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AVA ILA B LE N OW IN STO RE A N D O N LIN E
CAUGHT RED HANDED
Anti-vaxxers target schools and homes of board members PÁRAIC McMAHON
paraic@clareecho.ie
S l An Taoiseach Micheal Martin TD jokes with Cllr Pat Daly, adorning an Éire
Óg scarf, that he’s wearing the Cork colours on Sunday morning at the Ennis Courthouse Photo by Natasha Barton
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HANNON schools were targeted by anti-vaxxers with graffiti also sprayed outside the homes of volunteer Board of Management members. Between Thursday night and Friday morning Shannon primary schools, Gaelscoil Donnacha Rua and St Conaires National School had graffiti sprayed on their walls. Management at both schools moved quickly to remove the messaging which questioned the administering of vaccines and benefits of face masks.
Homes owned by members of Board of Management from one school in the town were also targeted following the decision by Government on the recommendation of the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) to introduce the wearing of face masks for students in primary schools. An Garda Síochána have confirmed to The Clare Echo that they have not received reports of criminal damage during the incidents. Cllr Donna McGettigan (SF) said the manner of protest was carried out in the wrong way. “Everyone has a right to protest but go ahead and do it on your own property, stand at the side of the road with a sign or banner if you wish but do not go out to upset people.”
FULL STORY pg 14
2 NEWS
Index NEWS
THURSDAY, DEC 9 2021
CHEERING HER TEAM TO VICTORY
2-18
GREENER CLARE
19
COLUMNISTS
22
GIFT GUIDE
23-31
RECRUITMENT
32-33
CLICK FOR CLARE
34-35
SPORT
38-42
36C Abbey Street, Ennis, County Clare Telephone: 065 671 9021
NEWSDESK
Email: editor@clareecho.ie paraic@clareecho.ie news@clareecho.ie
SALES
FLAG DAY: Corofin supporter Molly O’Connell enjoys watching her side progress in the Munster Championship last weekend
Email: niall@clareecho.ie or sales@clareecho.ie
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Man still in custody following firebomb attack ONE MAN remains in Garda custody pending bail conditions following a firebomb attack in Cloughleigh, writes Páraic McMahon. On Friday morning, two
men both aged in their thirties were arrested in the Ennis area. One male was released from Shannon Garda Station pending a file to the DPP. The second male was charged with offences
of endangerment, damaging property belonging to another and production of an article capable of inflicting serious injury. No injuries were reported in the attack which occurred on
Monday Nov 22. A property at Pearse Avenue in Cloughleigh had a petrol bomb thrown at it after the glass beside the front door was smashed while a firearm was also discharged.
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NEWS
3
4 NEWS
THURSDAY, DEC 9 2021
‘Compliance during Storm Barra saved lives’ PÁRAIC MCMAHON
S
paraic@clareecho.ie
TORM BARRA resulted in widespread power outages across West Clare. From 4pm on Tuesday to 1am on Wednesday, Co Clare was placed under a status red wind warning by Met Éireann with no major accidents reported. 113km/h gusts were recorded at Shannon Airport with higher winds experienced in West Clare where farm buildings were damaged in Bealaha. Gardaí in Kilrush were “inundated” with calls about trees and power lines being down. Weather conditions led to localised flooding and some local road closures. Schools across the county remained closed on Tuesday and Wednesday as did creches while multiple businesses shut their doors for the duration of the weather warning.
At the height of Storm Barra, an approximate 3,720 homes and businesses were without power across Co Clare. The biggest outage is in Miltown Malbay and Spanish Point. Other areas impacted; Ballyea, Cahercalla, Cranny, Drumquin, Ennis, Ennistymon, Kilmihil, Kilkee, Kilrush, Loop Head and Quilty. During this time, The Armada Hotel offered to take in members of the public in Spanish Point and Miltown who were left in the dark. Clare area manager of ESB, Kevin Harrington was hopeful to have power restored to the remaining properties by Thursday morning at the latest. As a result of power outages, low water pressure and potential outages are likely to be experienced in Rockmount, Rineen, Glendine, Illaun, Tooreen, Knockbrack, Kilfarboy, Ballyvaskin and surrounding areas. Fire Brigades across the county attended weather-related incidents from early Tuesday morning
WIND: A shed is torn down in Bealaha
(06.50) until earlier today (04.30) dealing with fallen trees, cables, and property damage. There were no reported accidents to the Fire Service during the Status Red alert. All Clare Fire
and Rescue Service crews were on standby in their seven Fire Stations, and attended incidents based on risk assessment of the weather conditions at the time. In all, they attended over 50 separate
incidents across the county, ranging from branches and minor debris/corrugated sheeting to multiple trees blocking main routes. A spokesperson for Clare County Council told The Clare Echo, “The widespread compliance with the ‘stay at home’ Status Red alert in Clare during the Status Red alert undoubtedly saved lives given the extent of fallen trees and flying debris around the county. The closing of schools and businesses, together with the safety messaging both locally and nationally, greatly helped to shape people’s reaction to the seriousness of yesterday’s weather event”. Shannon Airport cancelled Tuesday’s Aer Lingus services from and to Heathrow Airport, as well as Ryanair (FR108) flight to Stansted Airport. Two flights bound for Cork Airport from Stansted and Birmingham diverted to Shannon. Normal services resumed on Wednesday with the airport expecting to operate its full flight schedule.
I think I’m good’ - Dalo addresses health rumours at
Tír na nÓg
Ch r is tmas C l ub Now Open
UR UP O IN K C PI GUE ALO CAT RE NOW STO
by PÁRAIC McMAHON ANTHONY Daly has addressed recent gossip following a minor health scare. Clare’s two-time All-Ireland winning senior hurling captain of 1995 and 1997 is recovering after a seizure in recent weeks. Dalo has built up a loyal following of listeners to his regular hurling podcast for The Irish Examiner which features Limerick’s TJ Ryan, 1999 All-Ireland winning Cork captain Mark Landers and ex Tipperary
goalkeeper Ken Hogan. His absence from the podcast over the past three weeks combined with plenty of whispers fuelled a rumour mill regarding the health of the Clarecastle native. “I got a bit of a knockout, as they say in Tipperary. But I’m back,” Dalo announced to listeners of the podcast. “Just to clear up…. I didn’t get a triple bypass. I didn’t get a brain tumour. I didn’t die four times in the ambulance. I didn’t even go in an
Riverside Business Park Quin Road, Ennis, Co. Clare
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ambulance”. He confirmed that he is on the mend and is not allowed to drive as a precautionary measure. “I got a slight seizure of some sort. They’ve a lot of tests done on me, but I think I’m good. I’m on a few tablets and I can’t drive for a small while as a precaution”. Rumours seemed to get more wild as time went on, the former Clare and Dublin senior hurling manager outlined. “As my brother Martin says, no one takes away from the story anyway. As he says, “Every time I meet someone, something new has gone wrong, worse again. You died twice in the ambulance, then you died four times’. But no, I didn’t go in any ambulance”. Coupled with the inaccurate reports locally were plenty of well-wishes, he acknowledged. “The amount of goodwill as well as gossip is unreal. And a word too for the staff in the University Hospital in Limerick. It gets a bad press at times. We know it’s overcrowded, because it’s covering Clare and Tipp as well as Limerick, a huge area. It can be hectic to get through A&E but the care in there was unbelievable”.
NEWS
THURSDAY, DEC 9 2021
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5
6 NEWS
THURSDAY, DEC 9 2021
Illegal encampment has ‘gone on for far too long’ - Crowe PÁRAIC MCMAHON
I
paraic@clareecho.ie
NACTION to remove an illegal encampment in Sixmilebridge has been ongoing for “far too long,” a Clare TD has said. Public lighting has been reinstated in the car park area of Sixmilebridge railway station following a two month absence. Electricity supply was cut after an “illegal connection to the public electricity supply,” according to Cathal Crowe TD (FF). Up to 14 street lights had been switched off since early September on a precautionary basis “after the ESB discovered that one of the secure panels on a lamp post had been tampered with and that somebody had attempted to run an illegal domestic electricity connection from it,” Crowe outlined. “Whilst I appreciate the high safety risks involved in this, the people most impacted by this were the many individuals who use the rail service out of Sixmilebridge station and also the local children who attend beaver, cub and scout meetings in the Old Station House building, which is on a longterm lease to the local scout group.
LIGHTING: The encampment Photo by Joe I recently met with some of the concerned parties and saw first-hand how dark the carpark area was,” he added. Difficulties had been experienced by parents dropping their children off to scout meetings and the users of the train, the Meelick native stated. Deputy Crowe has said the “long-standing issue of the illegal encampment” at the car park of the rail-
Buckley
way station needs to be progressed by Clare County Council and An Garda Síochána. “This has gone on for far too long and I think it’s entirely an inappropriate place, in a public carpark, to have an encampment. I hope that all parties involved can use the instruments of law to bring about a resolution here in the quickest possible time”.
Cow dung blamed for road damage by PÁRAIC McMAHON A KEY access route for tourists in South-West Clare is testing the rubber on the wheels of bikes while chemicals from cow dung have been attributed with damaging the road surface. Surface of the L-20000 was described as overall being in “reasonable condition” by senior executive engineer, Alan Kennelly who acknowledged that sections would benefit from resurfacing works. He noted it was an access route to the Bridges of Ross and Ross Bay, thus an important tourist route. Cow dung has added a complicated factor to the need for improvements, Kennelly flagged. “There is a complicating factor along the route in that some local farmers move their cattle along the road on a daily basis. “While it is understood that cows need feeding and milking it is a fact that cows leave dung deposits in their wake. An unfortunate consequence is that if this cow dung is not removed from
the road, over time, chemicals in the dung affect the road surface and accelerate its breakdown,” he added. Farmers whose cows travel along the L-2000-0 were encouraged to pay more attention to cleaning the road surface. “I believe that a number of nearby farmers have purchased road sweeping brushes and water tanks (which are mounted on a suitable tractor) and clean the road daily. If the farmers with herds along the L-20000 could be persuaded to do likewise then the lifetime of the road surface would be extended and it would be easier to make a case for road resurfacing works”. An assessment of the route to bring it to “a standard expected of a primary route for tourism on the Loop Head Peninsula” was sought by Cllr Cillian Murphy (FF). “I’ve cycled it and John O’Malley (acting senior executive officer) has, unless there is very good rubber on the wheels it is a challenge”.
NEWS
THURSDAY, DEC 9 2021
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7
8 NEWS
THURSDAY, DEC 9 2021
‘She meant the world to Marty’
A
by PÁRAIC Mc MAHON
N OUTPOURING of sadness has been expressed following the death of Quilty’s Peggy Morrissey, the mother of popular RTÉ broadcaster Marty. Peggy who was in her nineties, was a native of Cork died in a single-vehicle crash at Annagh, Miltown Malbay at approximately 00:30 on Tuesday. Gardaí are appealing for any witnesses to come forward. They are particularly appealing to any road users who were travelling on this road at the time with camera footage to make this available to them. Anyone with information is asked to contact Kilrush Garda station on 065 908 0550, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any Garda station. A popular member of the parish of Kilmurry Ibrickane, Peggy attended mass every morning at Mullagh Church and would return every evening to say the Rosary, she was also a Eucharistic Minister. As newlyweds in the 1950s, Peggy and her late husband Martin left Ireland for New York. He set up a travel business, Morrissey Travel in
The Bronx while she worked as a receptionist in a local university, she was also a hairdresser. When Peggy became pregnant with Marty in 1958, she flew back to Ireland in order to have her baby in Cork. Marty was born at Mount Alvernia Hospital in Mallow. Peggy returned to New York with her son one month later. On any occasion that Marty spoke publicly about his mother, he did so with great demonstrating the close relationship and bond they shared. “My mother is a great bit of stuff altogether. “I mean God, she’s got great spirit and she’s just a wonderful lady,” he said previously. He credited Peggy with ensuring he never got too carried away despite his successful media career. “Her usual line is ‘Never ever get a big head. You’re my son keep your feet on the ground and always remain humble no matter what you do, and be nice’, so they were ingrained in me”. An only child, Marty’s father died 17 years ago. In a previous interview, he commended his mother for how she managed
Peggy and Marty Morrissey
to cope with his loss, “it’s been hard on her but she’s a great warrior and I’m very proud of her”. This pride was replicated with Peggy particularly satisfied of her son’s achievements, even though she would encourage him to return to the teaching profession in West Clare on numerous occasions. In May of last year, ‘Marty in the Shed’ was broadcast from the shed of the Morrissey home in Quilty during the lockdown
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as he interviewed guests such as Chris O’Dowd, Nicky Byrne, Davy Fitzgerald, Aidan O’Shea, Oliver Callan, Aoibhíin Garrihy and Bernard O’Shea. RTÉ sports journalist, Darren Frehill said that Peggy “meant the world” to Marty. Ennis native, broadcaster Colm Flynn remarked the “whole country” was thinking of Marty following “such sad news, especially at a time that is meant to be joyful”.
Councillors miss vote due to poor internet COUNCILLORS that missed the vote for the contentious Budget attempted to log on to the virtual meeting but were disrupted due to technical difficulties, writes Páraic McMahon. Sixteen councillors voted in favour of the budget with ten against the proposals while two were absent when votes were called. The €138m budget included a 3.8 percent increase in commercial rates. Both Cllr Donna McGettigan (SF) and Cllr Liam Grant (GP) were absent for the vote. McGettigan had been present earlier in the meeting, attending via Microsoft Teams. Speaking to The Clare Echo, Donna confirmed she would have voted against the Budget. “We’ve already lost businesses, they’re already pinned to the collar and are struggling to stay open. I don’t agree with this additional cost. We’re supposed to be in this together so I think it is unfair to put extra costs on businesses”. Local authority officials have told the Shannon councillor that in future scenarios where an elected representative loses connection while attending remotely that they will be rang over the phone and put on speaker where they will outline what way they intend to vote. In what would have been his first Budget meeting since his co-option to the Council in October, Cllr Grant was unable to join the meeting remotely. The Lahinch man told The Clare Echo that he was attending a fire fighter training course in Clonmel on the same day as the meeting but was unable to join due to poor internet. He said he was unsure on what way he would have voted.
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THURSDAY, DEC 9 2021
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9
10 NEWS
THURSDAY, DEC 9 2021
McGrath appointed new Chair of Water Safety Ireland
Over €9m in RRDF funding shared in Clare since 2018
by PÁRAIC Mc MAHON
PÁRAIC MCMAHON
ENNIS woman Clare McGrath has been appointed as the Chairperson of the Council of Water Safety Ireland (WSI). For the past five years, Clare sat on the Council as an ordinary member and takes on the role of Chair for a five year period succeeding Martin O’Sullivan. She is tasked with providing leadership to the Council in the continued delivery of the National Drowning Prevention Strategy 2018-2027, along with the strategic development of the organisation. Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD (FG) announced the appointment on Wednesday afternoon. “Clare brings a wealth of experience as a lifelong member of Water Safety Ireland and Swim Ireland. Speaking to The Clare Echo, the Ennis native said she was “very pleased to be appointed”. She expected the voluntary role to be a challenging one but was aiming to relish the opportunity. “I am honoured and delighted, I’ve been involved in water safety all my life so this is great. It is overwhelming today but it is all
O
paraic@clareecho.ie
NEW ROLE: Clare McGrath very positive”. Water Safety Ireland is a statutory body, responsible for the promotion of public awareness in relation to water safety and the provision of education and training in water safety and lifeguarding skills. It actively works to reduce and prevent drowning and water related accidents through education and promotion of water safety. It relies on around 5,000 volunteers around the country to assist it in achieving its aims.
VER €9m worth of funding from the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund (RRDF) has been shared among projects in North, West and East Clare with nothing allocated for South or Mid Clare since 2018. Established under the National Development Plan, the RRDF is a major programme of investment aimed at supporting large-scale projects to sustain economic and social development in rural areas and is administered by the Department of Rural and Community Development. Acting senior executive officer in the rural and community development units of Clare County Council, Bernie Haugh explained, “the purpose of the fund is to support job creation in rural areas, address de-population of rural communities and support improvements in our towns and village with a population of less than 10,000”.
Since 2018, a total of €9,062,440 has been allocated to Clare County Council under the fund. The projects to benefit include; Lahinch Seaworld (€2,908,750), Vandeleur Estate (€1,975,819), Ennistymon Innovation Centre (€1,023,300), Inis Cealtra (€920,500), Cnoc na Gaoithe (€900,000), Loop Head Visitor Attraction (€868,500) and Doolin Pier (€465,571). Broken down by Municipal District, this funding has been split between the West Clare MD receiving €7,241,940 and the Killaloe MD getting €1,820,500. Projects for Shannon and Ennis would have to apply via a separate fund, the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund (URDF) but large parts of the Ennis MD and Shannon MD would fall into the criteria for RRDF funding. Loop Head Lighthouse, Kilrush Maritime Centre plus a digital and street regeneration project in Scariff are the projects the Council are
awaiting a decision from the Department on. No decision has been made on projects to be submitted for the next round of RRDF. “In fairness it is expected that projects from other MDs will feature strongly in the next round of RRDF submissions if the projects are shovel-ready,” Ms Haugh advised. Director of Rural Development, Leonard Cleary said that data is needed to back up the strength of a project. “It needs to be able to demonstrate economic impact which is a key deciding factor,” he outlined. An update on future applications from the West Clare MD had been sought by Cllr Cillian Murphy (FF) as he expressed hope that further additions would be made. “We’ve been very fortunate, the Minister has been very kind to us, we’re getting large sums of money for various projects, long may it continue,” quipped Cllr Gabriel Keating (FG). Cllr Joe Garrihy (FG) added, “For everything we get, the exponential value is really worthwhile”.
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by PÁRAIC Mc MAHON HOMEOWNERS impacted by the presence of defective concrete blocks are becoming increasingly frustrated as they remain left out in the cold of a redress scheme. Additional information has been sought by the Department of Housing from Clare County Council into their application to extend the Defective Concrete Blocks Scheme to Clare. The Clare Echo understands that lab testing results submitted by the local authority have been queried by the Department. This has caused a further delay for homeowners and their at-
tempts for redress. “It is frustrating that an additional queue has been made by the Department at the eleventh hour,” Deputy Cathal Crowe (FF) told The Clare Echo. He said the houses of the Oireachtas will now have to prepare legislation on the redress scheme which “realistically” could be in place by February. Deputy Crowe had previously expressed hope that the Clare homeowners would be included by Christmas. He said it was likely that the Council would have submitted their relevant correspondence to
the Department by then. Pyrite homeowners in the county are becoming increasingly annoyed and upset, as was evident at a public meeting on Friday evening at Treacy’s West County Hotel. Tensions are also rising between members of the Clare Pyrite Action Group and the county’s elected representatives as frustrations grow over the lack of progress for the county’s cause for redress. The Pyrite Action Group have said they need to be furnished with more answers particularly on the timeline between the Council and the Department plus budgetary expenses.
NEWS 11
THURSDAY, DEC 9 2021
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12 NEWS
THURSDAY, DEC 9 2021
Taoiseach hails de Valera and East Clare’s role in War PÁRAIC MCMAHON
E
paraic@clareecho.ie
AST Clare’s role in the fight for Irish independence and the contribution of Éamon de Valera to political life in the county and country was acknowledged on
Sunday. In what was the 40th commemoration of the unveiling of the statue in memory of de Valera in front of Ennis Courthouse, Taoiseach Micheál Martin (FF) spoke of the man regarded as one of the most influential figures in Irish politics. Following the 1916 Easter Rising, de Valera was sentenced to death but it was later agreed that the New York City born statesman would be sentenced to life imprisonment. Following his release from prison in June 1917, de Valera was elected as a Sinn Féin deputy for East Clare, where he would serve until 1959. He supported the anti-Treaty side during the Civil War from 1922 to 1923, he was arrested in August 1923 when about to make a speech in Ennis and was not released until the following July. Despite being in prison, he still topped the poll in the 1923 General
Election. De Valera served as the country’s second Taoiseach and third President. From 1926 to 1956, he was the leader of Fianna Fáil. A wreath was laid at the foot of the de Valera statue by the Taoiseach to mark the 40th commemoration on Sunday morning. Former Clare TD and Senator, Brendan Daly (FF) laid a second wreath, he is one of the surviving members of the committee responsible for securing funding for the memorial which was sculpted by Kilbaha’s Jim Connolly. Secretary of the Clare Fianna Fáil Comhairle Dáil Ceantair, Rita McInerney read aloud the 1916 proclamation while the Taoiseach was surrounded by Cathal Crowe TD (FF), Senator Timmy Dooley (FF), CDC Chair Michael Enright, CDC PRO Michael McTigue and Brendan Daly when addressing Sunday’s crowd. When beginning his address, Martin referred to East Clare. “In July 1917 the people of East Clare lit a beacon in the cause of Irish independence which was seen throughout the world. Little over a year after the Rising and the executions which followed, it was here that people were able to give their first expression of support for the ideals of the men and women of 1916. Proudly wear-
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VISIT: Garrett Greene with his son, and Brendan Daly watch An Taoiseach Micheal Martin TD make a speech at De Valera monument on Sunday Photo by Natasha Barton
ing the plain, green uniform which he had shared with his fallen comrades, Eamon de Valera came to this place to speak of an Ireland which could control its own destiny. In the face of intimidation and a massive imbalance of resources, his message resonated with the people of Clare and with the Irish people”. His life in politics was “one of the great democratic careers of the 20th century. By far the most successful Irish person in winning the free support of the Irish people, de Valera also stands out in the wider democratic world. He was a revolutionary leader, who built a democratic movement which stood against the extremes of left and right, and reinforced democratic republicanism at times when basic freedoms were being crushed in so many places”. A balanced narrative was often denied to de Valera, the Cork native outlined. “Incredible obstacles” were overcome by de Valera in his life, the Taoiseach said. “By a very large margin he came from the poorest and most marginalised background of any person to have risen to the leadership of Ireland at any point in our history. Sent back across the Atlantic as a young boy, he was raised on a tiny farm where everyone had to contribute to survive. Key to his future was that he had a passion for learning. He was part of a rising generation here and throughout the world which sought to improve themselves and help their countries. Young Dev was able to stay in education because of winning scholarships which he studied for after attending to his other duties and spending many hours walking the roads to and from school”. During the War of Independence, de Valera “was far more than a political figurehead,” he stated while also referencing the role he played in the Treaty and Civil War. Fianna Fáil founders and leaders such as de Valera “focused on the future and not the past,” the Taoiseach commented. “They faced enormous obstacles – especially a uniformly hostile media and a lack of resourc-
es. And they built a proud record of democratic, social and economic achievement. It is a record which has important blemishes, but we are entitled to point to actions which secured sovereignty and are central to the fact that Ireland is today one of the world’s longest-established democracies. We avoided the catastrophic extremism of the last century and overcame many of the biggest challenges we faced. We have many problems, but we have also achieved remarkable progress”. As he continued, Martin referenced the Irish Constitution as the “most dramatic and positive legacy” of de Valera. “The life of Eamon de Valera was one of overcoming adversity and remarkable achievement. His positive legacy remains strong, and remains central to achieving progress for everyone on our island”. While addressing the crowd, the Taoiseach in his oration also spoke of the restrictions announced on Friday. “We came into government in the middle of a unique pandemic and the fastest and deepest recession ever recorded outside of wartime. There is no playbook to be taken off a shelf to get us out of this pandemic and we have to continually respond to new threats. There will be time in the future to look back and take a full picture, but the facts show that this government has helped ensure that Ireland has seen fewer cases and fewer deaths than most comparable countries. We’ve run one of the world’s most effective vaccination programmes, which is now tackling the challenge of distributing booster shots”. He added, “And people should never forget that the vaccination programme is saving lives and central to the major return of economic activity which has been achieved. The level of cases which are being seen today is of real concern, but it’s having a much smaller impact than it would have had a year ago. The guidelines and restrictions today are significant, but they are nowhere near as severe as they might have been absent the vaccine programme.”
NEWS 13
THURSDAY, DEC 9 2021
Views of the public must be secured as draft County Development Plan goes on display PÁRAIC MCMAHON paraic@clareecho.ie
H
OW communication is extended to the public surrounding the draft County Development Plan has been labelled as crucial by Clare councillors. At a special meeting of Clare County Council last Tuesday evening, it was agreed to move the Development Plan forward to the next stage which is public consultation.
Bones of contention with the plan thus far include lack of ambition with the county’s projected population growth and absence of adequate wastewater treatment systems which will hinder certain areas from zoning. Work on the Plan began on September 18th 2020, acting senior planner Helen Quinn told Monday’s meeting of the Economic Development Strategic Policy Committee (SPC). She confirmed that the draft will go on public display this Friday at Municipal District offices and library branches. Community events are to be held in Lisdoonvarna, Ennis, Kilkee, Clon-
‘Failure to reach projected passenger numbers criticised
lara, Killaloe, Clarecastle, Kilmihil, Tulla and Newmarket-on-Fergus from the last week of January to the middle of February. Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council, Cllr PJ Ryan (IND) stressed that a “serious effort” is required to get the public engaged with the Plan. “One of the big
problems when we come to make a plan, people will say they know nothing about it”. “We see a lot in the print media but it is a very fine print. Sometimes we read it and go through it, do the public read it. There should be a column ‘tell the people’,” Cllr Gabriel Keating (FG) suggested.
A targeted social media campaign to encapsulate the views of the public is to be devised, Quinn detailed in response. Local media will also be utilised, she confirmed. Initial work in 33 schools across the county will be revisited, “if you get the children involved you get the parents”.
An Roinn Comhshaoil, Aeráide agus Cumarsáide Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications
NOTICE OF INTENTION TO GRANT A PROSPECTING LICENCE Since it appears to the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications (the Minister) that there are minerals not being worked under the lands in the areas set out below, pursuant to section 7(1) of the Minerals Development Act 1940, as amended, the Minister intends to grant a prospecting licence for Base Metals, Barytes, Gold (Ores of.) and Silver (Ores of.) to Minco Ireland Ltd., Coolfore Road, QME, Ardbracken, Navan, Meath, C15 KXY3 over the following Townlands in County Clare: Townlands in Tulla Upper Barony: Affick, Annagh (E.D. Kiltannon), Ardbooly Lower, Ardbooly Upper, Ballyslattery or Newgrove , Bunavory, Cloghaun, Cloonaleary, Cloondanagh, Cloondoorney Beg, Cloondoorney More, Cloonteen, Cragg, Cutteen Beg, Cutteen More, Derryulk Lower, Doonaun, Drummaghmartin, Drumullan, Eyrehill, Fomerla, Furhee, Garruragh, Gorteenaneelig, Gorteennaguppoge, Kilboggoon, Kilduff Lower, Kilduff Middle, Kiltanon, Knockadoon, Knockdrumleague, Lissofin, Loughaun South, Milltown, Moymore, Poulaforia, Rine, Tulla, Tyredagh Lower, Tyredagh Upper, Townlands in Bunratty Upper Barony: Caherloghan, Carrahan, Feenagh, Knockaphreaghaun, Lassana, Sraheen, Toonag. Due to the Covid-19 (Coronavirus) restrictions, the maps and townland lists should be viewed on the Government of Ireland’s website and these are available at (https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/507ceprospecting-licence-notices/). Where possible, they will be made available at Ennis Garda Station; Clare County Council; the Geological Survey of Ireland, Beggar’s Bush, Dublin, D04 K7X4 and the address below. Objections to the grant of the licence should be made to the address below within 30 days of the date of this Notice. The Minister reserves the right to make details of the objections available to the applicant in order to fully consider their validity. NB: A Prospecting Licence entitles the holder to explore for mineral deposits and does not authorise mining of any minerals. The activities permissible under a licence are, in general, non-invasive and of minimal environmental impact. The Minister has assessed the exploration programme proposed by the company and has determined that the activities are not likely to have a significant effect on the environment.
Q&A: Rose Hynes speaks befroe the Oireachtas Transport Committee
by PÁRAIC Mc MAHON SHANNON GROUP’s former Chair, Rose Hynes has denied that a “failure to reach projected numbers” at Shannon Airport was not washed to the side during her tenure. During a tense exchange before the Oireachtas Transport Committee, Rose Hynes fielded numerous questions from Senator Timmy Dooley (FF) regarding her six-year tenure as Chair of Shannon Group. Ms Hynes was speaking before the Committee in her role as Chairperson Designate of the Irish Aviation Authority, a company which has a staff of 700, 332 of which are based in Co Clare. The New Quay native currently sits on eight different boards including the University of Limerick. Senator Dooley referenced the campaign over a decade ago to secure Shannon Airport’s separation from the Dublin Airport Authority. “The current Tánaiste as Minister initiated that separation and rewarded you with Chairmanship of the Airport in 2014, it was a quasi-executive role, during that time you went through three CEOs, numerous managers were hired and
left”. He referenced a five year plan was launched by Hynes in 2013 to grow passenger numbers at Shannon from 1.4 million to 2.5 million within this time-frame. “Back in 2007 prior to the crash numbers through the Airport that year were 3.65 million, 1.4 was a very low base and 2.5 was seen as conservative, over that period passenger numbers grew at Shannon by only 300,000 to 1.7 million while Dublin grew by 13 million. That was on your watch”. Dooley said Shannon Group put more of a focus then on its performance financially, “the message around failure to reach projected numbers at Airport were in my view were washed to the side” to which Ms Hynes said “you’re wrong”. For the first time, Ms Hynes also confirmed that she rang the then Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar (FG) when former Minister for Transport, Shane Ross (IND) informed her that he would not be extending her tenure as Chair of Shannon Group. Following Varadkar’s intervention, she was given a twelve month extension. “It doesn’t speak to the way I do business,” she remarked when questioning why the
Further information, statutory notice and Minister’s determination at: https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/507ce-prospecting-licence-notices/ Geoscience Regulation Office Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications 29-31 Adelaide Road, Dublin, D02 X285 Ph. (01) 678 2668 Email: GSRO@DECC.gov.ie Ref: M. A. 15/43
Date: 9th December 2021
EU GENERAL DATA PROTECTION REGULATION (EU GDPR) Department responsibilities: The Department welcomes objections and petitions from the public. In responding to the consultation, respondents consent to their name being publically available with the submission. The Department will redact personal addresses and personal email addresses prior to publication. We would draw your attention to the Department’s Privacy Statement: ‘The Department of Environment, Climate and Communications requires responders to provide certain personal data in order to provide services and carry out the functions of the Department. Your personal data may be exchanged with other Government Departments and Agencies in certain circumstances, where lawful. Full details can be found in our Data Privacy Notice which is available on the Government of Ireland website (https://www.gov.ie/en/organisation-information/dfd02-data-protection/) or in hard copy on request’. Petitioner’s responsibilities: Each Petition Organiser is a Data Controller and they should be aware of their responsibilities; that details provided by petition signatories when signing the petition (for example names, addresses, email addresses, telephone numbers and so on) are categorised as ‘personal data’ which is subject to GDPR (EU Regulation 2016/679 ‘General Data Protection Regulation 2018’). Petition Organisers as Data Controllers are required to confirm in their submission that: a)
All individuals whose personal data is provided in the Petition have consented to the processing of their personal data by the Petition Organiser and the Department (as outlined in our Privacy Statement above),
OR b)
That you otherwise have a legal basis (please specify) for providing such personal data to the Department for the purposes of participation in this consultation.
14 NEWS
THURSDAY, DEC 9 2021
LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION
Schools and homes targeted by antivaxxers in Shannon
PORTFOLIO: Photographer Andrew Bradley
Photo by Natasha Barton
IT WAS all systems go last week at the Bellbridge House Hotel, Spanish Point and sister property the Royal Marine Hotel in Kilkee as they enlisted the support of renowned photographer Andrew Bradley. Andrew took a selection of images at both properties, to include a wonderful wedding portfolio for the Bellbridge House Hotel, showcasing what they can do when it comes to looking after bridal couples.
Indeed, the new imagery available on both websites: www.bellbridgehotelclare.com and www.theroyalmarinehotel.com gives a wonderful insight into the family run hotels and the warm welcome that awaits locals from the community should they wish to pop in for a bite to eat or indeed national and international guests wishing to stay in West Clare.
PROTEST: Anti-vax graffiti
PÁRAIC MCMAHON
S
paraic@clareecho.ie
HANNON schools and the homes belonging to Board of Management members in the town were targeted by anti-vaxxers and anti-mask protesters within the past week. Graffiti was sprayed on the walls of primary schools within Shannon including Gaelscoil Donnacha Rua and St Conaires National School between Thursday night and Friday morning. Schools moved swiftly to remove the rhetoric which questioned the administering of vaccines and benefits of face masks. Homes owned by mem-
HALF LOAD
bers of Board of Management from one in the town was also targeted following the decision by Government on the recommendation of the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) to introduce the wearing of face masks for students in primary schools. No reports of such criminal damage have been issued to An Garda Síochána, a spokesperson confirmed to The Clare Echo. Speaking to The Clare Echo, Cllr Donna McGettigan (SF) outlined that she was aware of two incidents which occurred surrounding Shannon schools late last week. She believed the manner of this protest was “not the way” for such demonstrations to be held. “If you have a message,
do it in your own property, everyone has a right to protest but go ahead and do it on your own property, stand at the side of the road with a sign or banner if you wish but do not go out to upset people,” the Shannon representative added. Secretary of Shannon Tidy Towns, Derek Clune told The Clare Echo “it is terrible and disgraceful that this would happen”. He expressed sympathy with the schools impacted who were only “implementing the protocol” issued to them. “Graffiti and vandalism, we are completely against that. This is the last thing we want in our town. Derek encouraged members of the public with any additional information to come forward to An Garda Síochána.
NEWS
THURSDAY, DEC 9 2021
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15
16 Arts & Entertainment
THURSDAY, DEC 9 2021
5 for €55 Ennis Book Club offer returns for Christmas
E
by ELAINE TUBRIDY NNIS Book Club Festival’s Christmas offer returns this year for a March programme of live events with something for all readers and booklovers. Since the visit of Booker Winner Douglas Stuart in September, the festival team have been putting together a vibrant programme for the spring taking place over the weekend of 4th-6th March 2022. These are just some of the events in a weekend packed with activities and events for readers of all ages. As part of the 5 for €55 Christmas offer audiences will get to enjoy the following 5 events at glór: An Evening with Michael Harding (Friday 4th March, 8.30pm), festival favourite 10 Books You Should Read (Saturday 5th March, 11.30am), Claire Keegan with her beautiful new novel Small Things Like These (Saturday 5th March, 8.30pm), John Banville and Kevin Power (Saturday 5th March, 6pm) and The Sunday Symposium (Sunday 6th March, 11am) featuring Fintan O’Toole with further guests to be announced. In An Evening with Michael Harding, Michael will chat about his latest book, A Cloud Where the Birds Rise, a tender and intimate book, travelling with Michael through one day as he looks back at a life lived within, and as part of, the Irish landscape. Claire Keegan’s long awaited novel Small Things Like These has been praised as ‘a haunting, hopeful masterpiece’ (Sinéad
LANDSCAPE: Author Michael Harding
Gleeson) and a ‘tale of courage and compassion, of good sons and vulnerable young mothers’ (Douglas Stuart). The long-awaited new work from the international bestselling author of Foster and Antarctica, delivers an unforgettable story of hope, quiet heroism, and tenderness. Readers of crime writing comedy and thrillers are in for a treat with John Banville and Kevin Power featuring together to talk about White City and April in Spain. From
the highly acclaimed author of Bad Day in Blackrock by Kevin Power, White City is a darkly funny, gripping and profoundly moving novel about a life spinning out of control. John Banville’s sumptuous, propulsive follow up to the bestselling Snow, April in Spain follows Dublin pathologist Quirke as he glimpses a familiar face while on holiday with his wife. Unable to ignore his instincts, Quirke makes a call back home and Detective St John Strafford is soon dispatched to
Spain. But he’s not the only one on route: as a terrifying hitman hunts down his prey, they are all set for a brutal showdown. Described as ‘superb crime fiction for the connoisseur’ (The Times) Banville’s latest release is not to be missed. A reflection on Irish society will be the focus of the Sunday Symposium where Fintan O’Toole will discuss We Don’t Know Ourselves: A Personal History of Ireland Since 1958. We Don’t Know Ourselves is a very personal vision of recent Irish history from the year of O’Toole’s birth, 1958, down to the present. The book is a brilliant interweaving of memories and engrossing social and historical narrative, the era of Eamon de Valera, Jack Lynch, Charles Haughey, sectarian civil war in the North and the visit of the Pope, but also of those who began to speak out against the ruling consensus – feminists, advocates for the rights of children, gay men and women coming out of the shadows. Declan O’Rourke will join to speak about his debut novel The Pawn Broker’s Reward, a story of the famine connected to his family history and described as ‘a tale shaped with the lyricism of a song writing giant’ (Joseph O’Connor). The symposium will also feature live traditional music. The 5 for €55 events can be booked by phone or in person at glór Box Office from Friday 3rd December. All 5 events are available to book online at www.ennisbookclubfestival.com. Individual events can be booked on www.ennisbookclubfestival.com or on www.glor.ie
Susan O’Neill among winners at Folk Awards ENNIS’ Susan O’Neill was among the big winners at the recent RTÉ Radio 1 Folk Awards, writes Páraic McMahon. For the second year in a row, SON alongside Mick Flannery won the Best Original Folk Track prize for their song ‘Chain Reaction’. Her song ‘Almost’ was also nominated in the same category. SON was among the performers in front of a live audience which included President Michael D. Hig-
gins. The awards were presented by Feakle based Ruth Smith and Cork native John Creedon. Susan was also shortlisted for ‘Best Folk Singer’, the award which was secured by Dublin’s John Francis Flynn. Her album with Mick Flannery titled ‘In the Game’ was one of five albums in the running for Best Folk Album with ‘Solas an Lae’ by Eoghan Ó Ceannabháin and Ultan O’Brien taking the spoils. Maghera native, Martin Hayes
was nominated in the Best Folk Instrumentalist. Christy Moore was honoured with the lifetime achievement award while Sarah Makem was entered into the hall of fame. At the age of 16, Susan appeared on RTÉ talent show ‘You’re A Star’ which was formerly used to select Ireland’s Eurovision entries. When the pandemic struck last year, she was in the first two weeks of a two month tour in Australia and ended up getting an emergency flight
home. In the months that followed, she began working on ‘In the Game’ with Flannery. “That was definitely a product of everything being closed and the gigs shutting down,” she recalled. “I had previously done support to Mick and would join him on stage for a song or two at the end, and it was our mutual manager, Sheena Keane, who suggested that we should work on a tune or two after hearing
our voices together. Mick is very good at all the aspects of songwriting, but in my mind he’s particularly amazing with lyrics. He can say something in the most perfect way that encapsulates it all and evokes emotion every time. “I’ve always been drawn to melody, it has been my strongest part, so to work with somebody whose lyrics are this effortlessly brilliant has been a really beautiful kind of journey for me,” Susan added.
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THURSDAY, DEC 9 2021
in association with
Blind spot impacting on vulnerable road users in Lifford PÁRAIC MCMAHON
C
paraic@clareecho.ie
ONCERN has been expressed surrounding a “blind spot” impacting on vulnerable road users in
Lifford. A review and improvement of the safety standard of road markings, signage and public lighting was sought by Cllr Johnny Flynn (FG) at a recent sitting of the Ennis Municipal District. He tabled the motion “in the interest of protecting vulnerable road users, pedestrians and cyclists” and suggested a pedestri-
an crossing may be necessary as a solution at Lifford Rd near the playground and Kelly’s Corner near Ennis Hospital. Senior executive engineer, Eamon O’Dea said that the Ennis MD office would examine the line marking “specifically the lighting levels at these crossing points”. “I’ve walked and drove the road, there is a blind spot by the playground. Lighting and road markings are a concern,” Cllr Flynn stated. The proposal was seconded by Cllr Mark Nestor (FF).
Walking routes between Gort Rd & Tulla Rd must improve by PÁRAIC McMAHON WALKING ROUTES between two of the busiest roads in Ennis must be improved to encourage more people to use alternative means of travel. Resurfacing to the right of way linking Hazel Lane to Ivy Hill on the Gort Rd in Ennis was requested by Cllr Mark Nestor (FF) at a recent sitting of the Ennis Municipal District. It emerged following a contribution by senior executive engineer, Eamon O’Dea that the lane was not constructed by the local authority. O’Dea said that the lane “does not meet current accessibility standards”. Residents in Fern Hill, Hazel Lane and Ivy Hill along with An Garda Síochána would have to be consulted before any upgrade or resurfacing could be considered, O’Dea flagged. Funding would also have to be obtained.
CLIMATE CHANGE: Hazel Lane
Touching on climate change, Cllr Nestor commented, “we’re facing into something that we’ve never experienced and how we face into climate change and the challenges associated with it”. As part of efforts to help the environment, he stressed the need to improve walking routes “linking two of the busiest roads in the town, the Gort Rd and the Tulla Rd, an awful lot of people living in the estates are using the lane as a slipway”. “I welcome the response but I ask sincerely that it is actioned upon. I would ask that we try move forward with it,” Nestor added. “Consultation with residents is vital,” Cllr Pat Daly (FF) stated. Accessibility issues persist at the location, Cllr Johnny Flynn (FG) remarked, “the surface is very poor, residents are unable to maintain it”. He outlined that it was also “a historic right of way”.
CONCERN: Lifford
18 NEWS
THURSDAY, DEC 9 2021
SHANNON NEWS in association with
Issues with emergency SWEET TREATS FOR SALE access to Tradaree Court PÁRAIC MCMAHON
E
paraic@clareecho.ie
MERGENCY vehicles are experiencing “huge issues” when trying to access a Shannon estate. Appeals for the addition of extra parking spaces at Tradaree Court were issued to the Shannon Municipal District as local councillors raised the concerns of residents. In a proposal before the Shannon MD, Cllr Donna McGettigan (SF) asked that more parking spaces be placed in the estate. “Residents are concerned about emergency vehicles gaining access due to cars having to park on the street,” she stated. Senior executive engineer, Tom Mellett acknowledged that the potential to find additional parking capacity in Tradaree
was “limited”. The general area will be assessed to seek a solution, he confirmed. Mellett outlined, “houses are served by a large number of off street parking in the main. It is acknowledged that for convenience and necessity some residents park immediately outside their property on the public road and is at these locations where space is most limited”. There are more cars in the estate now than when it was built five decades ago, Cllr McGettigan flagged. “These houses were built years ago when there was only one car per family. I would have concerns about emergency vehicles gaining access to those areas if it came down to it”. “We’ve a huge issue with emergency vehicles accessing that area with the volume of residents in the area,” Cllr Gerry Flynn (IND) cautioned. He added, “Additional car parking is crucial, people have no other option but to park between these obstacles on the road”.
STALL: Davin Walsh, Halley Walsh, Tracey McIntee, Louis Duggan, Francine Duggan, Harry Duggan, Brendan Mackell, Kevin Walsh and Ivy Walsh at the Wolfe Tones Christmas market Photo by Joe Buckley
Lighting essential to brighten up Bóthar Mór by PÁRAIC McMAHON INSTALLATION of lighting on the main route into Shannon Town Centre “is essential,” the county’s first citizen has said. Officials in the transportation department of Clare County Council are to work with the National Transport Authority on the possibility of a submission for Active Travel funding for Bóthar Mór (R471) from Ballycasey roundabout to the Shannon Springs Hotel. It follows a request by Cllr PJ Ryan (IND) before the Shannon Municipal District for LED lighting and a footpath to be installed along the road. “It is a very dark area, there was a fatality at one stage, it is time that we got the lighting, I’m not sure about the footpath but definitely the lighting needs to be there”. “This is the entrance road to Shannon Town Centre, for the public coming from dual carriageway it is essential that the road is lit up, maybe we should put double LED lights on it to make it very bright. It is a section of road leading into Shannon but at the moment it is very dark,” the Cathaoirleach of Clare County
Council added. Half a dozen motions have been tabled on the matter, Cllr Gerry Flynn (IND) told the meeting. “It is important we keep it alive. It is a dark section of road and an area that could do with enhancement”. He questioned if the addition of lighting would go “hand in glove” with the construction of a footpath. Senior executive en-
gineer, Tom Mellett confirmed, “Lighting can be carried out independently of footpath, an assessment will be carried out to determine the need for a footpath”. Construction of a footpath is required, Cllr Donna McGettigan (SF) flagged. “It is a beautiful road when you look up and see the trees, it needs enhancement, people do use the walkway from Hurlers Cross so a footpath is needed”.
ENHANCEMENT: Bóthar Mór
FEATURES 19
THURSDAY, DEC 9 2021
GREEN CLARE
Special bins for dog poo to be considered in Killaloe
PÁRAIC MCMAHON
P
paraic@clareecho.ie
OTENTIAL of installing special bins in Killaloe for dog excrement is to be explored. In a proposal before the Killaloe Municipal District, Cllr Tony O’Brien (FF) asked that “special bins” be installed in Killaloe “where dog owners could dispose of dog excrement”. Dog owners can currently bag dog excrement and dispose of it in the existing bins, senior executive engineer Niamh Madden detailed. She confirmed that the Killaloe MD would “examine the possibility of providing dog litter bag dispensers in the town of Killaloe to assist dog owners in keeping the streets free of dog fouling”. She stated, “the majority of people walking dogs in public spaces are conscientious about picking up dog litter, but there are unfortunately still some dog owners who do not take proper responsibility in relation to dog fouling. “Providing dispensers and dog litter bags has benefits and encourages dog owners to be aware of their responsibilities. “However, it has been identified, that even with dispensers in place at various locations throughout the county, the problem of dog fouling still exists”. Free ‘scoop the poop’ bags are available for dog owners at Council offices across Clare. Madden outlined, “The Environment section of Clare County Council is working with the Killaloe Municipal District and local community groups to address the issue of dog fouling across the area. “In April and May of this year, Clare County Council ran a ‘Bag It, Bin It’ campaign in an attempt to encourage dog owners to pick up after their pets”. Clare County Council are presently running “a hard-hitting campaign to advise dog-owners of their responsibilities in relation to dog fouling. “The notice, which is advertised in local newspapers at the moment, requests dog owners to clean up after their dog in order to prevent ‘mess, smell and disease,” she added. Footpaths in the Killaloe MD have been “stencilled with a message to remind dog owners to prevent dog litter on the paths. The council can also, upon request, provide leaflets on responsible dog ownership to local community groups or resident groups for distribution in the area. It is hoped that through the council’s education and awareness campaigns, all
PET PEEVE: Killaloe Photo by Martin Connolly
dog-owners will take responsibility for their own dogs, which will result in a reduction in the amount of dog waste throughout County Clare,” Madden concluded. “It will be considered is that what I’m to
take,” O’Brien queried to which Madden explained, “the bins there at the minute are acceptable for putting bags in the bin, we will investigate the possibility of putting a few around the town”.
Efforts to aid people in doing “the right thing” should be supported, Cllr Alan O’Callaghan (FF) maintained, “it would be great to accommodate them in some way”.
Our challenge
20 FEATURES
RONAN SCULLY
Thought for the week
W
HILE we have all endured another year of uncertainty, Christmas can be a difficult time for many, and that has, of course, been exacerbated by the pandemic in its second year. Whether you are fortunate enough to be surrounded by the warmth of family this festive season, or whether you may be struggling with your own personal challenges, please know that you are in my prayers this Christmas for together in prayer, we are a powerful and wonderful force, a force that can continue to combat the fear, sorrow, and anxiety that plagues our world in current times. This thought for the week is about gaps and divides, about walls and bridges and about the “haves and the have nots.” A story from my Nana Scully’s prayer book might help explain.
What did you do for me?
“A priest transformed himself into a homeless person and went to the church that he was to be introduced as the new parish priest that morning. He walked around his soon to be church for 30 minutes while it was filling with people for mass. Only 3 people said hello to him, most looked the other way. He asked people for change to buy food because he was hungry. Not one gave him anything. He went into the sanctuary to sit down in the front of the church and was told by the ushers that he would need to get up and go sit at the back of the church. He said hello to people as they walked in but was greeted with cold stares and dirty looks from people looking down on him and judging him. He sat in the back of the church and listened to the church announcements for the week. He listened as new visitors were welcomed into the church that morning but no one acknowledged that he was new. He watched people around him continue to look his way with stares that said you are not welcome here. Then the elders of the church went to the podium to make the announcement. They said they were excited to introduce the new parish priest of the church to the congregation. “We would like to introduce you to our new Parish Priest.” The congregation stood up and looked around, clapping with joy and anticipation. The homeless man sitting in the back stood up and started walking down the aisle. That’s when all the clapping stopped and the church was silent. With all eyes on him....he walked up the altar and reached for the microphone. He stood there for a moment and then
recited so elegantly, a verse from the gospel’s..... “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’ “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you as a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’ “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for the least of my brothers and sisters, you did for me.’ After he recited this, he introduced himself as their new Parish Priest and told the congregation what he had experienced that morning. Many began to cry and bow their heads in shame. “Today I see a gathering of people here but I do not see a church of Jesus. The world has enough people that look the other way. What the world needs is disciples of Jesus that can follow his teachings and live as he did. When will you decide to become disciples? He then dismissed service until the following Sunday as his sermon had been given.”
A world that is hurting
In a world that is hurting at this very moment because of many things including the Coronavirus and that seems to be ravaged in some part by evil, the bitter fruits of greed, selfishness, war, disease and ignorance are multiplying. Even in so-called “rich societies” the homeless and the poor are growing populations. Thousands upon thousands of people starve to death every day. Two billion more are malnourished, and thousands more go blind and suffer other ailments annually because of dietary deficiency and on top of that we have this dreadful pandemic to deal with. Approximately two-thirds of the world’s population remains caught in a cycle of hunger, sickness and death. The majority of these individuals and families are destitute by political, economic, medical, cultural, or social events largely beyond their control. As I have written before, I have noticed over my life, that to be a good person or to have a good heart one
does not need to depend on religion, status in life, job status, race, skin colour, where they are from, political views or culture. It solely depends on how each of us treat each other. I have also noticed that our ears are constantly bombarded each day by all sorts of sounds. And these sounds stress a certain kind of hearing whether joyful or sad. But for me the hardest is hearing the cry of the poor, and even in that cry of the poor the worst of it is hearing a child’s voice. And although I believe that God is on the side of the poor and the homeless, I somehow feel, in our society and culture today, we have found ourselves separated not only from each other, but from the poor, the orphaned, the abandoned and the homeless. We live in a world that insulates us, for the most part, from that which is difficult and uncomfortable.
Thought for the week
As your thought for the week, let me finish with a story by the author Paulo Cello whom I love to read and it goes as follows, “A monk was meditating in the desert when a beggar came up to him and said: “I need to eat”. The monk -- who was almost reaching the point of perfect harmony with the spiritual world -- did not answer. “I need to eat,” insisted the beggar. “Go to the town and ask someone else. Can’t you see that you are bothering me? I am trying to communicate with the angels” said the monk sternly. “God placed himself lower than men, washed their feet, gave His life, and no-one recognized Him”, the beggar replied. “He who says he loves God -- who does not see -- and forgets his brother or sister - who does -- is lying”. And the beggar turned into an angel. “What a pity, you almost made it”, the angel remarked before leaving.” It’s been quite the year for all of us, but particularly for all our different types of frontline workers who are angels working in our midst. While navigating their way through it all, they’ve never lost sight of what they were doing for the good of all: Extending the compassionate ministry of Jesus by improving the health and well-being of our communities and bringing good help to those in need. For that, I wanted to take a second in my writing and say thank you. Thank you for your sacrifices. Thank you for the countless hours you’ve spent serving others. Thank you for being flexible. Thank you for your understanding. Thank you for your strength. Thank you for your courage. Thank you for your selflessness. As we head into the Christmas season, it’s important to take a moment and reflect on the gratitude you feel or we should all feel for all the people in our life – for those we work with, those we work for and those who work for us. From the bottom of my heart to everyone who has played a part in helping to care for our community – Thank you!
THURSDAY, DEC 9 2021
WELL DESERVED PRIZE
SCHOLARSHIP: Pictured recently at Mary Immaculate College (MIC) was Zoe Roche from Kilkee, who received an Undergraduate Entrance Scholarship to the BA in Liberal Arts programme at MIC. The scholarship, valued at €2,000, was awarded on the basis of high-level CAO points obtained in the Leaving Certificate Examination. Zoe, who attended St Joseph’s Community College in Kilkee, received an impressive 531 points in her LC exams. Pictured here with Dr Geraldine Brosnan, Director of Student Life, MIC Photo by Brian Arthur
Four charities each receive €500 donation from Aldi ELAINE TUBRIDY elaine.tubridy@clareecho.ie
F
OUR charities and community organisations have become the latest beneficiaries of Aldi’s Community Grants programme, with each receiving a €500 grant from the Aldi store teams in County Clare. €500 grants were presented to Burren Animal Rescue, Ennis Players, Down Syndrome Clare and Milford Hospice. Aldi’s Community Grants programme helps fund local charities and community organisations that contribute vital work and services in their local communities. Each local charity supported is chosen by Aldi employees,
enabling them to help local causes they are passionate about.The Community Grants programme has supported 850 donations to local charities to date. By the end of the year, the programme will have donated over €450,000 since its inception in 2016. John Curtin, Group Buying Director, Aldi Ireland said: “We are proud to continue supporting local charities across the country through the Aldi Community Grants programme and we’re pleased to see the impact of our donation in the local communities for County Clare. “The Community Grants programme is one example of how Aldi is committed to investing and partnering with local communities and charities across Ireland and we look forward to continuing this engagement into 2022.”
Seating sought for Scariff cemetery INSTALLATION of park benches or seating is to be considered for Carrowmore Cemetery in Scariff, writes Páraic McMahon. It follows a request from Cllr Pat Burke (FG) at a recent sitting of the Killaloe Municipal District. Siobhan O’Reilly of Clare County Council’s rural department admitted, “It has not been our practice heretofore to provide seating in our Burial Grounds, given the number of burial grounds within our area of responsibility and the additional costs
associated with same within limited resources”. She said that the burial grounds unit would consider the request “with a view to determining if such can be delivered”. Seating has been installed at Illaunamanagh cemetery in Shannon, Cllr Burke noted as he put forward the argument for seating in Scariff. “On a nice Sunday afternoon elderly people could do with some seating to give them a rest for a minute as they walk around and sit in peace”.
COMMUNITY 21
THURSDAY, DEC 9 2021
Community ENNIS
CONTACT
NEWSDESK 065 671 9021 news@clareecho.ie
CRATLOE
RUAN
LARGER WATER GATES SOUGHT
RUAN GAA AGM
LARGER water grates have been sought for Portdrine in Cratloe due to the problems posed in the aftermath of heavy rain, writes Páraic McMahon. Current infrastructure at Portdrine Lower in Cratloe is not able to accommodate “the large volume of water after heavy rain,” Cllr PJ Ryan (IND) flagged as he appealed for the fitting of larger water grates. Throughout the Portdrine and Ballymorris area, “extensive drainage related works” have recently been completed by the Shannon Municipal District, senior executive engineer Tom Mellett responded. An assessment will be completed by the local authority following on from Cllr Ryan’s proposal, Mellet confirmed.
ENNIS WATER PONDING
WINNERS: Ennis Tennis Club brought home the trophy from the U-16 Munster Clubs’
Junior Tennis Championships. Back row left to right: Hugo Brettini, Peter Farrell, Eoghan Breslin and Noel Gavin (Junior Tennis Captain). Front row left to right: Danny Comerford (Coach), Emily Feehan (Team Captain), and Lara Kelly
EXISTING gullies at the entrance to Ivy Hill and Fern Hill are “in good order and functioning correctly” despite requests from Cllr Mark Nestor (FF) to alleviate water ponding, writes Páraic McMahon. Senior executive engineer with the Ennis Municipal District, Eamon O’Dea detailed that existing gullies at the entrances to the Ennis housing estates “were checked recently and are in good order and functioning correctly”.
RUAN GAA Club will host their Annual General Meeting (AGM) this Thursday at Toonagh Hall. Commencing at 7pm, the AGM has been moved from Ruan to Toonagh Hall to enable greater social distancing. Vaccination certs will be required upon entry to the AGM while club members will also have to wear a face mask for the duration of the meeting. There are no changes expected to the key positions within the club.
ENNIS RED CROSS COLLECTION
THE Irish Red Cross Clare will hold a fundraiser this Friday, December 10 at Western Service Station, Quin Road, Ennis All funds raised is for our Training Unit & Ambulance Centre. Please give generously..
SHANNON RED CROSS COLLECTION
The Irish Red Cross Clare will hold a fundraiser on Monday, December 13 at Sky Court Shopping Shannon. All funds raised is for our Training Unit & Ambulance Centre. Please give generously..
Earn while you learn With the Accounting Technician Apprenticeship
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22 COLUMNIST
THURSDAY, DEC 9 2021
SPICE UP YOUR FESTIVE SIDES Kearney Cooks
S
O THIS week my mind turns to sides for Christmas dinner. In my house we would traditionally have carrots and parsnips, brussel sprouts, and some class of a potato dish. So I was wondering which one to do for this week’s column, and I thought, feck it, let’s do all three.
SPROUTS
YOU WILL NEED • A net of brussel sprouts • 80g diced pancetta • Salt and pepper to season • A sprig of thyme WHAT TO DO Boil your prepped sprouts for 10 minutes or until they are al dente. Put your cooked sprouts into an oven dish along with your pancetta and garlic and pop it into the oven for 25 minutes. Then 25 minutes later, everyone’s favourite side is ready for dishing up.
CARROTS AND PARSNIPS YOU WILL NEED • 4 large carrots • 2 large parsnips • A generous squeeze of honey • A sprig of rosemary and thyme • Salt and pepper • 2 garlic cloves
WHAT TO DO Cut your carrots and parsnips into thick wedges and boil in salted water for 15 to 20 minutes. Then strain them, cool them and pop them into an oven dish along with your garlic, herbs and a good squeeze of honey. Pop them into the oven for 25 minutes @180c, and boom, lovely honey roasted car-
rots and parsnips.
CHEESY GARLIC POTATOES YOU WILL NEED • 7 large Potatoes • 4 garlic cloves • 225ml cream • 30g grated cheese • Sprig of thyme • Loads of salt and pepper to taste
WHAT TO DO Peel and slice your potatoes wafer thin. Toss them in a bowl with some melted butter, the garlic, thyme, and a load of salt and pepper. Layer the spuds up into an oven dish, cover with the cream and pop it into the oven @180c for 50 minutes. After 50 minutes take it out of the oven, sprinkle the cheese over and return it to the oven for another 15 minutes. Once this time has elapsed you should have lovely creamy cheesy garlicky potatoes. The above recipes are for four people, and are designed to make Christmas day cooking as stress free as possible. You can have all your veg sliced and precooked the day before and ready to go in oven dishes to pop in the oven as the turkey comes out. Even the potato dish can be precooked and simply reheated on Christmas day. As usual if you have any questions about this recipe or others please feel free to DM me on Instagram. Also keep an eye on The Clare Echo Facebook page or my Instagram (stevekearney37) for the instructional video that goes with this recipe.
Enjoy
Steve K
Neylon Co-operation Eoin An inside look at Clare’s political spectrum needed for unity
T
HE passing of the centenary of the signing of the Anglo-Irish treaty this week has many looking back at events of those time to contemplate the “what ifs” of Irish history. Indeed, the deeply polarising debate that ensued on this island, leading to a civil war, as partition became and endured as a hot topic, still resonates today. This could be seen clearly amongst the TDs for Clare at the time, evenly split two a piece in support and against the treaty. Eamon De Valera and Brian O’Higgins backed Cathal Brugha’s calls to fight on rather than accept the division of the island, whereas Patrick Brennan and Sean Liddy sided with Michael Collins in accepting the treaty. The latter two would go on to resign from the Dáil in December 1922 and become founding members of An Garda Síochána. Yet a century later, the question as to which was the right call
remains unanswered. Many have strong opinions either which way but there is no way to be certain if fighting on would have yielded a better or worse result. One thing that does remain certain is that partition has continued to be an issue on this island one way or another. Be it economics, terrorism, pandemic responses, trade or our future within Europe, the supposed invisible border always rears its head to cause problems and with it, we are routed back to the treaty debates and the arguments therein. No doubt when those four TD’s rose in the Dáil to cast their vote on behalf of the people of Clare, none of them could have imagined that a century later, the repercussions would still remain as fresh as they were back then. Yet post Brexit, in the time of the Northern Irish protocol (NIP), we now see that the North-South aspect of closer alignment is bearing dividends.
The NIP has resulted in the six counties being the most protected from the Brexit downturn of all regions of the UK. The pandemic too has shown the folly of such an administrative border and how it can lead to critical issues in a time of crisis, as it did during the Troubles are criminals used it to evade capture, skipping from one side to the other where the respective police forces would lose track of them in an area of non-coordination. It’s clear to most independent commentators that partition has served the country badly, but independence of the 26 counties has seen a dramatic turn around in fortunes of those living in what would become the Republic. Having gained independence as the Free State in 1921, there came an unprecedented growth in fortunes, economically and socially of the people of Ireland in the century since. Having been a veritable third world country, still reeling from the effects of An Gorta Mór, to
being one of the world’s leading economies with education rates the envy of the world in just 100 years has been a timeline that not one of the TDs of that first Dáil could have imagined in their wildest dreams. Contrast that to the plight of areas like West Belfast that remain amongst some of the most disadvantaged in all of Western Europe today. One thing from revolutionary times remains true though; England’s difficulty is Ireland’s opportunity. In 1916 that was the reflection on the Easter Rising whilst Crown Forces were occupied fighting the First World War. Nowadays, it means that, while largely English votes ripped the UK away from the EU and the economic prosperity it has long represented, we should now be focusing a light on the consequences of that English decision to take six Irish counties out of a very different Union. As EU funding and trade
opportunities are curtailed by English MP’s in Westminster, aided and abetted by their friend in the DUP in Northern Ireland, it is incumbent on Irish TDs, Senators and Nationalist MPs and MLAs to demonstrate to moderate Unionists and the unaligned in the North that their lives and prospects would be far better in a unified Ireland rather than a further divided island that those stuck in the past would like to see. To this point, we must learn the harsh lessons of 100 years ago that we have sadly and repeatedly played out over and over since in Ireland. The “us and them” mentality has only ever hurt the many to the benefit of the few. It has kept people in squaller and at each other’s throats, whilst keeping those who benefit from it in power to perpetuate the cycle to their own ends. Extremes rare benefit the masses. Only through cooperation will the unified island have a prosperous future.
23 09|12|21
What to Wear Now Maeve Culligan @ County Boutique www.countyboutique.ie
We’ve navigated our way through 2021 and are so looking forward to Christmas and a break. I am sharing here a few of things that I love from the store this December that are so suitable to wear right now! Wishing Health, Peace and Happiness to all for Christmas 2021. GEO SCARF A colourful scarf will cheer up any day. I absolutely love these multi coloured scarves, ethically made, to team with a plain colour palette and I usually wear it indoors too! By Miss Pom Pom, we have several colour ways available. €60 FAUX LEATHER DRESS Black Faux Leather is such a sophisticated fashion statement. We love this classic shirt dress style from Joseph Ribkoff, which the essence of fashion and glamour. €240
Natasja leopard print dress From, Fabienne Chapot, one of my favourite brands, this mesh dress is made from recycled bottles. It is so flattering, super stretchy and so comfortable. €150
Maeve Culligan, County Boutique
20% OFF
SELECTED
OCCASIONWEAR
SHOP INSTORE OR ONLINE @
www.countyboutique.ie ENNIS 065/6821947
NENAGH 067/34933
24 09|12|21
ENNIS BOOKSHOP’S
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HE experts at Ennis Bookshop have made Christmas shopping for the little ones a breeze this year with their handy guide to the top picks for kids.
top reads for kids
TREE DOGS, BANSHEE FINGERS & OTHER IRISH WORDS FOR NATURE MANCHÁN MAGAN Tree Dogs, Banshee Fingers and Other Irish Words for Nature explores the ways the Irish language describes our world with the curiosity and divilment of a child and the wisdom and insights of our ancestors. Get ready to rediscover the flora and fauna of the land, sea and air and the otherworldly dimensions of this, our magical island home. THE CHRISTMASAURUS TOM FLETCHER The Christmasaurus dreams of pulling Santa’s sleigh and delivering presents on Christmas Eve – but learning to fly is a lot harder than it looks! Then, one special Christmas, a chance encounter with a dinosaur-obsessed little boy leads to a discovery that changes everything. EVIE’S CHRISTMAS WISHES SIOBHÁN PARKINSON Christmas is coming and Evie is getting excited. With her Mammy and Daddy she
Christmas. Join Evie on the countdown to the special day! GANGSTA GRANNY STRIKES AGAIN DAVID WALLIAMS Daring thefts of priceless treasures are all over the news. The crimes have the pawprints of international jewel thief The Black Cat – Ben’s very own Gangsta Granny – all over them. But with Granny gone, who on earth could pull of such daring heists? Can Ben crack the case? Join Ben in this rollicking adventure – the glorious sequel to the beloved and bestselling novel Gangsta Granny.
helps to make the pudding, ice the cake, decorate the tree. As she goes, Evie's Christmas wishes start to come true: she gets a singing part in the school Nativity play, it snows and Uncle Sean announces he is coming home for
DIARY OF A WIMPY KID: BIG SHOT JEFF KINNEY Greg and sports just don’t mix. After a disastrous school competition, Greg decides he is retiring from all sports… until his mom convinces to try out for basketball and he unexpectedly makes the team. As Greg and his teammates start the season, their chances of winning look slim. Will Greg rise to the occasion? Or will he blow his big shot?
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Latest fiction titles at
C
HOOSE the perfect gift for the booklover in your life with Ennis Bookshop’s guide to the world of fiction. From mystery stories to fantasy novels, there is something for everyone.
FRECKLES CECELIA AHERN Allegra Bird’s arms are scattered with freckles, a gift from her beloved father. But despite her nickname, Freckles has never been able to join all the dots. So, when a stranger tells her that everyone is the average of the five people they spend the most time with, it opens up something deep inside. The trouble is, Freckles doesn’t know if she has five people. BEAUTIFUL WORLD, WHERE ARE YOU SALLY ROONEY Alice, Felix, Eileen and Simon are still young - but life is catching up with them. They desire and delude each other, they get together, they break apart, they worry about their friendships and the world they live in. Are they standing in the last lighted room before the darkness, bearing witness to something? Will they find a way to believe in a beautiful world? THE DARK HOURS MICHAEL CONNOLLY During a time-honoured New Year’s tradition, a man is shot dead in a crowded LA street party. Detective Renée Ballard soon connects the bullet to an unsolved cold case, but as she investigates, another crime is committed. In a police department shake by the pandemic and protests, both cases have the power to save Ballard’s belief in the job – or take everything from her…
ENNIS BOOKSHOP
26 09|12|21
Why should I shop in Kilrush this Christmas?
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E have now entered the most important time of the year for not just family and community, but also businesses and the local economy. A Retail Ireland report predicts that the Irish households will spend an average of €2,690 in shops in December, approximately €866 more than any other month. With many Irish shoppers now choosing to shop on foreign websites, there is a huge challenge for Irish retailers to ensure that they benefit from this anticipated additional spending. With the big day quickly coming upon us, get started now so you can really enjoy the festive season. If every shopper spent some of their allocated Christmas spend in Kilrush, or indeed across West Clare, we could help to make a real difference to our local communities. Local businesses are the life-blood of the economy. Buying local helps to support business owners who either produce their own artisan products or employ members of your family, neighbours and friends. They in turn, will spend money locally hence improving the cycle
of the local economy. When a business thrives it can create jobs for your friends, neighbours and members of your family. These new jobs provide more money to spend in the local economy. When more money is spent locally, more jobs are created, and that means, there’s more money to support local fundraising drives for local charities, sporting events/clubs and festivals. So not only do local businesses benefit, but our communities can continue to be vibrant places where we want to live, work and bring up our kids. Choosing a gift can sometimes be a difficult and laborious task, check out the numerous advertisers in our feature who offer products and gift vouchers to help make your choice easier this year.... The number of top quality local shops includes The Family Store, Patrick Bourkes, Wild Atlantic Living, Boutique Bibi, Central Shoes, O’Halloran and Griffins the list is endless... So this Christmas think before your buy. If every shopper spent some of their allocated Christmas spend in Kilrush — we could help to make a real difference to our local communities. Happy shopping!
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An array of Christmas ideas at Vandeleur Walled Garden
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HE Vandeleur Walled Garden in Kilrush is welcoming visitors this Christmas, with festive scenes aplenty to take in, and an array of gift ideas for Christmas: Wreaths are available from €25, along with Christmas Trees (€55), flower arrangements, assorted seasonal gifts (including books) from the display in the Bistro, handmade crafts, bespoke wooden Christmas Decorations with LED for €20 plus all the usual plants, planters and trees for sale. While taking it all in, indulge in seasonal coffees infused with a choice of cinnamon, hazelnut, butterscotch, gingerbread and more… Any enquiries can be made to info@vandeleurwalledgarden.ie or telephone 065-9051760. Open 10am to 5pm seven days a week.
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28 09|12|21
Wild Catering brings a taste STUART HOLLY
editor@clareecho.ie
T
HE trajectory of Ryan Fitzpatrick’s life has taken a dramatic twist in the last two years. In early 2020, the Doolin native had his future mapped out as his burgeoning career as a chef took him to New York City, where he planned on working for the coming years alongside his partner Aoife McMullan who had taken up a position as Operations Manager at The Royalton in Manhattan. However today he speaks to The Clare Echo as co-owner of Wild Catering, a fast expanding company established by Ryan and Aoife in Doolin after returning to Ireland due to the global pandemic. The company offers a wide range of catering needs from afternoon tea and platters, to private dining events, staff parties, barbecues and weddings. Thanks to the early success of
their ‘Wild at Home’ offering which proved a major hit in North Clare during periods of restriction last year, the company fastened an excellent reputation, and Ryan and Crosshaven native Aoife now operate out of a custom-built industrial kitchen while also running the café at the Doolin Caves. It was a transition that arose by chance, when Aoife’s mother was looking to give away some crockery. “We had to come back out of necessity,” explains Ryan. “After the first lockdown we were applying for jobs and in hospitality, nowhere was hiring and it was such an uncertain time. Aoife’s mother was giving away some China, so we said ‘why don’t we do some afternoon tea with it’.” The pair – who first met while working together in the Europe Hotel in Killarney – started their venture by offering afternoon teas and then platters and picnic boxes; such was their early popularity that the pair decided to officially set up a business. “We saw the niche in the market with the home deliveries so that’s what we did then, creating the dishes in our own kitchen and then de-
l Ryan Fitzpatrick and partner Aoife McMullan owners of Wild Catering based in Doolin
Gift Certificates Available Online We have a wide range of services to take the pressure off this Christmas From Buffets, Platters to Grazing Boxes and Desserts we are taking orders up until December 17th for last delivery/collection on the 23rd We are also offering a Christmas Day Dinner Menu prepared by our team of chefs for you to enjoy at home Menus available at - www.wildcatering.info Email to order - wildcateringcompany@gmail.com
Thank you for your continued support and we wish you all a Merry Christmas from our team at Wild Catering
29 09|12|21
of Christmas to Clare homes
livering to local areas... we’ve just built on it constantly since then.” After a couple of months operating from Ryan’s mother’s house (which was a local B&B in Doolin), demand surpassed the kitchen’s capabilities and the opportunity to take on the lease at the Doolin Caves café arose in late 2020. “So we moved to the caves and were doing our at-home dinners, which was the saving grace of the compa-
ny, it’s what made Wild Catering. It got our name out there when nobody else was really doing it on this side; we capitalised on that basically and it got our name out there.” Restrictions delayed the opening of the café until March of this year, and as demand continued to grow the need for a commercial kitchen came about. “How it all happened was insane, it’s been a crazy journey,”
l TASTY: Some of whats to offer at Wild Catering
remarks Ryan. Most recently, they have been running a series of ‘winter nights’ at the Caves which finish up this weekend, a threecourse meal plus welcome drink for €50pp. A huge hit, Ryan hopes to reintroduce the event in February. Ryan’s passion for cooking has seen him work around the world and locally in fivestar resorts including Dunloe House and Adare Manor. He says the quality of ingredients available locally is “pretty phenomenal” and Wild Catering work with suppliers in Clare such as St Tola, Burren Gold, and CS Fish in Doonbeg. Turning attentions to Christmas, Wild Catering are offering a range of options including a buffet menu (€19pp, minimum of 10) which are ideal for family gatherings; and a Christmas Day Dinner four-course menu (turkey & ham or lamb main) which is a more luxurious offering, aimed at smaller groups or sole diners. Wild Catering are taking orders until December 17 with deliveries being made up to December 23. “We also have our pastry menu if you don’t want the whole hog,” explains Ryan. “It’s a bit of
everything really, we’re still doing our canapes and platters too, which are perfect for all year round because you could have a cheese or charcuterie board for any celebration.” A whirlwind year will culminate in a well-deserved break for Aoife and Ryan, who celebrates his 30th birthday on December 16. That’s before the heat comes back on in Ryan’s kitchen as he looks ahead to a busy 2022. Wild Catering offer a wedding brochure for a canapé receptions, a 3-course meal, night food and a Day 2 option and they are already booking up for next year. “We have a good few wedding tastings done for next year for much larger weddings in the 100-150s. Bookings are rolling in pretty heavy which we’re extremely grateful for. We’re only a year and a bit in business and it’s amazing to see people putting their faith in us.” For more information on Wild Catering visit https://www.wildcatering.info/, or email wildcateringcompany@gmail.com
O’Halloran & Griffin Limited Furniture Bedding & Carpet Store 100 % Locally Owned Furniture Store in West Clare Since 1994
Over 25 years in Business
wishing all customers and friends a very
Happy Christmas Furniture for the Dining Room and the Kitchen Occasional Furniture Carpets Bedding OPENING HOURS : MONDAY - FRIDAY: 9.30am - 5.30pm SATURDAY: 9.30am – 1.30pm
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Bedroom Furniture Sofas & Suites Laminates Vinyls CALL US 065 - 9052411 EMAIL ohalloranandgriffin@gmail.com
FOLLOW US FACEBOOK WEBSITE www.ohalloranandgriffin.ie
30 09|12|21
T’was the lights before Christmas Top tips to keep your festive display dazzling in the safest and most energy efficient way
M
ID December was traditionally the time to deck the halls with boughs of holly but now we seem to be yearning for the twinkly lights earlier and earlier each year. Our fondness for letting our festive spirit soar carries through to some pretty amazing décor and lighting displays all over the country. Christmas lights range from modest displays to show good cheer to gazillion-bulb light-appaloosas that draw attention from near and far. Irish lighting experts Solus have some top tips to help your festive display dazzle in the safest and most energy efficient way..
1
SAFETY FIRST A&E departments are filled with homeowners who lose fights with their Christmas lights, suffer electric shocks or cause fire hazzards. To avoid the Christmas black and blues, take extra care over the Christmas period with any festive light displays.
2 3 4 5
DON’T TURN ON THE CHRISTMAS LIGHTS DURING THE DAY it is a waste of energy and electricity and no one can really enjoy looking at the lights during the day. TREE LIGHTS ON - ROOM LIGHTS OFF When the tree is lit, there is no need to have other lights on. Save energy & enhance the festive atmosphere.
USE TIMERS You can buy timers now for electric lights. They simply plug into a socket and then you plug your lights into them and set the timer to come on and off.
DON’T OVERLOAD Never overload an extension lead by plugging in appliances that together will exceed the maximum current rating stated for the extension lead. This
could cause the plug in the wall socket to overheat and possibly cause a fire..
6 7
NEVER LEAVE LIGHTS TURNED ON WHILE UNATTENDED Always turn off the lights before you leave the house and when going to bed. Leaving them on over night could cause the plug in the wall socket to overheat and possibly cause a fire. STORE CHRISTMAS LIGHTS IN A BALL It sounds counterintuitive, but the best way to store lights is to ball them up. Wrap five times in one direction, then turn the ball 90 degrees and repeat. Store your light balls in cardboard boxes, rather than in plastic bags: Cardboard absorbs residual moisture and extends the life of your lights.
Eyecare | Eyewear | West Clare Give the gift of sight this Christmas, Gift vouchers now available.
Wild Atlantic Opticians, Kilrush
0659051832 | wildatlanticopticians.ie | No.2 Frances Street, Kilrush
31 09|12|21
Kildysart Christmas market creates ‘festive feeling’
Top Up for Christmas with Clare Oil Tiermaclane, Ennis
065 6838042
A
MINI Christmas Market in the centre of Kildysart is creating a wonderful festive feeling in the “extraordinary” village in the heart of the Estuary Way. Annie’s Café is hosting the novel market every Friday, Saturday and from 10am-2pm leading up to Christmas in a bid to promote local produce and bring joy to revellers over the festive period. Visitors are being encouraged to enjoy a hot non alcoholic punch and mince pies as they browse the various stalls at Annie’s Café, where on offer will be a range of local artisan food and organic produce along with Christmas ornaments, hampers and even Christmas trees. Proprietor of Annie’s Café, PJ Keogh said he was eager to help create something special to mark the end of a challenging year for the local community last year for the first installation of the market, and this year brings a continuation of the successful event. The Kilmihil man explains that the Market is a “simple idea” where local produce made by local people is front and centre. Baked goods, handmade Christmas crafts and homemade soaps are on offer from Kildysart residents, while the Carrygerry range is also on offer to cus-
tomers. “So that’s the basis,” says Mr Keogh, “and of course we have the fresh Christmas Trees - people would normally have to drive into Ennis but now they can pick them up here.” PJ notes that Kildysart is one of Clare’s hidden gems that has been “undernourished” to this point in terms of exposure to the tourist market. Having witnessed a large number of cycling groups pass through the town as they traversed the Estuary Way during recent summers, he believes that untapped potential is ready to be exploited fully with beautiful scenery and an island-filled estuary on their doorstep. “It’s an extraordinary village. You come here, you’ve got two supermarkets, two butchers, the post office, the credit union, a pizza place, Francie Daly runs the fast food, there’s a pharmacy, the hairdresser, a hardware store, the veterinary place, a drapery shop and three pubs. That’s a lot in one community and then you have us to add to the flavour, it was the one thing that was missing.” Complimentary tea and coffee is on offer with every €10 meal purchased at Annie’s Café. Annie’s Café is open seven days a week and can be contacted at annieskildysart@gmail.com or by calling (065) 682 6796.
32 BUSINESS
BUSINESS AND RECRUITMENT
THURSDAY, DEC 9 2021
CONTACT US WE’RE ON FACEBOOK, TWITTER AND INSTAGRAM #CE
O'Driscoll joins Shannon Chamber board
C
by PÁRAIC McMAHON
HIEF Operating Officer of Shannon Group, Ray O’Driscoll (inset) has been appointed to the Board of Shannon Chamber. Shannon Chamber held its twenty fifth Annual General Meeting on Thursday with O’Driscoll appointed to its Board of Directors at the meeting. Ex officio President Mary Considine, CEO of Shannon Group plc, resigned from the Board following a ten-year tenure. CEO of Shannon Chamber, Helen Downes stressed the importance of maintaining a link with Shannon Group in its board composition. “The contributions Ms Considine
has made over the past ten years have been invaluable and insightful. We thank her for her involvement in so many key projects during her tenure. We now look forward to working alongside Mr O’Driscoll, who, since assuming the role of Chief Operating Officer with Shannon Group Plc has managed through an exceptionally challenging time and in so doing, is well attuned to the many issues currently facing Chamber members as they navigate their way through the pandemic”. She added, “The addition of this new skill set will be a valuable asset to the board as we enhance our drive to support Shannon Chamber member companies into the future”. Ray joined the Shannon
Group in April 2014 as Managing Director of Shannon Commercial Properties and became Chief Operating Officer of Shannon Group in 2019. Prior to this, Ray had worked in the role of Finance and IT Director of Barry Group since 2004 and before this as Finance Director of Eurologic Systems Ltd. He qualified as a Certified Public Accountant and holds an MBA Degree from the University of Westminster, London. Managing Partner of Sellors LLP, Stephen Keogh remains as President of the Chamber with Eoin Gavin (Vice President). They are joined on the Board by the CEO, Kevin Thomp-
Experienced Spray Painters International Aerospace Coatings Limited is the global leader in aircraft painting, interiors, and graphics, with 10 state of the art facilities across the USA and Europe. Our European head office is based in Shannon, Co. Clare. We currently have open vacancies for Spray Painters at both our Shannon airport and Dublin airport facilities. This role is responsible for the preparation and painting of commercial aircraft and the application of customer liveries and technical markings. Applicants must have a minimum of one year commercial transport spray painting experience. Annual gross pay ranges from €32,500 to €35,000 depending on level of experience. Weekly hours of work are 40 hours. For more information and to apply go to IAC website https://iac.aero/careers/ or email your application to careers@iac.aero
stone, Managing Director, the Thompstone Group, Claude Costelloe, General Manager, Zimmer Biomet Ireland, Damian Gleeson, Partner, Audit and Assurance, Grant Thornton, Mark Nolan, Managing Director, Dromoland Castle Hotel, Ian Barrett, Managing Director, Care You Ltd, David Brown, Self Employed Owner/Manager, Edmund Jennings, Managing Director, CREGG Group, Vivian Farrell, CEO, Modular Automation, Siobhan Roche, General Manager, PTG (Precision Tool Group), Órlaith Borthwick, Manager, Careers and Employability Service, Limerick Institute of Technology (LIT) and O’Driscoll.
YOUTH COUNSELLOR
Further Education and Training and Youth Education and Training Ref. No. 010901 Applications are invited for the above post. Online application form and further details are available on www.lcetb.ie Closing time and date for receipt of applications is 12 noon Monday 20th December, 2021. Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board is an Equal Opportunities Employer. Canvassing will disqualify. Provision co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union. Có-mhaoinithe ag an
AONTAS EORPACH Co-funded by the
EUROPEAN UNION
RECRUITMENT 33
THURSDAY, DEC 9 2021
RE TAIL SALE S Clare County Council is currently inviting applications from suitably qualified persons for the below competitions. Clare County Council will, following the interview process, form panels that will be used to fill sporadic vacancies that may arise subject to sanction approval from the Department of Housing, Local Government & Heritage.
• IS ANALYST DEVELOPER (NETWORKS) Completed applications must be emailed to: recruitment@clarecoco.ie not later than 4.00 p.m. on Monday 20th December 2021.
• TEMPORARY HARBOUR CONTROLLER - DOOLIN PIER (SEASONAL) PANEL Completed applications must be emailed to: recruitment@clarecoco.ie not later than 4.00 p.m. on Monday 20th December 2021 Application forms and further particulars may be obtained by requesting same from the Human Resources Department, Clare County Council at 065-6846251, via e-mail: recruitment@clarecoco.ie or can be downloaded from the following website: www.clarecoco.ie Clare County Council is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all sectors of the Community. Scriobh chugainn as gaeilge más fearr leat.
assistant required Suitable for a confident, capable person with sales experience This is a Full Time Position
Knowledge of the hardware, builders providers & construction industries would be an advantage but not essential as training will be given
Please apply with CV to cullinanandsons@gmail.com Closing date for applications December 12th 2021
Part-time Fundraising Associate glór is seeking a talented, committed and well-connected fundraiser to devise and implement an effective fundraising strategy to maximise, diversify and increase glór’s income through membership, corporate sponsorship, partnerships, and events.
Role Criteria:
• 2- 4 years experience in a fundraising, business, or arts management position required • A strong interest in the arts • Excellent communication and presentation skills • A proven relationship builder Position is a part-time 12-month contract (16 hours per week).
Apply by:
5pm on Thursday 16th December 2021
For more details see:
https://glor.ie/glor-seeks-applications-for-the-position-of-fundraising-associate/
HOUSING OFFICER
Location: Co. Clare based from Ennis.
For further details and the job description please e-mail bannerhousingrecruitment@gmail.com
Banner Housing Association is a not-for-profit organisation with a vision of an Ireland where people with an Intellectual Disability have a right to choose the type of home they wish to live in. Banner Housing Association achieves this through its mission of providing quality housing and services which enable its tenants to create homes living independently or with support in their communities. We are currently recruiting a Housing Officer on a permanent full-time basis.
Applicants must have: • A relevant third level qualification in housing or related area. • Experience in housing management and development. • Effective organisational and communication skills including decision making. • Full clean driving licence. Closing Date:
12 Noon, Thursday 23rd December 2021
Interview Dates: To be held January 2022
34 CLICK FOR CLARE
THURSDAY, DEC 9 2021
Cottage Garden Centre a destination in gardening STUART HOLLY editor@clareecho.ie
‘T
HE Hand’ marks arguably the most famous five-cross roads in County Clare - while in recent years it has become a destination for many green-fingered residents of the Mid-West. Cottage Garden Centre & Gift Shop has been run by the Byrne family since 2003 when Lisa and Wicklow native Terry “took a leap of faith” and relocated to Clare from the UK with their young brood. “We didn’t know the area at all - we had never been here but we were very lucky, we had the support of local people and others passing on the road,” recounts Lisa. Looking back, she acknowledges the move appeared “a little bit crazy” to some but it’s one that has paid off. Now their two daughters, Charlie and Lauren, along with son David who is studying horticulture in Limerick, are all involved in the business. As Lisa puts it, “we live here and have put everything into it and it’s worked out really well”.
She admits that they have experienced highs and lows over their 18 years in business, and one of the more fortuitous offshoots of Covid-19 was the emergence of gardening as a new national pastime. A surge in interest in gardening intensified - arguably to the day - after Leo Varadkar’s historic address to the nation on March 12, 2020 when Ireland was sent into its first lockdown. Spending on gardening hit a record high in 2020 of €1.2bn (a 50 per cent increase on two years’ previous). Lisa says the Byrne family like to think of their premises as a destination and they make time to get to know their customers. She’s witnessed first-hand the effects the pandemic has had on gardeners around the county. “It’s brilliant to see a surge of interest in gardening and people are asking so many more questions,” she reflects. “People have had more time at home, looking out at their square of grass. They might have seen a few more gardening programmes so their gardening knowledge has improved so much and people are doing more themselves which is brilliant to see.” Another positive offshoot for the West Clare business was avail-
Cottage Garden Centre is located at The Hand between Connolly and Miltown Malbay
with identifying plants and help with laying out of plants and even if we don’t have them in stock, we can make note and they can buy them when they’re available.” A festive benefit to calling in now is to experience their Christmas shop, which carries everything from decorations and ornaments down to candles and gift tags. Lisa admits she looks forward to a time after Covid when they can reintroduce hosting Christmas nights, where they share mulled wine, treats, spot prizes and of course conversation with customers. Cottage Garden Centre offers all the typical flower, bedding and shrub offerings along with a generous range of beautiful pots and ceramics, graveside memorials, ornaments, lanterns and lights. A gift shop was introduced in recent years with all occasions covered from weddings to new baby gifts.
ing of the Trading Online Voucher from LEO Clare 12 months ago to get their e-commerce store up and running. Lisa admits it has already become an important income stream for their business, and they “didn’t realise it would be such a big benefit”. Whether you’re experienced or
Find Cottage Garden Centre on social media, visit their online shop at https://cottagegardencentre. ie/ or call 087 686 5443.
not in your outside patch, Lisa says it’s never too early to start planning for spring and she encourages gardeners to call in for advice. “You can plan anytime for patches in the spring. If you have an idea or a picture from a magazine and you don’t know what it is, just bring the picture along and we can help you
SCAN TO SHOP AT COTTAGE GARDEN CENTRE
CLICK FOR CLARE 35
THURSDAY, DEC 9 2021
Interest in supporting local ‘the making of’ Sallyann’s Bags SCAN WITH PHONE CAMERA TO VISIT SALLYANN’S BAGS
STUART HOLLY editor@clareecho.ie
R
ESEARCH carried out on behalf of the Local Enterprise Offices as part of their ‘Look for Local’ campaign last year showed that 82 per cent of Irish consumers would be more likely to buy local, either online or in-store, in 2021 compared to 2019, as a result of recent campaigns to highlight local businesses. The ‘support local’ or ‘shop local’ message is not a new idea but it’s one that has certainly grown wings over the last 19 months and Sallyann Marron, of Sallyann’s Handmade Bags, admits that new habits picked up by Irish shoppers during the course of the pandemic have been greatly appreciated by Irish producers. The Miltown Malbay based businesswoman told The Clare Echo, “I do hope that the interest that’s been generated in the last two years about looking at locally made stuff continues because that has been so important for people. Just the realisation that just as easily as clicking on Amazon you can click on Airmid Soap in Ennistymon or my bags here, or Orinoco Fused Glass down in Clonlara, there are amazing people out there and you can get totally unique things and it’s better to spend your money locally if you can.” Indeed, every €10 spent locally on irish products generates more than €40 of benefit to the local economy and there is a definite sense as 2021 draws to a close, that the penny has really dropped with the public throughout the pandemic. Sallyann has been in business for seven years but only last year, all her business “pretty much went online” which she was set up for thanks in part to LEO Clare’s Trading online Voucher. “I just had to hope that people would support me online and they did. It was amazing, the help from the Local Enterprise Office and the Design & Craft Council. Their LookForLocal and Made Local campaigns have been massive for companies like mine because people have looked for Irish made handbags and that’s been the making of me really.” Her product line has recently grown to include backpacks, neck
bands and neck warmers to add to the traditional range of vibrant and colourful cross-body bags, all of which incorporate floral designs inspired by the wildflowers growing around Miltown Malbay which Sallyann would photograph while out with her dog. Sallyann lovingly refers to her bags as “mood-enhancing”, saying that they are the perfect accessory to bring life to a winter outfit and “make you smile”. The products are all vegan friendly and while many businesses claim to be sustainable, in Sallyann’s case, it couldn’t be argued otherwise. “I’ve tried to make it a sustainable business so I use recycled jeans to line all the bags and backpacks, and I try and reuse as much as I can from the jeans up to and including the belt loops and zips, all the little bits, just so I can keep the jeans out of landfill,” says Sallann, who completes the process from her home. The addition of the backpacks
was driven by customer demand, while the neckband came about after an astute observation by Sallyann who was previously involved with Radio Corca Baiscinn. “The neck bands came out of a realisation that people are going to be wearing masks, but my business is about trying to build on sustainable principles so I didn’t want to make something that ultimately would get thrown away. The neck bands I make can be used as a face covering and primarily they’re a hair band or a little scarf. Then I discovered I could print my designs onto some really soft fleece fabric, and that’s where the neck warmers came from.” Sallyann is involved with Chapel Lane Market in Ennis and has hailed its successful return this year as “hugely important” to local makers after a long period of forced interruptions. While she will be at the popular Ennis market every Saturday leading up to
Christmas, she also hopes for a further easing of restrictions next year which would see a return of Bloom in Dublin, which Sallyann sells at every year, and more local events like the Clare Garden Festival. S a l ly an n’s bags are available on her website but are also stocked at The Design Lodge in Lahinch, Anchor Crafts in Kilrush and at The Cliffs of Moher while The Cheese Press in Ennistymon and Doolin stock her neck-
bands. PICTURED: Sallyann’s Handmade Bags and (inset) Sallyann at work
SCAN WITH PHONE CAMERA TO START SHOPPING IN CLARE
Photo by Patrick McHugh
36 PROPERTY
THURSDAY, DEC 9 2021
O’SULLIVAN HURLEY
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LETTERAGH, KILMALEY, ENNIS
18 ORCHARD LANE, ENNIS
END DATE 17TH DECEMBER 4PM
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4 Bed - 3 Bath - 108 m² - Semi-D
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MEET YOUR LOCAL PROPERTY EXPERTS
JOHN CLOHESSY
CORMAC O'SULLIVAN
DOUGLAS HURLEY
THURSDAY, DEC 9 2021
PROPERTY
37
09-12-21
Clare Echo THE
pg 38
instagram.com/ClareEcho twitter.com/ClareEcho facebook.com/clareecho clareecho.ie
Big win for Newmarket at Shannon Town’s expense by SEAMUS HAYES
NEWMARKET Celtic registered an important win to maintain their title aspirations on Sunday overcoming neighbours Shannon Town while the spoils were shared in an Ennis derby. O’CONNELL LANDS CELTIC WINNER
Newmarket Celtic A 2 Shannon Town A 1 Venue: McDonough Memorial Park, Newmarket-on-Fergus
Newmarket Celtic A moved back to the top of the premier league table with this victory over Shannon Town at Newmarket on Sunday. The sides are now level on eighteen points, Avenue Utd are in third position with sixteen points and six games played compared with Celtic’s seven and Shannon Town’s eight. The game was entertaining and competitive as both teams knew that the points were important as the season approaches the halfway point.
Shannon went in front in the 30th minute when they were awarded a penalty for a foul in the area, Colin Scanlon took the spot kick and shot low to Shane Cusack’s left.
Ten minutes later Newmarket equalised when Stephen Kelly rose high to head a corner from the left to the net. Minutes later both teams were reduced to ten men
when Eoin Hayes and Colin Scanlon were sent off following a clash in midfield. In the second half, Newmarket were on top for long periods, and had the Town defence under pressure. They were rewarded in the 55th minute when Daithi O’Connell out paced the defence to shoot to the net. Town keeper Darren Whelan went off injured and was replaced by Shane Russell who had to make a couple of excellent saves to keep them in the game, one in particular when he turned a goal bound effort by David McCarthy over the top. At the final whistle Newmarket were delighted to take the points, and to show that they will not give up their title without a fight.
Newmarket Celtic A: Shane Cusack; Dave O’Grady, Stephen Kelly, Eoin Kelly, Eoin O’Brien; Cathal Hayes, Kevin Hartnett, Eoin Hayes, Dave McCarthy, Aaron Rudd, Daithi O’Connell; Subs: Gearoid O Brien for A. Rudd(inj); Ronan McCormack for Hartnett (inj); Cael Gaffney for O’Brien (inj); Gary Higgins for G. O’Brien; David Lennon for McCarthy. Shannon Town A; Darren Whelan; Aidan Leahy, Colum Treacy, Darren Grif-
fin, Stephen Carroll; Kieran Hackett, Rob Wall, Gary O’Connell, Brian Monaghan, Colin Scanlan, Rory Hayes; Subs: Shane Russell for Whelan; Brian O’Connor for Carroll; Ben O’Neill for Wall; Charlie Morrisson for Hayes;
MOUNTSHANNON TAKE CONTROL IN SECOND HALF Mountshannon Celtic 3 Shannon Olympic 0 Venue: Scariff
Paddy Fitzgerald (2) and William Glass were the goalscorers as Mountshannon Celtic defeated Shannon Olympic in this league tie at Scariff on Sunday. The first half was scoreless but the home side took control after the break and their winning margin could have been greater such were the opportunities they created. Mountshannon Celtic: Andrew O’Dwyer, Ben Harrington, Eoin Scanlan, Niall Deer, William Kavanagh; Michael Barrett, Martin Cunningham, Ronan Dooley; Simon Ball, Paddy Fitzgerald, William Glass Subs Niall Minogue for Harrington; Oscar Bogenberger for Cunningham; Stephen Hayes for W. Kavanagh Shannon Olympic; Zsolt Lagos; Neil Hyde, Benjamin Cantillon, Rob Clair, Ciaran Keane, Matt Cheliminiak, Sean McDonald, Ross O’Connor, Rachid Amallah, Jay Regan, James Harty; Sub: Zbigniew Barszczynski for Zsolt Lagos
SPOILS SHARED IN ENNIS DERBY Ennis Town 1 Lifford 1 Venue: Lees Rd, Ennis
Ennis sides Lifford and Ennis Town shared the spoils when they clashed in this premier league game at Lees Road on Sunday. Lifford took the lead ten minutes before half time when Ethan Cronin scored and they held this lead until just after the hour mark when Donal O’Halloran levelled for Ennis Town who struggled to re-produce the form they had shown in their winning run in both the Munster junior and FAI junior cup competitions in recent weeks. Ennis Town: Andrew Skerritt; Declan Ensko, Stephen Horgan, Sean Perrill, Thomas Collins; Eoin Keenan, Conor Meaney, Yashar Aliu, Lee Clohessy, Donal O’Halloran, Davy Keeenan; Subs; Robbie Gormley for D. Keenan; Jason Cussen for E. Keenan; Dean Hegarty for Meaney; Paddy Bugler for Gormley; Emmanuel Ikiebey for Ensko; Lifford: Rhys Phillips; Josh Ryan, Michael Junaid, Eoin Walsh, John Maher, Ethan Cronin, Jean Ganda, Dean Coughlan, Nathan Rezende, Eddie Killeen, Matthew Davenport; Subs: Gary McNaboe for Ryan; Dylan Ryan for Killeen; Niall Guinnane for Rezende; Darra Madrigal for Walsh.
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Members of the Kennedy Cup squad
Clare to contest 3 national finals defeating Carlow 3-0 in by PÁRAIC McMAHON of the quarter-finals followed
Hamstring Solo Strength Testing
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Photo by Joe Buckley
CLARE will line out in three All-Ireland finals in what is viewed as a major weekend for soccer in the county. Strong Clare support is expected at the University of Limerick across the weekend as young Banner ballers go in search of All-Ireland glory. First up at 11:30 on Saturday, Clare’s U14 Kennedy Cup side captained by Matt Jones face off with Galway in the Bowl Final. The Davy Wall managed outfit come into the game off the back
by a 2-0 semi-final victory against the fancied North Dublin Schoolboys League, the goals coming from Jack Daly and Tiernan Adelu. On Sunday, there will be a girls double header. At 11:30, the U15 Gaynor Cup side managed by Donal Magee face off with Limerick County and this is followed by the U13 meeting of Clare versus Sligo/Leitrim. The U15s defeated Kilkenny 2-1 in the semi-finals while it finished 3-2 on penalties after extra time in the U13
semi-final between Clare and Waterford. Seán Cregan and Amy Horgan are in charge of the U13 side. CSSL Chairman, Brendan Wall said it was a very positive achievement for the county to be contesting in three All-Ireland finals. “What other county has three teams in final of the inter-county, there is nobody, we’re up there. Carlow came to Newmarket and thought they were playing a bunch of hurlers,” he said of the recent quarter-final win.
pg 39
09-12-21
Devitt signs for Treaty Utd TREATY UNITED’s Clare contingent is growing for next season. Newmarket-on-Fergus native Lee Devitt has signed with the Limerick club for the 2022 SSE Airtricity League First Division season. He said he is “buzzing to get going” with a “new chapter”. He joins from Cobh Ramblers where he has been part of their squad since February 2020. The midfielder made 26 appearances for Cobh last season, in the previous campaign he was one of only two players to feature in every single game in all competitions for the club. Ramblers commended him for “exemplary service in Claret and Blue”. Devitt first came to prominence with Shannon Hibernians
Lee Devitt in action for Cobh Ramblers Photo by Matt Browne / Sportsfile
before lining out at U17 and U19 level for Limerick FC. He made his senior debut for the Blues in 2019 before signing with the Cork outfit. His uncle Michael previously lined out for the Clare Oscar Traynor side while his uncle Kieran was a potent striker for both Rineanna Rovers and Newmarket Celtic. Captain Jack Lynch
from Shannon has committed to the club for next season. The full-back was a fan favourite in the club’s debut season. A past pupil of St Patrick’s Comprehensive, Jack scored five goals and provided three assists as Treaty reached the First Division promotion play-offs. Callum McNamara also of Newmar-
ket-on-Fergus has resigned with the Markets Field club. The midfielder made his first start for Treaty in May and would make 22 appearances. He was named the Fan’s player of the month for June. His loss from Newmarket Celtic’s spine has been telling with the reigning Clare League and Cup champions suffering premature exits in both the FAI and Munster Junior Cups. After making 20 appearance for Treaty last season, Ardnacrusha’s Joel Coustrain is also back on board. He said he is “delighted to be back with this club and I can't wait to be back 100 per cent ready to go for 2022.” Tommy Barrett who is based in Sixmilebridge remains in charge of Treaty Utd.
Butler registered for Champions Cup side by PÁRAIC McMAHON BAREFIELD out-half Tony Butler has been registered as one of the twenty two additional Munster Champions Cup squad members. Munster’s Champions Cup opener against Wasps this Sunday was put into doubt after their trip to South Africa which resulted in many of its squad being struck down with COVID-19 and the remainder in quarantine. Following the emergency of the new Omicron variant, Munster’s scheduled United Rugby Championship ties were cancelled. Scarlets, Cardiff and Zebre were also caught up in the Covid disruption in South Africa. Scarlets forfeited their opening Champions Cup fixture against Bristol Bears. An initial group of 34 Munster players and staff travelled back to Ireland last week, while 14 members of the touring party remain in isolation in Cape Town. Included in the list of 22 additional players put forward to the EPCR for registration in the Champions Cup is Clare’s very own Tony Butler. Indeed, all of the new players registered are under the age of 21. Just last month, the St Flannan’s
College past pupil and ex Ennis RFC player was announced as one of three new signings for the Munster Rugby Academy.
Blues advance to U21A final as B semi-finals take shape by SEAMUS HAYES NEWMARKET-on-Fergus are the first side through to the U21A hurling final while semi-final pairings are now known in the B championship. BLUES ARE DESERVING WINNERS
Newmarket-on-Fergus 2-15 Clonlara 1-15 Venue: Fr Murphy Memorial Park, Newmarket
Newmarket-on-Fergus won a hugely exciting U21A hurling championship semi-final at Fr Murphy park on Sunday beating a fancied Clonlara side in a contest which produced some exciting hurling and great scores. In the final they will take on either Scariff-Ogonnelloe or Corofin-Ruan who meet on this Sunday in Ogonnolloe. Building on their impressive first round win over neighbours Sixmilebridge, the ‘Blues were deserving winners on a day when Clonlara will be disappointed to have accounted for fourteen wides, four more than their opponents. The winners were first to score with Peter Power pointing a free but Clonlara hit back with three in a row. Newmarket battled back and the sides went to the first waterbreak on level terms at 0-4 each. Points were exchanged twice when play resumed before Newmarket went back in front and on to lead by four, 0-10 to 0-6, at half time. Clonlara enjoyed the better of matters in the early stages of the second half and they landed four unanswered points to level the game at 0-10 each, Aidan Moriarty hitting three of these. The sides exchanged points before Clonlara created a goal chance but Newmarket defenders Ger O’Connor and Mark Delaney cleared the danger. Points were exchanged again and the teams went to the second waterbreak on level terms at 0-12 each as extra time looked increasingly likely. Early in the final quarter, Éanna Crimmins burst through and shot to the net for the Newmarket outfit. Clonlara responded with a brace of points and the lead was back to the minimum. Points were exchanged again
and one point separated the sides, 1-13 to 0-15, with full time fast approaching. Substitute David Hall landed an excellent point for the winners before PetersPower won possession from a David Frost free and he found the net to put the winners five clear. Power followed with a pointed free and six points separated the sides with time almost up. Clonlara hit back with a goal from a free but time wasn’t on their side and a big cheer went up from the Newmarket fans as the final whistle sounded. Defenders Ger O’Connor and Mark Delaney along with Shane Lynch and Éanna Crimmins stood out for the winners while Clonlara had solid displays from Aidan Moriarty, Jathan McMahon and Bryan McLeish. Newmarket-on-Fergus; Padraic Guilfoyle; Ger O’Connor, Jack Enright, Mark Delaney; Stephen Casey, Darragh Burke, David Frost; Éanna Crimmins (1-1), Shane Lynch (0-3); Eoin Guilfoyle (0-2), Seadna Liddy (0-1), Cian Foley; Jason O’Neill, Peter Power (1-7), Owen McCoy Subs: David Hall (0-1) for McCoy; Sol Frost for O’Neill Clonlara; Cillian O’Brien; Logan Ryan, Mick Stritch, Tommy Walsh; Tom Egan, Dylan McMahon, Colm O’Meara; Jathan McMahon (1-2), Sean Begley (0-1), Brian McLeish (0-3), Conor Burke, Aidan Moriarty(0-6); Danny Moloney(0-2), Louis McCormack, Tom Power(0-1) Subs: Alex Ryan for Moloney; Aaron Conlon for A. Ryan Referee: Kevin Corry (Sixmilebridge)
U21B CHAMPIONSHIP The way is clear for the semi-finals of the under 21 B hurling championship following the playing of the remaining quarter finals. Crusheen/Tubber and Bodyke/O’Callaghans Mills secured their places in the last four thanks to wins over Broadford and Wolfe Tones respectively. Crusheen/Tubber will now play Clooney/ Quin while Bodyke/O’Callaghans Mills will face Ballyea in this weekend’s semi-finals. DUNFORD’S GOAL SEALS VICTORY FOR CRUSHEEN/TUBBER Crusheen/Tubber 1-17 Broadford 1-11 Venue: Tubber
Crusheen-Tubber put in a strong finish to overcome Broadford in this tie played in Tubber on Saturday. Trailing by a point at half time, the winners had moved two points clear midway through the second half.
Broadford were dealt a big blow when they lost wing back Cian Mulqueen with a shoulder injury. Crusheen/Tubber pounced and landed 1-3 without reply, the goal coming from Senan Dunford, to go nine clear. Broadford hit back with a goal from Jack Ward-Murphy but time wasn’t on their side and the home team held on for a merited victory. The winner’s defence was excellent throughout while Senan Dunford excelled up front in forward line which took a while to settle. Midfielder Diarmuid Mullins was another to impress for the winners. Cian Mulqueen until injured and Paddy Donnellan, particularly in the first half, did well for Broadford.
Crusheen/Tubber: Tommy Fahy; Joey Droney, Pappy Taaffe, Ronan Kearney; Tadhg Deane, Eanna McMahon, Cathal Droney; Diarmuid Mullins, Liam Clancy; Ian O’Brien. Luke Kettalaar, Murrough McMahon; Sean Dunford, Oisin O’Dnnell, Dylan Lyons; Subs: Cian Ketalaar for Lyons; John O’Sullivan for I. O’Brien. Broadford: James Mason; James Hannon, Darragh Whelan, T. J. Dillon; Cian Mulqueen, Paddy Donnellan, Paul McNamara; David Boland, Conor Phelan; Niall O’Farrell, Jack Ward-Murphy, Oisin Kavanagh;, James Vaughan, Alan O’Brien, Shane Quinn-Tuite; Subs: Conor O’Donnell for T.J. Dillon; James Quinn-Tuite for S. Quinn-Tuite; Denis Fahy for Mulqueen (inj.); Harry Cooter for Kavanagh; Cathal O’Sullivan for Fahy; Referee: Jim Hickey (Cratloe)
STRONG FINISH FROM BODYKE/MILLS
Bodyke/O’Callaghans Mills 1-16 Wolfe Tones 1-6 Venue: O’Garney Park, Sixmilebridge
Bodyke/O’Callaghans Mills proved too strong for Wolfe Tones in this U21 B game played in difficult conditions on Friday night in Sixmilebridge. A strong finish proved vital for the winners whose goal came from Tiernan Slattery who finished off an excellent move in the second half. Playing with the aid of the elements in the first half, the winners build up an eight point lead, 0-11 to 0-3, by half time. A physically stronger Wolfe Tones did better in the second period and they had reduced the winner’s lead by the second waterbreak.
Éanna Crimmins netted an important goal for The Blues Photo by Gerard O’Neill
However Bodyke/O’Callaghans Mills finished very strong and they hit 1-4 without reply to seal a merited win and a place in the semi-final against Ballyea. Bodyke/O’Callaghans Mills: Jack Minogue; Cormac Treacy, Keith Donlon, Ronan Kelly; Mikey McMahon, Sean Wiley, Kevin Drost; Fionn Hickey (0-1), Cormac Murphy; Fionn Slattery (0-2), Seanie Doyle (0-12, 6f), Stephen Donlon; Tiernan Slattery(1-1), Colm Cleary, Tomas Minogue. Subs: Cathal McKenna for T. Minogue; Alan O’Dea for Donlon; Dara Moroney for T. Slattery; Wolfe Tones: JP. O’Shea; Aaron Kelly, Daithi Lohan, Brian Murphy; Liam Divilley, Liam Murphy, Luke Merrigan; Darragh Lohan, Sam Meaney; Craig Riordan, Stephen Donnellan, Mark O’Sullivan; Peter McEvoy, Liam O’Dwyer, Fionn McInerney. Subs: Conor O’Callaghan for McEvoy; Tan Greene for O’Dwyer; Conor Carigg for Donnellan; Gavin Carigg for Daithi Lohan; Daniel Riordan for Divilley. Referee: Kieran Liddane (Sixmilebridge)
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DOYLE OPTIMISTIC FOR FUTURE OUTGOING Clare U20 hurling boss Sean Doyle has said the county’s underage sides need more financial supports, while reflecting on the end of a five-year stint involved at minor and U20 level, writes Páraic McMahon. Reflecting on his two years managing the minors and the last three in charge of the under 21/20 team, he said “I got as much enjoyment out it is as the players did”. Currently in charge of the Bodyke/O’Callaghans Mills U21 team, he will be in charge of Bodyke in 2022 as they compete in the intermediate championship. There has been much debate amongst players and officials with regard to the decision to change the age groups, U18 to U17 and U21 to U20. Sean believes “they
should bring back the U18 and U21 grades at club level. Efforts to introduce an U19 competition this year came at the wrong time, a week before the senior and intermediate championships were due to start. It was a non-runner”. He acknowledged that “it’s difficult to organise these competitions at present with Covid”. Difficulties encountered during his tenure as U20 boss included a new rule preventing players from lining out in the grade when they featured in the county senior panel, and COVID-19. Doyle was critical over instances when old jerseys had to be used by Clare in championship games. “More could have been done to raise money for underage teams. There
should be a budget there. The provision of food after training is something that has to be addressed. Not everyone is going to college. They are coming to training straight after work. The effort put in at minor and U20 levels is massive. Going to a Munster final with four-year old jerseys isn’t right and young lads take these things into consideration”, said Doyle while acknowledging that “the county board is in a difficult situation”. Shane Meehan, Cian Galvin, Mark Rodgers, Aidan McCarthy and Gary Cooney were referenced by Doyle as “some very good players coming through” in the county. “Look at the Dean Ryan colleges final recently when there were 23 from Clare involved and that bodes very
well for the future... There are a lot of experts in Clare but if everybody worked together it would be better for the game”. Asked about the strategic review committee’s report he said, “what they have set out is great but people won’t sit down and read over 100 pages. Caherlohan has to be brought up to standard as there is always a demand for pitches. We have had a couple of difficult years. I hope the whole county will get behind the team managements.” He is also strongly of the view that “everything should be done to have more games in Cusack Park. In Kilkenny every semi-final across the grades is in Nowlan Park. Give the players the profile. Once the schedule is drawn up, stick with it.”
Sean Doyle
Photo by Ruth Griffin
Bid to find solution County greats to take to relegation mess charge of Clare sides by PÁRAIC MCMAHON
RELEGATED teams from the Clare SHC have been given a new lifeline following a ruling by Munster GAA, the findings of which have been accepted by Clare GAA. At an online hearing on Wednesday, the Munster GAA Hearing Committee upheld an appeal lodged by Crusheen GAA to do with the relegation series in this year’s Clare SHC. Crusheen and Clarecastle were relegated to intermediate last month with Clooney/Quin and O’Callaghans Mills maintaining their status. A spokesperson for Munster GAA told The Clare Echo, “The matter has been sent back to Clare GAA for reprocessing and both Clare GAA and Crusheen have been informed of the decision taken”. What happens next remains unclear with
Photo by Gerard O’Neill
the possibility of Crusheen and Clarecastle staying senior next year which would mean that three teams would be relegated by the end of the 2022 championship. The four teams that ended up in the 2021 series may have to playoff games again to determine who goes down. In a statement to The Clare Echo, a Clare GAA spokesperson acknowledged the decision by the Munster Council “regarding the system implemented to relegate two teams from the senior hurling championship”. The spokesperson confirmed, “Clare GAA shall in the very near future work in conjunction with the CCCC based on the Munster Council decision”. Following Crusheen’s victory over Clarecastle in the final round, the club began working on appeal having cited their annoyance with the use of scoring difference to separate teams. The 2010 champions finished level on points with Clooney/Quin and the Mills but had the poorest scoring difference while Clarecastle had no win from three outings. Clare GAA clarified midway through the relegation series that scoring difference would be used to determine the teams that would drop to intermediate. This move came too late, clubs argue. Chairman of Crusheen, Michael O’Connor told The Clare Echo that the matter must now be dealt with by Clare GAA. Officials in Clarecastle GAA club are now considering lodging an appeal. Speaking to The Clare Echo, Clarecastle Chairman Niall Tuohy commented, “The competition was ran improperly without clear guidelines and was against the proper ruling. The competition has now been deemed invalid, we’re delighted with that, if it was invalid for one team then it must be invalid for all four teams competing in it”. The Clare Echo understands that O’Callaghans Mills and Clooney/Quin would offer resistance to the prospect of the relegation series between the four teams.
FORMER Clare senior hurling captain, Brian O’Connell, ex county manager Cyril Lyons and two-time All Star Brendan Bugler (pictured right) are among the names to take charge of the Banner’s hurling teams next season with continuity expected for the football teams. Appointments are to be ratified at the first meeting of the County Board in the New Year while efforts have been ongoing over recent weeks to progress the formulation of the various management teams led by Chairman, Jack Chaplin. All outgoing managements of the Clare football sides are to return next season, The Clare Echo has learned. Michael Neylon is to remain in charge of the U20 side with Dermot Coughlan to continue with the minors. Their respective management teams are to be finalised with Coughlan said to be making some new additions. Negotiations are ongoing with Colm Collins and the County Board regarding the Cratloe man beginning a ninth championship season as Clare football boss. Matters that have delayed the longest-serving manager in inter-county football announcing his return are expected to be resolved within the next week. On the hurling front, former Clare captain Brian O’Connell is to succeed Terrence Chaplin as the minor manager. All-Ireland winner in 1995 and former Clare senior manager, Cyril Lyons is believed to be part of his set-up alongside Inagh/Kilnamona’s Damien O’Halloran. Whitegate’s Terrence Fahy is to replace Sean Doyle as Clare U20 manager. A teacher at St Joseph’s Tulla, Fahy has played a key role in the school’s progression in recent years including reaching this season’s Harty Cup quarter-final for the second campaign in a row. His clubmate, Brendan Bugler will be part of the U20 ticket. The two-time All Star was coach of the St Flannan’s side crowned Harty Cup champions in 2020, he was part of Davy Fitzgerald’s Wexford management for a season and this year was over Offaly side Birr. Dave Moriarity will be the team’s S&C coach.
pg 41
09-12-21
MUNSTER SENIOR CLUB FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP QUARTER FINAL
Clean sheets keep Éire Óg on front foot ÉIRE ÓG 2-11 LOUGHMORE-CASTLEINEY 0-12 (AET) Venue: Cusack Park, Ennis
PAUL MADDEN, ÉIRE ÓG MANAGER: “To a man, our lads really battled hard and it’s fantastic. We knew all week and even before then that they [Loughmore-Castleiney] were going to go until the end. It was very touch and go for a while, to be fair for a period we were on the ropes and had to show a bit of the spirit that they have as we’re also a proud dual club. They had gotten four points in a row to come back in normal time and actually edge in front at the start of extra-time but obviously the goals were fantastic as they put the bit of distance between us. “They were two excellent wellworked goals considering that it was extra-time and legs are tired. I suppose what was important for us and Nathan Murray just about did it at the end there, but we kept the net clean again which is really important. I mean 2-11 isn’t a bad score as they are a good side and never give up. And I don’t know how they keep going but as I keep saying, we aren’t a whole lot of distance from these guys in the dual sense. “When the pressure really came on, it was just important for us to keep our shape, keep our structure and keep the belief in the way we were playing to have a chance. The goals and the impact off the bench demonstrated that and we’re delighted to be into a Munster Semi-Final.”
ÉIRE ÓG Frees For: 18 (5/8/3/2) Wides: 12 (4/5/1/2) Scores from Play: 2-8 Spread of Scorers: 8 Top Scorer: Mark McInerney (1-2 1f) Own Kick-Outs won: 18 from 23 (78%)
FRANKIE MCGRATH, LOUGHMORE-CASTLEINEY MANAGER “We’re a little bit disappointed with the result but overall, we’re thrilled with the performance we gave. We might have sneaked it there at the end of normal time but look, Éire Óg are a fine side. Against a team that’s as good as Éire Óg the goal threat is always there. You can’t afford to give those kind of opportunities to top-of-the-range players as they will punish you and that’s exactly what happened. “They also have tremendous defenders there in particular, players fit to grace any team so we just wish them all the best going forward. “We have our own fish to fry in Dungarvan next Sunday but shur if we weren’t readying ourselves for that, what else would we be doing at this time of year? We have a few knocks but I’m sure that by Wednesday the lads will be bursting to go again. “We’re under no illusions as to what’s coming next Sunday. Ballygunner are a serious team so we’ll have to be out of the blocks pretty sharply. “For Éire Óg too, I think they’ve spotted that there’s a little opening there now to really contest this competition. They’re nice and fresh and they look like they’re in a great place so we wish them the best of luck”. REFEREE: David Murnane (Cork)
LOUGHMORECASTLEINEY Frees For: 27 (15/6/3/3) Wides: 11 (2/7/1/1) Scores from Play: 0-7 Spread of Scorers: 7 Top Scorers: John McGrath, Evan Sweeney (0-3 1f each) Own Kick-Outs won: 18 from 25 (72%)
SCAN HERE FOR MATCH REPORT
Aaron Fitzgerald holds off Noel McGrath
Photo by Gerard O’Neill
Compiled by Eoin Brennan
MUNSTER INTERMEDIATE CLUB FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP QUARTER FINAL
Corofin ‘responded magnificently’
COROFIN 1-13 KILDIMO-PALLASKENRY 1-06 Venue: Corofin
Corofin’s Diarmuid Cahill with Kildimo Pallaskenrys Brian Howard
Burren Eye Photography
COROFIN: Frees For: 16 (11/ 5) Wides: 12 (7/ 5) Spread of Scorers: Six Scores from play: 1-9 Top Scorer: Diarmuid Cahill 0-6 (1f) Bookings: Fionn Clancy (8), Ross Hayes (32), Eoin Clancy (42)(Black Card & Red Card) Jamie Malone (44) Kick outs won: 12 from 14 (86%)
KILDIMO/PALLASKENRY Frees for: 11 (5/ 6) Wides: 7 (3/4) Spread of Scorers: 3 Scores from play: 1-2 Top Scorer Peter Nash 1-4 ( 4f) Bookings: James Pomeroy (30) Black card), Darragh Deegan (31), Mossy Sheehan (51). Kick outs won: 11 from 26 (42%)
DOUGLAS HURLEY, COROFIN MANAGER: “It was just great. With twenty minutes to go it was looking bleak, down a point or two and a man down but our lads responded magnificently. We kicked three bad wides straight after going down to 14 but we kept plugging away. Maybe having the 14 created space that wasn’t there beforehand and we turned them over from then on. Having it at home made a huge difference. “We worked hard on restarts after the county final and it paid dividends today. Kevin Keane had his best game of the year catching great ball. I thought he was masterful. Diarmuid Cahill is phenomenal he would remind you of the Gooch the way he assists and scores, he has it all really, a fantastic player to have. We will go down to Cork and give it a real go”.
JOHN CHAWKES, KILDIMO/ PALLASKENRY MANAGER: “When they went down to 14 I thought here’s our chance now but they seemed to find another gear, got the breaks at the right time, picked up all the loose ball and were deserving winners in the end. “The goal was huge for them. Brian Howard is adamant he didn’t cross the line and it was a real killer blow. Look we’ve had a great year, nobody thought we would win out county championship and it was a great experience playing Munster Club and we wish Corofin all the best in the semi final”. REFEREE: James Bermingham (Cork)
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Autumn league final at Woodstock Golf Club by SEAMUS HAYES
WOODSTOCK GOLF CLUB: The Autumn league final at Woodstock will take place on this Sunday commencing at 11am when all four pairings will play their matches. Last week’s club singles was won by Vincent O’Grady (29) with 41 points from Colm Mullen (4) with 38 points. This weekend’s competition will be a club fourball. DROMOLAND GOLF CLUB: The ladies 9 hole team of three competition was a great success at Dromoland with the leading three teams all returning 23 points. The winners were Julie Fitzgerald, Cora O’Toole and Katrina O’Neill followed by Mary Rogers, Frances Bergin and Jo Linnane while third spot was filled by Joan Ryan, Mairead Toomey and Leslie O’Flynn. ENNIS GOLF CLUB: In week three of the November Spirits 14 holes stableford re entry competition, the winner was Rita O’Brien (20) with 27 points. In second place with 24 points was Una O’Reilly (36) followed by Ann A Gallery
(18), also with 24 points. Ann Pyne Gallery (29) was fourth and she also had 24 points, one more that Geraldine 0’Rourke (33). In the 9 hole stableford competition Sinead Hegarty (9) was the winner with 18 points from Ann Casey (13) with 14 and Della Burns (10) with 13. Last week’s senior ladies competition was over 11 holes and the winners with 23 points, were Claire Ruane, Eileen J Corry and Maeve O’Grady from Brid Cunningham, Margaret McEnery and Mary Glynn with 22 points with third spot filled by Ann Kelly, Bernie Brooks and Kathleen Pyne with 19 points. KILRUSH GOLF CLUB: Patrick Coleman (11) won the men’s weekly Winter turkey competition at Kilrush with 30 points from John Stapleton (14) with 30 points with third spot filled by Cyril Kelly (12) with 29 points. HAVEN ARMS: Kilrush was the venue on Saturday for the Haven Arms society’s Christmas scramble competition when the winners were Seamus O’Doherty, Noel Thornton and Jim Kelly from Matt Fennell, Denis Nagle and Michael
Twomey. SHANNON GOLF CLUB: Last week’s 15 hole turkey challenge at Shannon was won by Aidan O’Donovan with
41 points from Brendan Healy with 36. This week’s 15 hole competition will be for Christmas hampers.
OUR NEW CUSTOM FITTING
ROOM IS NOW OPEN
Clare winners aplenty at Limerick Stadium OF THE twelve races at Limerick last Thursday, there was four Clare winners celebrating. Getting the show on the road was Sugan Tiny for father and son team Anthony and Mark Cusack from Cooraclare, it was career win number three for this daughter of Skywalker Tuco and Sugan Jet and the winning time was 29.49 for an A4 contest. Parteen’s Shanakyle Syndicate spearheaded by Joe Collins were successful with Shankyle Abbie, who recorded her first career success in 29.40, Abby is a daughter of Droopys Roddick and Toremore Nosey. Tom Flanagan from Ennistymon presented Mythiccal Enya for an A3 contest and she duly justified favouritism when notching career win number five in 29.36, Enya is a daughter of Droopys Buick and Flandys Hawkeye. Following the final race of the evening, Sarah Burke, from Leeds, Miltown Malbay was smiling after her pride and joy, Malbay Darla, left her opponents in their wake, with an eleven length victory in 29.36, Darla is a daughter of Kinloch Brae and Malbay Ally. It was a great weekend at Clonmel track for the Dee Bee Flyer syndicate. This syndicate is a Feakle, Newmarket-on-Fergus, and Clarecastle combinaton, comprising of Gary and Damien Pepper, Seanie McMahon, Michael Corry and Tommy Hegarty. They
recorded a double over the weekend with litter brothers Dee Bee Duke and Dee Bee Lord, Duke was first off the mark with an eye-catching win on Friday last in 29.21 and then on Sunday the double was completed when Lord made it two wins on the bounce in 29.34 – these are sons of Ballymac Vic – and Dee Bee Duchess and are trained by Tipperary based Paraic Campion. In Galway on Friday night, race four was an S8 graded sprint contest where Pal Drew set the tempo towards the outside from Best Behaviour with Glynnscross Kian a close up third as they charged towards the opening bend. Rounding the bend the Thomas Keane of Kilmihil owned Glynnscross Kian slipped through along the rails to take command of the contest as his rivals kept wide. On the run home the son of Droopys Jet and Glynnscrosstyler was home and hosed four and a half lengths clear of Best Behaviour in 19.72. No Risk owned by Lissycasey’s Martin Griffin made it two wins from three starts in race six and back to back wins in the process as she came home two and a half lengths clear of Caislean Ruby in this S6 graded contest inn a tie of 19.64. The chief supporting contest at the same venue on Saturday night was the A1 graded eighth over 525 yards and racing towards the opening bend Dance Pando showed plenty of pace to lead round by over
a length from Kilballyowen Boy Eileens Best in third place. Turning down the back Dance Pondo shot clear of his rivals and led by five lengths at halfway as the Noel Hehir of Inagh owned Coolavanny Blaze went in pursuit having tracked a path through first bend trouble. From the crown of the home bend Coolavanny Blaze(Ballymac Best-Coolavanny Dame) closed with every stride before leading close home to record a half length success in 29.21. In the second quarter-final of the Sean Scully Memorial Sweepstake, the Paul Conlon owned Besloe Missouri was very smartly into her stride in the centre of the track and rounding the opening bend the Stephen Murray of Sixmilebridge trained lady was already three lengths clear of Breaghmore Ava in second spot. Racing down the order remained unchanged till past halfway were Besloe Missouri began to stretch her rivals once again and powering clear as they bunched up at the third bend the daughter of Over Limit and Be Slow Django scored by nine and a half lengths from Creevy King in 29.15. Racing opened with an A6 graded contest over 525 yards in which the judge was unable to split the Thomas Keane of Kilmihil owned Glynnscrossflora(Droopys Jet & Glynnscrosstyler) and the Declan Killkenny owned Shammer Dubh(Cometwopass-Killala Kathy) as they crossed the line in 29.86. Shammer Dubh took over
in front at the opening bend and looked set to score racing down the back but Glynn-
scrossflora closed with every stride from the third bend to force a share of the spoils
When their racing days are over, we are there to care.
We’ve rehomed 3,435 retired greyhounds in the last two years.
When their racing days are over, we are there to care. We’ve rehomed 3,435 retired greyhounds in the last two years.
with her gallant rival.
CLASSIFIEDS 43
THURSDAY, DEC 9 2021
PLANNING NOTICES CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL ARDATAGGLE, O’BRIEN’S BRIDGE, CO. CLARE Take notice that Deirdre & Tadhg Nihill intend to apply to the Planning Authority of Clare County Council for planning permission for development at Ardataggle, O’Brien’s Bridge, Co. Clare. The development will consist of one two-storey dwelling house, wastewater treatment system, percolation area, new site entrance, driveway and all associated site works. The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee, €20, within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application and such submissions or observations will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions or may refuse to grant permission.
CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL TOOMULLIN, DOOLIN, CO CLARE Take notice that Teresa and Noel O Donoghue intend to apply for permission to build a new Dwelling House, Garage, install a wastewater treatment system & 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 KNOCKNARAHA, LISCANNOR, CO CLARE Take notice that Ben Lucas intends to apply for Permission to build a new Dwelling House, Garage, install a wastewater treatment system & all other associated site and ancillary works at the above address. The planning application may be inspected
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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 DROMEHILY HILL MAC DONNELL, CREE, CO CLARE Take notice that Ciara Sheehy and Kevin Reeves intend to apply for Permission to build a new Dwelling House, Garage, install a wastewater treatment system & 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 BALLYORTLA NORTH, ENNIS, CO. CLARE Take notice that Shane O’ Doherty intends to apply to Planning authority for outline permission to construct dwelling house, garage, and treatment system and carry out 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, Clare County Council, Aras Contae an Chlair, New Road, Ennis, Co. Clare during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the Planning Authority, in writing, on payment of a fee of €20.00 within five weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the Authority of the Planning Application. CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL 15 BALLYCASEY MANOR, SHANNON, CO CLARE V14 WD59 Take notice that Frances McMackin intends to apply for Retention Permission to retain the existing de-
tached garage including all ancillary site services and 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, 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, on payment of a fee of €20.00 within five weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the Authority of the Planning Application. CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL GLENDINE NORTH, MILTOWN MALBAY, CO. CLARE Take notice that Sean McMahon 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 BALLYCRIGHAN, QUIN, CO. CLARE Take notice that Martin Haran intends to apply to the Planning Authority for the change of use of a section of an existing agricultural building to be used as a commercial unit 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, New Road, Ennis, during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the planning authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee of €20.00, within the period of 5 weeks, beginning on the date of receipt by the planning authority of the application.
CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL LICKNAUN, LARCHILL, ENNIS, CO. CLARE Take notice that Kevin Poole intends to apply to the Planning Authority for retention of additional windows to the Front, Rear and South facing sides of his dwelling, retention of the replacement of the garage door with a window and door to the front of the dwelling, retention of changes to the plaster design finish, retention of the reduced ridge height and retention of the removal of the roof window to the front of the dwelling 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, New Road, Ennis, during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the planning authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee of €20.00, within the period of 5 weeks, beginning on the date of receipt by the planning authority of the application.
PLACE YOUR PLANNING NOTICES WITH THE CLARE ECHO CALL 065 671 9021 EMAIL SALES@CLAREECHO.IE
44 CLASSIFIEDS
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46
PUZZLEPAGE
THURSDAY, DEC 9 2021
THIS WEEKS PUZZLES DEC 9 4
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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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12/3/21, 10:48 AM
Thanks to Albert for sending us in this crossword
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CLARE STREET NAMES
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WORD SEARCH Clare Streets
Name: _________________________________________________
The Clare Echo Crossword
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Daily Quick Crossword: 3 December 2021, 12/3/2021 Michael Curl
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Daily Quick Crossword: 3 December 2021, 12/3/2021
Opening Hours Mon - Sat 10am - 10pm Sun 12 noon - 10pm
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Phone 065 6820914
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#supermacs heart of Ennis
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QUIZ 47
THURSDAY, DEC 9 2021
The Clare Echo Quiz THE BURREN
old is the limestone in the 1How Burren? (a) 100 million years (b) 350 million years (c) 750 million years
was Blackhead lighthouse 7When built? (a) 1640 (b) 1902 (c) 1964
many different orchids can does Boirinn, the Irish word 8How be found in the Burren? 2What for Burren, mean?
(a) Winterage (b) Strip grazing (c) Seasonal grazing
plant is the Burren famous 4What for? (a)Dandelion (b) Heather (c) Orchid
5
How high is Slieve Elva?
9What is a turlough? (a) A brackish lake (b) an oligotrophic lake (c) a disappearing lake
. Which of these Burren 10 plants was used to treat arthritis? (a) Wild marjoram (b) Guelder rose (c) Red clover
l THE BURREN
By Muireann McGrath
(a) 314m (b) 334m (c) 344m
6How old is Poulnabrone dolmen? (a)4000-6000 years (b) 10,000-12,000 years (c) 12,000+ years
Spot the Difference Can you spot the difference? Spot the 7 differences. The answers will be revealed in next weeks edition.
6. 4000-6000 years 7. 1902 8. 27 9. a disappearing lake 10. Wild marjoram
3
What is the ancient grazing practice in the Burren called?
(a) 27 (b) 12 (c) 32
ANSWERS 1. 350 million years 2. Rocky place 3. Winterage 4. Orchid 5. 344m
(a) Dry place (b) Wet place (c) Rocky place
Last weeks Answers . Sliotar missing . number 4 on jersey missing . number 13 on jersey missing . line on boot missing (left)
. Y missing on sign in background . Grip different colour on hurley (left) . GAA crest missing on jersey (middle)
Davin Walsh, Halley Walsh, Tracey McIntee, Louis Duggan, Francine Duggan, Harry Duggan, Brendan Mackell, Kevin Walsh and Ivy Walsh. Photograph: Joe Buckley.
MOSS D E REMOVM FRO FS O ALL RO