports.

“We have received a direction from Croke Park that no development be approved,” Chairperson Joe Cooney told delegates. “We always want to support clubs to improve their facilities,” the O’Callaghans Mills man stated.

Clooney/Quin requested financial assistance with the

construction of a car park (€30,000) and boundary wall (€20,000). They wished to get an approved loan from Community Finance Ireland to fund the works. This is part of phase one of a development taking place within the club, the land on which it is located was acquired in 2018.

The correspondence from the club outlined, “Clooney/ Quin has seen a substantial increase in population. The works are to be done to facilitate this”.

Cooney acknowledged that the clubs involved were “anxious”. He added, “Hopefully circumstances will change and we will be able to approve loans”.

pg31

09-07-20

Clare Echo THE

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Ennis RFC gear up for J2 after promotion

T lREADY FOR ACTION: Ronan O’Halloran of Ennis RFC in a win over Dingle last season

HE rugby pre-Season is approaching, and amidst everything that has occurred Ennis RFC is ready to get back on the pitch, to build upon the successes of the season that just passed.

The Mens Seniors have been promoted to the Division 2 league, which is fuelling their motivation for the season ahead.

The seniors’ first pre-season session takes place on next Monday, July 13 at 7pm on Ennis RFC grounds. All new and returning members are welcome.

A statement from Ennis RFC said, “If you are interested please contact us for further details

and practice schedules at either; ennisrfcpro@gmail.com or our Facebook page @ennisrfc.

“The Club has taken all necessary precautions in being Covid compliant and have safety as our priority. Further updates will be provided on our Facebook for all other age groups when appropriate.

“We also want to show our gratitude and thanks to all our Covid volunteers from the Club, they supported the local Clare Community Response team during the Covid-19 crisis.

“We look forwarding to seeing everyone back on the pitch this season, from player to supporter.”

Cloneyogan Flash takes the feature prize in Galway MOY-owned Cloneyogan Flash took the feature contest at Friday’s racing at Galway Greyhound Track.

In the feature contest on Friday nights card the outcome was in little doubt from the halfway mark. From traps the Siobhan Garrihy of Moy-owned Cloneyogan Flash was away smartly and she led Brickhill Davy and Sports Night by two lengths at the opening bend but with bunching among the chasers Cloneyogan Flash opened up a race winning advantage entering the back straight as she powered right away to defeat Brickhill Davy by seven and a quarter lengths in a superb 28.93.

Brave Balck owned by Clarecastle’s Kerryn Power lived up to her name in the S6 graded fifth contest as she forced her way through a narrow gap inside Tromora Ding and Bumblebee Pearl at the opening bend to record her maiden success. The Donie Duggan of Tulla trained daughter of Sidaz Jack & Coolronan Mocha lengthened well of the home bend to score by four and a half lengths in 19.60.

Ennis syndicate, the Blaze Trio were in fine form following the A8 graded seventh contest on Saturday night as their Blaze Bee made all the running for a runaway ten length victory over Merciful Ali in 29.73. The pair raced stride for stride to the opening bend where the winner came

off best in a slight bumping match. Once clear down the back the daughter of Kinloch Brae and Cragbrien Shawl went further clear with every stride from halfway.

Autlon Superior trained by Seamus Fahy and owned by Ennis’ Pat Hogan made it back to back wins in the A4 graded ninth contest as he made almost all to defeat Springwell Hank by four and a quarter lengths in 29.45.

The son of Superior Product & Heathlawn Queen disputed the early lead with Heathlawn O’Hara but turning down the back the winner opened up a three length advantage. From the this bend where the chasers got in each others way the winner was home and hosed.

Blaze Dubh owned by Tony Brigdale and Margaret Byrne took the concluding A4 graded contest as the son of Lenson Bolt and Blaze Flame collared the pace setting Burnpark Tommy approaching the home bend on his way to defeating Misunderstood by three lengths in 29.61.

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09-07-20

Clare Echo THE

pg32

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Tough draw for champs Scariff Ogonnelloe

R

EIGNING Clare and Munster camogie champions, Scariff/Ogonnelloe have been handed the toughest draw possible as their attempts to retain the McMahon Cup get underway.

In an unforgettable 2019 campaign, Scariff/Ogonnelloe won their first ever Clare senior camogie championship.

Their journey to get back to the summit could not be more difficult as they learned their fate for this year’s campaign on Monday night.

They have been drawn in Group B alongside Inagh/Kilnamona whose bid to win four championships in succession was ended by the East Clare side last year, reigning league champions Truagh/Clonlara and current Senior B champions Sixmilebridge.

After winning promotion from the intermediate ranks last year, St Josephs Doora/Barefield will fancy their chances in Group A. Four time champions Kilmaley, Kilkishen/Bodyke who relegated Clooney/Quin last year and 2019 beaten finalists Newmarket-on-Fergus await them.

Six teams will face off in the intermediate championship. Each side is to play each other with the top four at semi-finals. Clooney/Quin will be eyeing up the end of five rounds advancing to the a return to the top flight but must overcome

Golfers return to fairways in big numbers

A

FLURRY of activity has been visible in golf clubs across Co Clare over recent weeks with competitions returning last week with all clubs recording big entries, writes Séamus Hayes.

KILRUSH: In the Pat Geaney singles at Kilrush, John Hehir (13) was the winner with 40 points from Shane Lillis (2) with 39 and Sean Lyons (15), also with 39.

The Bank of Ireland singles at Kilrush was won by John McGrath (13) with 47 points from Pat J. Shannon (14) with 41 and Brian Scanlan (11) with 40.

Malcolm McCarthy(12) won the Clare Oil singles last Wednesday with 41 points from Dermot Hammond (22) with 40 points and Shane Lillis (2) with 38 points John McGrath (11) was back in the winners enclosure on Thursday with 40 points in the INET Consultancy singles. He won by one from Tom Clancy (7) with Thomas

Reigning champions Scariff/Ogonnelloe

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INTERMEDIATE CHAMPIONSHIP: Tulla Feakle/Killanena Clooney/Quin Whitegate Éire Óg Clarecastle/Ballyea

Tulla, Feakle/Killanena, Whitegate, Éire Óg and Clarecastle/Ballyea to do just that.

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Downes (12) in third spot with 38 points Vice captain Gerry Duffy’s prize was played for on Saturday when the winner was Joe Linnane (14) with 41 points from Rory Flynn (18) with a similar score. Noel Thornton (16) was third with 38 points followed by Michael Miniter (16) with 37 points. Shane Lillis (2) won the gross with 37 and he also won the prize for the longest drive while the category winners were John Saunders (13) with 36 points, John K. Ryan (16) with 36 points and Brendan Carey (20) also with 36 points. Neil Browne (8) won the front nine with 20 points while Paul McGibney (22) won the back nine with 21 point, Martin Queally (12) was nearest to the pin.

In the ladies section Geraldine Burke (18) won the P&M Golf Superstore competition with 37 points from Anne Gallagher (11) with 36 points and Margaret Hehir (20) with 35 points.

Amy O’Shea (15) won the Bank of Ireland singles with 37 points from Margaret

Spoil him with a P&M Unit 9 Westgate Business Pk Kilrush Rd, Ennis Gift (065)6840844 Voucher Clancy (15) with a similar score. Rebecca Brew (30) was third with 36 points.

Margaret Hehir (20) won the Nia Beauty competition with 39 points from Sheena Mahony (25) with a similar score. Fiona Kinsella (13) was third with 37 points followed by Anne Brennan (12), also with 37 points WOODSTOCK: Competition for Woodstock seniors resumed last week when there was a team of four modified scramble over 15 holes. The winners, with an impressive 53 points were Paddy Meehan, Pat Barry, Kieran Patton and Sean Howard. In second place with 50 points were Gerry Griffey, Brendan Arthur and Pat Quinn.

In last week’s open singles the winner was Justin McGraththis (16) with 45 points from Tom Kelleher (12) with 42, Jason Lee (15) with 41, Stephen McNamara (20) with 41 and Damian Kennedy (15), Gort with 40 points.

DROMOLAND: Adam Merriman was the winner of the mid week 9 hole competition at Dromoland with 22 points from Patrick Marnane with 21 and Niall O’Connor with 19.

Eoghan Smith won Friday’s open singles with 43 points from Eamonn Power with 41 and Cathal Ruane with 40 In the junior section Tuesday’s competition was won by Callum Hayes with 51 points from Cian Hadden on 43 points while Thursday’s winner was Jack O’Neill with 46 points from Donnacha Mahon with 44 points.

Niamh McDermott won the ladies 9 hole competition with 21 points from Majella Cotgreave on 19, Kitty Quinn on 19 and Julie Fitzgerald on 18 Frank Conway was the winner of category 1 in last week’s seniors outing with 26 points from Willie Fuller on 23 and John Murphy on 22. Category 2 was won by Jimmy Neville with 19 points from Michael Leydon on 19 and Mick Foley on 18 points.

pg 33

09-07-20

Clare Echo THE

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EX CLARE GAA CHAIR WARNS OF ‘SERIOUS CASUALTIES’ PÁRAIC MCMAHON

A

paraic@clareecho.ie

F OR M E R C hair p ers on of Clare GAA has warned there may be “serious casualties” if club games resume within the county.

Michael ‘Malty’ McDonagh expressed concern at last Monday’s meeting of Clare GAA as delegates discussed potential championship formats for 2020.

He paid tribute to Clare GAA for how they organised the meeting to ensure social distancing was maintained. This included a lorry being parked on the sideline of Cusack Park

where officials Chairperson Joe Cooney, secretary Pat Fitzgerald and treasurer Michael Gallagher sat at the top table.

“Many great GAA people have died because of COVID-19,” Malty stated from the stand. He flagged that many individuals have been unable to return to work, the Leaving Certificate was not allowed to proceed and family could not attend funerals of their loved ones.

McDonagh added, “There should be no football or hurling back in clubs until it is deemed to be safe”. He highlighted that a risk of community transmission in the spread of the virus could lead to a second wave.

“We will have serious casualties from playing

games,” Malty forecasted.

County Board Chairman, Joe Cooney outlined that they were going on the advice they were receiving from a national level.

“We have social distancing tonight and the meeting has been organised very well,” the St Josephs Miltown clubman replied. He stressed that the young people of Clare need to be protected but sensed the feeling of the meeting was for championships to proceed, “I fear for what will happen”.

GAA officials in Croke Park are liaising with the HSE and the Government on guidelines for the resumption of activity, the Chairperson commented.

“If clubs don’t want championships to be played, we will consider it”.

Malty McDonagh (right) with Clr Gerry Flynn at the 2019 local elections Photo by Martin Connolly

Like the League of Nations GAA clubs critical of amount of isolated players at certain clubs GAA clubs in Clare have criticised the amount of isolated players bypassing nearer clubs to join other teams.

An updated list of isolated players within the county was read aloud to delegates at the June meeting of the Clare County Board. As has become the norm, Ballyea, Kilmaley and Inagh/Kilnamona were securing the services of dozens of West Clare hurlers to play in the underage ranks. In football, Parteen’s Junior side have snapped up several hurlers from South-East Clare teams.

When delegates were given information on the amount of isolated players within Bord na nÓg Iomáint it drew criticism from clubs.

Tulla’s Brian Torpey questioned a previously passed motion that players had to travel to their nearest club. He flagged that players from Doonbeg, Cooraclare, O’Currys and Lissycasey were “going all over the place” instead of joining Kilkee/ Bealaha who are trying to field teams.

“It is ridiculous if players are coming from Carrigaholt and they are not playing with Kilkee/Bealaha,” St Josephs Doora/Barefield representative, Pat Frawley commented.

lMISSING OUT: It was claimed that clubs like Kilkee/Bealaha are being passed over by players from Carrigaholt

Draw for Junior B football CLARE GAA officials have held the draw for the Junior B Football Championship, writes Séamus Hayes.

On Monday evening, the preliminary round and first round draws took place for the Junior B football championship.

PRELIMINARY ROUND: Clonbony v St Breckans Parteen v Wolfe Tones Moy v Kildysart Shannon Gaels v Éire Óg

County Board Chairman, Joe Cooney pointed out that Bord na nÓg secretary Pat Gavin noted many of the players had already lined out with the clubs they were now assigned to.

“A lot of these people were already gone before the committee was established,” Vice Chairman PJ McGuane stated. He outlined that there are challenges when mothers and fathers are from a place and want their children to play for their native

club. “Isolation has gone out of hand, it is the league of nations in some places,” McGuane remarked.

Bord na nÓg Chairman, Neil O’Brien said that cases referenced by delegates involved players that already had featured for the club where they were listed as an isolated player. “At U12 they are going to Kilkee/Bealaha and not where they were previously,” the O’Callaghans Mills clubman said.

FIRST ROUND: Kilmihil v Shannon Gaels or Éire Óg Clonbony or St Breckans v Corofin Parteen or Wolfe Tones v Banner Moy or Kildysart v Kilrush Shamrocks

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS 35

THURSDAY, JULY 9 2020

The Clare Echo are now accepting IN MEMORY OF PJ FITZPATRICK PJ we will miss you, you have left a great impression Whether at the Ennis Singers Club or at the Shanaglish session Your everyday endeavours were far from being faint Mending the waterworks or what you loved to do was paint Your contributuon to Kilnamona will be so hard to surpass Whether lining the field or simply cutting the grass A life-long commitment to promoting the GAA As a board representative or your effort on the field of play The great days to remember were so special we agree The best day of all was the day you met Marie Your brothers and your sisters will miss you oh so much With your eagle eyed perfection and that magical touch Your love of Irish Music was always to the fore You danced away your troubles each moment on the floor Enjoying every minute all the tunes you did save Andrew, John, Gráinne and Eamonn played so well at your grave You’d be proud of Oliver as he delivered your life story Reminding us of a lifetime of Honour and Glory Brenda and Terri sat with admiration, love and pride And the attentitve congregation lamenting that you died Theses few lines are dedicated to the memory of PJ Fitzpatrick for his contribution to the sporting life of a small parish. A lifetime of promoting the GAA and his beloved Hurling Club Kilnamona.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam

- Acknowledgement - Anniversary - Month's Mind - Birthday Memorial

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PLANNING NOTICES CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL CLARISFORD, KILLALOE, CO. CLARE

Further Information – Natura Impact Statement Planning Ref: P20/119 Date Planning Application Received: 20 February 2020 Development Description: to A) Demolish existing dwelling house, detached garage and detached rear garden room. B) construct a new dwelling house and new detached rear garden room. C) Installation of an advanced wastewater treatment system, D) and all other associated site works all within revised site boundaries.

Take notice that following a requirement of the Planning Authority, Colin Varley will be lodging a Natura Impact Statement (NIS) in respect of planning application P20/119. This NIS will be available for inspection or purchase, at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the Planning Authority of Clare County Council, Aras Contae an Chlair, New Road, Ennis, Co. Clare during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the NIS may be made in writing to the Authority on payment of the prescribed €20.00 within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the Authority of the Natura Impact Statement and a copy of thie public notice.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL TEERMACLANE, ENNIS, CO. CLARE.

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

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL, KILMALEY ENNIS, CO. CLARE.

Take notice that Diarmuid Keane + Associates Ltd. (065-9083667, www.diarmuidkeane.ie) intend to apply to Clare County Council on behalf of Niamh Cavanagh & Martin O’Connor for planning permission to construct a new dwelling house, private garage, site entrance and wastewater treatment system along with all other associated site works and services at the above address. The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours.

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

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

of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application, and such submissions or observations will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application.

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

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL NO.7 FOUR SEASONS DRIVE, ROSLEVAN, ENNIS, CO. CLARE

Take notice that Brian Foudy & Associates Architects & Chartered Engineers of Osprey House, Carmody Street, Ennis, Co. Clare 065 6893565 www. foudyconsulting.ie.

Intend to apply to the planning authority on behalf of Tom Barry for permission to retain domestic garage together with all ancillary site development works and services at the above address.

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

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Take notice that Diarmuid Keane + Associates Ltd. (065-9083667, w w w. d i a r m u i d k e a n e . ie) intend to apply to Clare County Council on behalf of Sean Murphy for planning permission to develop a mini glamping site consisting of 2 no. glamping pods, site entrance, access road, parking area, wastewater treatment system and all other associated site 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 planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee, €20, within the period

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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.

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THURSDAY, JULY 9 2020

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)7

DOWN

1.See (7) 2.Push roughly (5) 3.Lend a hand (4,3) 4.Assemble (6) 5.Heartless (5) 6.Overall chief (7) 7.Teams (5) 13.File (7) 15.Farewell (7) 16.Deprived of shelter or protection (7) 17.Enquiring (6) 18.Tungsten, for example (5) 19.Chide (5) 21.Merchandise (5)

CROSSWORD ANSWERS D

E

S

S

E

U

G

D

E

R

U

L

52

E

D

S

Y

Y

O

U

42

N

B

L

I

L

E

O

P

A

I

R

T

32

O

O

P

A

22

D

G

P

O

T

12

K

C

S

S

02

X

O

S E

E

S

O

M

91

81

A

O

71

E

R

O

N

61

G

I

51

S

D

E

E

A

L

D

E

S

31

R E

T

41

M

21

U

E

R

S

O

S

E

Y

E

R

D

E

01

E

P

M

T

U

T

P

S

V

L

L

N

O

R

U

S

T 7

R

S

O 6

8

U

C

E

M 5

4

0202

T

9

I

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E

11

A

H

H

T 3

I

S

E

W

2

1

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QUIZ 39

THURSDAY, JULY 9 2020

The Clare Echo

THE MICHAEL CUSACK QUIZ

year was Michael Cusack 1What born?

are the official dimensions of 7What Cusack Park, Ennis?

2What parish was he born in?

else is there a GAA ground 8Where called Cusack Park?

3What was Cusack’s first career? . Solicitor . National School Teacher . Doctor

4What was his wife’s name? . Margaret . Mary . Máire

5He founded which newspaper? .. The United Irishman . The Nation . The Celtic Times

. Clonmel . Fermoy . Mullingar

old was Michael Cusack when 9How he died? . 59 . 67 . 80

What famous Irish book is reput10 ed to have a character modelled on Michael Cusack? .The Picture of Dorian Gray . Ulysses . Finnegan’s Wake

6What year did he found the GAA? . 1890 . 1884 . 1881

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

The answers will be revealed in next weeks edition.

6. 1884 7. 145 x 90m 8. Mullingar 9. 59 10. Ulysses

. Carran . Cooraclare . Coolmeen

. 145 x 90 m . 147 x 88 m . 144 x 91 m

ANSWERS

1. 1847 2. Carran 3. National School Teacher 4. Margaret 5. The Celtic Times

. 1851 . 1823 . 1847

Last weeks Answers . Dot Missing between Co and Clare . Piece of chimney missing in the background . Dot missing after Ltd . Birds missing on logo . Nike symbol missing on shoes

. Line missing on ground . Slider missing on van

Cathal Crowe TD, Willie O Dea TD, Sinead Moloney - Bunratty Castle - SIPTU and Joe Kiely - Kings Johns Castle - SIPTU pictured at Bunratty Castle, Clare Pic. Brian Arthur