The Clare Echo 11/01/23 by The Clare Echo

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Jan 11 2024

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Thomas Lorigan murder trial to begin next week by Gordon Deegan news@clareecho.ie

THE 33-year old north Clare man charged with the murder of Lisdoonvarna pensioner, John (Jack) O’Neill is due to go on trial for the alleged offence at the Central Criminal Court in Dublin next week. It is now just over two years since Thomas Lorigan of no fixed abode was charged with the murder of grand-father, Mr O’Neill (79) at St Brendan’s Rd, Lisdoonvarna at an unknown time on the 6th/7th of January 2022. Formerly of Ennistymon in north Clare, Mr Lorigan was first charged at a special late night sitting of Ennis District Court on Saturday, January 8th 2022. When initially arrested and charged on January 8th 2022 with the alleged murder, Mr Lorigan said ‘no comment’. A spokesman for the Courts Service said this week that the Thomas Lorigan case “is listed for

trial on January 15th at the Criminal Courts of Justice Dublin”. Mr Lorigan was first returned for trial at Ennis District Court in April 2022 and the court was told on that date Mr Lorigan had secured bail in the High Court on March 3rd 2022 but had been unable to meet bail conditions set down by the High Court and remained at that time on remand in custody. Mr Lorigan was provided with an alibi warning by Judge Colm Roberts as part of the return to trial proce-

TOGGED OUT FOR AWARDS NIGHT

dure. On that court date, solicitor for Mr Lorigan, Darragh Hassett said that given the gravity of the charge, he would be applying for the legal aid certificate to be extended to cover a senior counsel and a junior counsel to also represent Mr Lorigan in the Central Criminal Court. The deceased in the case, father-of-two, John O’Neill at the time of his death had only recently lost his wife, Christine and ran a B&B in Lisdoonvarna.

l Criminal Courts of Justice, Dublin

l Cliodhna Queally and Elisha Rynne at the Inagh Kilnamona Minor Awards Night at the Falls Hotel

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Ennis ‘clean’ says new IBAL survey

CONTENTS

NEWS .............................2-16 GORT.................................17 GREEN CLARE............18-19 COLUMNISTS ..............20-25 BUSINESS ...................26-27 SPORT..........................30-34 PLANNING ........................35 CLASSIFIEDS ..............36-37

36C Abbey St., Ennis, Co Clare Call: 065 - 6719021

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

SALES

kieran@clareecho.ie ross@clareecho.ie denise@clareecho.ie This publication supports the work of the Press Council of Ireland and Office of the Press Ombudsman, and our staff operate within the Press Council’s Code of Practice. You can obtain a copy of the Code, or contact the Press Council, at www.presscouncil.ie, Lo-call 1890 208 080 or email: info@presscouncil.ie

Bank of Ireland raise a few smiles in Kilrush Bank of Ireland Kilrush raised some much needed funds for the West Clare Cancer Centre during their customer Christmas Smiles Day. Pictured are Claire O’Dwyer, William McGrath and Anne Blake

ENNIS just missed out on a top ten spot in the latest Irish Business Against Litter survey, writes Elaine Tubridy. Ennis was deemed ‘clean to European norms’ in the final litter survey of 2023. The An Taisce report for Ennis stated: “A strong result for Ennis, but let down by one heavily littered site. Seven out of the ten sites got the top litter grade, including O’Connell Street, Abbey Street, Ennis Court House and Roslevan Shopping Centre. Not only were they very good with regards to litter but they were very well presented and maintained. By far the most heavily littered site was Ennis Bus / Train Station – much of it was clear of litter but a corner area had been subject to the dumping of bags of rubbish.” For the first time since surveys began 20 years

ago, no area was deemed ‘seriously littered’, with Maynooth claiming top spot. IBAL says the impending Deposit Return Scheme will improve cleanliness levels further but is calling for action on coffee cups. While litter levels rose slightly nationwide, over 60% of towns surveyed were deemed clean in 2023, with Maynooth edging out Mallow and much improved Sligo to take the title of cleanest town. Waterford was again our cleanest city, ahead of Galway. These were the only cities to be judged ‘clean’, with Cork City Centre improving to ‘moderately littered’ but Dublin falling to ‘littered’, alongside Limerick. A surprise finding of the IBAL study was the rise in coffee cup litter, which is now close to peak-Covid levels. Coffee cups were found at over 30% of the 500+ sites surveyed.

Thursday, Jan 11, 2024 THE CLARE ECHO

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Murder trial of Thomas Lorigan Clare MEP supports due to commence next week NEWS IN BRIEF

Gaza case

GREEN MEP Grace O’Sullivan has expressed support for the case taken by South Africa against Israel to investigate breaches of the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide. “All EU countries including Ireland are party to the Genocide Convention, and we have an obligation to ensure it is being upheld. The situation on the ground in the Occupied Palestinian Territories has long been considered apartheid by human rights organisations. I saw that for myself in the West Bank,” she said.

Kilrush tool theft

KILRUSH Gardaí are appealing for the public’s assistance regarding theft of power tools from a van on Crawford Street in Kilrush between Friday evening and Saturday morning. Anyone that may have been in the area and seen any suspicious activity are asked to contact Gardaí in Kilrush on (065) 9080550.

‘Close the laneways’

FIANNA Fáil local election candidate Rachel Hartigan is calling for Clare County Council to follow the example of Dublin City Council to tackle problematic laneways in the county. Elected representatives in the capital took the decision to extinguish the public right of way on Harbour Courtfollowing persistent antisocial behaviour and drug use. “In cases like this, extreme action is often the only way to tackle a problem,” said Hartigan.

by Gordon Deegan news@clareecho.ie

THE 33-year old north Clare man charged with the murder of Lis-

doonvarna pensioner, John (Jack) O’Neill is due to go on trial for the alleged offence at the Central Criminal Court in Dublin next

l Criminal Court of Justice

week. It is now just over two years since Thomas Lorigan of no fixed abode was charged with the murder of grand-father, Mr O’Neill (79) at St Brendan’s Rd, Lisdoonvarna at an unknown time on the 6th/7th of January 2022. Formerly of Ennistymon in north Clare, Mr Lorigan was first charged at a special late night sitting of Ennis District Court on Saturday, January 8th 2022. When initially arrested and charged on January 8th 2022 with the alleged murder, Mr Lorigan said ‘no comment’. A spokesman for the Courts Service said this week that the Thomas Lorigan case “is listed for trial on January 15th at the Criminal Courts of Justice Dublin”. Mr Lorigan was first returned for trial at Ennis District Court in April 2022 and the court was

told on that date Mr Lorigan had secured bail in the High Court on March 3rd 2022 but had been unable to meet bail conditions set down by the High Court and remained at that time on remand in custody. Mr Lorigan was provided with an alibi warning by Judge Colm Roberts as part of the return to trial procedure. On that court date, solicitor for Mr Lorigan, Darragh Hassett said that given the gravity of the charge, he would be applying for the legal aid certificate to be extended to cover a senior counsel and a junior counsel to also represent Mr Lorigan in the Central Criminal Court. The deceased in the case, fatherof-two, John O’Neill at the time of his death had only recently lost his wife, Christine and ran a B&B in Lisdoonvarna.

‘Take a step back, buy a bottle of cop-on and take a drink from it’ - Judge O’Callaghan

A PLANNING row has broken out between north Clare farm households who have already been engaged in a right of way dispute dating back more than two decades, writes Gordon Deegan. This follows John Joseph Madigan appealing to An Bord Pleanala against Clare Co Council’s decision to grant planning permission to neighbouring farmer, Joseph Scales for the development of American Barn Horses stables at Calluragh West, Ennistymon in north Clare. The appeal comes more than two years after a circuit court judge pleaded with the Scales and Madigan households in a long running right of way dispute not to bring “more hatred, bitterness or even tragedy

on any of your families”. At Ennis Circuit Court in October 2021, Judge Brian O’Callaghan said that court proceedings concerning the right of way at Calluragh, Ennistymon, Co Clare “have been going in and out of this court for the past 20 years”. Judge O’Callaghan stated: “It is quite clear to this court that in 20 years that common sense has to yet to visit the households of the Scales and Madigan families.” In the case concerning Joseph Scales and John Joseph Madigan’s father, PJ, Judge O’Callaghan said: “I am inviting both set of parties to take a step back, buy ‘a bottle of copon’ and to drink from it.” The first court order concerning the initial pro-

ceedings involving Joseph Scales and PJ Madigan was first made in June 2002 at Ennis Circuit Court. Since then, a further 11 court orders were made including one in 2003, two in 2006, one in 2007, one in 2008, two in 2009 and two in 2010. Now, in the separate planning row, architect, Michael Leahy on behalf of John Joseph Madigan has told An Bord Pleanala that the proximity of the Joseph Scales proposal to the road with horses galloping on the exercise area, “has the potential to frighten animals, mainly dairy cows, being driven along the road over and back twice daily. The appeal states: “Cows when frightened can be dangerous to the drover and this may result in seri-

ous injury.” Mr Leahy said that the Madigan’s home is directly across from the proposed horse stables and exercise area. Mr Leahy adds: “We believe that the proposal will interfere with Mr Madigan’s ability to carry out his farm business and no consideration has been given to the continued viability of his farm business n the assessment of this application. Mr Leahy states that “Mr Madigan has invested heavily in his farm business and is concerned that the proposal will affect the financial viability of his farm. The appeal adds that “we feel that moving the proposal further into the Scales’ land would have alleviated this issue.” The appeal states that

“that the access is a public right of way and is frequently used by tourists”. Mr Leahy states that after a 2016 planning permission for facilities granted to Mr Scales “a substantial area of my client’s land, some 24m x 78m has become unworkable in recent years due to flooding since the shed was built”. Mr Leahy has requested that the planning permission be refused until the various issues highlighted are addressed. The Council granted planning permission after concluding that there is no real likelihood of significant effects on the environment arising from the proposed development. A decision is due on the appeal by An Bord Pleanala later this year.

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Uisce Éireann apologise to people of O’Briensbridge following EPA report by Stuart Holly editor@clareecho.ie

UISCE Éireann has apologised to customers for “failures” in relation to water treatment at O’Briensbridge. An EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) audit this week revealed that people in the East Clare village were exposed to inadequately disinfected water for 12 months before a boil notice was put in place last August, a notice which was lifted on October 19, 2023. The shortcoming was caused by a failure of the UV Disinfection System on the O’Briensbridge Public Water Supply, and in a statement to The Clare Echo, Uisce Éireann admitted, “We acknowledge the findings of the report and apologise to local customers for these failures.” “Uisce Éireann’s priority at all times is the provision of safe, secure drinking water to

lO’Briensbridge

our customers all over Ireland. “As part of our enhanced national oversight and assessment programme, Uisce Éireann identified a number of issues with the disinfection processes at the O’Briensbridge water Treatment plant in August 2023. “This resulted in a Boil Water Notice being put in place to protect public health, in consultation with the HSE. This notice remained in place until October while remedial works were carried out at the plant.” Following an apology, Uisce Éireann said that since the discovery “major improvements have been made in operational oversight and risk management processes at the plant to ensure it provides a clean, safe drinking water supply to the local community”. “Uisce Éireann has since completed works to address the recommendations in the

EPA audit report, and additional source protection works are currently being progressed. “These works included the upgrade of the disinfection systems, the installation of a turbidity monitor and chlorine alarms, and an enhanced schedule of network monitoring. Full UV disinfection is now in place at the plant with alarms and escalation systems to support this.” Uisce Eireann added that enhanced training has also been rolled out to all staff on the operation of the disinfection systems at the plant and on the management and escalation of incidents, “so that we can protect and inform our customers”. Customers who have any queries or concerns about their water quality can contact the Uisce Éireann customer care centre 24/7 at 1800 278 278.

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Crowe pulls out of election race

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

FINE Gael’s plans to gain a third seat in East Clare for the 2024 local elections have been dealt a major setback following the decision of Cyril Crowe (inset) to withdraw. Quin based Crowe made the decision in recent weeks to pull out of the election race. Family and work commitments have been cited by the Sixmilebridge native for prompting his withdrawal. Cyril who has lived in Quin for the past 11

years with his wife Mags and three children first expressed an interest in August for securing the party’s nomination for the ballot in the Killaloe Municipal District. At Cnoc na Gaoithe in September, Cyril was selected alongside Cllr Joe Cooney (FG) and Cllr Pat Burke (FG) as the party’s candidates in the Killaloe MD following Ger O’Halloran’s (FG) announcement at the eleventh hour that he would not be allowing his name forward. Crowe who had been “right-hand man” for election campaigns of his uncle Cllr John Crowe (FG) has taken

the wind from Fine Gael’s sails and has certainly lifted the spirits of Cllr Alan O’Callaghan (FF) as Crowe was expect to be a strong challenger for his voting pool in Kilmurry and surrounding areas. Party officials in Fine Gael are now working to line up a potential replacement candidate for Crowe. They may be forced to go cap in hand to O’Halloran, the parliamentary assistant to Clare TD, Joe Carey (FG). O’Halloran launched strong criticism of the party at the September selection convention. He said Fine Gael were “ill-prepared” for Sonny Scanlan’s (FG) retirement ahead of the 2014 local elections and that there was no agreed strategy in advance of the 2019 local elections.

Rita wants to hit the ground running

RITA McInerney is determined to “Going to visit all the members which maximise her new role as a county was great in West Clare, there’s just councillor over the next six months under 100 members that had votes for in advance of the 2024 local elections, today and it was a pleasure to meet writes Páraic McMahon. with them and hear the issues first On Sunday December 17th, Rita hand and they are very engaged as Fiwas given the backing of Fianna Fáil anna Fáil members so they were able members in West Clare to fill the seat to raise their concerns and we could on Clare County Council vacated debate what was going on in the party by Cllr Bill Chambers (FF) who an- and in West Clare”. nounced his retirement from politics Securing their support gives her an in November. invaluable platform ahead of the June Doonbeg native elections. “I have Rita will serve on to hit the ground the local authorirunning and ty until the local work hard for the elections and six months, we assume the seat are coming into of the Cooraanother local clare man on the election in June County Council. so it is important She will be presto ensure you are ent at meetings doing the work of the West Clare on the ground Municipal Disand you can trict in January, prove what you March and May. are capable of so She will also take that the electorup a role on the ate have a better Rural Developidea of who you ment Strategic are and what you Policy Committee l Rita McInerney Photo by Arthur Ellis stand for. I am (SPC) which is certainly looking chaired by Cllr Pat Hayes (FF). forward to that and working within Fianna Fáil have yet to hold their the Council”. final selection convention in Clare An owner of a shop and café in ahead of the local elections to decide Doonbeg, Rita also has a strong profile who they will put on the ballot paper in Kilrush where she had a constituin the West Clare MD. Sitting repre- ency office prior to the 2020 General sentatives Cllr PJ Kelly (FF) and Cllr Election when she polled 4,136 first Cillian Murphy (FF) are expected to preferences equating at 7 percent of be joined by Rita and Michael Shan- the overall vote. She was eliminated non. on the seventh count and her transfers Speaking to The Clare Echo, Rita proved quite helpful to Cathal Crowe’s commented, “I’m absolutely delight- (FF) election to the Dáil. ed, it is a huge honour and I have big She plans to represent the town as shoes to fill following in Bill Cham- much as her native Doonbeg. “When bers’ footsteps, he was a great man for you say you’re ‘going to town’ you’re West Clare and did so much, I’m abso- going to Kilrush so Kilrush is our lutely delighted and hoping to contin- town, it is where I went to school, it ue his good work”. is where my father taught, it is a great Prior to Sunday’s selection conven- community, there’s a great group of tion, she had canvassed local members businesses in Kilrush, it is a very vital for over a month to gain their support. base for West Clare.”

Speaking in Tulla, O’Halloran commented, “Given the current constituency chairperson’s statement that Fine Gael is expecting to retain but grow numbers, the absence of any strategy is bemusing”. He quoted Albert Einstein, “The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result”. O’Halloran added, “I won’t be repeating the process without the same discussions, if Fine Gael want Ger O’Halloran as candidate, Fine Gael kow where to find me, I will be available to have those discussions”. Following this statement, he left the building at the back entrance of the Tulla venue. Items that had been at the top of the agenda for Cyril, a former Clare minor and U21 hurler were housing

and rural crime. “There is a huge amount of people who can’t get on the housing ladder, there are couples with two good wages who can’t get on the threshold for mortgages, there really needs to be a huge look at affordability, the rental sector and the cost of living which is impacting on people all over Clare,” he previously remarked. “Rural crime is a huge thing because Garda resources just aren’t there, there should be community groups for rural crime. A lot of the crimes are happening when Gardaí and the Armed Support Unit are off duty, a lot of crimes that have happened to us in the shop have been during 4 to 6am when the Armed Support Unit are off, East Clare has been riddled with crime with roving crime gangs”.

'Awful' lack of meetings for Fianna Fáil members

FIANNA FÁIL are not holding sufficient meetings with party members in West Clare, writes Páraic McMahon. A common theme emerging at selection conventions for Fianna Fáil is the appetite from members to be holding more frequent gatherings for them to air their views on how the party is performing and what can be done to grow its base locally. At the Ennis selection convention in October, Clare TD, Cathal Crowe (FF) led the call for regular Comhairle Dáil Ceanntair meetings to be held. “It seems to me that when we meet as the Fianna Fáil family we’re putting on the green armband and honouring our dead.

We should be meeting more often, I would love to have a meeting of the Comhairle Dáil Ceanntair before Christmas to give our candidates a platform to bounce ideas around”. This stance was echoed by Liam Daly, “We haven’t had a Comhairle Dáil Ceanntair meeting for many years, I would like to see more Comhairle Dáil Ceanntair meetings. It has to be said”. In Kilrush on Sunday evening, fresh appeals for regular party meetings were voiced. Michael Shannon who put his name forward for the convention to select Bill Chambers’ replacement on the County Council, suggested the party make

renewed efforts to have more meetings locally. While praising the performance of Cllr Cillian Murphy (FF) since his election in 2019, Shannon noted that this was the first time since that success in May of four years ago that Fianna Fáil have held a meeting in West Clare. “This is the first meeting of the Comhairle Ceanntair in my four years as a councillor and that is awful,” Cllr Murphy admitted. “I was finding my feet and it is a hard job to find your feet in but maybe it is something that we can work on on the future to make a strong Comhairle Ceanntair”.

Hate speech laws ‘should bring sanctions’ - Leahy CHAIRMAN of the Irish Freedom Party Michael Leahy has claimed that the United States should impose sanctions against the Irish Government, if they pass proposed hate speech legislation, writes Elaine Tubridy. "This legislation is the most aggressive attack against free speech, against civil and religious liberties and against democratic politics that has ever been proposed in any Western nation in the postwar era, and if it is passed it will put Ireland firmly outside of the Western democratic norm,” Leahy said. He claimed that the new legislation has the potential to be used as a model to subvert democratic processes in other countries, including the United States. “Ireland has, over the past decade, been very much a petri dish for the implementation of antidemocratic, legislation, and this was seen during the Covid period when the Irish constitution was effectively suspended without any pushback either from the population or from the courts and with-

out any proper medical or scientific justification. In many ways, this coercion may well have been a dry run for the introduction of the Hate Speech laws which will effectively bring an end to Ireland's democracy,” he added. l Michael Leahy

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Jan 11, 2024

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Stop Dreaming!

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Thursday, Jan 11, 2024 THE CLARE ECHO

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‘We’ve people coming from Kildare to use Shannon’ by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

AN INCREASING amount of passengers from the hinterland of Dublin Airport opting to fly from Shannon Airport “tells its own story” on the successful recovery of Shannon from the international pandemic. Briefing councillors at a meeting of the Shannon Municipal District, Acting Director of Services in the Physical Development directorate of Clare

County Council, Siobhán McNulty said they had been “working closely with the Shannon Airport Group in relation to Shannon Airport and the impact it is having on the region”. Siobhán referenced the recent economic impact report produced by the Shannon Airport Group, “it demonstrates the benefit and value to the region”. The launch was attended by Cathaoirleach of the Shannon MD, Cllr Donna McGettigan (SF), Cllr Pat Mc-

l BIG APPLE: Delta are planning to restart their Shannon to New York route in May

Mahon (FF) and Shannon MD senior executive officer, Anne Griffin. Plans of Delta to restart their daily seasonal service from Shannon to New York from May 2024 was welcomed by the Acting Director. Met Éireann’s recently upgraded weather radar at Shannon Airport had “teething problems but is up and running again,” she flagged. “The level of accurate information is very important for planning our response to extreme weather events,” the Ennistymon woman added. Chair of the Shannon MD, Cllr McGettigan referenced the economic impact report launch in November, “the transport policy which is outside the airport’s remit was the one negative”. The Shannon woman said, “the car park is always full, it is such an easy airport to use, we’ve people coming down from Kildare to use Shannon which tells its own story”. An increase in traffic at Shannon Airport is a big positive, Cllr PJ Ryan (IND) maintained. Management of Shannon Airport need to focus on improving their marketing, Cllr Pat McMahon (FF) insisted. “The benefits of the airport have been overlooked. The marketing hasn’t followed through on what it could or should be. Marketing companies tend to go to the big areas, big cities and big airports, we’re a periphery airport whether we like it or not”.

Airport allocated €7m in regional programme

SHANNON Airport is to receive an allocation of €7.172m in the Regional Airports Programme, writes Páraic McMahon. €11.185m is to be shared four airports under the programme with Shannon receiving the largest allocation. Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Jack Chambers (FF) confirmed that Donegal Airport will get €0.721m in new funding, while Kerry will get €1.423m, Ireland West will receive €1.869m and Shannon Airport has secured €7.172m. Safety and security operations such as air traffic control, fire services and security are aspects where the funding targets support. It also ensures the airports can continue to remain compliant with regulatory requirements in these areas. Commenting on the funding allocation, Mary Considine, CEO of The Shannon Airport Group said, “We warmly welcome Minister Chamber’s announcement of €7.1 million Government funding under the Regional Airports Pro-

gramme. It demonstrates the Government's commitment to supporting the region’s connectivity and the broader economic benefits this brings to the region. This funding supported some of the vital safety and security operational costs of running Shannon Airport during 2023”. Clare TD, Cathal Crowe (FF) told The Clare Echo, “This funding comes under the Regional Airports Programme and will ensure that Shannon is in a strong position again to compete with other airports for 2024. “Shannon was disproportionately hit by the COVID crisis and many predicted the airport would not see a recovery point until 2025, Shannon’s recovery exceeded all expectations and it had a bumper 2023 season, the funding being announced today will help Mary Considine and her management team at Shannon Airport to meet the significant operational costs of the airport in 2024. “I’m hopeful the New Year will see us secure further routes into North America and continental Europe”.

HSE appoints Regional Executive Officer

SANDRA Broderick has been appointed as the HSE’s first Regional Executive Officer to head the new health authority in the MidWest, writes Páraic McMahon. CEO of the HSE, Bernard Gloster appointed Ms Broderick to the role which she commenced in the week prior to Christmas. Regional Executive Officers are to assume responsibility for their new roles from March 1st. Gloster decided to proceed earlier with the Mid-West appointment, this is believed

to be due to the continued high-levels of overcrowding at the region’s main hospital, University Hospital Limerick. In her new role, Sandra assumes responsibility for UL Hospitals, HSE Mid-West Community Healthcare and Mid-West Public Health. The Hospital Group CEO, the Community Health Organisation’s Chief Officer and the Director of Public Health will report directly to her, and she will report directly to the HSE’s CEO.

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Thursday, Jan 11, 2024 THE CLARE ECHO

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‘Tom McNamara gave a lifetime of service to his beloved club’ by Seamus Hayes news@clareecho.ie

Crusheen GAA is in mourning this week following the passing of esteemed club President, Tom McNamara. In his mid 90s, Tom gave a lifetime of service to his beloved club making massive contributions as a player, mentor and club officer. He was a player, captain and manager of the team that won Junior B (1958), Junior A (1959) and intermediate (1960) championships in consecutive years. He served as a selector with a number of Clare hurling teams including the senior side in the 1960s. He served

as the club’s delegate to Clare GAA for many years. Tom’s commitment, passion, and, particularly, his quick wit defined his presence within his club and the wider Clare GAA community. He was particularly proud when Crusheen made the breakthrough to win the Clare senior hurling title for the first time in 2010 Fellow Crusheen man and a close friend, Pat O’Donnell, long time sponsor of Clare GAA, this week described Tom as an “icon. He kept the club going for many years. Everyone looked up to him. All wanted to play for Tom

and you were well protected if you were playing with Tom. He played a tough game. We hurled for Tom, that was our motto. The McNamaras were strong promoters of the GAA in Crusheen. Without Tom we would not have the club that is there today.” Tom was laid to rest in Killawinna cemetery yesterday (Wednesday, January 10). As a mark of respect to the McNamara family, all Crusheen GAA activities are suspended on this Wednesday. l Tom McNamara

‘For Clare GAA there was only one Tom Mc’

“OFTEN, the telling of the story is greater than the story”, writes Michael O’Connor. Travelling throughout Clare and beyond and announcing one’s citizenship as Crusheen many times the comment is uttered to Crusheen people “How is Tom Mc?”. The greatest trait of many people’s life is to be known famously or otherwise by a first name or nickname and for Clare GAA there was only one Tom Mc. The death occurred on Monday in his 95th year of one of the last characters of Clare GAA of the last half century and more. For those under 50 he was just a name that elder statesmen of clubs talked about but in the 1950s to 80s he was one of the leading GAA characters in county Clare and beyond. Growing up in Crusheen in the 1920s and 30s hurling was in its infancy and at time struggling to gain a foothold due to emigration and other du-

l Memorial cup presented by Tom McNamara

ties. A builder by trade. There are hundreds of examples of his handiwork throughout Clare and South Galway. It was often told that Monday was the slowest day at work as the sporting events of the weekend had to reviewed with the labourers and the expectant homeowners. He worked from a young age and even into his 80s he was still

on call to those who knew his ability to fix small jobs would be of great benefit. More often than not his company was paramount to those who needed to hear of the tales of yesteryear whilst the work was ongoing. Crusheen hurling was at its lowest in the 1950s after winning underage titles in the 1940s and Tom along with

a group of men helped drag Crusheen to senior hurling. In three spellbinding seasons with a group of mostly 18 year olds including Clare hurling sponsor Pat O’ Donnell, Sean Baker, father of Ollie, Bernie Donnellan and a few seasoned warriors they captured Junior B honours against Clouna in 1958 followed by Junior A success in 1959 against Tulla and finally Intermediate honours against O Callaghans Mills. This feat was and has not been repeated since. Tom was chairperson of Crusheen GAA club for many years before being appointed as President of Crusheen GAA club over 20 years ago and a position he held at the time of his passing. Crusheen proceeded to win the 1965 Clare Cup, the clubs first senior trophy followed by their first and only to date U21A hurling title defeating a star-studded Newmarket on Fergus side. This promise was franked in 1970 under the management of Tom with Robbie Butler and Micho McGrath Crusheen reached their first county final against Clarecastle that Clarecastle won after a replay. 1974 was another county final defeat at the hands of Newmarket on Fergus. Tom was a selector in the 1967 and 1968 seasons when Clare contested the Munster final against Tipperary and three league semi finals against Kilkenny. These two seasons were often recalled by Tom with amazing clarity for a man in his 90s in which his great friend the late Pat Vaughan starred for Clare in those years. In the boardroom Tom was a fear-

some and humorous debater who held the Crusheen line with great determination. Comments from the county board meetings and debates with his great friend the late county board Chairpreson John Hanly have gone down in local folklore. Tom had the ability to win a case without ever engaging in comments unbefitting a meeting. One of the greatest telling of stories was when Tom injured his shoulder in a Cusack park game. He was being tended to by a nurse in the county hospital and his obvious discomfort led to some choice words. The nurse on duty apparently said “Tom Mc, please be quiet, there is a lady in the next ward that just had twins and made no noise”. Tom’s rebuttal was quick and concise. “Well try and put the twins back in then and see what happens”. Tom was perhaps in his greatest element beside the fireplace at home with his visitors who spent countless hours and years mostly listening to stories of Crusheen hurling, Clare hurling and sometimes the fierce game he played against clubs in Galway, Tipperary and Offaly. GAA folk travelled from all over Ireland to his fireside and often Christmas night when the hot whiskeys would appear were the best nights. His wisdom and unbridled intelligence belied a man who never past National school education and his knowledge of local history could easily through story telling that was second nature to his family bring back life in Crusheen to the 1880s. The rivalry between Crusheen, Newmarket on Fergus, Clarecastle and

Eire-og enraptured Clare hurling followers between the late 1960s to late 1970s with thunderous battles between all four. Yet, off the field Tom counted amongst his closest friend’s men from all these clubs in question and it was always with deep sorrow when Tom would be told of the passing of one his former opponents quickly followed up by a story about a game against the club in question. Tom like us all was a person of his times and one’s views can be shaped by your upbringing. However, Tom processed for a man who did not travel much outside of Clare a knowledge of the world, the politics and a commonsense approach to problem solving that might at time appear difficult but at the same time simple. Tom, due to his late brother Christy’s career as an army officer held a great belief in the discipline of the army life and often remarked a hurler with army discipline would be the best mix. His late brother Donal was on the first two Harty and All Ireland winning sides in St Flannans College in 1944 and 1945. As Crusheen achieved champions status in Clare hurling in 2010 and 2011 he was regularly sought out by journalists local and nationally and a brief scratching at the surface of his life and times were revealed to a new audience. Another link to an Ireland that was dominated by fireside chats and local storytellinghas passed. Tom is survived by his sister Kathy Saunders, four nephews, two nieces, cousins and a wide circle of friends. Ar Dheis de ar a anam.

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Jan 11, 2024

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Notes

TOONAGH CHARITY WALK THE Annual Toonagh Charity walk will take place this Sunday, January 14 Registration starts @11am €10 (children U16 free) 3 routes to choose from 2k 5k 10k (Dog friendly!). Monster Raffle with fabulous hampers in Toonagh Hall around 1.30pm. All proceeds this year goes to Slainte an Chlair Cancer Support Centre, Kilnamona. Donations can also be done on line through their website. MILTOWN TIME MACHINE FOUR artists have been awarded a grant by the Creative Ireland Creative Climate Action Fund II, Spark strand to launch a project in Miltown Malbay. The artists are commissioned to build a time machine that combines immersive installation, storytelling, theatre, and filmmaking to present a living room with multiple viewpoints of the outside world. If you would like to collaborate with the artists, please reach out to Maeve Stone at RWAVcontact@gmail. com or visit RWAV.org.

CLARE MUSEUM WINTER LECTURE The Winter Lecture Series at Clare Museum resumes on Wednesday, 17th January, with a talk by Mary Cahill on ‘The Mooghaun Hoard: Making Clare great in the Bronze Age – the story of the 1854 ‘Great Clare Find’’. The talk begins at 7:30pm and admission is free of charge. Email claremuseum@ clarecoco.ie to book.

Clarecastle plot new future

CLARECASTLE residents are beginning to plot a future for the village, writes Páraic McMahon. Dozens of residents recently gathered at Clarecastle National School to discuss the village’s future. An extensive consultation process is underway in the village, initiated by Clarecastle Community Development CLG and facilitated by Sinéad Doody a Shannon native but now living in Clarecastle, to collect people's views on what they would like to see in the village. A 'Village Team' will be established following this consultation process to decide what should go in to the community plan, produce clear goals and identify existing groups, new groups and state agencies to drive each action. The new plan will build on Clarecastle's rich culture of volunteerism and on a decades of community leadership. It will adopt Clarecastle Tidy Town’s five-year development plan as a key component of the overall plan. The visual transformation of the village was instrumental in Clarecastle securing a 2023 Tidy Towns national bronze medal. For more information on the process please see: https://clarecastle.ie/community-plan/

l IT TAKES A VILLAGE: Orlaith Quinn, Paschal Russell and Jane Earley

Beata presents a ‘Key to the Soul’ ‘KEY to the Soul’ is a fascinating new photographic exhibition by Beata Rosik, currently on display at the Scariff Library Gallery, writes Elaine Tubridy. Beata is a Polish artist and has been living in Ennis since 2007. Beata’s passion is fine art photography, and she has been enjoying photography since she arrived in Ireland 15 years ago. Beata’s photographs are globally appreciated and have been displayed in photo exhibitions in countries like Canada, India, Romania, Slovenia, England, Georgia, Oman, Cyprus, Sri Lanka, Singapore and many more.

News

Beata has represented Ireland in international photo competitions organised by the International Federation of Photographic Art, the Global Photographic Union, and the Photographic Society of America. She has won many competitions, gold medals and special awards. Beata received special photography distinctions for her oustanding and very valuable participation from Cyprus, India and Romania, and in 2021/2022 she won the special award for Best Female Entrant in three international photo competitions in Cyprus. Beata also received the Tones Studio Residency Award from

Clare Arts Office in 2021. Beata’s passion is photographing people, especially children. Her tough childhood in Poland is evident in her photography, but her love of children shines through her work. She loves to work with prism and is passionate about working with different techniques. Beata is excited about the future and what her photography can bring. Her motto is ‘the best picture is yet to come’. This free exhibition runs until 2nd February, 2024 (inclusive), and everyone is welcome.

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l FINE ART: Beata’s passion is photographing people, especially children

Thursday, Jan 11, 2024 THE CLARE ECHO

News

Tickets still available for 'original' Clare Transition Year Ball

l TRIBAL: Hundreds of tickets have already been sold for this year’s event

A LIMITED number of tickets are still available for this year's Clare TY Ball, writes Stuart Holly. Taking place on Saturday, January 20 at Treacy's West County Hotel in Ennis, the Clare TY Ball will see Transition Year students from across County Clare let their hair down for a night of fun, starting at 7pm and running until 12AM. Organiser Patrick Deedigan of Tribal Events told The Clare Echo that the event has been growing every year since their first Clare TY Ball at Treacy's West County and hundreds of tickets have already been sold for this year's event. Tribal Events have over 10 years' experience and pride themselves on a top class service, health and safety, and value for money. While a second TY Ball will be happening in Limerick's Radisson Hotel on the same night of January 20, Patrick notes that Tribal Events has built its reputation in Clare over the last 5+ years and continue to be the only provider operating a TY Ball in the county's capital. "In our first year in Treacy's West County, there were 300 in attendance, that went up to 5-600 the following year and finally we were at full capacity of 1,000, we were actually turning people away last year. It's something we've built up and it's

not exclusive to any one school, all TY students from schools in Clare are encouraged to attend. "It's always been run very well, we've had the support of the Gardai, we've never had trouble and it's a really good night. The benefit of an event like this, you have a lot of small schools in Clare who couldn't have an event like this, it wouldn't be viable, so they get the opportunity to have a great night out with TY students from across the county." As a firefighter, Patrick is trained in first aid and he adds, "We're here to

look after these kids and make sure they go home safely." The Clare TY Ball (Tribal Events) is an underage event and strictly non-alcoholic. TICKETS AVAILABLE AT HTTPS://WWW.TICKETSALES.IE/ EVENT/CLARETY200124/ The Clare Echo are giving away TY Ball tickets to one lucky winner and four of their friends (five tickets in total). To enter, visit our Facebook/ Instagram page, like our competition post and tag the four friends you would bring with you.

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Jan 11, 2024

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Ennis: Talk of the Town

39 apartments planned for Ennis 2040 DAC led Francis St project A RESIDENTIAL development which is to be led by the Ennis 2040 DAC plans to commence construction by the middle of February while a second application for a proposed affordable housing scheme in Ennis is to be made by Clare County Council, writes Páraic McMahon. As exclusively reported by The Clare Echo, Ennis 2040 DAC is to manage the delivery of a housing scheme on the site where the Francis Street cottages are located in the county town. Clare County Council acquired the block of six cottages in October 2022 for a figure believed to be in excess of €700,000. Initial plans of the Council to demolish the cottages and use the site as a temporary car park which would have cost in the region of €1.1m were scrapped following a strong public backlash. This then prompted the local authority to put forward the Francis Street site for the county’s first affordable housing scheme in an application to the Department of Housing. In a statement to The Clare Echo, the Council confirmed that its housing team was preparing a sub-

lBACKLASH: Protesters march to Council headquarters in a demonstration organised by the Francis Street Alliance in April

Photo by John Mangan

mission for the Francis Street project “to the Department of Housing for access to the Affordable Housing Fund” and added “this submission will be based on the design relating to the project as prepared by Ennis 2040 on behalf of Clare County Council”. However, a memo issued to elected members of the Council on De-

cember 20th titled ‘Frances Street Residential Development’ did not include mention of the word affordable in the near 400-word document. 39 new dwellings are to be constructed as part of the Francis Street project, the memo outlined. These are all understood to be apartments. There will be twenty

nine two-bedroom properties, six one-bedroom dwellings and four three-bedroom dwellings. Officials in the Council’s housing section detailed that it the development could commence as early as mid-February. “The proposed residential units are designed to a high standard, addressing house, landscape and amenity requirements”. Meanwhile in a separate memo, the County Council informed councillors that a second application for eleven affordable houses in Ennis is currently with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage for approval. Speaking to The Clare Echo, Cllr Gerry Flynn (IND) warned that the Council were trying to develop Ennis 2040 DAC as an approved housing body which he labelled as “a total scam”. He said, “the thirty nine apartments in Ennis is only a smokescreen because they are putting a false presentation on it, the people that want to buy affordable housing in Ennis don’t want to be buying apartments because it is not family orientated, they don’t want an apartment in a built-up area. That particular site is more suited to people who want to come into

a town setting where all the services are near them and it hasn’t changed”. Cllr Flynn who chairs the Social Development SPC which has a key focus on housing policy was adamant questions needed to be answered on whether the Francis Street project still included affordable housing at its core. “As Chair of housing policy, I think we’re entitled to transparency and we’re not getting it”. Particularly he felt the Francis Street project had progressed further than officials have outlined. He added, “They’re selling it as an affordable housing scheme but if they are why the big announcement about eleven affordable houses, we know that it is an insult to the many people that need affordable housing that want to buy their own home. I think there is something going on”. “An announcement of eleven houses for an affordable housing scheme doesn’t scratch the surface. If they said 100 from the outset and 50 for Shannon I’d say they were serious about it but I’m not happy at all with the way things are going, I’m in housing a long time and I’m getting the mushroom service”.

‘Top class’ affordable housing scheme will be delivered THIRD parties need to be left out of plans to develop affordable housing schemes in Clare while senior officials in the Council have promised “a top class” scheme will be delivered in Ennis, writes Páraic McMahon. Clare County Council have been requested by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage to provide detailed applications for specific developments to allow the local authority gain access to the Affordable Housing Fund (AHF), through the Housing for All programme. On foot of this, the Council launched an Expression of Interest (EOI) Campaign which ran until the end of December seeking pro-

Notes

IBTS CLINIC THE next Irish Blood Transfusion Service clinic will be held at the West County Hotel in Ennis on Monday, January 15 from 16:50 to 20:10. New donors welcome. To make an appointment please phone 1800 222 111 Your help would be greatly appreciated as hospital demand for blood is now 6% higher than this time last year.

posals from developers to deliver affordable homes in Ennis and Shannon. In accordance with the Affordable Housing Act 2021, the Council prepared a Scheme of Priorities (SOP) which has received Ministerial approval recently, and was adopted by the elected members at the September Council meeting. This SOP will be referenced regarding the future allocation of affordable homes. Extending this expression of interest window from the end of November to the end of 2023 was questioned by Cllr Gerry Flynn (IND). “We had a meeting of the Social Development SPC last week and we were informed the Francis St site is in the ownership of Clare County Council and they were drawing up plans for an affordable housing scheme, the concept has to be brought out there, our PR team need to do a better job on getting the word out to the people, it is aimed at people on lower income, they need intervention to buy these houses. I am happy that Clare County Council own the site, I appeal to you Chief Executive to support officials going forward to have urgency. Over 1,000 people could buy their own home through this scheme, leave the third parties out of it”. This extension will not delay any submissions, Director of Services, Anne Haugh stressed. She confirmed that the Council had two schemes before the Department pending approval.

Her comments were supported by the Chief Executive, Pat Dowling who acknowledged Cllr Flynn’s point was “well made”. He added, “Clare was not eligible for any affordable scheme until four or five months ago until we pushed it and pushed it, one cannot doubt

lPROMISE: Pat Dowling

the priority we are giving it, there is a clear intent. The Francis St site is the scheme to give effect to it, we can differ on the methodology of getting there, the reality is we want the outcome to be a top class affordable housing scheme, it will be delivered”.

Thursday, Jan 11, 2024 THE CLARE ECHO

Shannon

SHANNON NEWS in association with

Council get approval for affordable homes

A Roses bloom at charity concert

Clare Rose Aisling O’Connor and Limerick Rose Molli Ann O’Halloran attending the charity concert at Treacy’s Oakwood Hotel in aid of the MidWest Cancer Foundation at UHL

Photo by Joe Buckley

P P R O VA L for an affordable housing scheme in Shannon has been granted to Clare County Council, writes Páraic McMahon. An application made by the housing section of Clare County Council to the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage for an affordable housing project in Shannon has been successful, officials in the local authority have confirmed. Ten proposed affordable homes are set to be included in the Shannon project. It was the first applica-

tion by the local authority for an affordable housing project. As of yet, a location on where this housing scheme will be situated is unknown. The Clare Echo understands that Clare County Council will advertise for applications relating to the Shannon scheme in the first quarter of 2024. Officials in the Council remain committed to exploring all options relating to the provision of affordable housing across the entire county. In May, the Council was granted approval in principle from the Department

for access to the Affordable Housing Fund for schemes in Shannon and Ennis. In March, the Council made a submission to the Department seeking the inclusion of both towns. Data included in this was sourced from an expression of interest survey ran by the Council which had over 1000 responses. Persons on moderate incomes are assisted to buy new homes at reduced prices under the Local Authority Affordable Purchase Scheme. Homes included in the scheme are located in areas with the greatest housing need and where affordabil-

ity is an issue. Cllr Gerry Flynn (IND) who chairs the Social Development Strategic Policy Committee which has responsibility for housing felt the amount of properties included in the scheme was insufficient. He told The Clare Echo, “I’m happy to see we’re getting something in Shannon but I don’t think ten affordable houses is enough, as chair of housing policy I’d like to have got more detail on where they are going and the type of development we are talking about”.

‘Clarity needed for pyrite homeowners’

SHANNON MD Fianna Fáil Local Election candidate David Griffin has written to the Minister of State Mary Butler TD on behalf of affected pyrite homeowners to seek clarity on their access the fair deal scheme, writes Elaine Tubridy. The Newmarket native claimed he has been seeking clarity through the HSE for some time and is struggling to get a clear answer on how local people affected by pyrite will be treated under the Nursing Home Support Scheme. Griffin said “I have been closely following the development of defective concrete block scheme and the eventual admittance of Clare to the scheme, as unfortunately my own family home

l David Griffin pictured with the Pyrite Action Group in Ballycalla is affected, as are a number of homes in the Newmarket-on-Fergus/ Shannon area.” “People have worked their entire lives and have found themselves in this situation

through no fault of their own, and I am seeking clarity as to how they can be ensured access to a fair deal arrangement both now and after remediation,” David concluded.

Notes

SHANNON’S GOT TALENT SHANNON Musical Society are looking for entires to Shannon’s Got Talent. Send your video audition to shannonmusicalauditions@gmail.com by January 12. 10 contestants will go through to our final on January 26. All funds raised will go towards our upcoming production of The Little Mermaid. More details to follow, so keep an eye on our socials! MUNSTER FOOTGOLF INAUGURAL general meeting of Clare Footgolf Club takes place this Saturday 13th in Munster Footgolf Clubhouse at 2pm. All Welcome.

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Jan 11, 2024

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Gort & North Clare

group Operation Transformation Biogas to hold public meeting hits record registrations by Elaine Tubridy news@clareecho.ie

THE South Galway community is buzzing as their Operation Transformation Programme kicked off tremendously, marking a significant milestone with an unprecedented number of registrations. Gort lived up to its reputation as the sun beamed down on the large crowd who headed down the town and walked the beautiful Gort River Walk on Saturday January morning. The South Galway Operation Transformation Programme, initiated by St. Colman’s Camogie Club officially launched at Gort Community Centre with the aim of inspiring positive lifestyle changes and fostering

a healthier, more connected community. The overwhelming response from participants demonstrates the community’s eagerness to embrace a transformative journey towards improved health and well-being. Over 260 participants are now heading into 6 weeks of activities including a dynamic blend of group walks and runs, taster fitness and yoga classes, family trails and hikes, ensuring a community approach to support all participants. Many are setting targets they wish to reach, like walking 10,000 steps a day, running a 5km in just 6 weeks, braving a sea dip, getting active at lunchtime, climbing Clare’s highest peak, walking a camino day, whilst many more are happy to just get out for a

walk and chat with friends and neighbours. Club Secretary Pat Regan commented: “The success of the program is not just measured in numbers and funds raised for the club but in the sense of uni-

lGort Community Walk

ty and enthusiasm it has generated within the South Galway community.” Participants are already forming bonds, supporting each other, and embodying the program’s spirit of community pride.

GORT Biogas Concern Group will hold a public meeting in Sullivan’s Hotel, Gort today (Thursday, January 11) at 7.30 pm, writes Elaine Tubridy. The meeting will take place almost a year to the day since the last meeting, when the community was asked to come together to fund a legal challenge against the decision of An Bord Pleanala to grant permission for an industrial-scale Biogas Plant in Gort. The purpose of the meeting is to provide the community with an update on the campaign over the last 12 months, including an update on the legal challenge, fundraising, and future planning. A spokesperson from the group said “Keeping the community informed remains key to our campaign, as it is their unwavering support that keeps the momentum going. As a community, we have to remain vigilant for future threats of this nature to the town and its surrounding environment, and input by community groups into Galway County Council's new Local Area Plan for Gort will be a key component of this process.” The Gort Biogas Concern Group also reminded the public to visit their Facebook page for more updates.

Thursday, Jan 11, 2024 THE CLARE ECHO

GREEN CLARE

Council have ‘significant role’ to play in climate change response

by Adam Maloney news@clareecho.ie

THREE quarters of participants in the public consultation of the Clare Climate Action Plan feel that Clare County Council has a significant role to play in climate change. Clare County Council have issued the Draft Climate Change Action Plan roadmap for 2024-2029. One of the most important public policy issues that countries are currently dealing with is climate change, with national bodies required to reduce greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change and increase tolerance to its risk and effects. As highlighted in the Climate Action and Low Carbon Devel-

opment Act of 2021, “each local authority shall prepare and make a plan relating to a period of five years which shall specify the mitigation measures and the adaption measures to be adopted by the local authority”. Climate Action Officer with Clare County Council, Chris Dixon O’Mara provided an update on the Climate Action Plan before this month’s sitting of the Social Development strategic policy committee. He stated, “There are three stages of the development action plan, the first stage is the Initiation, so we run it through a mission’s report, which includes a process of pre-draft stakeholder engagement and we develop a summary report. The second stage is the Draft Plan,

we then go and publish that draft plan and had six weeks of public consultation which concluded on November 24th collect all submissions. Then the final step is the completion of the plan, so, we have to address those submissions that come in from the public consultation and then the adoption of draft action plan is scheduled”. Dixon noted that “very complicated assessments” had been completed for Co Clare including an issues report and a climate risk report meeting assessment. The initiatives members created a summary report to evaluate the risks and present the assets and activities of the county council in a way that would be understandable to the wider public.

“With this document, we went out and undertook a pre-draft stakeholder engagement, in June and July we had a consultation survey, we decided to give the youths a voice, so we gave a survey to all that went out to all Transition Year students in Co Clare. We also had workshops with other local authorities across the country, and we also have a lot of media engagement as well. So, all this consultation really was a success, as we had 250 submissions and three draft consultations, and with all that feedback, we were able to draft a plan”, the Climate Action Officer stated. Workshops were held throughout the county by the Development Plan board, in which there are 87 actions overall in the plan. “this plan is not just for one part of the Council, every section and every part of the Council has some element of action associated with it. So, we had another workshop with these sections, some work socially, some nationally, in departments, and some work in local authorities”. Chris continued, “We wanted to make sure that, the national policy that is out there equippers down to our action plan. So, all the actions, the roles, the objectives, the mission, and the vision of the plan. That’s how this all came together”. This action plan is not just about addressing high risk for the Climate Action Officer, “it’s not about abusing our issues as a county, and as a local authority, it’s really about

maximising these opportunities with a plan of action. I think that’s why we got so much feedback”, he said. 75% of the replies felt that Clare County Council has a significant role to play in addressing climate change. There are five different sections to the Climate Action Plan, Governance and Leadership, Built and Environment, Transport, Communities and Partnerships, and Natural Environment. There are two main objectives for the Governance and Leadership section that requires the Council, which are firstly to “establish processes that facilitate the integration of climate into decision making and enable climate action transparency and accountability; and secondly, mainstream climate action throughout all of Clare County Council’s strategic, financial and operational planning”. “Across Co Clare, obviously the plan is good as its implemented. People are engaging with this plan; people are addressing different areas where they see different opportunities and highlighting different actions, such as economic growth, better mobility, proving public health, service delivery, better infrastructure, better resiliency, and increased security. This helps the communication with the general public and will aid us going forward in terms of next steps”, Dixon O’Mara concluded.

lCLIMATE CHANGE: Pictured launching the Draft Climate Action Plan 2024-2029 in October were Pat Dowling, Chief Executive, Clare County Council; Cllr Joe Cooney, Cathaoirleach, Clare County Council; and Siobhán McNulty, Acting Director of Physical Development, Clare County Council Photo by Eamon Ward

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Jan 11, 2024

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GREEN CLARE

‘We already have the solution to transport links within Ennis town’

GREEN Party representative Bridget Ginnity believes Ennis town already has the solution to its public transport system, in the form of the Local Link Service, writes Elaine Tubridy. Her comments were made due to the delay of the planned Ennis Town bus service. The local link bus service has about 25 bus trips in and out of Ennis every day, plus 6 trips on the circular C6 bus within town. Local election candidate Bridget points out that these can be used by Ennis residents to get around town for €1 per journey, or free with a travel card. “At least 7 buses go along the Tulla Road every day. These buses will stop at any of the eight stopping points specified by local link between the Train/Bus Station and Gort na mBlath, near the bypass. It’s not easy for people to find out about it though. There

are no timetables posted, not even at the train station. There are no bus stop signs with the exception of the train station and the Temple Gate carpark. Also, you need to look at timetables for several bus routes to find out all the times,” she said. Senator Roisin Garvey, spokesperson for rural development is delighted to see so much funding going into rural transport and in particular local link. “It now services so many villages across the county 3 times a day 7 days a week, villages that have been decades without a service. We are now giving people in rural areas a real opportunity to use the bus to get around for an average cost of 2 euros making it not just greener but also cheaper than driving.” Her colleague Bridget Ginnity would like to see people in Ennis town also getting benefit from this investment. Senator Garvey was also delighted

to see the start of the new Local Link daily service from Miltown Malbay to Ennis and back. She said,”I’ve been working on this for over 3 years with the National Transport Authority, Limerick Clare Local Link, Minister Eamon Ryan and his advisors. Having successfully got increase services for Ballyvaughan a number of years ago and the first new local link services I have now managed to secure several more since including places that haven’t been serviced properly for many years like Quinn, Kilmurry, Whitegate etc. This is what climate action is to me in a real rural context. Everything had to change anyway so why not get what we need to make us a resilient county against the climate emergency and fickle fossil fuel supplies.” Visit https://www.locallinklc.ie to view the timetable.

lBUS TOUR: Green Party Representative Bridget Ginnity hops on the Local Link bus

Thursday, Jan 11 2024 THE CLARE ECHO

Giveaway

THE WINNER TAKES IT ALL Reader to win over €2,500 worth of prizes in The Clare Echo’s January giveaway The Clare Echo would like to wish our readers a Happy New Year in the best possible way in conjunction with a number of our advertisers. To be in with your chance to win over €2500 worth of prizes read on for full details...

HOW TO BE IN WITH A CHANCE TO WIN? Introducing The Clare Echo riddle. We will bring you a new clue each week, culminating with our fourth and final clue on February 1, 2024. Readers who can guess the correct answer in Week 1 will receive 10 entries into our prize draw. The number of entries awarded will reduce each week as a new clue is revealed. The number of entries that will be awarded for a correct answer are as follows. • Week 1 (until Jan 17 at 6pm): 10 entries • Week 2 (until Jan 24 at 6pm): 6 entries • Week 3 (until Jan 31 at 6pm): 3 entries • Week 4 (until Feb 6 at 6pm): 1 entry Contestants can enter each week and 10 entries is the most one person will be eligible for in total. To enter, email editor@clareecho.ie with the subject line Clare Echo Riddle. In the email, give us your answer, name, age, phone number and where you’re from. Entrants must be aged 18 or over. Terms and Conditions apply with all prizes.

YOUR WEEK 1 CLUE I am located in Clare and I face south.

HomeGallery-WinterSale-PG-Jan24-CC.qxp_Layout 1 03/01/2024 12:04 Page 1

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Thursday, Jan 11 2024 THE CLARE ECHO

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Giveaway

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This Voucher entitles the bearer to: “Two course Lunch for 4 people with Tea or coffee” At Shannon Springs Hotel, Shannon, Co Clare. Served daily 12:30pm – 3pm Terms and Conditions apply

Rehydrate your skin with one of the most thirst-quenching treatments HydraFacial. Only HydraFacial uses a patented Vortex-Fusion delivery system to cleanse, exfoliate, extract, and hydrate. The spiral design delivers painless extractions. HydraFacial super serums are made with nourishing ingredients that create an instantly gratifying glow. Dr Nadine Aesthetics, Chapel Lane, Ennis. 0876854257

Thursday, Jan 11, 2024 THE CLARE ECHO

Lifestyle & Comment

Staying safe on a night-time workout

WITH the arrival of the New Year, a surge in enthusiasm for health and fitness often accompanies resolutions to adopt healthier lifestyles. Many individuals embark on new exercise regimens, and for some, this includes venturing out for night-time workouts. Exercising at night can be a serene and refreshing experience, but it’s crucial to prioritize safety, particularly when hitting the roads after dark. In this article, we explore essential tips for exercising safely at night on the roads, ensuring that the enthusiasm for a healthier lifestyle is coupled with a commitment to personal safety.

WEAR REFLECTIVE GEAR: One of the key elements to staying safe during nighttime exercise is ensuring you are visible to others. Invest in reflective clothing, such as vests, armbands, or shoes. These items bounce back light from car headlights, making you easily noticeable to drivers. The more re-

flective gear you wear, the better.

CHOOSE WELL-LIT ROUTES: Opt for well-lit paths or roads when planning your night workout. Well-lit areas provide better visibility, reducing the chances of tripping over uneven surfaces or unseen obstacles. Stick to familiar routes and avoid poorly lit or secluded areas to minimize potential risks.

CARRY A LIGHT SOURCE: Illuminate your path with a reliable light source. A headlamp or handheld flashlight will not only help you see where you’re going but also make you more visible to others. Ensure the light has a sufficient range and is in good working condition before heading out. BE MINDFUL OF TRAFFIC: Stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings. Roads can be busy even during the night, so always follow traffic rules. Run or walk

against the flow of traffic, allowing you to see oncoming vehicles. Make eye contact with drivers when crossing intersections, and never assume they see you.

l Stick to well lit areas

DITCH THE HEADPHONES: While music can be a great motivator, wearing headphones can hinder your awareness of your surroundings. Keep your ears open for approaching vehicles, footsteps, or any other potential hazards. If you must listen to music, consider using bone-conduction headphones that leave your ears open. TELL SOMEONE YOUR PLANS: Inform a friend or family member about your exercise plans, including your intended route and estimated return time. This ensures that someone knows where you are and can raise the alarm if you don’t return as expected. STAY CONNECTED:

Carry your phone with you during your nighttime workouts. In case of an emergency or if you need assistance, having a phone allows

you to call for help quickly. Additionally, consider using a tracking app that shares your real-time location with trusted contacts.

Separation and divorce: Where do I go from here? Ennis based law firm Cashin Clancy explain the steps to formally separating The New Year can bring time for reflection on difficult family situations, and a sense of purpose to start to address issues that may have been ongoing in the family for some time. Most couples will try to engage firstly in couples counselling and therapy, to explore possible resolutions to issues with a view to keeping the relationship on track. Where it becomes clear that the differences between spouses are too great to overcome, an inevitable acceptance of the new reality may take time to process, some would see this as a grieving process in itself, and spouses may avail of separate and independent counselling to support them through this relationship bereavement. Where there are children involved, extreme care should be taken by parents to ensure the children are protected and shielded as much as possible from tensions and stress in the relationship and in the home, and that they, too, receive additional support to deal with the emotional fallout of their parents’ marriage breakdown. In the meantime, the business-end of things must still be taken care of, that is, mortgages, bills, utilities still must be paid, marital finances are still entwined, debts may still be owing, and these, too, can bring additional complications. In these circumstances, we would advise that a spouse considering separation or divorce would firstly consult a solicitor, to get a legal view on the family situation and issues

vide full financial disclosure (usually by way of an Affidavit of Means / financial statement) before concluding the Mediation process. If successful, a Mediated Agreement can be reached between the spouses, which can then be used by their respective Solicitors as a basis on which to legally formalise the separation or divorce. A Legal Separation can be done by either agreement through solicitors (Deed of Separation) (at any time), or, by court order (Judicial Separation) (where the spouses have been separated for 12 months). Divorce can only be applied for where the spouses have been separated for 2 years. If you would like more information on family law, separation or divorce, please visit our website www.cashinclancy.ie and you can call us on 065 6840060 or email enquiries@ cashinclancy.ie to make an appointment. This article does not constitute legal advice and where an opinion is expressed, it is the personal opinion of the author only and not of the firm or the paper.

lEXPERTS: The Cashin Clancy Solicitors likely to be of concern when the separation or divorce progresses. The Solicitor will recommend that both spouses attend Family Mediation, which is not about reconciliation, but rather, a tool or process to help separating spouses address the main, practical issues

(children – access, maintenance, property, debts, bills, spousal maintenance, accommodation, inheritance rights, pensions, etc.) in a non-adversarial way and try to reach agreement, before starting the legal process. It is recommended that both spouses pro-

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Jan 11, 2024

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Lifestyle & Comment

Lamb & apricot tagine

You’ll need

n 2 tbsp oil n 1 large onion, finely chopped n 2 garlic cloves, finely

chopped n 1 tbsp ras-el-hanout n 1 tsp ground coriander n 600g lamb leg or shoulder diced into 2cm pieces, excess fat trimmed n 200g butternut squash, diced n 200g soft dried apricot n 400g can chopped tomato n 500ml lamb or beef stock n zest 1 lemon n small bunch coriander n couscous and natural yogurt, to serve

Method

1) Heat oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 6. Heat the oil in a flameproof casserole dish, add the onion and cook for 5 mins until softened. Add the garlic and spices and cook for a couple of minutes more, stirring to prevent them catching and burning. 2) Add the lamb, squash and apricots to the casserole, pour over the tomatoes and stock, season well and bring to the boil. Put the lid on and transfer to the oven. After one hour, stir the tagine and return to the oven, uncovered, for a further 30 minutes. 3) Check the seasoning. Sprinkle over the zest and coriander, and serve in warm bowls with couscous and yogurt.

Your Local Garden Centre, filling and refilling your pots all year round! 086 340 5236 Orchard Lane, Hermitage, Ennis

Happy New Year

Top tips for January gardening Taking care of tender plants on frosty days So how can we help our gardens this week, especially with the frost? Frost can affect many plants and is particularly damaging to tender new growth and blossoms. So here are some things to help reduce the risk of frost damage by doing six simple steps to protect the plants in your garden. (1) Cover plants with a double layer of Horticultural fleece which is supplied in garden centres. (2) Mulch the root area of evergreens, conifer, tender shrubs and tender perennials with a thick layer of organic matter to prevent the ground from becoming frozen. (3) Move containers with tender plants to a sheltered part of the garden and provide some extra protection by wrapping the pot in bubble wrap. (4) Leave the previous seasons’ growth on more tender plants until Spring for example penstemon as this provides valuable frost protection. (5) Protect fruits and strawberries from frost by packing them with bracken or straw to help keep them protected.

(6) Ensure tender plants over winter safely in the greenhouse by providing adequate insulation and heating. So remember to wrap up well yourself and keep warm while you are out on these crisp mornings .

l Horticultural fleece

Thursday, Jan 11, 2024 THE CLARE ECHO

Columnists

Using your multiple intelligences

DO YOU use any of the current statements in your day-today life? ‘I need to digest that information before I make a final decision’, ‘My heart wasn’t in it’, ‘Leave it with me, I need to think it through’. You’re likely to have answered ‘yes’ to these questions because these are every-day statements that we all make. These are also indicators that you tap into the wisdom of your gut, heart and head brains or intelligence centres. What does it mean that we have multiple brains, you might ask? The practice of m-braining (multiple-braining) and the theory of mBIT (multiple brain integration techniques) was developed in the 2000s by Grant Soosalu and Marvin Oka. These two individuals had spent their careers studying human behaviour, neuroscience and were highly qualified in the field of NLP (neurolinguistic programming). Grant sadly passed away four years ago. In 2012 they published a book called ‘mBraining, using your multiple brains to do cool stuff’ and since then more than 6,000 people worldwide have become accredited as mBIT Coaches, including myself. The book has received many positive reviews and is considered a groundbreaking work that provides insights into human behaviour utilising the latest research into the gut brain, heart brain, and head brain. According to the mBraining theory, modern-day neuroscience is

now explaining the ancient wisdom that humans have multiple brains, including the head, heart, and gut brains. This idea is supported by the latest scientific research, which shows that each of these brains has complex, adaptive, and fully functional neural networks. The brain is a complex organ that consists of neurons, glial cells, and other supporting cells. The head brain is associated with cognitive functions and is composed of approximately 100 billion neurons. The heart brain has about 40,000 neurons that operate independently from the head brain. The gut brain, also known as the enteric brain, has approximately 500 million neurons. The gut brain is located in the walls of the digestive system and is responsible for regulating hormones, metabolism, blood pressure, and processing information. It is also linked to intuition and self-preservation. The heart brain is connected to what an individual values in life and how they feel. It is associated with emotional processing, values, and connection with others. All three brains communicate with each other through the vagus nerve, which is one of the longest nerves in the body. The communication system between the gut and brain is called the gut-brain axis, and it involves millions of nerves and neurons that run between the gut and brain. The gut and brain are connected both physically and biochemically, and they may influence each other’s health. The mBraining approach integrates these multiple brains to achieve specific outcomes, such as increasing intui-

tive abilities, generating wiser decision-making, and enhancing emotional intelligence, resilience, stress reduction, and creativity. The mBraining technique utilizes a combination of techniques such as meditation, visualization, and breathing exercises to bring these three brains into alignment, allowing individuals to tap into their full potential and make better decisions in all areas of life. The mBraining theory suggests that ancient wisdom traditions have long recognized the existence of these multiple brains, and modern neuroscience is now providing scientific explanations for this concept. Why is this important? The case studies set out by Grant and Marvin show us how a blockage, misuse or complete lack of use of each or any of these intelligence centres, can cause great discontent, confusion, frustration and deep unhappiness within individuals. The mBIT practices therefore, help individuals to tap into each of their inner wisdom centres through a custom-built coaching model. This enables the client to listen to and optimise the wisdom of the head, heart and gut to make aligned decisions which are true to their own values, instincts and creative selves. The highest expression of these three intelligence centres are creativity, compassion and courage. Corporate decision-making processes tend to over-rely on the logic of the head brain without perhaps consulting the heart centre to see how the decision-making process is in ties into what people value and desire. Checking in with the gut brain allows us to see, on the other hand bravery or courage may be needed to make certain decisions; particularly those which go against the status-quo but which may truly helpful and transformative in the long run. I am currently taking on clients for 1:1 coaching. Contact me at denise@obrienlearningsolutions for further information.

Detox, or a healthy lifestyle all year round?

THE trend is clear. Everywhere you look for wellness advice now, you come across the buzzword DETOX. Detoxification is the physiological or medicinal removal of toxic substances from a living organism, including the human body, which is mainly carried out by the liver. But the question is, why do we need a detox? There is a very common syndrome going around and Dr. Mark Hyman named it so well, FLC Syndrome. This is when we Feel Like Crap. Little and annoying things like headaches, fatigue, brain fog, achy joints, gas, allergies, or bigger and more serious health issues like autoimmune diseases, migraines, irritable bowel syndrome, asthma, arthritis and high blood pressure, to name only a few of them are at alarming rates now. Unfortunately, only a very few medical care professionals

are looking for the cause of these symptoms in the diet or lifestyle. Based on the fact detoxification is a physiological process of our body carried out mainly by the liver with the help of kidneys and lymphatic system we wouldn’t need to take any actions to clean our body. But unfortunately, the

reality of the above-mentioned symptoms is telling us that there is something else going on. There are only two causes of why this physiological process doesn’t happen naturally. There is an issue within those organs or there is an overload of toxins in our daily intake. The good news is that we can

do something about it. The overload of toxic substances is obvious when we think of alcohol, nicotine, or drug abuse. But they are not the only ones. Unfortunately, the silent toxins hidden in our daily food does damage our health every day. Refined sugars, food additives, food preservatives and plastic are a few to be named. Our body has an amazing healing capacity and its own powerful self-regulation function but when the body is bombarded daily with toxins from all angles, it is simply too much. There is a way of repairing the damage by removal of the toxins completely and cleansing the body and this is when the DETOX plays a powerful role. There is another way of preventing the accumulation of toxins by changing our lifestyle by adopting a healthy eating style.

Although the DETOX is very efficient and plays a successful role in restarting your body’s health, its effects only last if we don’t start to overload the body again and again. Here is where adopting a healthy eating style and cleaning our eating habits plays a major role. Being aware of what foods are a source of toxins for the body and eliminating them from our daily diet, increasing the number of foods that are healthy and beneficial for our body is equally important as giving our body time to digest. We are a generation that is overfed and undernourished. To deepen your knowledge about the best way to keep your body clean and support its natural capacity to detox itself, please book yourself in for my workshop in Ennis, on the 17th and 25th January. For more info call 0830306360 or in SweetnGreen Café in Ennis.

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Jan 11, 2024

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Columnists

Complementary & Non-Hormonal medicine used to treat symptoms

Menopause expert and awareness advocate Nicola Ryan MPSI, looks at alternative medicines for the treatment of menopausal symptoms COMPLEMENTARY & Non-Hormonal treatments used to treat menopausal symptoms. In this article I will discuss some non-hormonal based treatments that are used within community pharmacy. We discussed lots around hormone therapy and these therapies are usually the first line for menopausal symptoms, but as we’ve touched upon in previous weeks, there are cases where either the patient does not want or cannot have hormone treatment. So, there are alternatives available such as some prescription medication that can be prescribed by your doctor and/or complementary supplements that can be bought in a pharmacy or a health food shop. Firstly, I will discuss some complementary options available, but women should be advised that complementary therapies and supplements may lack evidence for efficacy and are not always founded on appropriate data. They should also be cautious of possible interactions with conventional medicines when using supplements and herbal remedies. I get asked daily what supplements should peri-menopausal or menopausal women be taking and it is a very simple answer for me. I recommend that all women, if possible, should be taking: 1)Magnesium glycinate, (to aid with sleep & restless legs) 2)Vitamin D3 & K2, (aids absorption of calcium for healthy bones) 3)Calcium, (either in diet or as a supplement for healthy bones) There are lots of supplements on the market which have all of these in one tablet/capsule so you just need to know what you’re looking for and always ask someone in the shop for guidance if you’re unsure.

Some other supplements that are used include phytoestrogens which are plant substances that have effects similar to those of conventional oestrogens. These have shown symptom relief with hot flushes and night sweats. The most important groups are called isoflavones and ligands but extreme caution is required if the patient has had breast cancer, especially ER+ breast cancer as they will have to discuss this with their oncology team before commencing any supplements. Another supplement that has been used to treat symptoms is black cohosh, which has been utilised to help relieve vasomotor symptoms like night sweats or hot flushes, however, studies have concluded that there is insufficient evidence and more research needs to be carried out on this supplement. What about the cognitive menopause? CBT, cognitive behavioural therapy, is a talking therapy that helps to change thoughts and behaviours by breaking down overwhelming problems into smaller, more manageable parts. This therapy has been shown to be effective with hot flushes and can also help with low mood and anxiety. Other psychological therapies include mindfulness, counselling and of course, regular exercise. Now let’s look at some non-hormonal based treatments that can be used to treat vasomotor symptoms, anxiety and low mood and vaginal discomfort. Night sweats and hot flushes are the most common menopausal symptoms and may be troublesome for years, and they can also be a side effect of some breast cancer treatment, which made it important to look for other therapies that could alleviate these symptoms: Clonidine has been one

of the most commonly prescribed non-hormonal preparations for the treatment of vasomotor symptoms. This drug has shown that it may help to some degree with breast cancer treatments that induce hot flushes. This drug should not be used as first line treatment for vasomotor symptoms if they are not contraindicated for hormonal treatment. Antidepressants like fluoxetine, escitalopram (Lexapro), sertraline or venlafaxine (Efexor) have been found to be helpful for hot flushes in some studies, but again more research is needed to get concrete evidence. These can help heighten mood levels by allowing more serotonin or noradrenaline to be available. NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) guidance states that the use of antidepressants is NOT first line therapy

l Complementary medicine

for the treatment of menopausal symptoms in women who can have hormonal treatment. This is important to note because women can often go to their healthcare professionals with low mood and or anxiety and can be prescribed antidepressants without looking at the bigger picture. Gabapentin & pregabalin are usually prescribed for conditions such as epilepsy, anxiety, nerve pain and migraine but some studies have shown that these can be used to help with hot flushes. There can be lots of side effects associated with these drugs which include drowsiness, dry mouth, and weight gain. Hence, they’re not my favourite choice in the world and they are not very well tolerated in real life either. Vaginal dryness and soreness is a common menopause symptom which can be treated with local oestro-

gen that is absorbed through the vaginal canal, alleviating dryness or soreness that may have a serious impact on a person’s daily life. Vaginal oestrogen is very safe and can be used in most cases including breast cancer sufferers, but again this is a conversation for the patient and the healthcare professional and the oncology team to have. There are also lots of vaginal lubricants that can be of great help to women that are suffering. When used frequently they can have a profound positive effect on the uncomfortable symptom. There are many lubricating products available, but more recently I find the best ones to use are the water-based products, as they can cause less irritation to the sensitive area. This was a quick synopsis of some of the non-hormonal therapies used, from pre-

lHEALTH: Nicola Ryan scription only medicine to complementary remedies. I feel that it’s important to empathise with the ladies, who for whatever reason cannot take hormonal therapy, as the non-hormonal therapies can be hard to tolerate and there just isn’t enough evidence or studies to validate the benefits.

Thursday, Jan 11, 2024 THE CLARE ECHO

Business & Recruitment

Shannon Heritage staff give back to UHL

Staff of Shannon Heritage have presented a cheque for €1,000 and children’s toys to The Children’s Ark Paediatric unit at University Hospital Limerick (UHL). Workers at Bunratty Castle and Folk Park and Craggaunowen held a series of fundraising initiatives during December to support the Mid-West facility. Toys were donated by staff and visitors to the County Clare visitor attractions throughout the month. Shannon Heritage has made numerous charity donations in recent years to the purpose-built paediatric unit, which provides care for children in the Sunshine and Rainbow wards, a highdependency unit, a cystic fibrosis unit and a Caterpillar day ward. Pictured are Kristina Buckley (Play Specialist, Children’s Ark Unit), Aileen Moloney (Shannon Heritage), Jennifer Khan (Assistant Director of Nursing for Paediatric ED), Joe O’Connor (Play Worker, Children’s Ark Unit), Caroline O’Sullivan (Shannon Heritage) and Teresa Joyce (Clinical Nurse Manager 3)

WEST CLARE RAILWAY GREENWAY SECTION 3: ENNISTYMON TO MILTOWN MALBAY AND SECTION 4: MILTOWN MALBAY TO MOYASTA Clare County Council is commencing Public Consultation for the West Clare Railway Greenway for Section 3 (Ennistymon, Lahinch, Miltown Malbay) and Section 4 (Miltown Malbay, Quilty, Mullagh, Doonbeg, Moyasta). The purpose of this public consultation is to invite submissions from the public and interested stakeholders regarding the study area for the proposed development. This information will be used by the design team to identify the constraints within the study area and thereafter develop route corridor options with a view to minimising, where possible, the impacts of the project on the surrounding environment and communities.

PUBLIC CONSULTATION No. 1 will take place: from Friday the 12th of January 2024 to Friday the 2nd of February 2024 Information can be viewed at: https://www.clarecoco.ie/services/ capital-projects/greenways/ The consultation information will contain the following information: • Information Brochure • Comment Form and • Study Area Drawings. These documents will also be on display at the following locations from Friday 12th January for 3 weeks: • Doonbeg Community Hall, Main Street, Doonbeg, Co. Clare. • Miltown Malbay Public Library, Ballard Road, Miltown Malbay, Co. Clare. Clare County Council welcomes your submissions, which can be made by return to the above locations or via post to West Clare Railway Greenway S3/4 PC1, PMO, Clare County Council, Buttermarket Building, Drumbiggle Road, Ennis, Co. Clare, V95 DXP2. or via email: WCRGSections3&4@rod.ie A telephone facility will also be made available through ROD Consulting Engineers for members of the public who don’t have access to the above submission methods. For more information on the consultation please visit the website, or display locations, as listed above.

Davy Fitz plans to turn rural pub into apartments

SIXMILEBRIDGE'S Davy Fitzgerald is planning to transform the site of his former pub, the Bellsfort Inn into a residential complex. According to a report by Mark Tighe in The Irish Independent, the former Clare senior hurling manager wrote to Clare County Council in November seeking an exemption from the need to get planning permission to turn the pub into a development consisting of five two-bedroom apartments, an exemption which the Council granted. It came after Fitzgerald - who now serves as Waterford Senior Hurling boss - finally paid off a long-standing €53,000 commercial debt last July, which he owed to Clare County Council over the derelict pub since 2013. Regulation was introduced in 2022 by Darragh O’Brien, the Minister for Housing, that expanded an exemption from the need for planning permission to derelict pubs that can be reused as housing where there are less than nine separate residential units. The Irish Independent article states that a letter from Fitzgerald’s engineer Mark Tubridy

sent to the council on November 14, said the GAA star’s pub had been vacant since 2020. He said the planned work would primarily affect the interior of the building and the five planned residential units

would range in size from 78.7 sq m to 100.5 sq m. In 2008, Fitzgerald failed in an attempted bid to demolish the Bellsfort Inn and replace it with a 23-bedroom hotel.

l Davy Fitzgerald Photo by Gerard O’Neill

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Jan 11, 2024

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Business & Recruitment

Shannon was ‘industrial powerhouse’ of 2023 according to Chamber report

SHANNON Chamber’s target of ensuring a legacy of pioneering, inspirational and entrepreneurial achievements was “clearly evident” in 2023, according to their end of year report, writes Elaine Tubridy. The launch of its Strategic Plan 2023 – 2026 in January saw the Chamber pledge to be the voice and lobbyist for business in Shannon; to grow and deliver value to its diverse membership; to champion the delivery of the Shannon Town Centre Masterplan; to promote the unique proposition of ‘Brand Shannon’ to grow the region’s economy and connectivity; to position the Chamber as a thought leader on issues that impact Shannon and the region; and to collaborate on promoting sustainability and renewable energy. Reviewing the Chamber’s achievements against these objectives, Chamber CEO Helen Downes said: “Our level of engagement with key stakeholders, via lobbying and submissions to Government, on issues impacting Shannon and the region increased in 2023. Significant progress was made on moving the Shannon Town Centre Masterplan to delivery stage with public consultation on the OneShannonHub now underway by Clare County Council. We welcomed an increasing number of overseas delegations to Shannon and, we launched the new Mid-West Sustainability Network, which delivered the inaugural sustainability week for the region. “We completed the year with a call to Government to expediently capitalise on the great new opportunity the floating offshore wind sector offers Ireland and will be proactively collaborating with our Mid-West Chambers to move this forward in 2024,” said Ms Downes. Focusing in on business sustainability, Ms Downes pointed to the evidential increased focus on upskilling and reskilling displayed by member companies in 2023, which is expected to continue in the year ahead. “Shannon was the industrial powerhouse for the raising of living standards in the Mid-West region since its embryonic years and this has continued to today, with a diverse industry base providing employment to over 10,000 people. We want to play our part in facilitating further growth in existing enterprise but also in new and developing sectors. That’s why, via our Skillnet business network, we partner closely with our member companies to create upskilling programmes that are responsive to their business

SATURDAY 20TH JANUARY 2024 Would you like to work at one of Ireland’s most iconic visitors attractions: Bunratty Castle & Folk Park, Craggaunowen or Knappogue Castle. lPROGRESS: Shannon Chamber CEO Helen Downes needs and designed to develop future-ready talent. “Shannon’s skilled and agile workforce has been a pivotal component of its economic development, both in supporting the growth of its indigenous industry base and in attracting multinational investment. The criticality of ensuring that the region’s workforce remains skilled and competitive cannot be overstated. Having the right talent enables companies to sustain through all industry cycles; it gives them competitive advantage and enables them to future proof their enterprises. “That’s why we have applied to Skillnet Ireland for additional funding for the next three years to enable us to also plan ahead, scan the horizon for new trends and opportunities and ensure that our training offering delivers optional benefits to members. Engagement from companies has grown since we established the Skillnet network in 2015 and we will continue to apply for more funding opportunities as they arise,” added Ms Downes. Looking ahead to 2024, Ms Downes said the focus on sustainability will continue with plans currently underway to deliver a second sustainability week in autumn. “Our business networks are an intrinsic part of our offering to members. With four networks now operational – the CEO Forum, the HR Forum, the Mid-West Lean Network, and the Mid-West Sustainability Network – and delivering tangible benefits to members, due in the main to their activities being member led, the focus on collab-

oration will continue. “This collaboration will extend into our interactions with key stakeholders on issues of concern to members, most notably the housing crisis and its impact on employee recruitment and retention. We look forward to healthy dialogue on this issue with Darragh O’Brien TD., Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when he presents to our members on 16 February at Dromoland Castle Hotel. “Our role as a Chamber is to focus on activities that deliver results for our members and our region. This focus will continue, through working on our own initiative and in collaboration with partners. “Through affiliation to Chambers Ireland and our representation on the board, we will ensure that issues impacting business and the drive for balanced regional development are kept to the fore at national level. “We will maintain our proactive participation in the Atlantic Economic Corridor (AEC) Business Forum and, through collaboration with the Western Development Commission, ensure that the attributes of the western seaboard are utilised to drive significant regional development, complementing and balancing Ireland’s thriving east coast. “We believe in the value of collective effort and thank our members, our sponsors, and our diverse stakeholders for working with us for the betterment of Shannon and the wider region and enabling us to deliver the results achieved in 2023,” added Ms Downes.

RECRUITMENT OPEN DAY FOR 2024 SEASON At Bunratty Folk Park, Co. Clare We are seeking, Customer Service Agents, Retail Assistants, Café Assistants, Animators, Musicians, General Operatives, Castle Guides J

Training Provided

Competitive Remuneration Rates

Uniform Provided

Meet with staff and management who work at Bunratty, Craggaunowen and Knappogue Castle. You are welcome to bring an up-to-date CV. If you or someone you know would be interested in working as part of our team, please come to the OPEN RECRUITMENT day on Saturday, January 20th 2024. If you require any further information, please email hr@shannonheritage.com

www.shannonheritage.com

Thursday, Jan 4, 2024 THE CLARE ECHO

Columnists

Thought for the week: Value your life Spreading the word of positivity RONAN SCULLY

OR the last couple of months of working in Africa on and off I have been finding nourishment for my life and soul in my local church. I have also thought while there that our world at the moment seems to be constantly evolving and taking new forms and it has been somewhat overwhelming especially with wars, droughts, famines, homelessness and climate change trying to make sense of this thing called life. One morning on the way there recently as I listened to my radio in the car, the news spoke about the 36 million people or so that have been affected by food shortages and drought in East Africa particularly in Ethiopia, South Sudan, Kenya and Somalia where many of the Irish aid agencies like the one I work for Self Help Africa and Irish missionaries supported by the Irish Governments Irish Aid and are trying so hard to save children’s and people’s lives and then another broadcast shortly after revealed about the atrocities in Israel, Gaza and Palestine and then went onto the devastating war in Ukraine where lots of more

people lost their lives by more evil acts and then it was announced about the shocking numbers of homeless people and children living in our own country of Ireland that had reached an all time high. It made me feel unbelievably sad and heartbroken about how little some people value human life. CORE VALUES One of the things that rarely changes in this world though and what can provide a guiding light for us throughout our life is our core values. Values are what define the very core of our being. They define who we are in a lot of ways. Values are at the heart of our life. We are all part of the human race and thus quite similar in many ways. However, there are subtle differences between us and these are what make us unique. Even when two or more people look completely alike, there will still be differences resulting from their values. Values are very important in your life. They help shape your life and even determine how much success you will have. Everything you think, everything you feel and every action you take is because of your beliefs and values. Values reflect our sense of right and wrong. They help us grow and develop. They help us create the future we want. The

decisions we make every day are a reflection of our values. We learn most of our values from our parents and extended families, friends, colleagues and our communities. Some of life’s decisions are really about determining what you value most. When many options seem reasonable, it’s helpful and comforting to rely on your values – and use them as a strong guiding force to point you in the right direction. Our family values stem from our social and cultural values. Sometimes new life experiences may change values we previously held. In today’s world, it may seem our society doesn’t practice many values. We have a rise in discrimination, abuse of power, greed, inequality and many more. What are we leaving behind for our future generations? Maybe it’s time society takes a hard look at its values especially now as we face more conflicts and effects from climate change. Values can be contagious; if you practice them, many others will also, including our children. Hopefully more practice from all of us will leave the world a better place for future generations. THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK As your thought for the week, reflect and pray on your values and maybe the

following loving poem by Jenny Crespo might help called, ‘Value Time.’ “Time, such a precious word. It gives us the gift of moments. Moments so beautiful that change our lives forever. But those moments turn into memories that can never be recaptured. We are left with footprints in our minds and in our hearts. Longing to recapture time, hoping it will last forever. To be left with the reality of the passing of time; So precious and so fleeting. We can’t bring it back or relive. Only be grateful that it happened. So cherish and value every moment, never taking anything for granted, Because some day, that will be the moment you’ll want to relive. Love and value with all your heart. Let your loved ones know how much you care. Smile even when you want to cry. Live life to the fullest, Because you never know when your time will pass with the wind.” Also if you have time this week please reflect and pray on this loving poem by Kendra Clarke called, ‘Never Give Up.’ “When your heart has been broken and your world has fallen apart, Do not lose hope, or ever give up. When life then knocks you down, and All you can muster, is a frown, Just remember, to never give up, It may feel

lDon’t give up like it won’t end But your heart will surely mend If you are patient, and do not give up. You may never comprehend, But on God you can depend, Just surrender, you just can’t give up. The light will indeed shine, It will all be in God’s time. So you see, don’t you dare give up. For the future will truly bring, A time when pain will lose its sting, But to get there, you must not give up. God says He’s always near, Don’t be scared, have

no fear, He wants to be there, so never give up. He will help you to get through, And on this you know it’s true, He’s just asking, that you never give up. He’s your shining light, Be led by faith and not by sight. Aren’t you glad that you did not give up, Through it all, never lose sight. He’s your strength and He’s your light, when you make it, thank God, you never gave up. Amen”.

Beidh clár nua le Ardal O’Hanlon ar TG4 san oíche Dé Domhnaigh faoi oileáin na héireann Imeachtaí/Events:

• Cúl-chaint le Domhnall Ó Loingsigh chuile Dé Sathairn, ag 9am ar Clare FM • Ciorcal Comhrá san XPO, i gCill Iníne Baoith, chuile Dé Céadaoin ag 7.30pm • INIS – CAINT AGUS COMHRÁ, chuile Dé Luain ag 11am sa gCopper Jug, Dé Céadaoin ag 11am in O’Brien’s, oíche Déardaoin sa Temple Gate (8pm), agus Dé Sathairn i nGlór, 11am-12pm Déan teagmháil leo ag: caintaguscomhra@outlook.com

Macalla an Chláir

LE MACDARA Ó CONAOLA

ÍGÍ ag breathnú ar TG4 ag 23:05 san oíche Dé Domhnaigh, nuair a bheas an t-aisteoir agus fear grinn, Ardal O’Hanlon, ag dul ar thuras ó oileán go hoileán ar chósta fhiáin an Atlantaigh. Agus Dé Céadaoin seo chugainn ag 21:30, sa darna eagrán, beidh Ardal in Inis Oírr, i nGaeltacht Oileáin Árann, agus cuide de cheantar na Boirne. ISLAND-HOPPING WITH ARDAL O’HANLON ON TG4, IN GAEILGE! ‘’Inis na nIontas’’, a journey around Ireland’s islands, is the Carrickmacross native’s first Irish-language show. In this series, Ardal ful-

lBeidh Ardal O’Hanlon le feiceáil sa gclár nua ‘’Inis na nIontas’’ ar TG4 san oíche Dé Domhnaigh ag 23:05

fils a longstanding ambition to practise and improve his Irish and promote its use to a wider

public. Catch the first episode on TG4 this Sunday night, January 14th, at 11.05pm.

In the second episode which will air on Wednesday, the 17th of January at 9.30pm, Ardal continues down the west coast to the part of The Burren that reappears out of Galway Bay as the Craggy Islands of Aran (specifically Inis Oírr), where he learns from a practising monk of their ancient Christian heritage while, all around, a remarkable range of flora blooms, encouraged by traditional farming methods.

Heading south, Ardal visits the abandoned Great Blasket Island, former home to Irish author Peig Sayers. O’Hanlon said “as an Irishman, I’d obviously heard of a lot of these places, but I was quite taken aback by visiting and seeing for myself. I was genuinely moved. We have some of the most breathtaking scenery and wonderful nature. There’s truly nowhere like an island, and I now know there’s

no island like an Irish island! We need to cherish these places. And I’m especially proud of doing the whole thing in Irish!” IRISH-LANGUAGE CLASSES BEGINNING IN ENNIS VERY SOON Absolute beginners and improvers levels available Contact SPRAOI LE GAEILGE at spraoilegaeilge@gmail.com or call 085-1295594

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Jan 11, 2024

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News

Inagh Kilnamona Minor Awards night LAST Saturday night Inagh/Kilnamona Camogie & Hurling Clubs celebrated the 2023 successes & presented the medals to both their Minor Hurling and Camogie teams with a great crowd and a night of great fun and laughter. PRO of Inagh Kilnamona club David Foudysaid: “We can look forward to 2024 with great enthusiasm and especially with our new pitch opening in Kilnamona. This will be a massive boost, as the numbers in both the Hurling & Camogie Clubs are growing every year and to have both fields back up and available will be great boost for all concerned. To date, the

lGAA STARS: Enjoying the Inagh Kilnamona Minor Awards Night at the Falls Hotel were (clockwise from top left): Fergal Queally, Hugh Walsh, Padraig O’Looney and Sean Hehir; Michael, Fionn and Yvonne Daffy from Kilnamona; Conor Rynne, Gearoid Barry and Luke McGuane; Colm, Tadhg and Triona Hassett; Ellie Coote, Eva O’Halloran, Mary McInerney and Rhea Foudy

Club has spent just short of €1m in developments and we are now turning our focus to completing the development of the field in Kilnamona. We need to enhance, protect and maintain our new pitch with the following plans in place: New LED lit walkway will provide a safe environment. It will benefit the entire community, those suffering from mental health, disability groups and our autistic children from our National School. We have adopted the GAA Mental Health Charter. We have a license agreement in place with Clare Sports Partnership, where they hold summer camps for different disabled groups.

“Fencing is required to protect the integrity and safety of our sports grounds. By adequately securing our pitch it will allow us to hold important games at all levels. “Goal Post and Ball Stop Nets are required to finish our new pitch. “If you can support us please use the link below and we appreciate any support you can give us” Visit https://gofund. me/84eccec9 or scan the QR code to donate.

Thursday, Jan 11, 2024 THE CLARE ECHO

Sport

Favourites Thurles CBS end St Flannan's hopes in Harty Cup by Seamus Hayes news@clareecho.ie

MUNSTER SENIOR HURLING FINAL

Thurles CBS 2-21 St Flannan's College 1-17 Venue: Meelick

St. Flannans College bowed out of this season’s Harty cup, Munster colleges senior A hurling championship when going under to a stronger and sharper Thurles CBS before a big attendance at Meelick on Wednesday afternoon. Favourites for the title, Thurles CBS were neveer behind and led by five points at the interval when he score was 0-13 to 1-5. The Ennis school’s forwards struggled throughout to make an impression and they relied heavily on Tadhg Boddy for their scores. The Bruff clubman contributed 0-14 of his side’s scores, 0-13 coming from placed balls. The winners raced into an early two point led before like scores from Boddy and Harry Doherty levelled the tie. Thurles responded with four unanswered points before St. Flannans struck for what was, arguably, the score of the game. Full forward Luca Cleary won possession in midfield and soloed past a number of defenders before firing an unstoppable shot to the corner of the net. Three points in as many minutes for the Tipperary school cancelled out that score and the winners drove on to a five point lead at the mid point. St. Flannans struck for three early points in the second half but when they lost possession at

midfield, Thurles pounced for a goal, a score that rocked the Ennis College. To their credit St. Flannans continued to battle but, apard from Boddy, their attack struggled and a late goal sealed a merited win for the Tipperary side. Hopes of Harty cup medals coming to Clare this season now rest with Ard Scoil Ris from Limerick who have a number of players from Clare clubs in their squad. They defeated Hospital n the quarter final, 0-17 to 0-13 and will play Thurles in the semi-final Thurles CBS; Harry Loughnane; Paul Noonan, Evan Morris, Jack Lahart; Keith Loughnane, Padraig O’Dwyer, Eugene O’Dwyers; Euan Murry (0-1), JamesDoyle; David Costigan (1-1), Darragzh Kelly (0-1), Bill Flanagan (0-1); Cormac Fitzpatrick (1-11, 0-7 frees, Jack Hayes (0=1), Robbie Ryan (0-5) Subs; Toby Corbett for E. O’ Dwyer (45); Ryan Bargary for Flanagan (47); Kieran Purcell for Lahart (57); Daarragh Carr for Costigan (57) St. Flannans; Cian Howard (Eire Og); Ian Willians (St. Josephs), Fiachra O’Broin (sixmilebridge), Paddy Nagle (St. Josephs); Francis Meaney (St. Josephs), James Hgrty (Inagh-Kilnamona), Evan Price (Clarecastle); Joseph Casey (Kilmaley) Jack Mescall (Inagh-Kilnamona); Tadhg Boddy (Bruff) 0-14, 12 frees, 1 ‘65, Fred Hegarty (Inagh-Kilnamona) 0-1, Ronan Kilroy (Banner) 0-1; Kiesran Mcdonald (Ballyea\), Luca Cleary (Eire Og) 1-0, Harry Doherty (Clarecastle (0-1); Subs; Marco Cleary (Eire Og) for McDonald (half time); Robert Loftus (Eire Og) for F. Hegarty (55) Referee; John O’Halloran, Limerick

MUNSTER HURLING LEAGUE: CLARE GET YEAR UNDERWAY AGAINST LIMERICK SCAN FOR MATCH REPORT

l Clare played their opening game of the season last night against local rivals Limerick

Photo by Gerard O'Neill

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Jan 11, 2024

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Sport

Extra time heartache for Colaiste Mhuire by Seamus Hayes news@clareecho.ie

Presentation Thurles 1-10 Colaiste Mhuire 1-8 (After extra time)

There was heartbreak for Colaiste Mhuire in the Munster colleges senior A camogie championship on Monday when they lost out after extra time to Presentation, Thurles at Ahane. In only their second season at senior level, the Ennis side looked to be on their way to this Saturday’s final when they opened a five point lead early in the second half. The Barry Donnellan (O’C. Mills) and Aidan McGuane (Kilmaley) trained squad led 0-4 to 0-2 at the break in a tie played in bitterly cold conditions. Lauren Cusack struck for their goal erly in the second half to send them five point clear but from here on Thurles had the better of the scoring opportunities and when the final whistle sounded the sides were level at 1-6 to 0-9. Colaiste will rue some missed opportunities which proved costly on the day.

Both sides managed two scores each in the extra time but one of Thurles’ scores in this period was their goal and this proved decisive in seeing them through to the final on this Saturday when they will meet their Thurles neighbours, Ursuline college, Thurles On their way to the semi-final Colaiste had defeated Doon, Nenagh and St Angela’s from Waterford The Ennis side will be on the road again this Thursday when the school’s intermediate team will play Pallaskenry at the latter’s venue in the Munster intermediate semi-final Colaiste Mhuire; Grace McMahon (Newmarket); Maebh Begley (Newmarket), Shauna Queally (Inagh-Kilnamona), Zoe Ellingstad (Clarecastle); Aoife Murphy (Clarecastle), Eabha O’Driscoll (St. Josephs), Caoimhe Ryan (Banner); Cliona Queally (Inagh-Kilnamona) capt; Lyndsay Clarke (St. Josephs); Kate Hayes (Kilmaley), Evie Scanlan (Clarecastle), Clodagh Quinn (Clooney-Quinn); Lauren Cusack (Clarecastle), Elisha Rynne (Inagh-Kilnamona) Aimee Colleran (Crusheen); Subs; Emer Clune (St. Josephs) for C. Quinn; Emily Carmody (Kilmaley) for Lauren Cusack;

Munster GAA club development grants Aaron Griffin impressed for Clare as they bounced back from their defeat earlier in the week to Cork Photo by Gerard O'Neill

THE Munster GAA council in conjunction with Central Council has approved a €1.6m club development grant fund, which will cover capital grant works in clubs in Munster for 2022 and 2023. Clare GAA clubs had the second highest recognition after Cork. The breakdown is as follows Cork €447,553; Clare €318,738; Limerick €286,471; Kerry €219,447; Tipperary €208,387 and Waterford. €119,405 The following Clare clubs received grants Clarecasstle, Broadford, Cratloe, Clonlara, Clooney Quin, Tubber, Sixmilebridge, Killmurry Ib. Scariff, Crusheen, Inagh-Kilnamona, The Banner, Doora- Barefield, Cooraclare, Kildysart, Clondegad, Tulla, Killimer, Wolfe Tonnes, Newmarket On Fergus and O'Callaghan Mills Three schools received grants, Barefield NS, St Mochulla NS Tulla and Ennis NS while Tuamgraney handball club also benefitted.

Griffin stars as new Clare football boss Fitzgerald secures first victory MCGRATH CUP GROUP B RD 2 Clare 3-18 Waterford 1-07 Venue: Lemybrian, Waterford By Darragh O'Flynn

NEW Clare boss Mark Fitzgerald secured his first competitive win as Banner manager with a comfortable 17-point victory in a crisp, bright Lemybrian. It was an encouraging display from Clare as they bounced back from defeat to Cork in Clarecastle earlier in the week. New incoming Waterford boss Paul Shankley didn’t get off to the perfect start when the away side dominated the start when Dermort Coughlan raised a green flag after 5 minutes thanks to a breakdown in passing in the Déise defence. The home side couldn’t handle full-forward Aaron Griffin in the

opening 15 minutes, as he scored four points in a row to stretch Fitzgerald’s side lead from 1-5 to 0-2. Waterford responded with a point from Stephen ‘Gooch’ Curry and got a chance to reduce the deficit back to two points when captain Liam Fennell was dragged down in the penalty area, leaving referee Brian Fleming no option but to award a penalty. Up stepped his Rathgormack clubmate Jason Curry, but his spot kick was brilliantly denied by Stephen Ryan, who used his gigantic frame to parry away the shot heading into the bottom left corner. That close call woke The Banner as they responded with scores from Coughlan, Griffin, Diarmuid O’Donnell and a double from centre-back Alan Sweeney to head into the break leading 1-10 to 0-4.

Clare showed the gulf in class between the two sides in the final 10 minutes of the game when they raised two further green flags. The first goal came from what looked like a lost cause, but the hard-working Shane Griffin got a toe on the loose ball to the free-roaming O’Brien, who left Paudie Hunt with no chance in the goals. The third goal, when Fitzgerald’s side swiftly moved in the counterattack, carving the centre of the Waterford defence like a knife through butter, allowed sub-Cian Burke to lay off the ball to the free Coughlan to secure his second goal of the game. Waterford did manage a consolation goal from Stephen Curry, but they will despair over 13 wides.

Clare Scorer: A. Griffin 0-7 (0-1 frees), D. Coughlan 2-1 (0-1 frees), D. O’Brien 1-1, J. Curran 0-3, A. Sweeney 0-2, D. O’Donnell, S. Griffin, T. McDonald and D. Fahy 0-1 each. Waterford Scorers: S. Curry 1-2, J. Curry 0-2 (0-2 frees), C. Maguire, M, Curry, N. McSweeney 0-1 each Clare: S. Ryan; M. Doherty, J. Guyler, R. Lanigan; M. Garry, A. Sweeney, G. Murray; D. Walsh, B. McNamara; D. O’Brien, T. McDonald, D. Coughlan; S. Griffin, A. Griffin, D. O’Donnell Subs E. Casey for D. Walsh (27), T. O’Callaghan for S. Ryan & J. Curran for B. McNamara (both HT), K. Malone for G. Murray (40), C. McMahon for M. Garry (45), E. O’Connor for J. Guyler & D. Fahy for D. O’Donnell (49), C. Burke for A. Sweeney (54), M.

Garry for M. Doherty (60) WATERFORD: P Hunt; R Browne, C Walsh, C McCarthy; C Ò'Cuirrìn, M Curry, L Fennell; J Curry, J Keane; C Maguire, N McSweeney, J Sheehan; B Hynes, D Fitzgerald, S Curry. Subs: J. Power for J. Sheehan, A. Dunwoody for D. Fitzgerald & J. Walsh for C. Maguire (HT), C. MacCraith for C. Ó Cuirrín & R. McGrath for L. Fennell (44) S. Cullinane for J. Keane (52), M. Kiely for N. McSweeney (57 ), M. O’Brien for R. Browne (60)

Thursday, Jan 11, 2024 THE CLARE ECHO

Sport

Clare GAA clubs to propose sharing JP McManus cash windfall with handball

by Seamus Hayes news@clareecho.ie

GAA, camogie and ladies football clubs in Clare will receive €9,803.92 each from the €1m donated to Clare GAA by JP McManus. Details of the pay out to the 102 clubs were given at the January meeting of Clare GAA on Tuesday night at Hotel Woodstock. Clare handball chairman Tommy Hegarty expressed disappointment on behalf of the eight handball clubs in the county that the breakdown did not include a sum for the handball clubs. Based on the correspondence Clare GAA had received when news of the donation was revealed, there is no leeway to include handball, Clare’s head of operations Deirdre Murphy told the meeting before adding “there is no room for error in this” She pointed out that Clare GAA had corresponded with many other counties and all had the same understanding. Responding to Hegarty’s statement that handball is part of the GAA, board chairman Kieran Keating said “it is not affiliated to Clare GAA”. “The handball clubs are not happy and I want to bring back some answers to them”, Hegarty told the meeting. “The handball people have a valid claim and I wouldn’t have an issue with proposing to our club executive that they make a contri-

bution to handball,”, Cooraclare’s PJ McGuane told the meeting. Supporting that view Clare GAA’s central council delegate, Robert Frost from O’Callaghans Mills said “we have two handball clubs in our parish and they have a lot of work done”. Newmarket’s Pat Keogh who also pointed out that they have a handball club in their parish said he will be proposing at their next executive meeting that a contribution be made to handball, “That’s the only way it can be done”, he said, Ruan’s Michael O’Regan was of a similar view saying it’s up to the clubs how to administer this windfall. Thanking the clubs for their comments, Tommy Hegarty went on to reflect on Clare’s hosting of the recent national championships. Pointing out that Clare had three winners and nine runners up he highlighted “Diarmuid Nash’s victory in the senior open final on his home court in Tuamgraney”. He went on to thank the clubs, the volunteers, the referees and all who helped make the event the success it was and he pointed out that “Clare had been commended by Ard Comhairle for their hosting of the event”. WIN A HOUSE IN ENNIS A total of 9,900 tickets have been sold to date in the Win a house in Ennis fundraiser, delegates to this week’s board meeting were told by board chairman

l Pat Keogh said he will propose that a contribution be made to handball

Kieran Keating who went on to express the view that there is still time to reach their target of 15,000 before the draw takes place on January 29. Treasurer Brian Fitzpatrick said “we need to upgrade the different facilities and we need a big outcome to this. He went on to tell the meeting that “we are up to one third of our target in the Dalcassian Patrons programme. “We need to push the bar up on the income side”, he said The recently appointed facilities manager, David Hoey has, according to Head of operations Deirdre

Burren Eye Photography

Murphy “really hit the ground running. All fields have been sanded”. She went on to day that up coming work at Caherlohan will include the provision of paths, dugouts and a well while they are at tender process in relation to work at Clareabbey which will include improving the dressing rooms and providing more office space which will lead to being able to hold board meetings at the venue while work on the upgrading of dressing rooms at Ballylne will commence shortly. DEMOGRAPHIC COMMITTEE Clare GAA will shortly be appointing a new demographic com-

mittee and with this in mind Cooraclare delegate P.J. McGuane said he expected to “see more people from west of Ennis on the committee”. He offered himself and David O’Shea from Kilrush as candidates for this committee. SCOREBOARD GRANTS Clare GAA will again offer grants to clubs planning on installing scoreboards, chairman Kieran Keating told this week’s board meeting. “We provided six grants last year and hope to do the same this year”, the chairman said when asking clubs to inform the board if they plan to erect scoreboards this year. UNDERAGE FIXTURES Congratulating the underage boards on the production of their masters fixture schedule for 2024, St. Josephs delegate Anthony O’Halloran asked that they take a look at the dates for the under 13 football and under 14 hurling. The timing of these will create a lot of problems for dual clubs and we are looking at having two teams at these grades. Eire Og’s Rory Hickey supported O’Halloran saying his club would be in a similar position. Coiste na nOg football secretary Anne Hayes said “the alternative to what is proposed is to put the under 14 and under 16 back to the end of the year.

Remembering a club legend A minute's silence is observed through the heavy fog for Newmarket-On-Fergus great Paudie Cullinan, who sadly passed last week, before Newmarket Celtic's game vs Inch Crusaders in the Clare Soccer First Division. Paudie managed Newmarket and brought the league title back to the famous club, after a barron spell of over a decade, back in 2008

Photo by Brian Arthur

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Jan 11, 2024

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Sport

Play your best golf in 2024 by PÁDRAIG MCGRATH NOW 2024 is well under way, why not sit down, make a plan and set goals to get your golf game to reach new heights this year. One of best ways to make yourself accountable to heading towards your goals, is to write them down whatever they maybe. Once you realise what your main golfing goals and objectives are, then focus on daily, weekly and monthly routines that will help you towards reaching your goals. For most of my own golfing career, my chipping was always average at best, compared to other top professionals. During lockdown in January a couple of years ago I finally had time to focus on my own game, so I began to research why I was struggling with my own chipping. I firstly looked at my technique and I analysed it, comparing it to some of the best chippers in the world. I realised my take away was steeper than theirs and the length of my backswing was also considerably shorter than what I was seeing from these top players. So I began

Looking back now I am a fective than a poor technique club from slipping, which will bit frustrated with myself that that you practice a lot. lead to other issues throughI waited so long to address The technique you use is out the golf swing. There is my issue with chipping. It crucial if you want to be a a vast variety of grip types makes you wonder why we better more consistent golf- and sizes, so when you are waste years of frustration on ers and that applies for every choosing a grip go for the elements of our game when aspect of your golf game. one that feels like it is the we can turn those weakness- CHECK YOUR GRIPS : right size for your hand and es into strengths with a little Also now is the best time to a texture that will allow you to bit of effort. focus on the grips on your full hold the club with confidence The key to better golf is to set of golf clubs. Worn grips that it will not slip while you first point out your weakness- are as useful as bald tyres on are playing. es and go get your technique a car. If you don't keep your analysed and then put 70 per grips fresh and tacky then cent of your practice into im- you'll end up having to grip proving these weaknesses harder trying to prevent the with a new improved technique. When clients come to me for coaching, the first step I like to take is to explain to them Seamus Hayes (10) with 36 points the technique they cur- by news@clareecho.ie The Ozone Health and fitness rently use and how we can change and im- FOR golfers across the county, league continued with a modiprove that technique to the new year started as the old fied fourball betterball competiachieve more consis- one finished, with many courses tion over 15 holes. Victory went closed due to inclement weath- to Joe Barry and Liam Clancy tent results. with 55 points from Mike Reen At the end of the day er. Heavy rainfall led to the clo- and Mike Kelly with 54 points golf is all about consistency and doing the sures at the end of last year with third spot filled by Kieran same thing over and while this week it was severe Dromey and Seamus Kelly, also over until it becomes frost which caused the closures. with 54 points. Officials at all clubs are hopeThee Texas team of 4 scramrepeatable with little or no thoughts in your ful that conditions will improve ble was won by Paddy Meehan, head. What I've learned this week to allow for play to take Brian Kilker, Eugene Conroy and Seamus Kelly with 47 points. and found with my own place this weekend Weather permitting there will game and from clients WOODSTOCK GOLF CLUB is that a good technique The Christmas club singles be a club singles this weekend with less practice will be at Woodstock, played over 15 over 15 holes while the league more consistent and ef- holes, was won by Niall Gleeson format will be a texas scramble.

Weather disrupts golf

to practice a new technique with a longer backswing and a shallower takeaway. Rolling on to today, low and behold chipping is now one of the better parts of my game and my confidence is at an all time high, when I'm faced with a chip shot. I've discovered when you use a shallow angle of attack while

chipping, you have a far more accurate strike with the golf ball. Sometimes even if I catch the ground slightly before the ball, a chip shot can still end up close to the hole. Therefore a good technique can lead to a great result even when you don't hit a perfect shot.

Newmarket Celtic reach Munster Champions Cup final after shootout win over Killarney Killarney Celtic 1 Newmarket Celtic 1 (Newmarket Celtic won 5-3 on penalties)

Newmarket Celtic qualified for the Munster champions cup final with victory over Killarney Celtic at Killarney on Sunday. In the final they will take on Villa from Waterford on a date to be confirmed and Newmarket will have home advantage for this tie Killarney scored first, 3 minutes into second half. Newmarket levelled ten minutes from the end through Aaron Rudd. With the sides locked at 1-1 each extra time followed but this failed to break the deadlock leading to penalties. Shane Cusack, Eoin Hayes, Harvey Cullinan, Billy McNamara and David McCarthy all scored to send the Clare side through to the final Newmarket Celtic: Shane Cusack; Harvey

Cullinan, Colin Smythe, Dave O’Grady, Jack Kelly, Gearoid O’Bren, Ronan McCormack, Aaron Rudd, Nathan Boabentura, Tadhg Noonan, Eoin Hayes. Subs: Darragh Leahy for Noonan; David McCarthy for McCormack, Cian Foley fot Kelly; David Lennon for Boabentura; Billy McNamara fo Rudd SHANNON TOWN STRIKE IN INJURY TIME FOR A SHARE OF THE SPOILS Avenue United 3 Shannon Town 3 In the only premier league game played in Clare on Sunday, Avenue United were held to a draw by Shannon Town at Lees Road The Ennis side took an early lead through Steven McGann but Shannon Town responded with a brace to take the lead. Avenue hit back through Ronan Kerin to level at 2-2 and this was the position at

half time Avenue looked to have secured all points when Steven McGann converted from the penalty spot with three minutes remaining but Shannon town weren’t to be denied and with the last play of the game, six minutes into additional time, Jack Ryan struck for his second to earn his aide a share of the spoils. Avenue will play Tulla in the league this week before facing into action in the FAI and Munster junior cup competitions. On Saturday week they will travel to play Tallagh United in the FAUI cup with kick off at 2p.m. On February 4 they will be on the road again when they make the journey to West Cork to play Tougher FC in the quarter final of the Munster junior cup. Victory in this one will see them on the road again to play either St Michaels or Clonmel Town in the semi-final of that competition.

l Aaron Rudd scored the equaliser for New-

market Celtic in the second half

Thursday, Jan 11, 2024 THE CLARE ECHO

Sport

Ennis RFC U14 & U16 girls win local derbies as men lose Cup tie in Kerry by Dearbhla Parry

U14 GIRLS: ENNIS RFC 43-12 SCARIFF/BALLINA /KILLALOE RFC Ennis have qualified for the Munster League quarter final after a 43-12 win over neighbours Scariff/Ballina/ Killaloe. Scariff ran in two quick tries under the posts in the first 10 minutes of the game before Ennis came to life, passing the ball around for Emma Hanrahan to burst over the line. Ennis proved too strong in the second quarter with Hanrahan running in another try, Lauren Reidy ran in two more, and Biborka Benko and Sally Crowe also scored. The second half started with a pair of Ennis' new starters, Emma and Niamh Browne, getting over the line. It was Jessica’s first day out on the wing, and she got over for a debutant try. The game was originally supposed to be an away-fixture for Ennis, but due to Scariff ’s water-logged pitch, the game was played at Lee’s Road in Ennis. Ennis: Sadbh McMahon, Emma Browne, Rebecca Toone, Amy Martin, Emma Hanrahan, Saoirse Quinn, Sally Crowe, Rachel Hanrahan, Biborka Benko, Lauren Reidy, Eve Tiernan, Niamh Browne, Jessica, Olivia Flanagan, Grace Kelly, Lily Richardson, and Eadaoin McNamara.

U16 GIRLS: ENNIS RFC 50 – 17 KILRUSH RFC Ennis won against Kilrush on Saturday morning in the Ennis club grounds with a score of 50-17 and have advanced to the quarter finals next week where they will have home advantage. Kilrush started off well with a try in the first ten minutes, motivating the Ennis girls into improving. Kiera Hanrahan’s great turnover resulted in a speedy run by Aoife Martin who got over for the first try for the home side. The score at the end of the first half was 19-12. Having possession of the ball after kick-off, the Ennis girls advanced into their opponent’s half with a great run by Holly Murphy until she was tackled just short of the line. An uncontested scrum was awarded after a knock-on by Ennis and the Kilrush scrum half passed back to their outhalf, only to have it blocked down by the fast-tracking Ennis scrum half, Grace Hoyne. The ball was robbed by Ennis captain Kate Howard, who passed back to out-half Emma McGann and onto Eimear Meaney. Forward Lucy Kelly gained metres and eventually Sarah Keavey got hands on the ball, advancing over the line for her first of three tries, which

by too many missed tackles and letting the opposing team in for soft tackles. Ennis tries were scored by Jack Scahill, Oisín Madigan, Brendan Cleland, Colm Kearney, and Oscar O’Gorman, while two conversions were made by Calum Barrett.

l The Ennis RFC U16 Girls enjoyed a resounding win against West Clare side Kilrush RFC

Nicole Clark converted. Kilrush replied with sustained pressure, advancing to the home side 22 metre line. Abi Kelly, who had broken the line several times, got injured and was replaced by Katie Murray. Several phases were run by the Kilrush girls on the 5 metre line which Kathy Slattery, Fia Doody, Meaney, and all the Ennis players were working hard to defend. However, continuous illegal disruption by Ennis resulted in a penalty try for the opponents. The Ennis girls responded with a great carry by Keavey who opened up the opponent’s defence

and allowed Howard to push over for her first of her hat trick of tries, converted by Clark. At half time, Ennis made substitutions with Rachel Hayes and Meabh McCarthy coming on for Doody and Murphy, and Lillith Kearney coming on for Martin. Ennis started well with a great turnover by Martin. Once the ball was passed to first centre Keavey, there was no stopping her as she raced in for her second try. The Ennis girls were playing and defending very well with Siofra Enright, Laura Kate Ryan and Meabh McCarthy

covering the back line. Howard got in for two more tries with another try for Keavey. Clark converted many difficult conversions. Kilrush did fight back to score five points, but Ennis pushed on and finished with a well deserving try by forward Kelly which was converted by the consistent Clark. SENIOR MEN; MARTIN O’SULLIVAN CUP: ENNIS RFC 29-40 RUGBAÍ CHORCA DHUIBHNE RFC The senior men lost 2940 against Rugbaí Chorca Dhuibhne in Tralee. The outcome was caused

Fixtures: U14 Girls Competition League Quarter Final: Ennis v Cobh; Saturday 13th January; Kick-off at 15:00 in Cobh U16 Girls Quarter Final: Ennis v TBC; Saturday 13th January; Kick-off at 11:30 in Drumbiggle U16 Boys: Ennis v Highfield; Saturday 13th Januray; Kick-off TBC in Highfield U8 Blitz Sunday 14th January; Kickoff at 10:30 in Kilrush U10 Blitz Sunday 14th January; Kickoff at 10:00 in Ennis U13 Boys League: Ennis v Garryowen; Sunday 14th January; Kick-off TBC in Garryowen U18 Boys Competition League: Ennis v Waterpark; Sunday 14th January; Kickoff TBC in Waterpark Senior Men’s Competition League: Ennis v Douglas; Sunday 14th January; Kickoff at 14:30 in Douglas

First winners of 2024 at Galway Stadium by Michael Maher news@clareecho.ie

THE honour of winning the first race of the new year went to the Sixmilebridge kennel of Stephen Murray as the Mrs Martin Kelly owned Modig rallied off the home bend to score by two lengths from Aulton Jo in 29.94. The winner was best away along the rails but rounding the opening bend Fortune Seven took over at the head of affairs . Racing along the back the order remained unchanged but rounding the home bend the leader ran slightly wide and this allowed Midid (Burgess Bucks-Crokers Wish) to slip through along the inner and win going away at the line . The kennel double was completed in the A6 graded fifth contest as the Rachel Murray and Sean O’Riordan of Sixmilebridge owned Derra Bear led

approaching the home bend as he registered career success number five by a length and a half over Killaspic Sunset in 29.60. The winner trapped well in company with Bobtailbuttercup with the latter leading by two lengths into the back straight . Racing along the back the lead was two lengths but Derra Bear(Droopys Sydney-Astro Abby) closed approaching the penultimate corner and once in front he dug deep as usual to land the kennel brace The only place the Seamus McMahon of Cooraclare owned Lissatouk Rose was in front in the A5 graded affair was right on the line as the daughter of Magical Bale & Lone Control collared the pace setting Sports Quest to prevail by a neck in 29.91. Millroad Caesar and Fenrir were away well out wide with Sports

tracked superbly to take command along the inner. Racing down the back the Master James McMahon of Cooraclare owned daughter of Doratos Who Hoo and Lissatouk Lady really lengthened her stride and approaching the penultimate corner she led by over four lengths and tracking well around the final two bends Lissatouk Peggy was home and hosed by three & a half lengths at the line from Weekend Drinking in 29.65.

BIG ATTENDANCE

Quest showing pace along the rails to lead at the opening bend . Racing down the back Sports Quest was making the best of his way home until Lissatouk Rose swept down the outside to lead in the line .Seamus McMahon

was back in the winners enclosure after the concluding A4 graded contest where Lady Eros showed pace in the centre of the track to lead on the run towards the opening bend rounding which the red jacketed Lissatouk Peggy

One of the biggest attendances for sometime turned out at the Galway Track for what was the final meeting of 2023, Members of the WGOBA have worked hard during the past couple of years in promoting the track. The WOGBA committee consists of members from Galway, Clare, Limerick, Mayo and other surrounding

counties, Under recently elected chairman Hughie Keleghan the committee say fit to have some additional prize money on offer for the winners at last week’s meeting up a very attractive card with Sweepstake Finals also to be decided, In the final of the Talking Dogs S5 325 yards stake the Mrs Marie Browne of Cree owned Burnpark Jaytee, now unbeaten in four career starts, added this stake decider to his collection leading at the opening bend before drawing clear to defeat the wide running Domain Joe by four and a half lengths in 18.04. Show No Fear was best away out wide but less than two lengths covered the sextet as the bend loomed . Rounding the bend though the son of Jaytee Jet and Seekers Vision shot out of the back to lead by two

lengths approaching the home bend before extending his advantage on the run home . In the A3 graded eighth contest over 525 yards Smiling Minnie led early along the inner before Sir Rodger swept round the entire field to lead at the opening bend with Knoppogue Blue and Omey Mist also involved as the field entered the back straight . Racing along the back Sir Rodger continued to show the way as Knockdrum Charly closed along the inner and Omey Mist continued to on look for room. Exciting the back straight Knockdrum Charly(Ballymac Anton-Notimetotalk) took over along the rails with Omey Mist now poised to challenge but the Paddy & John Collins of Doora owned Knockdrum Charly had enough in hand to prevail by three parts of a length in 29.19.

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Jan 11, 2024

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CLARE CO. COUNCIL BALLYNACRAGGA, NEWMARKET ON FERGUS, CO. CLARE Take notice that Shane O’Brien intends to apply to the Planning Authority for outline permission for development which will consist of the construction of a dwelling house, garage, a proprietary waste water treatment system and 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, Áras Contae An Chláir New Road, Ennis Co Clare, during its public opening hours, and that a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the Authority in writing, on payment of the prescribed fee, within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the Authority of the application CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL BALLYNOTE WEST, KILRUSH, CO CLARE. FURTHER INFORMATION/ REVISED PLANS Planning Ref: P23/60278 Development Description: The construction of a new dwelling house and attached garage complete with a new entrance, sewage treatment system and ancillary works Location: Ballynote West, Kilrush, Co Clare. Take notice that Barry Keane & Stephanie Levesque have lodged

significant further information in respect of planning application P23/60278. This information and planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the Planning Authority of Clare County Council, Planning Department, Aras Contae an Chlair, New Road, Ennis, Co Clare during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the further information or revised plans may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee, not later than 2 weeks after the receipt of the newspaper notice and site notice by the planning authority or in the case of a planning application accompanied by an EIS within 5 weeks of receipt of such notices by the planning authority. CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL BALLINRUAN, CO. CLARE. Take notice that Ciarán & Michelle O’Doherty intend to apply to the planning authority for permission to construct a new dwelling house and garage, complete with a new entrance, boundary wall, 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 BALLYVESKIL, TIERMACLANE, ENNIS, CO. CLARE. Take notice that Martin McDonnell 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. KNOCKBRACK, MILTOWN MALBAY, CO CLARE V95 D2H4 Take notice that Laura Galvin intends to apply for planning per-

mission to renovate, extend the existing Dwelling, creating a Granny Flat within a section of the existing dwelling, upgrade the existing septic tank & 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.

Planning

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.

Thursday, Jan 11, 2024 THE CLARE ECHO

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Thursday, Jan 11, 2024 THE CLARE ECHO

Quiz

was GAA founder Michael Cusack The Burren Geopark and the Cliffs of 1A. Where from? 6 Moher, became UNESCO world heritage sites in what year? Kilfenora B. Carran C. Ruan

A. 2011 B. 2009 C.2010

Daniel O’Connell famously won the Clare Airport is Irelands second larg2 by-election, which paved the 7Shannon est airport, providing many way for Catholic Emancipation. What year did this election take place? A. 1827 B.1826 C.1828

Bunratty castle and folk park is one of the 3 top tourist attractions in Clare, displaying the history and culture of

Ireland in the 15 th Century. How many people visit the castle each year? A.400,000 B. 250,000 C. 300,000

benefits to the local people and economy. What year was the airport opened? A.1939 B.1945 C.1947

The Wild Atlantic Way is a well known 8 costal route along the west of Ireland. How many discovery points are there in Clare? A.18 B. 16 C. 17

O’Connell street is a very interesting and Clare is home to some of the most pictur4 historic street in the heart of l QUESTION 3: Bunratty castle and folk park is one of the top tourist attractions in 9 esque beaches in the country. Ennis. It was once known as Jail street as Clare, displaying the history and culture of Ireland in the 15 th Century. How many blue flags beaches are in Clare. A. 8 B.10 C. 6

How many people visit the castle each year?

ANSWERS

Traditional Irish music is a big part of 10 culture in Clare. When was the Clare is well known for its love of hurling, first All Ireland Fleadh Cheoil na hEireann

ing Championships? A. 3 B.5 C.4

6. 2011 7. 1945 8. 17 9. 8 10. 1956

5 how many times have the Clare team won the All Ireland Senior Hurl-

held in Ennis? A. 1956 B. 1957 C.1954

Quiz by Caoimhe Fitzgerald

SPOT THE DIFFERENCE Can you spot the 7 differences

1. Carran 2. 1828 3. 400,000 4. Town Hall Bistro 5. 4

one of the buildings used to be a jail. Which building was it? A. Dunnes Stores B. Town hall Bistro C. Shoe Rack

Last weeks answers . Middle part of letter a missing . Part of Pat’s jumper missing . Jim’s name missing on back of paper . Part of Scariff Bay logo missing

. Logo missing on sign on door . Microphone different colour . Part of line on sign missing

Shannon Golf CLub Men’s Captain Kevin Stanford and Ladies Captain Suzanne McMahon joined by Junior Boys Captain Georgie Pyke and Junior Girls Captain Lucy Twomey at Shannon Golf Club Photo by Joe Buckley

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