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Nov 9 2023
THE CRAIC IS 90!
Clare Gardaí under siege Four assaulted in one month Social media fueling hostile attitudes Calls to introduce body-cams
by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie
lEnnistymon’s Vincent Wall showed it’s never too late to learn. The ninety year old was recently conferred with a QQI Level 6 Advanced Certificate in Art from Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board. An artistic trait has always been evident in the Wall family with his sons, Steve and Joe part of the much loved bands, The Stunning and The Walls. Photo by Brian Arthur
VIOLENCE towards Gardaí in Clare has increased with more members of the force being out of work with injury. In the past month, at least four Gardaí stationed in Ennis were out of work “because of assaults and injuries” they sustained while on duty. Superintendent John Ryan who has responsibility for the Clare Community Engagement
area expressed his view that social media is fuelling a more hostile reception for members of An Garda Síochána. Speaking at a meeting of the Ennis Municipal District, he admitted that there are many consequences when assaults on their members leaves them short-staffed. “We can’t get replacements for them, we have to operate with what we have”. Introduction of bodycameras on Gardaí is needed, he
believed. “Body cams will come down the line but it needs to be pushed because it will protect our members”. Supt Ryan highlighted that Gardaí across the county are struggling to do their job with no sign of increasing resources. “The demands on us are increasing...the new model is bringing us to areas like Tulla which we wouldn’t have had to respond to previously”. Full story Page 14/15
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NEWS .............................2-20 GORT............................22-24 GREEN CLARE ...........28-29 BUSINESS....................30-34 SPORT..........................35-41
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Liscannor’s John Phillip Holland honoured
A spectacular sculpture made from recycled Boeing 707 parts and honouring Liscannor inventor of the modern submarine will form the centrepiece of Ireland’s premier art fair Art Source at the RDS. A call from the local recycling business about dumped aviation parts gave acclaimed industrial designer Shane Holland the inspiration for the aero-marine sculpture to honour his ancestor John Phillip Holland, who hailed from Liscannor. Now the 3.5m long sculpture made of aluminium, titanium and recycled glass, which is a celebration of aviation, marine engineering and heritage craft will be on display at Art Source.
Two fatalities on Clare roads
TWO CLARE fatalaties were recorded in the space hours of seven hours between Saturday evening and Sunday morning, writes Páraic McMahon. A female pedestrian in her seventies was killed in Moyasta at approximately 7:10pm on Saturday. The road traffic collision involved the woman and a van, it occurred on the N67 at Moyasta between Kilrush and Kilkee. The woman was pronounced dead at the scene. Her body was then removed to University Hospital Limerick where a post-mortem examination was conducted. No other injuries to persons was reported. Any witnesses are asked to contact Gardaí. At approximately 2:55am on Sunday morning, a single vehicle road collision at Athlunkard Bridge claimed the life of 30 year old Darrren Ryan. The Meelick man was fatally injured when the minibus he was driving struck the bridge in the early hours of Sunday morning. His body was removed to UHL for a post-mortem examination. Gardaí are appealing for any witnesses to this collision to come forward. Any road users who may have camera footage and were travelling on the R463 between 2.30am and 3.30am to make this footage available to Gardaí. Anyone with any information is asked to contact Henry Street Garda station on 061 212 400, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.
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Thursday, Nov 9, 2023 THE CLARE ECHO
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Green light for sewerage scheme
Alannah engineers future with TU Shannon Leah McElvaney (left) who is studying Mechanical Engineering at ATU Sligo, and Alannah O’Connell from Clare who is studying Renewable and Electrical Engineering at TU Shannon, pictured using HoloLens technology at Kirby Group Engineering Headquarters in Limerick. Leah and Alannah are among five third level students receiving full scholarships at the engineering firm for the 2023/24 academic year through Photo by Alan Place its bursary programme
AFTER many false dawns, Broadford and Cooraclare is finally on the cusp of securing Government funding for wastewater treatment plants, writes Páraic McMahon. Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh O’Brien (FF) is to announce successful applicants in the €50m scheme for essential sewage infrastructure for rural villages. He is to unveil details within five days, Government sources have told The Clare Echo. Last April, Minister O’Brien first gave details of the scheme and in September 2022, Broadford and Cooraclare were submitted by Clare County Council in an official application for inclusion. In the 14 months since the local authority made its application, the county’s two Government TDs, Joe Carey (FG) and Cathal Crowe (FF) have been guilty on more than one occasion of stating that announcements on the scheme were due “within weeks”. Deputy Carey in February said there would be “clarity” and that the wait would be resolved in February of this year while Deputy Crowe had said Minister O’Brien would stick to the commitment he gave in Broadford in September 2021. At a special meeting of Clare County Council with Oireachtas members this September, Mayor of Clare, Cllr Joe Cooney (FG) received a round of applause from fellow councillors when he said, “We’re sick of hearing a couple of weeks at this stage” and referenced, that they had been “told numer-
ous times there would be an announcement made on the wastewater scheme”. At this meeting, Deputy Crowe said an announcement would be issued by October 10th. Speaking to The Clare Echo this week, Deputy Crowe said discussions were now “into the final hurdles” and that he expected an official announcement by Monday evening. “The Minister has decided and a decision has been made on what villages will make it through”. Details on the exact finances allocated to both Broadford and Cooraclare have not been unveiled. “Most of the funding will be met by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage but also there will be a funding element coming from the communities and Clare County Counci,” Meelick native Crowe said. He confirmed that both communities will have to meet a portion of the costs. “Controversially both villages saw land zonings stripped back in August, it was an extremely frustrating couple of weeks and I very much felt the pressure as the local TD. Frustrating as all as it was, it came down to having no sewerage infrastructure so the zoning was deemed to be ineligible, if we get to the point that I believe we’re close to, there is a mechanism that they can reinstate the zonings”. Crowe continued, “It is safe to say that after 40 plus years of waiting Broadford and Cooraclare will get approval for a wastewater scheme, I believe both are going to get a very positive outcome. “I had a meeting with Darragh O’Brien over the weekend and I have been redou-
bling efforts with officials in his Department since”. Speaking to The Clare Echo, Crowe said, “It will breathe huge life into these villages. We are only waiting on the formal announcement now but I am confident enough has been done”. Frustrations of personnel in both communities with the enhanced wait over the last two years was acknowledged by Deputy Crowe. “Some criticism is fair but the schemes take some time to be up and running, they are not standalone applications, they are bundled in with more than a dozen others around the country. “I believe the Clare applications were of a higher standard that most, they are shovel ready projects”. He acknowledged the efforts of both communities in continuing to fight for wastewater infrastructure in their localities. “There has been an immense effort in both communities. PJ Mason very much led the Broadford campaign with his neighbours while the local councillors have been hands-on in their approach. “In Cooraclare, there was an equally active community group, it was the last public meeting attended by the late Brendan Daly and he was very keen that it would go ahead, as we near an announcement on this scheme, I am very much aware of his immense input”. Rural sewerage schemes formed part of the submission made by Deputy Crowe along with Airport support and supporting the post office network in suggestions for the Programme for Government, he said.
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Shannon man offers reward of €1k to try track down alleged abductors by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie
A SHANNON man has offered a €1000 reward for anyone that can put him ‘face to face’ with the men that allegedly attempted to abduct his teenage daughter. Marty Hannan has been contacted by hundreds of people since sharing videos online in the past week recounting his experience and his determination to “protect my daughter”. Last Thursday, his 13 year old daughter Ava was approached “by a group of men in three different cars” by Wolfe Tones GAA grounds in Shannon. He claimed, “One of them tried to get her into the car, they said ‘get the fuck into the car’, they went to try grab her and a passer-by came near so they withheld and she went running down the road, she found a gap in the bush because she was familiar with the area and then ran into a friend’s house and thank God she was dropped home by the parent of that friend”. These men in Ava’s recollection to her father were “wearing balaclavas”. A spokesperson for An Garda Síochána told The Clare Echo no reported incident of an attempted abduction was made in Shannon on Thursday last. Gardaí in Shannon have confirmed to The Clare Echo, “We are investigating an alleged incident, it is a live incident. We would ask that anyone in the area, anyone with information or dash cam footage to contact us in Shannon Garda Station”.
GIVE THE
This investigation is understood to have commenced after Hannan’s ex-wife reported an incident to Gardaí. Marty himself has not spoken with An Garda Síochána on this matter and Shannon Gardaí have said they would be more than willing to speak with him as part of the investigation. Shannon based, Cllr Donna McGettigan (SF) stated, “Following calls and messages from concerned residents about the incident with the young girl, I have been in contact with the local Garda station. They have told me that they are investigating an incident, if anyone has any information on this, I would urge you to contact the Garda on this”. Over the past week, Marty has been trying to track down the men. He believes is getting closer in his attempts to find out where they live and said he has managed to locate the registration of one of the three vehicles from the incident. He confirmed that he has taken time off work to exert more energy to trying to find the men. “Since I was a kid, there has been a lot of this, it tends to be this time of year when the clocks get darker and the kids go back to school, we would have always heard the story of the white van but to me I have experienced numerous things as a child seeing people coming, going and trying to get people into cars. Shannon is a prime location for anyone trying to abduct a child because you’re on the motorway in
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minutes”. A €1000 reward has been put up by Marty for anyone that helps him to find the men involved. “I can’t afford it really but it is for someone who is able to put me in front of them. Most people that have been onto me don’t want the money, they just want their children to be safe”. Speaking to The Clare Echo, he started, “This is my daughter and I will not let anyone else away with, I am her protector, she has to see that someone has her back”. He added, “If these men are asking a young girl to get into a car it is not to have a chat and a conversation”. He continued, “The incident last week was on my doorstep, it was my daughter”. He said he has given up on the justice system in Ireland. At the age of nine, Marty said that he also had a similar “personal experience” where he was “dragged into a field” by a stranger but managed to get to safety. Three years ago, he was forced to intercept the owners of a transit van from abducting a neighbour’s child. “The van pulled up and I saw it moving back and forward, then my young neighbour she was six or seven at the time with blue eyes and blonde hair, I was in my master bedroom and could see out the window, as soon as they saw the young girl, the van’s reversing lights came on and it went into reverse, I had to jump out of the window and onto my van, I shouted at the girl to cross the road and managed to get her safely out of the way”.
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Removing people from emergency accommodation ‘not an easy thing to do’ by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie
Cliffs get Clean Coast nod Adrian Hendroff was shortlisted in the ‘Coastal Landscape’ category as part of the 2023 Clean Coasts Love Your Coast Photography Competition with the image ‘Sea Cliffs and Stars’, taken at the Cliffs of Moher
A SENIOR official in the housing section of Clare County Council has said he does not sleep easy due to removing people and families from emergency accommodation. Addressing councillors at a meeting of the Ennis Municipal District, Padraig MacCormaic, acting senior executive officer with the County Council outlined that he has overseen the removal of five individuals or families from emergency accommodation in recent times. He stated, “it is not a pleasant thing to do, asking a mother of a young family or a man with addiction issues to leave emergency accommodation is not an easy thing to do and I don’t sleep easy because of it”. MacCormaic noted, “We don’t expect people coming into emergency accommodation to be angelic, they have all sorts of issues so there is low tolerance but not for threats of violence towards staff or
being excessively drunk”. His comments came in response to a motion by Cllr Clare Colleran Molloy (FF). She highlighted, “There is a real concern that a small number of residents of Laurel Lodge are continuing to pose a real challenge to the sense of safety that residents and visitors to Ennis are experiencing”. She added, “It is understood that in recent years, the hostel has transformed from a ‘dry’ hostel to a ‘wet’ hostel for its residents. Is this transformation from ‘dry’ to ‘wet’ in compliance with the planning conditions”. In his response, MacCormaic explained, “The terms “dry” or “wet” hostel are not referred to within the planning condition”. He confirmed there is a service level agreement between MidWest Simon and the County Council regarding the provision of services and that it is reviewed annually. Care and support services are provided at Laurel Lodge on a 24/7 basis, 365 days per annum.
County councillors in July adopted a Homeless Central Placement Policy. “A Conditions of Stay within Emergency Services is included within this adopted policy. This is the “rules of stay” within EA service that all clients need to adhere to and if this is broken or an individual is in breach of this, services may be withdrawn. Since adoption of this policy Clare County Council, along with a number of Emergency Service providers, have withdrawn emergency accommodation from some clients who fail to adhere to same,” MacCormaic stated. Withdrawal of supports in the event of a lack of cooperation is the right stance, Cllr Colleran Molloy believed. “I’ve a very clear memory from the Council of it being referred to as a dry hostel, as far as they were concerned it was a dry hostel but it has changed since then,” Cllr Mary Howard (FG) commented. When planning permission was applied for by the Coun-
cil, “significant submissions from residents” were lodged, Cllr Johnny Flynn (FG) recalled. Previous assurances that it was “a dry hostel” do not seem to be correct, he felt. “There is no way we can tolerate a small number of people causing such anti-social behaviour,” Cllr Tom O’Callaghan (FF) remarked. Speaking at the Ennis MD sitting, MacCormaic outlined, “The homeless situation is very precarious, we are facing into difficult months for the winter, there is a rise in the number of rough sleepers in Ennis and other areas of the town which we hadn’t anticipated”. He said, “To my knowledge drink and drug taking is not allowed on the premises, there seems to be anti-social behaviour in the area around Laurel Lodge, I did an investigation for the reply to this notice of motion, the people ye are talking about are not residents of Laurel Lodge, they are sleeping rough around the area”.
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Bravery award for Killaloe’s Ben by Adam Maloney news@clareecho.ie
A FIVE year old Killaloe boy has been awarded for his quick thinking as he helped his mother by promptly contacting emergency services when she lost consciousness. Ben Holland has been awarded a bravery medal from the National Ambulance Service for his actions in saving his mother, Jennie Kiely last month. Last October, Jennie was diagnosed with Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS). Getting the diagnosis took years and finally arose after she collapsed in work and an ambulance was called for her. She told The Clare Echo, “When I got to the hospital, they took my blood pressure and my heart rate, they had me stand up, have me lie down, stand on one foot, all these all these mad tests. Every time my position changed, my blood pressure would drop, but my heart rate would go through the roof and that was causing me to faint because the blood wasn’t circulating around my body properly. So that’s how they figured it out”. Kiely suffers from the diagnosis on a regular basis in which a faint that arose last month was noticed by Ben to be a more serious occurrence than usual. “I suffer symptomatically every day, I don’t faint every day, sometimes I’m able to lower myself down. But I feel the effects of it dai-
l LITTLE HERO: Ben receives his bravery medal from tha NAS and (right) with his mom Jennie ly. I faint maybe every two weeks stood up to go, I lost consciousness Ben contacted emergency services but because it is a hormonal thing, and I hit the floor”. and told them, “if they called Charthere is times in the month where it “Ben tried to wake me up, and lie Chaplin’s pub in Limerick and is more often”. when I wasn’t waking, he grabbed ask for Joe, they’d get his daddy”, as She recalled, “It was a Saturday my phone and we previously he did not know his father’s number evening. I had been feeling very showed him how to do an emergen- when asked, Jennie said. off that day. When I took my blood cy call because back in June I ended “They asked him would he go next pressure in the morning it was quite up in resus and my heartrate was so door to the neighbour and ask for low, and everything that I tried to do high that they were worried that I help, and he said, ‘I’m not allowed to bring it up wasn’t working. I just was going to have a cardiac arrest. outside when it’s dark because I’m felt horrendous. So, I said, ‘Ben let’s So, it scared me, so that’s why we’ve only a small child”. have a lazy day’ and we’ll stay on the shown him how to do the emergen“They asked if this happened couch and watch movies. I started to cy call, but I didn’t think he’d have before and he said ‘yeah, she faints feel much better after resting and at to, especially so soon”. all the time, she has very low blood 8pm I said to him, ‘we better start A senior infant pupil in St. Mi- pressure and she has POTS’. So, getting ready for bed’ and when I chael’s Infant School in Limerick, they knew what they were com-
ing to. I had been unconscious for nearly 10 minutes. When they got there, Ben let them into the house and explained what happened, and they started to do an ECG on me to check my heart and blood pressure, so I was still on the floor in the same position, I hadn’t moved”. On her current condition, Jennie said, “It’s kind of manageable now, I’m getting used to it and learning what triggers they send and what helps it, but it’s awful. I feel it every day, there’s at least one point every day where I see black stars, get lightheaded or feel a bit wobbly. It was really scary for him because I wasn’t waking up, usually when I faint, I come around quite quick after it, but I was out cold, he thought I was dead”.
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Councillors Violence towards at odds over Gardaí rising ‘town JPC’ by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie
E
NNIS councillors have once again clashed on calls to establish a sub-committee of the Clare Joint Policing Committee (JPC) to focus specifically on the county town, writes Páraic McMahon. Citing “increased anti-social and criminal activity” across the Ennis Municipal District, Cllr Johnny Flynn (FG) asked for a Clare JPC sub-committee to be established to focus solely on issues in the MD. He outlined, “The loss of the successful Ennis JPC in 2014 which had operated effectively and efficiently since 2009 has I believe been detrimental to crime prevention and public safety in Ennis Town Centre, suburbs and wider municipal district. The former Ennis JPC enabled focused positive collaboration, connection and support of local Ennis businesses and residents with and of the Gardaí”. Superintendent John Ryan who has responsibility for the Clare community functional area recently briefed a meeting of the Ennis MD alongside Sergeant Catriona Houlihan. He said he was “supportive” of the stance of Cllr Flynn. “We held local sub-JPCs as opposed to the big JPC, there was a lot more local interaction and able to feed back to myself and Catriona, it is important those channels are there, I will respond to the issues if they are brought to my attention”. Opposition to a sub-committee was voiced by Cllr Mary Howard (FG), “I don’t see the need for another JPC, it would take four or five Gardaí off the streets only to be held up at meetings”. Describing it as “a resources game”, Cllr Paul Murphy (FG) felt issues could be managed better than via another committee. “It goes back to numbers, we’d love to see more foot patrols, management have to deal with the hand they are dealt with, I’ve no doubt in John’s capability, when I’ve issues that pop up I tend to phone directly and it works for me, I’ve also found the JPC to be a good forum”. Following on from this, Cllr Flynn asked if Ennis MD agreed to the creation of a sub-committee of the JPC for twelve months would the Gardaí be in favour. Supt Ryan responded, “Most people have my mobile number, what Paul does works quite well, he contacts me and I send the message down the line, I
agree totally with what Cllr Howard says, by me and Catriona being here we can’t be on the streets so I’ve to catch up on my work which goes into the late hours of the night, I have no issue with an informal meeting which works better, we can meet up once every six months and maybe in the Garda station so all members can hear the public’s concerns, we work for the people of Ennis and the county to provide a service. If you want to meet up quarterly or twice a year I will be there or someone will be there on my behalf ”. Flynn’s motion was discussed again later in the meeting. He prosed meeting with Gardaí twice yearly. He recalled that a previous motion on the ‘See Something Say Something’ initiative as trialled in Tralee in 2018 “went nowhere” after it was passed by the Ennis MD, “the JPC didn’t seem to push it”. Clarity was then issued by Cllr Flynn that he was looking for an agreement on “formal structure” of meetings with An Garda Síochána representatives and the Ennis MD. Responding to this, Cllr Howard stressed that Supt Ryan was “very clear that their time is important, we all have access to anybody else in the station. Because they are down 30 Gardaí in the District, I have an issue with another talking shop”. She pointed out that Cllr Ann Norton (IND) offered to rescind her place on the Clare JPC to allow Cllr Flynn replace her. Currently on the Clare JPC “four members are representing this MD yet the motion on See Something Say Something didn’t go anywhere,” Cllr Flynn replied. “I understood that he was willing for us to go meet him, if that is the case I withdraw, if it not I leave it on the agenda,” he added. Mayor of the Ennis MD, Cllr Pat Daly (FF) said Supt Ryan accepted an invitation from him to address their February meeting. Senior executive officer of the Ennis MD, Leonore O’Neill clarified, “The Superintendent is happy to have formal meetings. The question is the format and whether or not ye want to have them”. She advised that the organisation of a sub-committee with the setting of agendas and scheduling of meetings “would need to be managed outside without the support of JPC structures. The Superintendent did outline he was satisfied to meet with you on that basis”.
AGGRESSION levels shown to Gardaí in Clare is rising. Superintendent John Ryan who has responsibility for the Clare Community Engagement area expressed his view that social media is fuelling a more hostile reception for members of An Garda Síochána. Speaking at a sitting of the Ennis Municipal District, Supt Ryan commented, “the level of aggression and violence towards our members is hugely different to what it was 10 years ago or 20
years ago when I was a working garda in Ennis, social media is pushing a lot of that because it is cameras in your face”. Introduction of body-cameras on Gardaí is needed, he believed. “Body cams will come down the line but it needs to be pushed because it will protect our members”. At the time of his address, four Ennis based Gardaí were out of work “because of assaults and injuries”. He admitted, “we can’t get replacements for them, we have to operate with what we have”.
'Massive increase' in Ennis thefts ENNIS has recorded a “massive increase” in the amount of thefts from shops in the county town., writes Páraic McMahon. Crime is rising in Ennis, data from the town’s Superintendent has confirmed. Supt John Ryan addressed a recent meeting of the Ennis Municipal District and gave a presentation on the comparison of crime in Ennis in the current day versus 2019 figures. Up until the end of September, 24 cases of assault had been reported, an increase of seven compared with 2019. Less instances of assault causing harm have been recorded, down from 15 in 2019 to 12 in 2023. “For some of those you may have seen footage on our main streets, all of them incidents have people before the Courts,” he confirmed. Thefts from moving or parked vehicles has experienced “a significant decrease” as it is down by 40. Counteracting that, “a massive increase” is visible with theft from shops rising from 191
in 2019 to 371 in 2023. “We have tried to create an early charge process where we’re seeing continuous behaviour of shop lifting or anti-social behaviour, we have reduced numbers so we’re expecting a lot more from a lot less people”. Work is ongoing on detection from interviewing people and examining areas such as the town centre and housing estates, he outlined. “If we have CCTV we will get products from it, people are still coming in with face coverings which is making it difficult”. For domestic incidents, Gardaí are “obliged” to do call backs, Supt Ryan explained. For public order incidents, there were 227 in 2019 and 171 for 2023 so far. Supply of drugs has also recorded a “significant increase,” he said. 99 motorists within the Ennis environs were detected as driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs in 2019 whereas the figure is at 50 so far in 2023.
lTHE BILL: A family of ducks on
‘Daylight drinking from minority
ENNIS is “getting a bad name” according to elected representatives who have claimed that daylight drinking is increasing in the county town, writes Páraic McMahon. Insisting that it was a “very small number” of persons predominantly responsible for all the anti-social behaviour issues in Ennis, Cllr Clare Colleran Molloy (FF) felt the lines of communication between the Ennis Municipal District and An Garda Síochána needed to be open “to address this issue in a more impactful way”. She recounted that in the month of September she was walking the streets of Ennis at lunch time, “I saw two individuals drinking in daylight, they were not well able to walk either, we have a concern with the supply of alcohol, they were Bulmers cans actually, I was approached by one lady who knew me and asked why it wasn’t addressed.
“Sometimes the county councillor is the first port of call and the response is we are doing our best but we’re not the Gardaí. The individuals I saw are not engaging with Clare County Council”. Persons that she witnessed drinking alcohol in the middle of the day across the town are “causing distress” but are “not engaging” with the County Council when it comes to accommodation, the Ballybeg resident stated. A close family member of Colleran Molloy’s recently witnessed a female Garda “having strong intervention with one of these individuals recently and that is what we need more of,” she maintained. “A bigger Garda presence is needed around the town to quieten “the small number of two or three people causing the grief”. Regionalised Garda structures is having “a negative impact on our county
town,” Cllr Johnny Flynn (FG) stated. “Criminals are behaving badly in the town,” he lamented, “it is a very small section of our society who believe they are untouchable”. Addressing a meeting of the Ennis MD, Superintendent John Ryan recalled that on one occasions on the beat this summer they were attempting to move on people who were causing anti-social behaviour and Gardaí were then questioned by members of the public “asking us why we were moving them on. “I understand people walking the streets feel intimidated but we can’t just move them on if they aren’t causing any difficulty”.
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patrol outside Ennis Garda Station
giving Ennis bad name’
He continued, “Yes if they are drinking cans we can be proactive but by just being there we can’t do an awful lot to it. “We’ve done a lot during the summer, I’d love to see more Guards on the street and out and about more but because of the processes we have and the numbers we have I can’t do anything about it”. On his way to the meeting in the Council Chamber, he said he walked past Ennis Courthouse, “we have quite a number of Guards there because of the amount of cases we have”. Demands on Gardaí are increasing all the time, Supt Ryan explained. “To run Ennis takes a minimum of six Guards, we keep two cars going all the time but that is just dealing with the calls, the new model is bringing us to areas like Tulla which we wouldn’t have had to respond to previously”.
Instances of persons drunk in Ennis town centre at 11am were also witnessed by Cllr Mary Howard (FG). She said during her time on Ennis Town Council, two Polish men who were homeless “developed a level of fame”. The Clare public are too generous when it comes to aiding rough sleepers, she said, “People think they are doing the right thing by giving them money, if you want to help, give them food”. Mayor of the Ennis MD, Cllr Pat Daly (FF) observed, “there was very little crime in the 1960s but Ennis has completely changed, you have the drugs and the fighting on the streets”. He continued, “There is an element of people at the Square every day, there is a certain element of people which is not good for Ennis and it is giving us a bad name”.
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Thursday, Nov 9, 2023 THE CLARE ECHO
Christmas in Clare
Bookings now open for Santa Experience at Moher Hill Farm
SANTA is preparing to visit Moher Hill Farm where the children of County Clare will get a chance to meet the main man, his elves and reindeer this Christmas. The renowned Moher Hill Farm & Leisure Park is now taking bookings for their Santa experience, where each family will enjoy a private audience with Santa Claus. Santa visits will take place on the weekends of December 2 to December 17. Each child will receive a gift and have time to chat and a photograph with Santa, while a professional photographer will also be onsite to capture your magical visit. Families can sit into Santa’s Sleigh for a picture and feed and pet Santa’s deer. Children will also meet Santa’s elves, play in the indoor bouncy castle, or visit the ball pool and under 5s area while adults keep themselves refreshed with complimentary tea, coffee, mulled wine and a festive homemade mince pie. Each child will also receive a bag of food to feed the animals of Moher Hill Farm, who are snuggled up in their animal barn where children will have the opportunity to hold a rabbit. At Moher Hill Farm resides a vast array of animals from alpaca, emu, raccoons, sheep, Highland cow, Fallabella horses, Kune Kune pig, ostrich and much more. Santa has been visiting the family-run Moher Hill for two decades, which is operated locally by Delia and Martin Canavan along with their children Shane, Lorraine and Alan. Delia told The Clare Echo that families that began visiting the Santa experience in the 2000s continue to meet Santa at Moher Hill Farm to this day, “Our farm will look like a Christmas village in preparation for the visit of
lHO-HO-HO: Santa and his elves are ready for visitors Santa and children from across County Clare. forward to meeting our visitors in the coming We will have a Post Office where children can weeks.” post their Santa list, we’ll have a snow scene Moher Hill Farm opened its doors in 2000 and of course our animals are very friendly and over the years the farm has developed and children love them, we’re very unique in a range of facilities to meet customer dethat sense.” mand including indoor go-karting, a mini-golf Delia adds that visitors should book early course, bouncing castle, and in-door and outto secure their visit, adding, “Santa is looking door play areas. Following this year’s Santa
Experience, Moher Hill Farm will close to the public before reopening in Easter for the 2024 season. They welcome bookings for groups and birthday parties, along with school tours To book your Santa visit, go to https://www. moherfarm.com/product/santa-visit-2023/. For more information on Moher Hill Farm & Leisure Park, call 065 708 6867.
THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Nov 9, 2023
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Christmas in Clare
Turn Black Friday green with Flynn Hotels
IT’S the season to support local, stay sustainable, and take advantage of savings when it comes to your next getaway break ! The Flynn Hotel Collection of award winning, independent, family-owned hotels has announced their 2023 Green Friday Sale, which will run from Monday 13th November to Cyber Monday 27h November! Green Friday at the Flynn Hotel Collection means exceptional value with savings of 20% on bed and breakfast rates in their landmark properties in Kilkenny, Dungarvan and Ennis, in addition to the sale discount, savvy guests booking this sale period will be further rewarded with gifted extras on ar-
rival in the form of local green experiences. These welcome gifts have been thoughtfully selected by each individual hotel property to showcase their local suppliers and producers as an effort to truly embrace the Green Friday ethos, which encourages people to shop sustainably and think local first. With your 20% saving you could be staying at any of the 4-star Flynn Hotel Properties which includes: The Newpark Hotel, Kilkenny, The Old Ground Hotel, Ennis, Co. Clare and The Park Hotel, Dungarvan, Co. Waterford.
To book see flynnhotels.com.
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Thursday, Nov 9, 2023 THE CLARE ECHO
Ennis
Celebrating Irish authors and writing in Clare Libraries
C
LARE Libraries is thrilled to announce the line-up for Clare Readers Festival 2023. Clare Readers Festival is a literary celebration of writing and reading that promises to ignite the passion for literature in the hearts of book lovers and creators alike. This exciting event is set to take place from Tuesday 14th to Thursday 23rd November in Ennis and Shannon Libraries and it is free for all who are eager to explore the diverse world of today’s contemporary and new Irish writing. Speaking at the launch of the festival programme, Clare County Librarian, Helen Walsh, said, “The Clare Readers Festival is a testament to the library’s commitment to fostering a love for reading, promoting Irish authors, and making the literary world accessible to everyone.” Ms Walsh added, “We are delighted to be able to provide these events free of charge with the support from Creative Ireland.” The festival line-up includes: Ennis Library, Tuesday, 14th November, 6:30pm-7:30pm: Tá Ceantar Bardasach Inse ag iarraidh a thuiscint conas a thaistealaíonn cónaitheoirí áitiúla, mic Moïra Fowley in conversation léinn, oibrithe agus cuairteoirí go hInis agus timpeall Inse faoi láthair chun a shainaithint conas is with Sarah Marie Griffin. féidir cabhrú le daoine agus iad i mbun taistil, lena n-áirítear turais a thógtar de shiúl na gcos, de Moïra Fowley is an author, tarot reader, and part-time rothar, d’iompar poiblí agus de charr. Cabhróidh na freagraí ar an suirbhé seo linn a thuiscint cé witch. Moïra is the author of na dúshláin agus na deiseanna atá os comhair úsáideoirí an ghréasáin iompair in Inis agus beidh three critically acclaimed Young siad mar bhonn eolais faoi fhorbairt Phlean Iompair Áitiúil Inse. Adult novels which have been shortlisted for the Waterstones Sa suirbhé seo, cuirfear ceisteanna ort faoi do nósanna taistil in Inis agus timpeall Inse agus faoi Children’s Book Prize, the Irish na nithe a bhfuil ag éirí leo agus faoi na nithe ba cheart a fheabhsú. Ba cheart go dtógfadh sé ort Book Awards, and the Chilthart ar 10 nóiméad chun an suirbhé a chomhlánú agus is féidir leat do fhreagraí a thabhairt suas dren’s Books Ireland Awards, as go dtí an 07/12/2023, agus an dáta sin san áireamh. Ní mór duit bheith 16 bliana d’aois nó níos well as being nominated for the sine chun an suirbhé seo a chomhlánú. Carnegie Medal and winning the School Library Association of Cuirfear dara babhta comhairliúcháin phoiblí ar siúl sa bhliain 2024 chun an dréacht-Phlean Ireland Great Reads Award. Iompair Áitiúil a chur i láthair agus chun deis a sholáthar le haghaidh aiseolas a thabhairt. Shannon Library, Thursday,
PLEAN IOMPAIR ÁITIÚIL INSE STAIDÉAR BONNLÍNE – COMHAIRLIÚCHÁN POIBLÍ AR LÍNE
Tá tionscadal Phlean Iompair Áitiúil Inse á chistiú ag an Údarás Náisiúnta Iompair agus d’fhostaigh Comhairle Contae an Chláir SYSTRA Ltd, sainchomhairleoir iompair, chun an tionscadal a chur i gcrích.
Más mian leat an ceistneoir a chomhlánú agus d’ábhair imní/do thuairimí a chur in iúl ar léarscáil idirghníomhach ar líne, is féidir leat iad a rochtain ach an nasc seo a leanas a leanúint: https://www.clarecoco.ie/services/municipal-districts/ennismd/news/ LocalTransportPlan
ENNIS LOCAL TRANSPORT PLAN BASELINE STUDY ONLINE PUBLIC CONSULTATION Ennis Municipal District are seeking to understand how local residents, students, workers and visitors currently travel to and around Ennis, to identify what would make travel easier for people including journeys made by foot, bike, public transport and by car. Your answers to this survey will help us understand the challenges and opportunities facing users of the transport network in Ennis and will inform the development of the Ennis Local Transport Plan. This survey will ask you questions about your travel habits in and around Ennis, as well as what you think works well and what should be improved. It should take you approximately 10 minutes to complete and you can make a response up to and including 07/12/2023. You must be aged 16 or older to complete this survey. A second round of public consultation will take place to present the draft Local Transport Plan in 2024 and provide opportunity for feedback. The Ennis Local Transport Plan project is being funded by the National Transport Authority and Clare County has engaged SYSTRA Ltd, a specialised transport consultant, to carry out the project. If you wish to complete the questionnaire and identify your concerns-comments on an interactive map on-line you can access them by the following link: https://www.clarecoco.ie/services/municipal-districts/ennismd/news/LocalTransportPlan
lREADERS FESTIVAL: Donal Ryan
Photo by Anne Marie Ryan
16th November, 7:00pm-8:00pm: Donal Ryan in conversation with Madge O’Callaghan Donal Ryan, from Nenagh, Co. Tipperary, is the author of six number one-bestselling novels and a short story collection. He has won several awards for his fiction, including the European Union Prize for Literature, the Guardian First Book Award and four Irish Book Awards, and has been shortlisted for several more, including the Costa Book Award and the Dublin International Literary Award. Shannon Library, Thursday, 23rd November, 7:00pm8:00pm: Kerri Ní Dochartaigh in conversation with Róisín Á Costello. Kerri Ní Dochartaigh is the author of Thin Places (Canongate, 2020) which was highly commended by the Wainwright Prize for Nature Writing 2021. She has written for The Guardian, The Irish Times, the BBC, Winter Papers, and others. Her second book, Cacophony of Bone, was published in April 2023.
For more information about the Clare Readers Festival, including a detailed schedule of events and featured authors, please visit the Clare Libraries website at: https://www.clarelibrary.ie/
features traditional cuisine with a modern day creative twist. THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Nov 9, 2023
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The Town Hall Bistro
The Poets Corner Bar
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A traditional Irish pub that opens its doors onto the main town street of Ennis. Perfect for a pint, a bite to eat or traditional Irish music session..
The Brendan O’Regan Restaurant Ideal for special occasions. The menu features traditional cuisine with a modern day creative twist.
Book now on +353 65 682 8127 or email sales@oldgroundhotel.ie | Find out more www.oldgroundhotelennis.com/dining
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Thursday, Nov 9, 2023 THE CLARE ECHO
Shannon
SHANNON NEWS in association with
Emergency readiness training exercise held at Shannon Airport
A
TWO-HOUR multi-agency emergency training exercise code named ‘ Exercise Charlie’ has concluded at Shannon Airport, writes Páraic McMahon. Responsiveness of agencies in case of a future emergency at Shannon Airport were tested under ‘Exercise Charlie’. The purpose of the exercise was to test the airport and agencies readiness in dealing with a major incident and allow them gain invaluable experience in a live simulated incident. Tuesday’s two-hour scenario began at 10.30am and concluded at 12.30pm. The scenario for the simulated exercise involved a cargo aircraft diverting to Shannon Airport having declared a full emergency on route from Paris Charles de Gaulle airport to JFK airport in New York.The plane had four crew members onboard all of whom complained of feeling unwell following a suspected haz-
ardous cargo leak/spill at the rear of the aircraft. Participating agencies included Shannon Airport, AirNav Ireland, Health Service Executive (HSE), An Garda Síochána (Clare Division), Clare County Council Fire Service, Shannon Foynes Port Company (SFPC), the Irish Coastguard and the Irish Defence Forces. Commenting on Exercise Charlie, Director of Shannon Airport, Niall Kearns said, “The major incident training exercise was a huge success, and we were delighted with how well all participants worked together throughout. “Safety is paramount to us here in Shannon and a multi-agency exercise like this allows us to assess our readiness for any incident that may occur in real-life and that our team here and our partner agencies are ready to respond”.
lSUIT UP: Fire fighters take part in ‘Exercise Charlie’
Airport Group to launch economic impact study
AN ECONOMIC impact study by the Shannon Airport Group is to be launched this Friday, writes Páraic McMahon. Conducted by Oxford Economics, the report will be officially launched by Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Jack Chambers (FF). Consultants were hired by the Shannon Airport Group last autumn to assess its impact on the Irish economy. The Shannon Airport Group said it contributes significantly to the
entire Irish economy and supports thousands of jobs. With a property portfolio of 3,300 acres and 2.5 million sqft of space, the Shannon Airport Group is responsible for Shannon Commercial Properties which includes the largest business park outside of Dublin with 180 companies. In its tender document prior to appointing the consultants, the Shannon Airport Group stated, “We are playing a critical role in shaping the future development of our country
with ground-breaking yet practical facilities and by attracting new or more frequent international connections all of which are vital to a more balanced national economy”. Prior to the commencement of work on the study, the Shannon Airport Group had aspired that it would develop an Economic Impact Analysis Model of the Group to assess the environment within which the Group operates as well as trends in the aviation sector.
THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Nov 9, 2023
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Thursday, Nov 9, 2023 THE CLARE ECHO
Gort & North Clare
Coughlan’s Centra celebrates 21 years of business in Gort by Stuart Holly editor@clareecho.ie
COUGHLAN’S Centra has been supporting Gort and its surrounding communities for 21 years. A family-run business, John and Cathy Coughlan opened the doors of the busy supermarket on November 15, 2002, on George’s Street in Gort. At the core of the Gort community, Coughlan’s Centra is a valuable supporter of local underage camogie sides. Coughlan’s is also a family operation with John and Cathy Coughlan proudly employing 30 people from the local area, including their three children who have grown alongside the business. John Coughlan acknowledges the importance of their customer base and he tells The Clare Echo, “It’s important to give back to the community.” Coughlan’s Centra has survived and thrived through turbulent times, from the recession to the opening of the motorway, to most recently the global pandemic. John and Cathy’s resilience throughout this time is marked by their refusal to stand still, constantly progressing their business and modernising Coughlan’s Centra. Coughlan’s have invested heavily in recent years to create a state-of-the art facility which included installing 160 solar panels on the building, introducing an electric delivery vehicle, replacing all their lighting needs with LED lights, and installing modern closeddoor fridges and new ovens. “There’s lots of things happening here,” admits John. “Every piece of equipment has been replaced over the last three to four years, so we’ve done a lot of sustainability work in the business. It’s something I’m very passionate about and thankfully it’s significantly reduced our energy costs while also reducing our carbon footprint.” High standards exist across the board and that was reflected this week at the Musgrave’s Annual Awards which took place last night at The Mansion House in Dublin, where Coughlan’s Centra was in the running for two awards. Manager at Coughlan’s Centra, Flavia Souto has been with the business for 15 years and her standards of excellence have been
l Husband and wife team, John and Cathy Coughlan have proudly been running Coughlan’s Centra in Gort since 2002; (inset) Manager Flavia Souto
recognised this week where she was shortlisted for Musgraves Store Manager of the Year. John says, “Flavia has been the cornerstone of our operations for 15 years now, and we are so proud of her as such a nomination is
a significant professional milestone, particularly given the extensive number of stores and managers across the country. It speaks volumes about her exemplary service and the positive impact she has had on our business
since joining us all those years ago.” In addition to this, John notes that they are “thrilled” that Coughlan’s Mood Ice-Cream stand has been nominated amongst the Top 6 in the country, saying that this is a reflection of their excellent and loyal staff-base. John explains that Coughlan’s Centra always strive to keep upto-date with the latest food trends, noting that they carry more healthy offerings now as “people are very health conscious now and into their health and wellbeing”. He also stresses that convenience is a very integral part of their business model, “We don’t like queues. We have a bit of a motto, more than two is a queue!” John, a Manchester native whose family is originally from Tuam, previously ran Centra on Main Street in Lahinch before Musgrave’s invited him to open the shop in Gort. John is passionate about the development of Gort as a vibrant town, and he notes the importance of their customer-base and the community in making their business a success. “We went through a few scary moments with the recession and pandemic,” John admits. “The pandemic was tough even though business was strong because everybody stayed local but it was hard work because you were trying to make sure everyone was okay, and look after people and look after ourselves as well. We were doing deliveries - we do deliveries anyway because we deliver to the factories in the area - but then we had a few older customers, obviously it was a lifesaver for them.” He continues, “Gort has a big hinterland around it, Kilbeacanty, Lough Cutra, Tubber, we receive a lot of support from out the Loughrea Road and the old Ennis Road, which we are very grateful for. From farmers to self-employed people, we also have a strong young customer base including young housewives, and young people commuting into Galway who stop in the morning for a coffee and their sandwich for the day.”
Visit Coughlan’s Centra on George’s Street in Gort or phone (091) 630 972.
Gort back on news agenda with Clare Echo by Elaine Tubridy elaine@clareecho.ie
THE Clare Echo is delighted to announce its return to the shelves of shops in Gort. In conjunction with our return to the south County Galway town, The Clare Echo launches its new ‘Gort & North Clare’ section, which will
bring readers weekly updates and the latest news from the area. This reintroduction to Gort would not have been possible without the support of local businesses, most notably Coughlan’s Centra who have come on board as sponsors of our ‘Gort & North Clare’ page. Speaking about the development, Clare Echo editor Stuart Holly said,
“We are delighted to announce that we are returning to Gort. For the people of Clare, Gort has always been the gateway to Galway but more importantly, the historic town is intrinsically linked to Clare and particularly people in North Clare. Many young people from Clare complete their secondary education in Gort Community School, while a
large number do their weekly shopping or are employed in the town. “We are excited to follow the latest stories and developments from Gort and its surrounding areas again and we encourage you to contact us if you have a story, or would like to promote a community event in The Clare Echo.” Ross Houlihan, Account Man-
ager with The Clare Echo added, “I wish to thank the businesses of Gort for supporting The Clare Echo as we return to shops every Thursday morning. Promoting local businesses is what we specialise in and we look forward to working with the business community in Gort and south County Galway for many years to come.”
THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Nov 9, 2023
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Gort & North Clare
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Thursday, Nov 9, 2023 THE CLARE ECHO
Gort & North Clare
Gold future leader recognition for Gort Community School students by Adam Moloney news@clareecho.ie
GORT COMMUNITY SCHOOL was one of seven schools nationwide to be awarded as a Future Leaders Gold School. 115 Transition year students played a part in the school claiming the major honours which they received in Croke Park on October 18th. With over 300 secondary schools involved in Future Leaders Programme, 150 schools applied to be recognised as either a Bronze, Silver, or Gold school for their work, in which Gort Community School’s successful projects over the last year, claimed the school a Gold award. Current Teacher in Gort CS and a National Coordinator for the GAA Future Leaders Programme, Eoghan Hanley said “fantastic work” is evident across the country and it was important to recognise their efforts. Both he and Colm Madden who also hails from Clare were involved in the project. Eoghan told The Clare Echo, “The current fifth years organised a primary school blitz with over 450 primary school kids from North
l Some 115 Transition Year students played their part in ensuring that Gort Community School was one of only seven schools nationwide to be presented a Future Leaders Gold School award
Clare and South Galway, Hurling & Camogie, it was massive success. And two massive events they ran
last year, which were huge successes were the All-Ireland U-15 Hurling Super 9’s, and the All-Ireland U-15
Camogie Super 9’s. And then they had schools from all four provinces in both tournaments”.
Hanley who teaches French and Irish in the school explained that the Super 9’s event “were on two different days, and hundreds of people in attendance. TG4 came down and filmed both days. The President of the Camogie Association came down to the Camogie one and the President of the GAA came down to the Hurling one. You had all the best camogie and hurling teams in the one place at the one time”. Students from Gort Community School presented multiple awards at the tournament including best goal scored, best point scored and best skill, along with All-Star jerseys and new school jerseys designed by McKeever for the best players and winning teams. “In fairness to the students in Gort they did a fantastic job and for them to see it come together on the day, and to have hundreds of people coming just to see this tournament that they’ve organised. “You’ve got the best hurlers and camogie players in the country, and the Presidents of the associations, it’s just brilliant, that’s something they will remember forever”.
THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Nov 9, 2023
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Community news
Aoife Scott set for Kilkee concert AWARD-WINNING folk singer-songwriter Aoife Scott comes to Cultúrlann Sweeney, Kilkee, on Friday November 10 at 8pm. Born into the legendary Black family, Aoife is steadily rising to the top of the traditional and folk music scene. Fragile and ethereal one minute, and strong and vibrant the next, Aoife has a dynamic and profound voice, which explores the emotional depths of her lyrics, leaving the audience entranced. Her music has a broad creative scope but is largely influenced by her own roots in folk and traditional Irish music. Her recent accolades in 2018, have seen her named ‘Best Folk Act’ at the Irish
Post Music Awards, as well as ‘Emerging Artist of the Year’ at the Live Ireland Awards (USA). In January, Aoife appeared on BBC Two, performing live from ‘Celtic Connections’ in Scotland. She currently appears every Sunday night in Ireland on TG4 on the show ‘Réalta & Gaolta’, and she also presented the live music performance show ‘The Windmill Lane Sessions’. Aoife is a true veteran of the Irish and Folk Festival circuit, having performed and headlined at dozens of festivals around the world, including The National Folk Festival & Port Fairy Folk Festival in Australia; the Mood Indigo Cultural Festival in India; the
Milwaukee Irish Fest in the USA; Le Festival Interceltique de Lorient in France; the London Feis; and the Temple Bar Trad Fest, to name only a few. Past successes have seen Aoife and her cousins, Roìsìn O and Danny O’Reilly from The Coronas, release their single ‘Grace’, which went straight to
Number 1 on iTunes in Ireland. Aoife’s single ‘All Along the Wild Atlantic Way’ also hit Number 1, knocking Ed Sheeran off the top spot, and was also named ‘Song of the Year’ at the Irish Folk Music Awards in 2017. Tickets can be purchased at 065 9060769 or at: https://clarearts. ie/events/aoife-scott/
Doonbeg One-Act Festival takes place West Clare is getting ready for entertainment with drama in Doonbeg. The One-Act Drama Festival will take place this Saturday, Sunday and Monday at Doonbeg Community Hall with a host of drama groups from around the country. Corofin Drama Group; Ennis Players, and Oakhill
Players, Knockerra will be joined by groups from Kildare, Cork, Offaly and Galway to perform a wide selection of short plays. Organised by the volunteer committee of the West Clare Drama Festival, the festival offers a range of plays to suit all tastes with everything from comedy and farce to trag-
edy and drama. Nine different plays will be performed over three nights - the full lineup can be viewed on www.westclaredramafestival.com. The drama groups are competing as part of the Drama League of Ireland One-Act All-Ireland circuit with the 2023 Finals taking place in December to
be hosted by Castleblaney Drama Festival. This year’s adjudicator is Aodh McCoy. Details are available on www.westclaredramafestival.com and admission is €12 for Adults or €30 for 3 nights and €6 for Children available on each night. Doors open at 7.15pm with Curtain Up at 8pm sharp.
Talk: Hope in a Changing Climate THE upcoming talk in Ennis on ‘Hope in a Changing Climate’ on Tuesday, November 14 will be of interest to those who watch climate disasters unfold with growing anxiety and who struggle to know what to do about it. The event will explore how we can find antidotes to eco-anxiety in our own lives and the lives of young people. The main speakers are young adult author Oisín McGann and MEP Grace O'Sullivan. Oisín McGann (pictured) is a best-selling writer and illustrator whose climate communication skills were developed in an EU-funded project to find ways to use storytelling to raise awareness of climate change. The outcome was a book aimed at young adults, 'A Short, Hopeful Guide to Climate Change'
and a school resource, 'Feel the Change'. Grace O'Sullivan has lived a life dedicated to environmental and peace activism. For 20 years she worked with Green-
peace and was a crew member on their boat the Rainbow Warrior when it was bombed by the French Foreign Intelligence Service in 1985. Currently a Green Party Member of the European Parliament, she is actively involved in environmental and maritime committees. She will describe the political and individual measures that can improve the situation both globally and personally. They will be joined in a panel discussion by Senator Róisín Garvey and Bridget Ginnity, Green Party representative for Ennis. The talk, hosted by Clare Green Party, takes place on Tuesday, November 14 at 8pm in the Old Ground Hotel, Ennis. Admission is free and pre-registration is not required.
Old Kilfarboy Society talk in Miltown ON TUESDAY, The Old Kilfarboy Society will host their second winter talk “Sound you’re A” presented by Enda Byrt. The presentation is based on “Sound Your A” a book and double CD which tells the story of the Céi-
li and Dance Bands of Ennistymon and area: families, music and musicians, 1942 onwards. The music is intertwined with social history to paint a picture of community social interaction through the music of the times and is based
on recordings of the musicians since 1942. Enda Byrt, an Ennistymon native, began his teaching career at St Joseph’s Spanish Point and after a period in the U.K. and Dublin returned to Clare. He was Principal of Ennistymon V.S.
from 1980-2008. He holds a master’s degree in educational psychology and plays piano and fiddle. https:// www.soundyoura.com The Talk takes place at 8pm in the Malbay, Miltown Malbay. All are welcome.
PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT ACTS 2000 (as amended) PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS 2001 (as amended) NOTICE OF PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT BY CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL Streetscape Enhancement and works to Corofin Union Workhouse in Corofin, County Clare Notice is hereby given, pursuant to the provisions of Part XI of the Planning & Development Act, 2000 (as amended) and in accordance with the requirements of Part 8, Article 81 and Article 83 of the Planning & Development Regulations, 2001 (as amended) that Clare County Council proposes to undertake the following development: Streetscape Enhancement in Corofin and works to Corofin Union Workhouse in Newtown, Corofin, County Clare. Location The location of the proposed works are at Corofin, County Clare in the following areas: 1.
Corofin Village Core Area.
2.
Gort Rd
3.
Newtown and Kilvoydan
4.
Church Street
5.
Corofin Union Workhouse, Kilvoydan (RPS No: 434 Clare County Development Plan).
6.
R476 Ennis Road.
7.
R476 Kilnaboy Road.
8.
R460 Station Road.
9.
Inchiquin Lake.
10. Kilvoydan Cemetery. 11. Lough Atedaun. Nature and Extent of Works •
The provision of enhanced public realm to include upgrades to hard landscaping, new street furniture, signage, cycle parking, street trees and green areas along with other ancillary works.
•
The provision of pedestrian friendly raised tables and minor road realignments of the Gort Road, Kilvoydan and Church Street.
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Provision of a Shuttle Bus stop with bus shelter on Gort Road.
•
Reconfiguration of on street parking spaces to provide age friendly and disabled parking spaces in accessible locations.
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All associated site development and landscaping works.
•
Change of use, renovation and extension of Corofin Union Workhouse (RPS No: 434 Clare County Development Plan) Newtown to provide Artists Studios with associated site development and landscaping works including enhanced public realm works and the provision of 4no parking spaces.
•
A new Community Garden at Newtown adjacent to Corofin Union Workhouse with new planting and enhanced public realm.
The subject works are partially located within the Corofin Architectural Conservation Area. Corofin Union Workhouse is a protected Structure, Record of Protected Structures, RPS ID: 434 (Clare County Development Plan) In accordance with the Habitats Directive, an Appropriate Assessment (AA) Screening has been carried out in respect of the proposed works. An Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) screening determination has been made and concludes that there is no likelihood of significant effects on the environment arising from the proposed works. Any person may, within 4 weeks from the date of the notice, apply to An Bord Pleanála for a screening determination as to whether the development would be likely to have significant effects on the environment and an EIA is not required. Plans and Particulars of the proposed development will be available for inspection or for purchase at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, during normal office hours (Monday to Friday, 9.00am – 4.00pm, excluding Bank Holidays and Public Holidays) for a period of not less than 4 weeks beginning from the date of publication of this notice, at the following location: •
Clare County Council, Planning Department, Áras Contae an Chláir, New Road, Ennis, Co. Clare V95 DXP2
A submission or observation in relation to the proposed development, dealing with the proper planning and sustainable development of the area in which the development would be situated, may be made in writing to the Planning Department, Clare County Council, Planning Department, Áras Contae an Chláir, New Road Ennis Co. Clare V95 DXP2 or by e-mail to planoff@clarecoco.ie. Submissions and Observations to arrive no later than 4.00pm 22nd December 2023. 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 Echo
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Thursday, Nov 9, 2023 THE CLARE ECHO
Columnists
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Thought for the week: Never give up
Spreading the word of positivity RONAN SCULLY
F
OR the last couple of weeks I have been finding nourishment for my life and soul in a Poor Clare’s Church is my favourite place of prayer. As their best selling book says it is definitely a place to “Calm the Soul”. One morning on the way there recently as I listened to my radio in the car, the news spoke about the 25 million people or so that have been affected by food shortages and drought in East Africa particularly in Ethiopia, South Sudan, Kenya and Somalia where many of the Irish aid agencies like the one I work for Self Help Africa and Irish missionaries are trying so hard to save children’s and people’s lives and then another broadcast shortly after revealed about the atrocities in Israel, Gaza and Palestine and then went onto the devastating war in Ukraine where lots of more people lost their lives by more evil acts and then it was announced about the shocking numbers of homeless people and children living in our own country of Ireland that had reached an all time high. It made me feel unbelievably sad and heartbroken about how little some people cherish human life. A SINGLE UNFOLDING MOMENT And this week closer to home, as I type these words, one of my dearest friends is waiting in vigil with family members at the bedside of
a close family member who has been slipping away peacefully day by day. But they are thankful for her life and this special time that they are having with her now. Also many people have asked me to pray for loved ones who are unwell or going through a hard time in life at present, and who knows when we ourselves might be in that situation in the future. I titled this thought “Never Give Up” because in that time of driving from my house to the Poor Clare’s Church and indeed hearing personal stories from people who ask me to pray for them, I was vividly reminded of how much life can change for any one of us by a single unfolding moment. We sometimes get so caught up in our routines and in the business of living that we take it for granted that we will be here tomorrow or next week or next year. CHERISH YOUR LIFE Ask yourself and God in prayers what is really important in life and in your life and then have the courage if you can muster it up to build your life around your answers. In life, maybe something is not working, then you have to reset it. It’s okay to reset, refocus, readjust, reschedule, or re-do something to make it better, to feel better, to live better. If you feel off focus, then go anywhere where your mind will get peace, then after get back at it. Restarting, Refocusing, Resetting your mind or moving things around your schedule is much better than giving up. Whatever
l Rest and restart
you reset your moment reveals, it should make you more productive, making you happier. For me in our world today I feel that most of us don’t fully cherish or appreciate our lives here until a vital part of them is taken from us. Re-set, Re-adjust, Restart, Re-focus, As many times as you need too! THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK As your thought for the week, reflect and pray on
this loving poem by Kendra Clarke called, ‘Never Give Up.’ “When your heart has been broken and your world has fallen apart, Do not lose hope, or ever give up. When life then knocks you down, and All you can muster, is a frown, Just remember, to never give up, It may feel like it won’t end But your heart will surely mend If you are patient, and do not give up. You may never comprehend, But on God you can depend, Just surrender, you
just can’t give up. The light will indeed shine, It will all be in God’s time. So you see, don’t you dare give up. For the future will truly bring, A time when pain will lose its sting, But to get there, you must not give up. God says He’s always near, Don’t be scared, have no fear, He wants to be there, so never give up. He will help you to get through, And on this you know it’s true, He’s just asking, that you never give up. He’s your shining light, Be led by faith
and not by sight. Aren’t you glad that you did not give up, Through it all, never lose sight. He’s your strength and He’s your light, when you make it, thank God, you never gave up. Amen”. Never give up. Few good things come easily and it most often takes hard work and perseverance to attain that which we desire. Often the only obstacle between us and something better is simply not giving up. The road to success is paved with obstacles but you have to persist, keep at it, keep learning, and never give up. Refuse to give up, keep going, and when you get knocked down, just get back up and keep moving toward your goal. If it stirs you, if that vision captivates you, then do it, no matter how long it takes. Never give up on something that matters to you. Never let your dream die. Never given up on, or forgot, the goal that really means something to you. Never give up, quit, lose hope or abandon your dream or goal. Don’t let anyone sabotage your efforts, don’t let them break your beliefs. No matter how difficult things may seem, believe in yourself and in your ability to succeed. Whatever it is that you aspire to achieve, never, ever give up! “Many people die,” said Oliver Wendell Holmes, “with their music still in them.” That’s tragic. Follow your dreams! Never give up believing in yourself. Take control of yourself. Your life. Your choices. If something isn’t working. Start again. As many times as it takes. Whatever it takes. God bless you always and never give up.
What’s the Irish for ‘selfie?’ Cén Ghaeilge atá ar ‘selfie’? Macalla an Chláir
LE MACDARA Ó CONAOLA
D
IA dhaoibh agus fáilte go heagrán 51 de ‘’Macalla an Chláir’’. Bhí anspraoi go deo agam ag Oireachtas na Samhna i gCill Airne an lá cheana. Casadh an oiread daoine orm ná raibh am agam suí síos. Casadh sean-chairde agus cairde nua orm agus muid ag plé chuile ghné den tsaol. Beidh eagrán speisialta ón Oireachtas againn an tseachtain seo chugainn. Agus an Ghaeilge atá ar ‘’selfie’’ ná, ‘’féinín’’. Lean ar Twitter, Facebook, agus Instagram muid ag @MacallaAnChlair. Is féidir r-phost a sheoladh chugainn má bhíonn scéal ar bith agaibh nó imeacht Gaeilge éigint ag tarlú in bhur gceantar, ag macallaanchlair@gmail.com. FUN AND CRAIC AT OIREACHTAS NA GAEILGE Hi and welcome to the 51st edition of ‘’Macalla an Chláir’’. I had a wonderful time altogether
at the Oireachtas Irish Language Festival the other day. I met so many people I didn’t have time to sit down. I met friends old and new and we discussed all aspects of life. We will have a special ‘’Oireachtas’’ edition next week. Oh, and the Irish for ‘’selfie’’ is, ‘’féinín’’. Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram at @MacallaAnChlair
lFéinín dhíom fhéin agus Breanndán Ó Beaglaoich ag Oireachtas na Samhna i gCill Áirne an tseachtain seo caite
Imeachtaí/Events:
• COMING SOON / AG TEACHT GO GEARR - ENNIS/INIS – RANGANNA AMHRÁNAÍOCHT I NGAEILGE / IRISH SINGING CLASSES, Eolas/Information: spraoilegaeilge@gmail.com nó 085-1295594 • CILL INÍNE BAOITH - Ciorcal Comhrá san XPO, chuile Dé Céadaoin ag 7.30pm • INIS / ENNIS - Scéalaíocht do pháistí / Story time i nGaeilge le MacDara Ó Conaola, 7ú Samhain/7th November, Leabharlann De Valera, Inis, 3 – 3.30pm, Saor in aisce / Free of charge • LUIMNEACH / LIMERICK, Seoladh leabhair ceoil do pháistí le Paula O’Regan ag Halla Íde, Conradh na Gaeilge, Sráid Thomáis, ag 6.30pm, Dé Sathairn, 11ú Samhain • INIS – CAINT AGUS COMHRÁ, chuile Dé Luain ag 11am sa gCopper Jug, Dé Céadaoin ag 11am in O’Brien’s, oíche Déardaoin sa Temple Gate (8pm), agus Dé Sathairn i nGlór, 11am-12pm Déan teagmháil leo ag: caintaguscomhra@outlook.com • RAIDIÓ CLARE FM - ‘’Cúl-chaint’’ le Domhnall Ó Loingsigh chuile mhaidin Dé Sathairn, 9am. Seol nuacht chuig: Donal@clare.fm • ENNISTYMON / INIS DÍOMÁIN – Scéalaíocht agus Rannta le Ceri / Storytime and Rhyme i nGaeilge with Ceri, sa Leabharlann, Inis Díomáin, Dé Sathairn an 11ú Samhain / 11th of November, 11.00 – – 11.30am IN AISCE / FREE OF CHARGE
THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Nov 9, 2023
Columnists
Top Tips for November Your Local Garden Centre, filling and refilling your pots all year round! 086 340 5236 Orchard Lane, Hermitage, Ennis
brought to you by
Rake up leaves
FALLEN leaves prevent light and air getting to plants and the lawn and these dark , damp conditions are dream conditions for slug, snail and a host of nasty fungal disease. Avoid problems by raking leaves and adding them to the compost pile or a leaf pile to break down natural and add to the compost heap. Also gather leaves from the base of the roses bushes to help reduce blackspot rust infection for next year. Dump these leaves to avoid spreading these diseases.
Hot chocolate fondant
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085 8613103 Doolin, Co. Clare V95 KH30
This weeks recipe is brought to you by
A taste of Clare cuisine Not much is better to finish a meal than chocolate, and not many desserts top a hot chocolate fondant with the middle still runny and served with vanilla icecream. We currently serve this dessert at the restaurant at lunch and it never fails to impress with one customer recently telling us they would happily drown in it. The recipe for this is an easy one however timing may vary slightly depending on your oven. If serving at home I would recommend using ramekins and serving the dessert in the ramekin topped with good quality vanilla icecream. •
Ingredients
100g 70% dark choc-
• • • • •
olate, chopped into small pieces 100g butter, in small pieces 100g golden caster sugar 2 eggs and 2 egg yolks 100g plain flour
-Spoon the mix into four ramekins evenly. This can be done before you want to cook and serve them. -Bake in a pre heated oven at 170c for ninr minutes until set on the outside but soft in the middle.
Method
-Whisk your eggs and egg yolks with your sugar until pale. It is best to use an electric mixer. -Melt butter and chocolate in a bowl either in the microwave or over a pan of gently simmering water till melted. Remove and leave to cool slightly. -Fold together your melted chocolateand butter mix into your egg and sugar mix until combined. Finish by folding in the flour. The mix should have no lumps.
Essential safety for school pupils ROAD safety is a crucial life skill, especially for school pupils who often navigate the busy roads on their way to and from school. As more families in Clare are being encouraged to use green methods of travel to and from school, teaching young students about road safety is paramount to ensure their well-being. Here are some essential road safety tips for school pupils, brought to you by The Clare Echo and Gort Road Tyres: Look both ways before crossing: The fundamental rule of road safety is to always look both ways before crossing the road. Teach students to stop at the curb, check for oncoming traffic from both directions, and only proceed when it is safe. Use pedestrian crossings: Explain the importance of using marked crosswalks and pedestrian crossings. Make sure children understand that these designated ar-
eas are safer for crossing the road, as they alert drivers to the presence of pedestrians.
when crossing the road is a must. This ensures their safety and teaches them the importance of guidance.
Follow traffic signals: Teach pupils to obey traffic lights and pedestrian signals. Explain the significance of the red, green, and yellow lights and how they indicate when to stop, go, or wait.
Be aware of parked cars: Explain the risks of parked cars, as drivers may not see children approaching. Encourage pupils to stay away from parked vehicles and maintain a safe distance from the road.
Walk, don’t run: Encourage school pupils to walk on the footpath and avoid running or playing near the road. Running can be unpredictable, making it difficult for drivers to react in time. Be visible: Wearing bright, reflective clothing or accessories can make a child more visible to drivers, especially in low-light conditions. Remind them to be seen and not just heard.
facing oncoming traffic.
Stay on the footpath: Instruct children to always use the sidewalk when available. If there is no footpath, they should walk on the left side of the road,
Don’t use electronic devices: Emphasise the dangers of using phones, headphones, or other electronic devices while crossing the
l Safety first
road. Such distractions can prevent them from paying attention to traffic. Hold hands with an adult: For younger pupils, holding hands with a responsible adult
Report any unsafe situations: Teach students that if they encounter any unsafe situations or witness reckless behavior on the road, they should inform a trusted adult or school authority immediately. Incorporating these road safety tips into school curricula and reinforcing them through practical exercises and discussions can contribute to the safety of school pupils. These lessons instill lifelong habits that will help protect them as pedestrians and future drivers.
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Thursday, Nov 9, 2023 THE CLARE ECHO
GREEN CLARE
GREEN CLARE Lisdoonvarna taps into the well to restore old Spa heritage of wellbeing
LISDOONVARNA will be reconnected to its deep heritage of wellbeing in a new community-led vision which is to be unveiled on Tuesday, writes Páraic McMahon. Nine shared ambitions are contained in ‘Tapping the Well’ along with one key recommendation to progress development in Lisdoonvarna. The launch takes place on Tuesday (November 14th) at 7:30pm in The Pavilion Hall in Lisdoonvarna. World-renowned architect Shelley McNamara of Grafton Architects, herself a Lisdoonvarna native was part of the team to facilitate the project along with designers and architects ACT Studio, local social enterprise
Common Knowledge, Lisdoonvarna Failte. It was a ‘hometown architect’ project supported by the Irish Architecture Foundation as part of their Reimagine programme. Across the summer, more than 150 local people participated in this community project aimed at creating a vision for the future of Lisdoonvarna rooted in its heritage of wellbeing, inviting lifelong residents, key stakeholders and new communities to contribute. Speaking in advance of the launch, Shelley McNamara, commented, “As well as the life-giving waters that run beneath the town, the well of community spirit, love for the land and passion for culture run deep in Lisdoon-
varna. Our hope is that this vision, which includes the deeply held wish to restore the Spa Well as a resource for the community and visitors alike, to enrich the town square and to foster the social heart Lisdoonvarna is known for, will support the town to move forward”. Fionn Kidney, co-founder of local social enterprise Common Knowledge added “The process has revealed the most commonly-held ambitions by the Lisdoonvarna com-
munity. “Rather than a detailed plan that could end up gathering dust on a shelf, this vision signposts the key ingredients of a future of wellbeing for the town, and recommends the establishment of a ‘Town Team’ to start stewarding this vision to reality. As a local social enterprise that shares practical skills like building, making, mending and growing, we’re looking forward to finding ways to support the community on this path”.
LET’S CLEAR THE AIR Choosing low smoke fuel is better for all of us.
l The Spa Wells at Lisdoonvarna and (inset) Shelley McNamara
Repair time on public lights in estates 'a whole mess' ANXIETY of elderly residents is rising due to the new procedures followed by the ESB in fixing public lighting across housing estates, a Shannon representative has claimed, writes Páraic McMahon. To ensure compliance with the ESB’s public lighting requirements and Safe Electric’s standards, the repair times of public lighting faults is now greater. Senior officials in Clare County Council have met with ESB locally to try accelerate repair times. The “significant delays to
the return of supplies” was previously described by acting senior executive engineer, Anne O’Sullivan as “regrettable and taking longer than it should be”. She stated, “We will continue to work with ESB and escalate the issue, we’ve made them very much aware of our dissatisfaction with ESB attending our sites”. Speaking at a sitting of the Shannon Municipal District, Cllr Gerry Flynn (FG) labelled it as “a whole mess”. He stated, “the installation of a transformer around housing
estates in Shannon Municipal District will present huge problems”. Flynn continued, “ESB have insisted on shutting off lights where works are to be done, it is crazy stuff, it shouldn’t be happening”. Cathaoirleach of the Shannon MD, Cllr Donna McGettigan (SF) agreed with the sentiments. “ The lights are turning into a huge issue”. She added, “some estates are in darkness and the elderly are left in because the footpaths are so dangerous”.
Burning smoky fuels releases invisible toxins that damage our health. It increases air pollution, which can trigger asthma and lead to serious illness. So make sure you only use low smoke fuels. And remember to clean and maintain chimneys and heating appliances at least once a year.
Find out more at gov.ie/CleanAir
THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Nov 9, 2023
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GREEN CLARE
Lackareagh to consist of seven turbines
NEW details have been released about the proposed Lackareagh Wind Farm, writes Páraic McMahon. Located east of the village of Kilbane, the wind farm will comprise of up to seven turbines with tip heights of up to 180m. If planning permis-
lWindfarm
sion is granted, Lackareagh Wind Farm will have a generating capacity of 50MW which is the equivalent of an approximate 35,000 homes across Ireland. A public exhibition with further details on the plans is to be held at The Lakeside Hotel in Killaloe on
November 21st. If the project receives planning permission and is constructed, a Community Benefit Fund will be established, to support local initiatives and activities. The wind farm is expected to be operational in 2027. Following consultation with the lo-
cal community, the project team intends to submit a planning application and the Environmental Impact Assessment Report in support of the project to Clare County Council in the first quarter of 2024. The project will also include access tracks, an onsite 38kV substation and battery storage compound, a temporary construction compound, a permanent meteorological mast, a temporary storage area, a borrow pit, underground cabling and a 38kV grid connection which links the wind farm to the national electricity grid. Jenny Howard, Head of Development at EDF Renewables Ireland, said: “We’re looking forward to presenting local residents with detailed information about the project and its progress to date. Our team have carried out detailed environmental, geotechnical and habitat studies, and this is a great opportunity for residents to find out more about the wind farm and provide feedback on our proposals”. She stated, “The effects of climate
29
change are becomingly increasingly clear every day, and Lackareagh Wind Farm will make an important contribution to decarbonising Ireland’s electricity supply and reducing our need for imported fossil fuels. The project will also lead to the creation of a Community Benefit Fund, to help support local initiatives and activities in the local area”. The public exhibition will be held at the Lakeside Hotel from 3pm to 8pm on 21 November. It will feature information about the project and the environmental surveys completed to date, photomontages illustrating the visual impact of the turbines from local viewpoints, details of the project timeline and information on other aspects of wind energy. There is no need to register in advance and all are welcome to attend. A virtual exhibition will also be available online. To find out more about Lackareagh Wind Farm please visit www. edf-re.ie/our-sites/lackareagh or contact the project team at lackareaghwindfarm@edf-re.ie
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Thursday, Nov 9, 2023 THE CLARE ECHO
Business & Recruitment
60 seconds with... Denise O’Brien Denise O’Brien is founder of O’Brien Learning Solutions. Ahead of the Clare Business Excellence Awards, we speak to her about life and business
1. Where are you from? Shannon. 2. Tell me about your business? O’Brien Learning Solutions is my business which I founded in 2016. We provide people-solutions to corporate teams in the areas of culture change, management, team and leadership development. www.obrienlearningsolu-
tions.ie
3. Is there anything that might surprise readers about O’Brien Learning Solutions? I bring 25 years’ experience of working in the financial services industry, starting out in training and development in GE Insurance Services in the late 1990s. 4. What was your first
job and what age were you? I had a paper round age 13! 5. What are your strongest memories of that? Carrying a big Wolfe Tones Na Sionna gear bag around Shannon in the rain delivering newspapers!
6. Most unusual job you ever had? I found the move to virtual classrooms at the start of Covid a strange experience, having only delivered face to face workshops up to that point. We all know how far we’ve come since then with Zoom calls! 7. If you could have chosen a different career path, what would it be? I would like to be a journalist or a writer, and in my spare time I enjoy writing short stories.
Clare County Council is currently inviting applications from suitably qualified persons for the below competition. Clare County Council will, following the interview process, form a panel for the area set out below from which future relevant vacancies may be filled subject to sanction approval from the Department of Housing, Local Government & Heritage.
Tenancy Enforcement Officer Completed applications must be emailed to: recruitment@clarecoco.ie not later than 12 Noon Thursday 23rd November 2023 Application forms and further particulars may be obtained by requesting same from the Human Resources Department, Clare County Council at 065-6846250, via e-mail: recruitment@clarecoco.ie or can be downloaded from the following website: www.clarecoco.ie
8. Is there anybody in business that has inspired you? I regularly meet ‘everyday’ women in business who inspire me, especially women who have started out small such as myself, and who have taken their business to great heights.
going into business? I would suggest reaching out and talking to people who are ‘out there’ doing what you would love to do. I found that anyone I have asked along the way have been more than happy to help out and have a chat over coffee.
9. What has been the most challenging thing you’ve encountered in business? Balancing work and home life as a single parent, whilst growing my business.
12. What is your favourite book? Haruki Murakami – Kafka on the shore, mind-bendingly brilliant!
10. If you could start again, is there anything you would do differently? I’d invest in support earlier e.g., financial planning and digital marketing and I’d go with my gut ideas sooner!
13.What is your favourite film? I love the film ‘Wild’ based on Cheryl Strayed’s autobiography in which she is played brilliantly by Reese Witherspoon. The story of how she overcame grief and adversity in her life is truly inspiring. Great soundtrack too!
11. Can you give advice to anybody considering
14. What was the first CD / tape / record your
l Denise O’Brien purchased? My first single was ‘What’s love got to do with it’ by Tina Turner that my dad bought me when I was seven. 15. Who is your sporting hero? Katie Taylor 16. What was your favourite holiday? A trip around Southeast Asia with my daughter to visit my brother who lives there.
ENHANCED DEFECTIVE CONCRETE BLOCKS GRANT SCHEME Clare County Council will be hosting an information evening regarding the application process only for those applying for the Enhanced Defective Concrete Blocks Grant Scheme. This information evening is targeted for people with limited digital resources / capabilities. Venue:
The Library, Shannon
Date:
21st November, 2023
Time:
18:00p.m. to 20:00p.m.
It should be noted that spaces are limited, so booking is essential.
Clare County Council is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all sectors of the Community.
To book your place, please phone: 065 6846309 065 6846385 065 6846468
Scriobh chugainn as gaeilge más fearr leat.
Or email: dcb@clarecoco.ie
AddJust win €4.7m Government contract Kilrush software company AddJust has signed a 10 year contract worth €4.7m with the Local Government Management Association (LGMA) to provide a housing asset management system to be implemented by all 31 local authorities across the country following a public tender process. The contract is part of the government’s Housing For All strategy which aims to address the current housing crisis. AddJust - (l-r) Michael Kelly, Chief Technology Officer (CTO); Joe Neylon, Director of Business Development; Roisin Murphy, Head of Client Services and Governance and Padraig Neylon, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Photo by Eugene McCafferty
THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Nov 9, 2023
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Business & Recruitment
31
Support programme helps Ennis businesses to increase sales and profitability
C O N S U M E R- FA C I N G business in Ennis are being provided with expert retail, merchandising and marketing advice through a new support programme organised by Clare County Council. Supported by the Elected Members of Ennis Municipal District, the initiative involves a series of webinars and site visits to assist businesses in growing their sales and profitability. The programme has been established to support businesses in dealing with any disruption that may arise as a result of ongoing work to deliver the Ennis Public Realm Regeneration Strategy, which is the largest public infrastructure projects to be undertaken in the town in decades. The first phase of works to enhance the streetscape of High Street, Bank Place, O’Connell Square, O’Connell Street, Old Barrack Street and Barrack Square in Ennis commenced in late October. Mayor of Ennis Councillor Pat Daly said, “While access to all town centre businesses will remain open during the
course of the public realm works, this support programme acknowledges that the disruption encountered during the construction phase can be challenging. It is critical that all businesses potentially impacted during the construction phase, plan for that disruption, develop marketing strategies to overcome any perceived inconvenience for consumers and ensure their business remains 'visible' to all consumers during the construction phase.” Carmel Kirby, Director of Economic Development and Ennis Municipal District (MD) said, “This programme is targeted at the owners and managers of any business which is consumer facing, including retailers from all sectors, cafes, restaurant and foodservice outlets, beauty salons and hairdressers, opticians and other service providers. “Our aim is to ensure businesses can sustain itself during a period of disruption and position your business to benefit from an enhanced customer experience in the town of Ennis.”
Commenting on the online seminars and site visits organised as part of the support programme, Ms. Kirby said, “Based on similar experiences in other Irish towns, leading food and retail busi-
ness advisor James Burke and his team have developed a suite of proven strategies to overcome this disruption. Some of these are reinforcement of good practices and adopting a proactive ap-
proach to engagement with your customers. “The real value in this programme will be the 'oneto-one' site visits which will facilitate consideration of an appropriate strategy aligned
lPROACTIVE: The programme aims to assist businesses during Public Realm works
to the specific needs of that business.”
Further information available by contacting Local Enterprise Office Clare on 065 6821616.
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Thursday, Nov 9, 2023 THE CLARE ECHO
Business & Recruitment
Banner Birdseed offer knowledge and value for range of bird & animal needs PET and animal owners across the country are flocking to a unique business in Clarecastle. Banner Birdseed is gaining a reputation as a source of quality produce at affordable prices, with unrivalled knowledge from its owner Bertie O’Doherty. Banner Birdseed recently launched a new website, bannerbirdseed.com/, displaying its impressive product range which includes top quality bird and pet food, poultry feed, specialist dog and horse bedding, vitamins and health products for birds, bird nesting & cage accessories, home-mixed wild bird seed, nyjer seed and more. For those hoping to learn about caring for their animals, a visit to Bertie in Lissane, Clarecastle is well worth the trip. Bertie is well known in aviary circles as a prominent bird breeder while his insight on animal health has also made him a go-to for greyhound owners in County Clare and beyond. However, domestic pet owners will also learn a wealth of knowledge from Bertie when it comes to caring for your pet, and his product range extends to ensuring the best for your dog, cat, rabbit, or bird. Along with carrying quality dog food brands including Gain, Pedro and Red Mills, Banner Birdseed sells bags of mixed breakfast cereal for greyhounds, dried meats, and frozen meet including venison and chicken. “The venison tripe is great for a young dog or any sick dog, it’s very good for the gut,” notes Bertie. Bertie stocks Bluefrog wax-coated bedding for greyhounds, horses and dogs, which is completely dust-free and hypoallergenic.
BIRD SEED
Bertie specializes in wild bird seed and the Ennistymon native swears by his special-
lBluetits
ly-crafted, aniseed-rich wild bird seed, which is sure to attract a selection of finches to your home garden. Bertie tells The Clare Echo, “I mix my own wild birdseed which I put aniseed into, it has
a little more ‘umph’ in it than the commercial one. The aniseed is good for the birds in the winter and it helps promote a good molt and there’s omega-3 in it for conditioning.” He encourages customers to bring their
own bucket to suit their needs, so there’s no obligation to purchase large bags of feed. “Whether it’s nyjer seed or peanuts, wild bird or even cage and aviary, I can cater for.” Banner Birdseed carries a selection of bird cages, food products from Beatties and Verselet-laga to Frazers, while to protect your birds he carries the latest meds including Exolt, which protects birds from mite. Bertie established the business in recent years after experiencing difficulties in trying to source products for his own birds. “Any time I wanted seed myself for any product, I had to go Limerick, Cork, Waterford or Dublin so I said to myself, ‘if I’m looking for it someone else is looking for it’.” With relationships now built up with suppliers in Ireland, Belgium, Holland and Italy, Bertie goes to great lengths to make sure he delivers for his customers, particularly with those difficult-to-source products which has led to a country-wide customer base for the Clarecastle business. He also insists on an affordable pricepoint. “I have items here you probably won’t get elsewhere in the Republic. The likes of the American siskin seed, it’s a very light seed and I’d be the only one from what I know, stocking that. Things that are unique and hard to get, I make an effort to get them.” Speaking about his passion for animals, particularly songbirds, Bertie explains, “I love the birds myself. As long as I can remember my father always bred birds at home. It’s amazing what you learn out in the wild, he’d show me where the linnets used to nest.”
To speak to Bertie, call 085 833 7268. For a full range of products, visit https://bannerbirdseed.com/.
THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Nov 9, 2023
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Thursday, Nov 9, 2023 THE CLARE ECHO
Business & Recruitment
Hustle Fitness powers forward with opening of new Shannon facility HUSTLE FITNESS continues to grow from strength to strength with the opening of a new Shannon facility now bringing their lean operation to a wider base, writes Páraic McMahon. Founded six years ago, Hustle Fitness now have commercial gyms in Ennis, Galway and Shannon and has a reputation as an industry leader in the West of Ireland. It started in 2017 with Ennis, the Galway gym opened in June 2021 and on October 9th 2023 the doors of the Shannon facility in the Western Business Park right at the entrance to the Industrial Estate officially opened. Ennis “deserved a really top-class facility but at affordable prices, I always thought there was a gap in the market in Ennis, six years ago we took a punt and since then thank God we’ve gone from strength to strength and the Clare people have backed us, we’ve managed to reinvest in the facility so it has definitely improved year on year and thankfully we’ve been in a position where we’ve been able to grow the group, we expanded to Galway two and a half to three years ago so luckily enough we’ve opened in Shannon,” owner Conor Mullen told The Clare Echo. Previous attempts to open in Shannon in 2019 hit a hurdle when their preferred property was acquired by NAMA, focus then shifted to Galway where they replicated the Ennis model. “Shannon was always on our radar, particularly because the Ennis gym is so busy now, we’ve a lot of people in Newmarket-on-Fergus, Quin and Shannon travelling into Ennis, Shannon is such a budding place from a work perspective and we’ve a lot of members who are working in Shannon. We like to say Ennis is a decent facility but it is a busy facility, we thought by opening a top-class facility in Shannon that we could cater to the people of Shannon but also to our current members with a dual-membership, it
lDeclan Enkso and Conor Mullen is a double-barrel attack so to speak so luckily enough we’ve managed to get a facility at the entrance to the Industrial Estate”. Across the three facilities, Hustle Fitness employs 18 people. Conor admitted that the drive of their area manager, Ennis native Declan Ensko is one of the main reasons the Shannon facility has come to fruition. “You’re only as good as your people in business and business is incredibly hard at the moment to keep the wolf from the door and make sure you run things successfully so you are only as good as who you have got, I reached out to Deck who has been with us since day one as the manager in Ennis since we opened, he is an unbelievable manager, a brilliant people person and he is loved by everyone. I asked if
lJules Sanz and Danah King he fancied going again with another greenfield site because it is very hard to open a business from scratch, he jumped at the opportunity and once I knew I had him down there it instilled a lot of confidence in me because you can throw the keys at Deck and he will manage absolutely every aspect, he is such a good people person and brilliant to go into businesses and be very genuine, people gravitate towards him”. Boosting this is his belief that they have “hired brilliantly” in Shannon with Ensko joined by Danah King, Jules Sanz, Emily Barry and Sinead Hogan. He also acknowledged the input of Joe Delaney of APD Engineering
“who was outstanding with the build”, Apollo Fitness for providing their equipment over the past six years. A special word of praise is reserved for Conor’s wife, Rachel, “my wife has been absolutely brilliant, when you’re gone 24/7 you need the support in the background to do these things”. Already they have over 100 members in Shannon while between Ennis and Galway, Hustle has a further 2,000 members. “We do specialise in one to one personal training, that is what we’ve always hung our hat on, the biggest thing for us is we want to give really good value and we don’t want to rob anyone, other gyms will charge from €50 to €70 for a PT whereas ours is a lot more cost affordable and ballpark it is approximately €25 so we’ve got brilliant, really knowledgeable and genuine staff who care but it is cost effective too which has always been our model from day one, to get a top class facility at affordable prices for everyone, that has always been the ethos and we’ve managed to keep it going”. Key to retaining their large base of members and continually adding fresh clients is their continued reinvestment in their existing equipment and gyms, a trend which make their accountants “go absolutely crazy”. He explained, “We’ve just reinvested and we’ve done that since day one, even in Ennis over the past six months we’ve put six figures back into the gym, people often say there is no need to do that but the moment you rest on your laurels or the moment you don’t reinvest, every time someone renews their membership we really appreciate it and a token of our appreciation is us making sure our facility is absolutely top class and even before we opened in Shannon we had a massive revamp in Ennis. If we do relatively well and thank God we have, we will pump it straight back in to the gym for the people which is what Hustle has been known for and always will be”.
THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Nov 9, 2023
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Truagh-Clon' start bid for Munster title
TRUAGH/CLONLARA begin their first shot at Munster camogie glory this weekend, writes Páraic McMahon. Fresh from winning the Clare senior camogie championship for the first time, Truagh/Clonlara welcome Sarsfields to Clonlara this weekend in the Munster senior club quarter-final. Bob Caulfield’s side won the county title in dramatic fashion when a 64th minute Áine O’Loughlin 21m went to the back of the net to end Scariff/Ogonnelloe’s reign as county champions. Sarsfields won the Cork senior title for the third time, in a repeat of the 2022 decider they gained revenge on Seándún on a score of 1-11 0-9. They had 11 minors on their senior panel with their Féile winning sides of 2016 and 2018 adding plenty of quality to their ranks. Both Sarsfields and Clonlara were celebrating unique doubles. Sars won the senior titles in camogie and hurling, becoming the first Cork club to do so since 1967 while Clonlara did likewise in claiming the Canon Hamilton and the McMahon Cup. Though Sarsfields have the greater experience in Munster, home advantage and the mental strength of Truagh/Clonlara will be a big aid to their challenge. Along with O’Loughlin, they will look to Laura Foley, Roisin Begley, Michelle Caulfield, Niamh Powell and Sinead Hogg to keep the good times rolling. Intermediate champions, St Joseph’s Doora/Barefield are heading to Kilmoyley to face off with Kerry side Cillard in the Munster junior club semi-final. The Parish have previous experience in the Munster club and reached the 2019 provincial decider. Meanwhile, six U16 finals are to be played across the county this weekend. The U16A cup final pits Ruan against Newmarket-on-Fergus with Kilmaley meeting Sixmilebridge in the shield equivalent. Clarecastle and Crusheen face off in the U16B decider with Clooney/Quin and Smith O’Briens vying for the shield title. Broadford and Éire Óg compete to win the U16C Cup. Action continues in the U21 championship with quarter-finals to be held in the A and B while it’s down to the semi-final stage in the C championship.
Sport
Suspension handed out to ex-Clare boss Doyle by Páraic McMahon news@clareecho.ie
FORMER Clare minor and U20 hurling manager, Sean Doyle has received a suspension from Clare GAA. Doyle who is currently the manager of the Bodyke intermediate hurlers received what is understood to be a twelve week ban following his club’s exit from the Clare intermediate hurling championship at the hands of Sixmilebridge on September 23rd. An infraction involving Doyle along with referee Andy McMahon and one of his umpires led to the Cratloe match official including details in his report that was submitted to Clare GAA and resulted in them handing out the sanction. Subsequent to this, he stood down as manager of the club’s U21 hurling team. A proposed ban on Bodyke
hurler Cathal Doyle from that quarter-final defeat to The Bridge is understood to be the subject of an upcoming appeal hearing. In October 2021, Sean stepped down as manager of the Clare U20 hurlers, he held the role for three years. In 2019, Clare exited at the semi-final stage to Cork on a score of 0-24 0-15 and in 2020 they bowed in the quarter-finals to Tipperary 1-19 0-12. In his final campaign, they defeated Kerry 2-20 0-15 before losing out to Limerick in the semi-finals 1-27 0-17. Rules prohibiting players from featuring on both U20 and senior panels meant they were deprived of having Mark Rodgers as part of their attack for their 2021 campaign while Shane Meehan missed out through injury. During his time as county minor manager, Doyle guided Clare
to the Munster final and All-Ireland quarter-final in 2017 losing out by seventeen and nine points respectively to Cork and Galway having recorded wins over Waterford and Limerick. A final round defeat to Limerick ended his last season in charge of the minors with the Treaty County firing four of the last five points to claim a 1-21 2-17 win and take a provincial final appearance and see Clare finish bottom of the five Munster counties. Since departing the inter-county scene, Sean became manager of the Bodyke intermediate hurlers in 2022 and guided them to the knockout stages this season. He has also been involved as coach to Galway side, Ardrahan. Efforts by The Clare Echo to contact Doyle were unsuccessful.
l Sean Doyle
Photo by Gerard O'Neill
Cratloe & Kilmihil both heading for Cork for Munster club ties by Páraic McMahon news@clareecho.ie
CRATLOE and Kilmihil are on the road this weekend in the Munster club quarter-finals. Colm Collins’ Cratloe compete in the Munster club for the first time since 2014 when they make the trip to Castlehaven on Sunday. The game commences at 1:30pm with Limerick referee Jonathan Hayes in charge of the contest. Their last involvement in the Munster club football championship saw them pipped by The Nire of Waterford following extra time in 2014 while in the same year they reached the provincial hurling final, losing out to the Ger ‘Sparrow’ O’Loughlin managed Kilmallock. In 2013, Cratloe overcame Ballinacourty in the Munster semi-final to set up a final showdown with Dr Crokes of Kerry where they suffered a one point defeat in the Gaelic Grounds. That 2013 campaign was the last time Castlehaven competed in the Munster club. They won the Cork championship for the first time in ten years when they defeated defending
champions Nemo Rangers 0-11 0-9 at the end of October. Managed by James McCarthy, the West Cork side includes Brian Hurley along with the Cahalane brothers, Damien, Conor and Jack. Cathal McInerney, Liam Markham, Conor Ryan, Enda Boyce, Padraigh Chaplin and the Collins brothers Sean, Podge and David are among those with previous experience of lining out in the Munster club while Kevin Harnett, Diarmuid Ryan, Rian Considine and Mike Brennan will all play key
roles for Cratloe. Paul Reidy’s Kilmihil head for the village of Kilnamartyra which is located between Killarney and Macroom. Coached by John Evans, they claimed the Cork intermediate title when defeating Bantry Blues 3-11 2-13. Kilmihil’s main aim was to return to the top tier of the Clare football ranks and now find themselves in bonus territory but they will be hopeful of making a mark in the provincial series. Three points separate Kilmihil from Limerick outfit St Senan’s when they contested the 2017 Munster club intermediate semi-final as they went down on a score of 2-11 2-8. Ciaran Downes’ form has been a plus for Kilmihil who will also be counting on David Lernihan, Martin O’Leary, Gearoid O’Grady and Dan Keating to give them a chance of potentially facing off with David Clifford’s Fossa.
U21 championships being 'shoehorned & devalued' argues Ruan delegate by Páraic McMahon news@clareecho.ie
GAA players are being lost at club level due to the gap from U17 to U21 while appeals to delay the start of the U21 club championship have been made. Corofin GAA club have asked Clare GAA not to start the U21 championships until all adult competitions are concluded. Speaking at a structures meeting of Clare GAA, Chairman of the County Board, Kieran Keating stated, “my own view is that it is not workable. Fixture analysts won’t be able to run off all competitions if their hands are tied”.
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Chairman of Corofin, Brian Gillespie felt it would be “beneficial” if the fixtures for the group stages of the competition were not made until closer to the time “so they could facilitate a time if they are in a semi-final or final of an adult competition that they get a bye in the first round to give them some leeway. We all know this year teams were weakened by the lack of senior players involved”. Keating responded, “that is something to be debated at a time when we’re debating the regulations for the U21 championship rather than something to set in stone”. Ger Lyons, Ruan’s delegate concurred with the spirit expressed by
Corofin. “It is a fantastic championship in both codes but unfortunately it has been shoehorned into a certain time of year and it has been devalued”. He suggested, “we will have to look at some other opportunity, maybe in the summer time to play the competition at that stage, the standard is excellent and it is a good competition but it has been shoehorned and it has been devalued”. Keating told the meeting that the U21 championship started three weeks before the Junior A football championship was finished and he advised that the competition would be “more shoehorned and put into a tighter window” if they waited until
all adult competitions had concluded before commencing the U21. Chairman of St Breckan’s, Aidan McDermott highlighted, “The gap from U17 to U21 needs to be addressed, we are losing players from U17-U21, it is a serious issue”. This according to Keating was “an issue for another day”. Conall McNulty of the Banner GAA club queried what was the causing “the rush” to play off the U21 championships. He said, “It is very hard for the dual players, they are going Saturday and Sunday, Saturday and Sunday every week”. Worsening weather in the month of December, attempts by the Clare U20 hurling and football squads
to get organised so that they are ready to go after Christmas were among the reasons cited by Keating in response. “There is no ideal way of doing it, you will have problems some way or another”. Addressing the meeting, Clare GAA Head of Operations, Deirdre Murphy said clubs were “very clear” they wanted the competitions wrapped up earlier. “It is not that there is any particular drive from the Board, the feedback of still playing the games in the worst of the weather and in the middle of doing the Christmas shopping wasn’t ideal”.
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Thursday, Nov 9, 2023 THE CLARE ECHO
Sport
'Very special day' as scoreline reflects Corofin dominance over Tipp opposition MUNSTER INTMD' HURLING QF Corofin 3-18 Lorrha-Dorra 1-14 Venue: McDonagh Park, Nenagh Compiled by Derek Dormer
STORY OF THE GAME COROFIN Frees for: 15 (6/9) Wides: 3 (2/1) Top scorer: Diarmuid Cahill (3-2) Scores from play: 3-14 Spread of scorers: 7 Bookings: Killian O’Connor (30) Own puck outs won: 17 from 23 (74%)
LORRHA/DORRA Frees for: 17 (8/9) Wides: 8 (3/5) Top scorer: Colm Fogarty (0-10 9f) Scores from play: 1-5 Red Card: Patrick Maher (60) Spread of scorers: 5 Own puck outs won: 14 from 24 (58%)
REFEREE: Nicky Barry (Waterford)
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MANAGER COMMENT
Joe Cahill, Corofin
“It is a very special day. Playing in the Munster club is just fantastic. Taking on and defeating Tipperary opposition is another step in our development. We knew we had a challenge coming down here today. We kept hammering home all week that we needed to deliver a performance. If we got the performance we felt that the result would look after itself conditions were very difficult but we adapted well to it and 3-18 is a very good total and if I'm being honest the scoreline reflects our domination. “They did have a dominant spell as one would
expect but we responded magnificently and we kept the scoreboard ticking over at crucial stages. Our defence has been immense all year. I honestly can't give them enough credit for what they've done. They as a unit have worked so hard and I'm extremely proud of them. “Our forwards managed to find space and that's to their credit. We have a lightweight forward division and space is absolutely vital if we are to succeed. Today out there in those difficult conditions our forwards were a joy to watch and overall it's a tremendous day for our club. “We can now look forward to a home semi-final and we will have to knuckle down again and work hard. We will do the necessary homework on the opposition but the majority of our approach is to get ourselves right. It's all about us delivering performances. “Even today at half time we spoke as a group about how we could deliver in the second half. When I took on this job I told them we needed leaders if we were to be successful but never did I think we’d find thirty leaders in a parish of guys and that's a huge thing to have. Leaders have real conversations and again today we spoke at half time about how they would get a purple patch and come back at us and we got ready for it. We never panicked at any stage and we really delivered out there today. “While it's nice to win today and we will try again the next day out it's for me another step in our development. We just want to get better every time we play. Myself Mattie (Shannon) and all the management team are here to facilitate development. It's all about Corofin hurling improving every day and we hope we can improve once more in the semi-final”.
SCAN FOR REPORT
l Corofin's Gearoid Cahill
Photo by Gerard O'Neill
CLARECASTLE, INAGH/KILNAMONA, CLOONEY/QUIN & FEAKLE/KILLANENA QUALIFY FOR U21A SEMI-FINALS U21 HURLING CHAMPIONSHIP SCAN FOR ROUND-UP
Ellen Casey named junior camogie player of year NEWMARKET-ON-FERGUS’ Ellen Casey has been named as the junior camogie player of the year. Ellen was centre back on the Clare side crowned All-Ireland junior camogie champions for the first time since 2008. She was nominated for the PWC GPA junior camogie player of the year accolade alongside Kilmaley’s Caomihe Cahill and Tipperary’s Jean Kelly. In Clare’s 3-7 1-9 All-Ireland final win over Tipperary, Ellen formed
part of a dominant half-back line alongside her clubmate Laura McMahon and team captain Sinead O’Keeffe from Kilmaley. A student at the University of Limerick and past pupil of Coláiste Muire, Ellen’s long-striking was invaluable to the John Carmody managed side all year along with the physicality she offered in defence. Both Ellen and Caoimhe were included on the Soaring Stars team where they were named at wing back and full forward respectively.
l Clarecastle’s Rory O’Connell in action
Photo by Gerard O'Neill
THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Nov 9, 2023
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Sport
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Clare GAA clubs at odds over proposed structures & Board insist ‘no anti-football agenda’ exists by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie
GAA CLUBS in Clare need to find a common ground before convening on November 14th to vote on proposed structures for adult championships. Over 60 delegates were present in Hotel Woodstock on Friday evening for the motions and structures meeting discussing the adult hurling leagues and championships structures review while football clubs entered the debate by voicing concerns on the risk of unequal treatment. At the June County Board meeting, a seven-person committee was endorsed to review all adult hurling championships. They have proposed multiple recommendations including splitting the senior championship into two tiers, the creation of a premier intermediate plus equivalents at junior b and junior c. St Joseph’s Miltown on the back of this committee’s review submitted a proposal that the 2024 Clare SFC also be played in a format of two groups of six from 2024 to guarantee a minimum of five championship games. FORMAL VOTE Opening the meeting, Chairman of Clare GAA, Kieran Keating said they would look for a formal vote on November 14th regardless of how the meeting unfolded. Cooraclare’s PJ McGuane questioned if clubs or the County Board had the authority to vote on something outside of County Convention “to dramatically change the structures of all our competitions. In my view, I don’t think we have, you can decide what you want at a County Board meeting but a motion to Convention can supersede it”. This view was confirmed by Keating who advised that all matters relating to structures had generally been referred from Convention to the January Board meeting in recent years. Agreeing on a proposal before a Convention was wrong then, in McGuane’s view, “I think we’re putting cart before the horse”. Colm Browne, Chairperson of the Master Fixtures Committee seconded McGuane and said the review was proposing to alter structures and warned that regulation structures would be changed under the review from the hurling committee. Head of Operations with Clare GAA, Deirdre Murphy told the meeting they had received advice from Munster Council on Friday which was that the Convention dealt with the rulebook or by-laws whereas the “common practice in Clare and other counties” was for structures and fixtures to be dealt with in January. She said the formation of the hurling committee was approved by the county committee, “they were sent off to do their work and are now coming back, it was voted on at a county committee. If defeated or endorsed, that body of work is then sent to structures, it will be either adopted or lost on floor”. After some discussion, Páraic Boland who chaired the hurling review committee reminded delegates that their report had been with clubs since September. “We
wanted to make sure our competitions were serving their clubs well and our club players well in the best possible way they can. We need to make the most of the that tight window for the sake of the club player,” he added. Boland maintained that the views the Clare SHC is open and competitive was not accurate. He noted prior to Clonlara, three clubs have won the championship in the last ten years and Clare champions have not progressed beyond the first round in Munster in six of the last eight years. “Nearly 30 percent of our games have a ninepoint winning margin,” he added. A “huge gap” exists in the Clare IHC, he believed. GROUPS Current senior formats will allow for four groups of four next year. With this he said, “a player only get three meaningful games, the county player comes back to his club and has played no league game, if you don’t get out of the group that player only has three games with their club. We’re trying to encourage young fellas to get our hurling, we would like to see them as often as we can, supporters want to see them and players want to play against them, it really important to try have as many games as we can without such a tight timeframe”. Keating insisted, “getting players more games is key, it is something we came across in the process for the strategic review”. He continued, “This is addressing that but it is not without its issues, it comes to a limited calendar for these games”. Anthony O’Halloran of St Joseph’s Doora/Barefield said “the elephant in the room is the dual players”. He added, “you flog dual clubs twice as bad, we will be murdered and looking at five games in hurling, five games in football so that is ten games before we get into the knockout, it is grand for the single clubs, they want more football and more hurling but the dual clubs don’t have isolated players, it is going to get tougher and tougher, we will be forcing players to make a decision because they won’t be able to do both”. McGuane agreed with O’Halloran but flagged, “it is not the dual club, it is the dual player, they are all over the county, you have Miltown, Inagh/Kilnamona, we have three fellas from our place missing if there is hurling on, it is the players we are flogging, the clubs will survive but the players will become disenchanted”. Rory Hickey, Éire Óg’s delegate said he spoke with over a dozen dual-players from the Ennis club, “it is very tight and I don’t see how we can manage both, it is half grand the way it is”. Donal Kelly, Ballyea Chairman pointed out that in the event of a bereavement clubs would be expected to play two games in eight days. “What do we want, flog them all together, what is wrong with what we have”. Club players are not getting enough games, Keating stated. Liam O’Reilly a member of the review committee said the new proposal has 44 matches whereas this year’s championship had 41, “there is three matches in the difference
l Malty McDonagh and (below) Páraic Boland speaking at the meeting
last Friday Photo by Gerard O'Neill
and two less than last year”. Should four groups of four be in place, there would be 37 matches. Kevin Browne, Chairman of Cratloe GAA club but who was one of the seven on the review committee said that they had between fifteen to sixteen meetings. He noted that their report had been discussed at three County Board meetings, “I can’t remember a single football club saying there should be a football review, Miltown fair play to them, they have a motion based on a committee from seven years ago, should there not be a football committee who have to turn it around in two months”. Pitting football against hurling is “extremely dangerous,” Browne warned. “We have a duty of care
to players but also a duty of care to people promoting both codes and protection of that”. He added that the football review didn’t progress for the reason that “there was insufficient room in the calendar”. He referenced a report from Munster Council which said Clare GAA scored 90% on its review but that they were meeting the required amount of games. He said, “if both of these motions pass a dual player will have nine rounds to get to a quarter-final, that is a lot of games for a period of time”. Aspects of the report are “absolutely brilliant” according to O’Halloran but the senior structure needs to be revised. Two-time All-Ireland winner, Ollie Baker was also part of the hurling
review committee. He spoke of player retention plus investment in strength and conditioning by clubs. He stressed, “It is not ten consecutive weeks, we’ve taken consideration, it is not ten successive weeks”. Baker added, “One of the biggest points we discussed at meetings was what we wanted players to have was the ambition to win the competition they enter, to some clubs I know from speaking to, the ambition is not to get relegated, the ambition changes from not to be relegated to be successful in a competition. The tier two pits the same standard of teams together”. FOOTBALL COMMITTEE Views from Sixmilebridge and Newmarket-on-Fergus for a football committee to be created drew the attention of Joe Garry. “I was on the review, we can review the review if ye want. I haven’t heard any football club wanting a football review so I’m not sure why Newmarket-on-Fergus and Sixmilebridge are looking for a review”. Parteen/Meelick’s Kieran O’Halloran said they were a dual club already playing games on Sundays and Wednesdays. He voiced frustration with five teams in one group leading to byes in different rounds. “You will try concertina games in at lower level, it is a tough sit when your bye is in the last ground and you’re sitting on the sidelines, it is a tough stand for a club that has done four matches in a row to figure what has to happen, people will look back at these meeting and say why didn’t someone say it”. Getting a perfect system is “very hard,” Keating acknowledged, “we have to accept there will be some flaws”. An appetite for Miltown’s motion to apply to intermediate was voiced by Curtin and supported by David O’Connell from Shannon Gaels “to have parity”. Kilmurry Ibrickane delegate, John Brew said they were behind the Miltown proposal. “Maybe the elephant in the room has been mentioned and it is the split season, if you’re playing an All-Ireland hurling final in July, it is not 50/50 split, we are hearing tonight managers want county players in December so it is leaving four months of the year for players to be with club”. Keating said that none of the clubs were represented at the meeting by a club player “which is a pity”. He commented, “It is important that you go back and speak to players in your clubs, do we perceive what we want as administrators. The players are the important people in this, player welfare is a concern and we need to hear what our club players would like to see, discuss with them in your clubs and see what way they want delegate to vote for on Tuesday week”. Malty McDonagh called for the hurling committee to meet with their football counterparts from 2016 to try find a solution. “We’re all fighting for own corner, I can’t see us coming to an agreement”. Keating said they could try to organise such a meeting. Delegates will return to vote on the proposals at the November meeting of the County Board on November 14th.
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Thursday, Nov 9, 2023 THE CLARE ECHO
Sport
THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Nov 9, 2023
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Sport
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Thursday, Nov 9, 2023 THE CLARE ECHO
Sport
Away draw for Avenue Utd in FAI Junior Cup
by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie
AVENUE UTD have managed to avoid any of the big guns in the fourth round of the FAI Junior Cup. David Russell’s charges ended Newmarket Celtic’s bid to retain the national title with a 3-1 win on Sunday in Roslevan. They will be travelling to Tipperary for the fourth round where they will face Two Mile Borris St Kevin’s FC but they will wear the favourites tag. The fixture is due to take place on November 26th. Last year’s beaten finalists St Michael’s AFC have been drawn away to
Tramore AFC. While Avenue are the only Clare side remaining in the competition, the county’s interest doesn’t end just there. Ennis’ Colm Walsh O’Loghlen is part of the Pike Rovers side and they have received a home draw against Castlebar Celtic. Current Munster Junior Cup champions, Regional Utd who have Shannon duo Eoin Duff and Brian O’Connor along with Newmarket-on-Fergus’ Rob Shier in their line-up have been handed a Limerick derby against Fairview Rangers in what is arguable the pick of the thirty two ties.
AVENUE KNOCK TITLE HOLDERS NEWMARKET CELTIC OUT SCAN FOR REPORT
FAI JUNIOR CUP
Munster final beckons for Banner Ladies by Seamus Hayes
put in by those in the background is serious. This year we have a panel of players. In the Munster final last year it didn’t happen for us. This year we said we were going to make it happen”. O’Dea continued, “we beat them at under 13 and the came back the following year and beat us at under 14. This is our first win over them in a long time and its sweet. We will be up against Ballymac in the final and hopefully we can pull it off this time”. Their extra time win over Mourneabbey will serve as an ideal test for their showdown with the Waterford giants, the Kilfenora man said.
news@clareecho.ie
QUALIFYING FOR the Munster club final was “one of the best days in the history of the Banner club”, manager JJ O’Dea admitted. Banner Ladies take on Ballymacabry in Sunday’s Munster final which takes place in Mallow at 3:15pm. Beating Cork side Mourneabbey in the semi-final was “one of the greatest days in the history of the club and we are very proud of all of the players, the ones that played and those that didn’t play today but may play the next day”, O’Dea told The Clare Echo. He said, “this is a team effort from under 10 up to those in the background. The work
l Niamh O'Dea and Caoimhe Cahill celebrate
their win over Mourneabbey Photo by Gerard O'Neill
Golfer of the year award for Ronan O'Looney by Seamus Hayes news@clareecho.ie
Tensions boil over in Roslevan
Photo by Gerard O'Neill
AVENUE KNOCK TITLE HOLDERS NEWMARKET CELTIC OUT FAI JUNIOR CUP SCAN FOR REPORT
Fair Green Celtic’s Dean Coughlan
Photo by Gerard O'Neill
WOODSTOCK GOLF CLUB RONAN O'Looney has won the Golfer of the Year 2023 award at Woodstock Golf Club. Ronan had a super year and amongst his haul of prizes was contesting the final of the Westgate Motor Factors Scotch Foursomes and finishing third in the lady captain’s prize to the men. The former Clare and Inagh/ Kilnamona hurler pipped Stephen Dunne by a point. Declan Heffernan was third followed by David Reidy, Tony Neville, Frank McEnery, Alan Markham, Paul Coote, Davie Greene with David Quinn completing the top 10. Richard Pyne was the winner of the club singles, played over 15 holes, at Woodstock at the weekend with 32 points. The Ozone Health and Fitness league format was a modified fourball betterball over 15 holes and the weekend winners were P. Solon / F. Slattery with 53points followed by P. Coote / J. Duffy with 47 points. In third place, also with 47 points were A. Mulcahy / S. Dunne while fourth placed K. Horgan / F. Landy also scored 47. The club competition this weekend will be a singles while the Winter/Spring league will continue with a modified 2 step event. ENNIS GOLF CLUB: In the Ennis Golf Club ladies October league, sponsored by Helen Gallery Auctioneers & Valuers. Rose Enright (23) was the winner of the 3 card section with a total of 114 points, while Una
O’Reilly (35) topped the 2 card category with 74 points. The weekly winners were Aoife Cahill (34) with 34 points Ann A Gallery (13) with 39 points, Bridie Hanrahan (21) with 37 points and Helen Gallery (23) with 30 points. Meanwhile Mary Nagle (12) with a total of 54 points won the 3 card category in the 9 hole competition, Carmel Cummins (23) was the winner of the 2 card section with 37 points while the weekly winners were Sarah Connolly Barnes (23) with 17 points, Flor Coffey (12) with 20 points, Molly Cahill (15) with 19 points and Vivienne Lawless (23) with 18 points. In the get into golf category, Valerie Wall (21) won the 3 cards section with 40 points while Rose Sharkey (20) was best in the 2 card section with 35 points. EAST CLARE GOLF CLUB: Last week’s men's 18 hole singles stableford competition at east Clare was won by Adrian Casey with 51 points with second place filled by Darren Rosney with 46 points. Last week’s senior men's competition was won by Steve Symes, Ailbe McDonnell and Steve Lynch from Terry Coughlan, Brian Torpey, John Fielding and Kevin Burke with third place filled by Donal Fleming, Jackie McHugh and Tom Larkin. Friday’s mixed scramble was won by Terry Coughlan, John Nihill and Mary Collins from Willie Roche, Siobhan Mulcahy and Breda O'Loghlin with third spot filled by Jonathan Walsh, Ailbe McDonnell and Evelyn Skehan.
The Get Into Golf Novice shield for 2023 was won by Deirdre O'Neill from Maria Kennedy with third spot filled by Tricia Nash. GORT GOLF CLUB: Gerry Donaldson (9) won category 1 in the men’s singles stableford competition at Gort at the weekend with 43 points. Jack Losty (13) was the category 2 winner with 40 points, Colin Whelan (19) won category 3 with 41 points and Johnny Joyce (24) was the category 4 winner with 41 points. In the ladies Christmas voucher 18 hole singles competition Jane Joyce (18) was the category 1 winner with 42 points. Patricia Reddy (22) won category 2 with 33 points, Pat Wynne (39) won category 3 with 27 points and Bernadette Burke (46) won category 4 with 24 points. SIXMILEBRIDGE GOLF SOCIETY: The curtain came down on the competitive season for members of the Sixmilebridge Golf Society as they played their final outing of the year last Saturday in Loughrea. The inclement weather of the previous week made playing conditions very difficult yet Joe Joe Murphy and David Purcell carded good scores. Both had 40 points with the former winning on the countback. Colin Murphy finished third ahead of Enda Quinlan while the winners of the nines were Trevor White and Pat Kearney. The Golfer of the year was also determined on the day and the kudos went to Stephen Mulready.
THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Nov 9, 2023
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Sport
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Four tries from Pelczar as Ennis progress
by Dearbhla Parry
U14 Boys Munster League: Ennis RFC 33 – 0 Shannon RFC Ennis qualified for the Munster League Semi-Final with a 5-try win over Shannon. Alex Pelczar scored 4 tries, with Steven O’Neill adding 4 conversions and showing a great performance with the last try. Ennis: Conor Quinn, Shaun Woods, Reece Yeung, Colm Griffin, Chris Rynne, Cormac Dinan, Cillian Dinan, Josh Flynn, Steven O’Neill, Jake O’Donoghue, Thomas Connolly, Alex Pelczar, Jamie Gillespie, Ronan O’Leary, Josh O’Halloran, Reece Corbett, Jamie Culleton, Eoin Keane, Harry Daniels, DD Corry, Dan Holly, Sean Peoples, Sam Kelly, Donal Garvey, Patrick Ryan and Luke O’Connor.
U16 Girls Challenge Match: Ennis RFC 29 – 40 Ballinasloe RFC The Ballinasloe girls started off strong when they quickly ran through the Ennis defence to score a try. However, Ennis responded well with a tap-and-go, resulting in a try by Abi Kelly. Kelly scored a second try under the posts which she also converted. Captain Kate Howard scored a try from a well-worked attack, aided by strong carries by Aoife Martin and Sarah Keavey. But even with Fia Doody and Rachel Hayes’ great tackling, the opposition ran in a converted try before half-time, leaving the scores 1917 to Ballinasloe. Ballinasloe proved stronger in the second half however some excellent performances and scores - including a running team move involving out-half Eileen Keating and Faye Ryan which resulted in Aoife Martin diving over for a try - means this runout should help Ennis prepare for their next league game at home against Shannon. Ennis: Fia Doody, Kathy Slattery, Rachel Hayes, Faye Ryan, Kiera Hanrahan, Aoife Martin, Grace Hoyne, Eileen Keating, Holly Murphy, Sarah Keavey, Abi Kelly, Kate Murray and Siofran Enright.
U18 Boys: Ennis RFC 49 – 12 Thurles RFC The U18 boys continued their winning
l Ennis RFC's U18 girls after their second win in the league at home last weekend
streak in Thurles with a dominant display. By half-time, the score was 30-5 with well-executed tries coming from David Moses. In the second half, Ennis emptied the bench, where T. Kelly, K. Halpenny and E. Boyle all made great impressions. Backrows J. Ryan and D. Costelloe contributed greatly to their team’s victory. U18 Girls Munster League: Ennis RFC 41 – 0 Shannon RFC Ennis RFC U18 girls won their second league game against Shannon RFC. Ennis began the game without the ball due to penalty infringements and knock-ons. Eventually following a good back line move, Amy Butler touched down in the corner to get Ennis off the mark. They never looked back and the forwards began to dominate the breakdown, giving the backline a platform to work off. More tries followed from Lyndsay Clarke,
Training doubles for Murray and Duggan by Michael Maher news@clareecho.ie
TRAINING doubles were recorded by Sixmilebridge’s Stephen Murray and Donie Duggan of Tulla at Limerick Greyhound Stadium on Thursday last. Bark Wahlberg in 29.26 and Evetheapple in 29.70 both trained by Stephen won their races. Wahlberg is owned by the Quin-based syndicate BlessmefatherforIhave synd and this son of Premier Fantasy and Geelo Lu Lu recorded his fourth career success. Eve the apple is owned by Cooraclare’s Joe Kelly, and she is the daughter of Burgess Bucks and Crokers Wish. The Peter Russel from Shannon-owned Amy’s Jack and Killuran News owned by Gary Cooney of O’Callaghans Mills completed the double for Donie Duggan. A son of Skywalker Rafa and Notimetotalk, Amy’s Jack notched his 10th career success in 29.06 and it was career win number 8 for Killuran News in 29.33 for this daughter of Good News and Anhid Classic. There was racing last Wednesday in Galway and a quickfire double for Quilty’s David Hogan with Tromora Rex and Tromora Orlando. Rex, a daughter of Ballymac Cooper and Ballymac Merkle, made it an impressive debut in 29.52 and Orlando, a homebred daughter by Ballymac Best and Tromora Champion, recorded career win number one in 29.53. The rich vein of form for the Cooraclare based Lissatouk Kennels, continued when Lissatouk Gena took the honours in an A2 550 yards contest for young James McMahon, Gena made it career win number four in 30.22. The finale of the evening went to Kilmihil’s John Collins with Brichill Maisie, a daugh-
ter of Ballymac Best and Brickhill Sharon, she stopped the clock in 29.38. Members of Miltown Malbay Coursing Club ran an excellent meeting last weekend. The hare husbandry was exemplary and there was success for The Haugh and Harte clan from Kilkee when Crew Beans took the honours in the feature event, The All Age Dog stake. The Derby trial stake went to Inagh’s Noel Hehir with Strikin Distance who followed up from his success at the recent Ennis Clarecastle Meet. Swords Rex has been hammered into 7/2 from 7/1 to win the willwego.com Irish St Leger at Limerick Greyhound Stadium making him the favourite to win the €30,000 purse. Trained by Graham Holland, this son of Droopys Sydney and Starry Display was paw-perfect when winning his heat on Saturday night as the 5/6 favourite. Wearing the red jacket, this 2023 Easter Cup champion raced clear to win by three lengths in an electric time of 29.27 beating Another Holiday and Deadly Style. Holland also enjoyed success with Clonbrien Treaty who won heat seven in 29.42 with his odds trimmed into 5/1 from 7/1. Ballinabola Una put in a huge effort to qualify in second with 16/1 available while Gaytime Hugo is 14/1 after grabbing third place. Trainer Pat Buckley enjoyed another fruitful night at the southern track with Bobsleigh Syd winning back-to-back heats in a time of 29.70 with his odds a generous 33/1 in the outright. His kennelmate, defending champion Bobsleigh Dream continued her winning form by winning heat eight in 29.68. This exciting lady is 8/1 to defend her crown. Glengar Elvis completed the perfect treble in the Irish St leger for Buckley after he produced a decent 29.56 beating Music Glideaway by five lengths.
Emma Keane, Nell Walsh, Emily Kelly, Eileen Keane and Lyndsay Clarke.
Ennis: Annie Lynch, Kiera O’Neill, Caoilinn Cahill, Jenifer Weston, Ciara Frawley , Aisling Heapes, Maggie Murphy, Emily Kelly, Amber Keane Thompson, Lyndsay Clarke (Joint Captain), Amy Butler, Emma Keane (Joint Captain) , Tara Philips, Nell Walsh, Eileen Keane, Ciara Reidy, Kayla Considine, Alana Foudy, Ava Walsh, Ellis O’Flaherty and Sadhbh Faughey.
Senior Men: Ennis RFC 32 – 29 Dingle RFC The Ennis Senior Men’s teams came out victorious on their first away game of the league against Dingle. Despite being on the wrong end of a few penalties for not rolling out and receiving a yellow card before half-time, Ennis started the much stronger of the sides. They led with 7-0 in the first 15 minutes. Calum Barret took a quick tap and ran on the blind side. Brendan Keane slipped through a gap, allowing Barrett to score under the post where Dylan Kenny slotted the conversion. By the first 20 minutes, the score showed
14-0. Through some sustained pressure, Keane broke the line to give Ennis great field position. Oisin Mangan made a break off the side of the ruck and after being hauled down two metres from the try line, Barret quickly pounced to cross the line and Kenny duly converted. A third try followed when Osgar O’Gormain picked from the base of the scrum, with Ben Gerathy scoring in the corner. Kenny just missed the conversion. Ennis led at half-time by 19-10 however two quick tries from the West Kerrymen put them in front for the first time. An Ennis penalty levelled proceedings before Dingle got an intercept try to put them in the lead at 22-29. With only 10 minutes left, Jack Scahill made a serious impact with his frequent line breaks. Ennis received another penalty which Kenny converted before Scahill, who was returning from an injury, successfully scored the last try which Kenny once again converted to help see Ennis out. Senior Women’s Division 1 League: Ennis/Kilrush RFC 10 – 11 Tralee RFC The Ennis/Kilrush women’s team lost to Tralee in their opening game of the division 1 league with a score of 10-11. Ennis/Kilrush struck first with Aoibheann Hahessy breaking the defensive line from 15 meters. She crashed through several cover defenders to score an unconverted try. A Tralee penalty was bookended by another Hahessy try just before half-time to leave the score at 10-3 to Ennis. This luck did not continue, as Tralee scored a try and a second penalty and despite defending doggedly for 80 minutes, Ennis lost by the narrowest of margins.
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PRAYER THE MIRACLE PRAYER
Dear Heart of Jesus, In the past, I have asked for many favours. This time, I ask you This special favour. (Mention Favour) Take it dear Heart of Jesus, And place it within Your own broken heart Where your Father sees it, Then in His Merciful Eyes It will become your favour Not mine. Amen. Say this prayer for 3 days. Promise publication.
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Thursday, Nov 9, 2023 THE CLARE ECHO
Quiz
The Clare Echo Quiz Gort Quiz Which of these monastic sites would you find
What colours do Gort RFC play in?
on the outskirts of Gort? Kells Kilmacduagh Skellig Michael
Blue & White Green & Yellow Navy & Grey
What of these names is the proper
Which is of these well-known hurlers from
name for the café found in the town? Exhibition Café Gallery Café Museum Café
Gort won the 2017 All-Ireland SHC at wingback? Jack Grealish Aidan Harte Greg Lally
What is the name of the hotel in Gort? Flannery’s Hotel Sullivan’s Royal Hotel The Connacht Hotel
Which Motorway is the town accessible to? M1 M7 M18
What tourist attraction is on the outskirts of Gort: Ailwee Cave Bunratty Castle Coole Park
2. Aidan Harte 1. Kilmacduagh
8. Sullivan’s Royal Hotel 7. Gallery Café 6. Blue & White
Can you spot the 7 differences
Last weeks answers
. Ribbon on cup different colour . O’Neills missing . Finger nails different colour . Band around wrist different colour (left)
3. M18
Spot the Difference
9. Coole Park
Compiled by Adam Maloney
10.Little Brazil
with Gort? Little Argentina Little Brazil Little Italy
Which of these famous writers took up residence in Gort? James Joyce Seamus Heaney W.B. Years
ANSWERS
What nickname has been associated
4.Cliona D’Arcy
from the town, and won the 2022 IBA Youth World Boxing Championships? Cliona D’Arcy Kellie Harrington Katie Taylor
5. W.B. Yeats
Which of these Irish female boxers comes
. Strips on sleeve missing (left) . 2 missing from number 26 . Letter N missing on Regeneron (left)
A TWO-HOUR multi-agency emergency training exercise code named ‘ Exercise Charlie’ tested in Shannon Photo by Arthur Ellis
Cuir in áirithe
THIS WEEKS PUZZLES Nov 9th Best Daily Word Search: 8 November 2023
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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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THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Nov 9, 2023
Planning
CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL CHURCH STREET, KILMIHIL, CO. CLARE Take notice that Gerard O’Neill is applying to Clare County Council for planning permission for demolition of outbuilding and existing extension, refurbishment and alterations of existing dwelling house and construction of a new extension, car port and outbuildings 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 MOUNT RIVERS, DOONBEG, CO. CLARE Take notice that Joe & Shirley Ann Sexton are applying to Clare County Council for planning permission for extension & refurbishment of an existing dwelling house 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 HENRY STREET/ VANDELEUR STREET, KILRUSH, CO. CLARE Take notice that Andrew & Aoife Flood are applying to Clare County Council for planning permission for change of use of existing vacant commercial unit to a restaurant/café and to erect signage 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 QUILTY WEST, QUILTY, CO. CLARE. Take notice that Elizabeth O Boyle intends to apply for permission to build a new dwelling house, connect to services & all other associated site and ancillary works at the above address. The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority, during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the authority on payment of the prescribed fee of €20.00, within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application. CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL MATSUELLA, 9 SANDHILL LODGE, LAHINCH, CO CLARE. V95 W8P2 Take notice that John Gerard Clancy intends to apply for permission to build an extension onto the existing dwelling house & all other associated site and ancillary works at the above address. The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority, during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the authority on payment of the prescribed fee of €20.00, within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application. CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL PRAGUE, CUSACK ROAD, ENNIS, CO. CLARE. EIRCODE V95YVR3. Take notice that Attracta O Loughlin , acting as the executor of the estate of the late Patricia Graham, intends to apply for reten-
tion permission for the extension to the rear of the existing dwelling house & all other associated site and ancillary works at the above address. The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority, during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the authority on payment of the prescribed fee of €20.00, within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application. CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL GLEN SOUTH, ENNISTYMON, CO CLARE Take notice that Aneta and Jaroslaw Konefal intend to apply for permission consequent on the grant of outline planning permission reference no P22/95 to build a dwelling house and garage, connect to public services and carry out all ancillary 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 authority on payment of the prescribed fee of €20.00, within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application. CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL TOBERANIDDAUN, LISSYCASEY, ENNIS, CO. CLARE. Take notice that Matthew O’Shea and Shaunagh Kenny intend to apply to the planning authority for permission to construct a new dwelling house and garage complete with a new entrance, sewage treatment system and ancillary works at the above address. The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority, Clare County Council, Aras Contae an Chlair, New Road, Ennis during its public opening hours and that a submission or observation in relation
to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the planning authority of the application. CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL KILLERK WEST, DARRAGH, ENNIS, CO CLARE. Take notice that Megan Custy intends to apply to the planning authority for permission to construct a new dwelling house and garage complete with a new entrance, sewage treatment system and ancillary works at the above address. The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority, Clare County Council, Aras Contae an Chlair, New Road, Ennis during its public opening hours and that a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the planning authority of the application. CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL COOLTEENGOWAN, KILDYSART, CO. CLARE Take notice that Ian & Patricia Flanagan intend to apply to the planning authority for permission to (a) construct an extension to the rear of an existing derelict dwelling house and carry out alterations to the existing dwelling (b) upgrade the existing sewage treatment system (c) demolish 2 existing sheds and (d) move the location of the existing entrance along with ancillary works at the above address. The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority, Clare County Council, Aras Contae an Chlair, New Road, Ennis during its public opening hours and that a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the planning authority of the application.
CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL MULHERN’S MAIN STREET KILDYSERT CO CLARE Take notice that John O Dea intends to apply to Clare County Council for planning permission to convert the former shop and residence at the above address into two number townhouses. The proposed development will consist of internal modifications to the existing building including closing up internal access between the two areas as well as the formation of a new front entrance. 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, New Road, Ennis, Co. Clare, during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the planning authority in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the planning authority of the application. CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL KILCONNELL, LISCANNOR, CO CLARE FURTHER INFORMATION/ REVISED PLANS PLANNING REF: 2360072 Development Description: Permission for (i) Retention Permission for demolition of shed and the construction of new shed as built, (i) permission to complete works to shed and all ancillary site works for use as a home office and ancillary domestic rooms (iii) Retention of alterations to fenestration of renovated cottage from that granted under Planning Reg. Ref. P19-399 Protected Structure RPS No. 619 applies.. Take notice that Bebhinn Gleeson has lodged significant further information in respect of planning application 2360072. This information and planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the Planning Authority of Clare County Council, Planning Department, Áras Contae an Chláir, New Road, Ennis, Co. Clare during its public opening hours. A sub-
mission or observation in relation to the further information or revised plans may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee, not later than 2 weeks after the receipt of the newspaper notice and site notice by the planning authority or in the case of a planning application accompanied by an EIS within 5 weeks of receipt of such notices by the planning authority. CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL TEERGONEAN, DOOLIN, CO. CLARE Take notice that Brian Foudy & Associates Ltd of Osprey House, Carmody Street, Ennis, Co. Clare 065 6893565 www.foudyconsulting.ie. intend to apply to the planning authority on behalf of Mary Catherine O’Connell for permission to construct a dwelling house, garage, waste-water treatment system and soil polishing filter together with all associated site development works and connection to public services at the above address. The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application. CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL, ILLAUNMANAGH, TULLYVARRAGA, SHANNON, CO. CLARE Take notice that Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board intend to apply to the Planning Authority for permission to relocate the existing ‘Polytunnel’ structure along with associated site works at the above address. The works are to take place within the curtilage of a protected structure (RPS No. 664). That the planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours and that a submission or observation in relation to the applica-
tion 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 BALLYCLOGHESSY, BALLYNACALLY, CO CLARE Take notice that Patrick Reidy intends to apply to the Planning Authority Clare County Council for permission / retention permission to retain pvc windows fitted to the front and rear gable of existing dwelling house attic. The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the offices of the Planning Authority Clare County Council, Áras Contae an Chláir, New Road, Ennis, Co Clare during its public opening hours and that a submission or observation in relation to the application to the Authority in writing on payment of the required fee within the period of five weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the Authority of the application. The Planning Authority may grant permission subject to or without condition or may refuse to grant permission.
THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Nov 9, 2023
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