The Clare Echo 12/08/21

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AUG 12 2021

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Conditions criticised in UHL Emergency Department Hospital admit ED social distancing compliance has dropped

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COROFIN native has shared details of what he described as “a nightmare” stint at University Hospital Limerick this weekend.

Dermot Hayes was admitted to UHL on Thursday after complaining of pain around his naval area. The Clare Echo has previously documented how the Ennis resident has undergone dialysis treatment at home since July of last year.

After undergoing a cat scan, the results of which were unclear, Dermot was told he would have to be admitted to UHL via the Emergency Department.

At 8:30pm on Thursday, he was

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sitting on a wheelchair and was “half-promised that I’d be dealt with”.

From here, he was put on a trolley in A&E. “I was left in a corridor, it was choc a bloc, it was like a warzone, I was getting anxious, no one was telling me when I would be out of here, there was no indication if it was one hour or ten hours that I’d be left there for”.

Speaking to The Clare Echo, the well-known activist claimed that COVID-19 guidelines particularly that of social distancing is not being adhered to in the A&E. “We were all pale to pale on trolleys and we’re supposed to be talking about COVID but yet we were up on top of each other”.

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Index NEWS

THURSDAY, AUG 12 2021

GOING SOLO WITH SUPERVALU

2-18

GREENER CLARE

19

ENTERTAINMENT

20

COMMUNITY

23

BUSINESS

25-27

PROPERTY

30-31

SPORT

32-58

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by PÁRAIC McMAHON

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

NEWSDESK

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

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Email: niall@clareecho.ie or sales@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

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DAILY Aer Lingus service from Shannon Airport to London Heathrow is to commence next month.

On Wednesday afternoon, a spokesperson for Aer Lingus confirmed to The Clare Echo that the route is to begin in September.

“Due to the closure of the runway at Cork Airport, a daily Aer Lingus service from Shannon to London Heathrow will commence on 13th September, and it is intended to operate for the duration of the period of the closure of the runway at Cork Airport,” the spokesperson outlined.

Aircraft and crew operating the service will be based in Dublin.

EI385 will depart London Heathrow at 14:45 and arrive in Shannon at 16:10 on Monday through Friday and Sunday. EI385 will depart London Heathrow at 14:20 and arrive in Shannon at 15:45 on Saturdays while EI386 will depart Shannon at 17:00 and arrive in London Heathrow at 18:25 every day.

Speaking at the end of July, Aer Lingus chief executive Lynne Embleton said the airline has “good intent” regarding rebuilding growth in Ireland.

She said Aer Lingus wants to return to growth in Dublin and restore connectivity including long-haul from the regional airports.

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THURSDAY, AUG 12 2021

Weekend in Emergency Department like ‘warzone’ PÁRAIC MCMAHON paraic@clareecho.ie

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Continued from front...

ELLOW patients were “getting upset everywhere,” he recalled. “To catch someone’s attention was another job. It was heart-breaking”. He believed there was a lack of privacy for patients with doctors telling them details on their condition within earshot of other personnel admitted to the hospital.

“I stayed overnight but with no sleep, I put the mask over my eyes to try sleep but it was very difficult, the nurses were hovering between the trolleys on either side. It was deadly. I had no dialysis that night, I was holding tight”.

On Friday morning, he had to undergo manual dialysis with a nurse, by 12pm that day he threatened to leave the hospital due to rising frustration with the condi-

tions and the inability to be given a bed. “I had no indication on when I would get a bed. There was talk around 2pm that I’d get a bed, I got a bed at 5pm in the renal ward, I was there 22 hours before I got a bed,” Hayes outlined.

Results found nothing of real concern on Saturday and by Sunday, it was recommended that it was safe for Dermot to return home. “I’m lucky I’m able to speak up, I wouldn’t be left lying down, I had to speak up, I was so angry and upset. I felt helpless but I did speak up, I’m annoyed with the doctors and nurses that were there, I wanted answers but they couldn’t give me a clear picture on when I would have a bed.

“I’ve been around seven different hospitals, two in Cork, Croom, Ennis, Limerick, two in Dublin and this was far the worst I’ve ever seen, I’m going to hospital since I was a 13 year old kid. I felt so ashamed on one hand, I’ve paid a lot of taxes over the years, I’m very fearful for the future with more trolleys, this

lHEART-BREAKING: A packed ED at UHL and (inset) Dermot Hayes

is going on for a good number of years. The hospital in Ennis, there is no doubt about it but I could have been dealt with there,” Dermot commented.

In a statement to The Clare Echo, UL Hospitals Group detailed that

sustained high volumes of attendances, including many frail elderly patients with complex medical conditions, have continued over several weeks at the ED. Complying with social distancing has become difficult due to the vol-

ume of presentations, the spokesperson advised. “We are following all the national guidance in respect of the management of Covid-19. At the point of presentation to ED, patients presenting for assessment are segregated into Covid/query Covid and non-Covid streams. Stable medical and surgical patients in the non-Covid stream are directed to the Medical Assessment Unit and Surgical Assessment Unit, which since March 2020 have been operating as medical and surgical EDs. Those non-Covid patients who must remain in ED are completely separated from patients in the Covid/query Covid pathway and there is no crossover of staff.

“In delivering care in ED, we need to balance infection prevention and control precautions against promptly assessing and treating patients in line with their clinical need. The risk of asymptomatic transmission of Covid-19 remains in all healthcare and non-healthcare settings as long as the virus is not suppressed”.

County Development plan to be delayed by seven months

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A SEVEN month delay to the completion of the Clare County Development Plan has been agreed by local councillors.

Citing negative impacts of COVID-19 on consultation between elected members of the local authority and the general public, Cllr Cillian Murphy (FF) led the proposal to delay the finalisation of the blueprint.

Co-signatures to the motion were Cllr Pat Hayes (FF), Cllr Joe Cooney (FG), Cllr Gerry Flynn (IND), Cllr Ann Norton (IND), Cllr John Crowe (FG), Cllr PJ Kelly (FF), Cllr Alan O’Callaghan (FF), Cllr Clare Colleran Molloy (FF), Cllr Pat O’Gorman (FF) and Cllr Tony O’Brien (FF).

Speaking at a special meeting of the Council, Cllr Murphy outlined, “For the past year, most of the time and energy of the Council has focused on day to day management of Covid and the preservation of health and wellbeing. This has caused consultation to slip.

An extension will give us an opportunity to catch up and have further meaningful discussions among ourselves and with the communities we represent”.

The public’s role as ma-

jor stakeholders in the plan was underlined by Cllr Flynn. “That is the bottom line, this is about the public, not just investors or other stakeholders. Virtual engagement is not working as well as it should”.

Concern with the delay was raised by Cllr Johnny Flynn (FG), Cllr Paul Murphy (FG) and Cllr Pat Burke (FG). Voicing his apprehension with the proposal, Clarecastle’s Murphy stated, “We’re in the middle of a housing crisis and we need to be tackling that, especially in the urban centres”.

Burke remarked, “I am a great believer in not putting off until tomorrow what you can do today,” he said. “I am looking forward to see-

ing what will be achieved in seven months. That’s a bit unclear, but I will go along with the majority”.

The delay should be for a maximum of seven months, Cllr Pat Daly (FF) stressed.

Online Council meetings have showcased the difficulties in consultation during the pandemic, Cllr Joe Killeen (FF) highlighted.

Cllr Pat O’Gorman (FF) commented, “I can’t understand how a department in Dublin can send rules and regulations for rural Clare and offer no solutions on issues like sewerage and water”.

There will be “robust” engagement and consultation regarding the plan in the next seven months, Council Chief Executive Pat Dowling informed the meeting.

l PROPOSED: Cllr Cillian Murphy (FF)

Photo by Eamon Ward

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Stonehall biomass plant gets green light despite opposition PÁRAIC MCMAHON

C

paraic@clareecho.ie

LARE County Council has given the green light to the construction of a biomass plant in Stonehall in spite of considerable objections in the locality.

Last September, Carbon Sole Group Ltd lodged plans for the construction of a biomass processing and storage area utilising forestry plants, the construction of a gasification and methanation plant for the production of advanced biofuels, construction of a gasification and combined heat power.

According to the company, the plant can offset one million tonnes of carbon over 15 years and will be able to offer carbon free heating to businesses in Shannon and potentially homes in the town.

Sean Daly, CEO of the company said that the development will lead to an investment of millions of euros on local forestry.

48 permanent jobs are to be created at the plant with a further 100 in harvesting and haulage while there will be 60 to 80 persons employed in the construction phase of the project.

l IMPACT: Thomas Griffin, David Griffin, Vicky Cassley, Mary Quinlivan and Louise McNamara all spoke publicly of their opposition to the plans

Opposition had been voiced locally since plans were put before the Council. 400 signatures from locals and more than 30 submissions were presented to the local authority.

Clean Air Shannon and Stonehall National School were among the groups to object to the plans. Proximity to the school which has roughly 120 students was identified as a con-

Photo by Joe Buckley

cern with a feared impact of increased traffic levels to efforts to promote walking and cycling to school.

Chairperson of the Board of Management, Louise McNamara told The Clare Echo, “The road is already congested. I don’t know if there are other suitable sites for a facility like this. Clare County Council needs to look at

what the long-term objectives are of what has been submitted because it doesn’t add up”.

Senator Timmy Dooley (FF) and Cllr Pat O’Gorman (FF) also made submissions in relation to the development. O’Gorman believed the group water scheme servicing the site would be inadequate, “I also wish to raise my concern about the impact of flights in and out of the Airport in the event of a significant fire at the site”.

The Clare Echo understands that local groups are working on appealing the decision to An Bord Pleanála.

Ellen Carey executive planner and Gareth Ruane senior executive planner in a 24 page report detailed that an air quality assessment concluded that all residential sensitive receptors were all less than appropriate limit levels.

They approved the development subject to 14 conditions. In their report, they outlined that the HSA confirmed that the location was not a SEVESO site. An extension to the water main will be required while it was noted that the existing use of the land was agricultural but that it was zoned for enterprise.

Prior to commencement, the developer has to make a contribution of €14,040.00 to Clare County Council in respect of public infrastructure and facilities benefiting development in the area.

Thousands of homes go without drinking water

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by PÁRAIC McMAHON THOUSANDS of households in South-East Clare remain unable to consume their water due to the detection of elevated levels of manganese.

Consumers on the Shannon/Sixmilebridge public water supply were issued with the do not consume notice on Saturday. This came following consultation with the Health Service Executive by Irish Water who are now working in partnership with Clare County Council.

Approximately 7,500 customers in Cratloe, Kilmurry, Kilkishen, Quin and Sixmilebridge are affected by the notice, it does not apply to customers in Shannon, Newmarket-on-Fergus and Bunratty.

It is especially important that mains drinking water is not given to bottle fed infants, a spokesperson for Irish Water has stressed.

“Please note this is not a Boil Water Notice.

Boiling the water will not reduce manganese levels and is therefore not a suitable measure to make the water safe to consume. This notice does not apply to other water schemes in Co Clare,” the spokesperson added.

Business customers will receive a 40 per cent rebate on the cost of the supply of water to their businesses for the duration of the Do Not Consume Notice.

Presently, the water can only be used for personal hygiene, bathing, flushing toilets, laundry and washing of utensils Water tankers are in place at Cratloe (adjacent to school), Sixmilebridge (adjacent to church), Kilmurry (adjacent to church),

l UNSAFE: Water tankers in Quin Kilkishen (adjacent to school) and Quin (adjacent to school)/. Customers are reminded to use their own containers when taking water from the tanker and to boil water before consumption as a precautionary measure. Social distancing is to be adhered to when queuing for water supplies.

Irish Water have advised that the water in the areas affected should not be used for drinking, food preparation, brushing teeth and making ice.

Cllr Alan O’Callaghan (FF) flagged that boiling the water will not make it safe for consumption. He outlined that the water can stain white fabrics if it is used in the washing machine when high levels of manganese are detected. “Seemingly the high temperatures over the last couple of weeks has caused this manganese to get out which is now gone into dangerous levels which shouldn’t be consumed,” he added.

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THURSDAY, AUG 12 2021

‘Taxpayers deserve better’

Remembering Fionn

by PÁRAIC McMAHON BETTER quality roads are needed in Clare for hard-working taxpayers, West Clare representatives have said.

Referencing the fact that 230 applications are pending on the local improvement scheme, Cllr Gabriel Keating (FG) called on the West Clare Municipal District to match the Department’s allocation from local property tax income “in order to reduce the number of applications awaiting funding”.

Director of Finance, Noeleen Fitzgerald detailed that the Council does not provide funding for the LIS. She said that the Council’s priority was on the public road network but that the 2022 Budget would consider Keating’s proposal.

Seventy per cent of the applications are in the West Clare MD, Keating stated, “These householders pay all the taxes and I think they deserve better”.

“Every time I see LIS it rises my blood pressure slightly,” Cllr Joe Killeen (FF) admitted. “We’re definitely playing catch up,” Cllr Joe Garrihy (FG) added.

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HITE Strand in Miltown Malbay witnessed poignant scenes on Friday to mark one month since the sudden death of Clare lifeguard Fionn O’Brien, writes Páraic McMahon.

Twenty year old Fionn died in July in what An Garda Síochána described as a tragic accident

which occurred while he was surfing in Quilty.

Fionn was due to go into his second year of studying Technology Management at the University of Limerick this September.

The 20 year old had worked as a lifeguard with Clare County Council, he was a dual-player with St Josephs Doora/Barefield and also lined out for Ennis RFC.

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On Friday evening, Fionn’s memory was honoured when family and friends gathered for a paddle at White Strand.

Organised by the O’Brien family, Clare Lifeguards and Clare Water Service, the informal gathering was viewed as a touching way to pay tribute to “a wonderful, smiling and talented young man” as he was remembered by teachers at

Rice College.

Organisers saw the paddle as a way for his family, friends, teammates, coaches and classmates to pay their respect in a special way for Fionn.

Personnel in attendance formed a large circle in the water where a minute’s silence was held in memory of Fionn.

Photo by Mike Mulcaire

157 cyclists complete the Tour De Munster

by CIAN O’BROIN THE 21st annual Tour de Munster passed through County Clare on Friday, with 157 cyclists taking to the roads in support of Munster Down Syndrome Ireland branches.

Marking the second day of the 600km cycle organised by Cork man Paul Sheridan, the cohort cycled through Cratloe, Quin, Ennis, Kildysart and Killimer, on their way to the ferry to Tarbert in Kerry.

They were met with a heart-warming reception in Clare as bucket shakers took to the streets in an effort to raise vital funds for the Clare branch of Down Syndrome Ireland. All of the money raised within the county will go towards the Clare branch, Down Syndrome Clare Committee Treasurer Laura Cahir informed.

“It’s great to see so many people out,” she stated, adding that “most of the cyclists participating have no links to Down syndrome but are doing it for the good cause”.

Over the last 18 months, fundraising efforts became

more challenging through restrictions.

Marking the biggest fundraiser for the Clare branch during the year, Laura intoned that the generosity of the Clare people would go a long way to assisting families with the return to vital services provided by the Clare branch such as swimming lessons, therapeutic horse riding as well as speech and occupational therapy.

She added that many of those within the Clare branch had extended family members shaking buckets as wide as Killaloe or Miltown Malbay.

Mary Eyers from Coolmeen, who enjoys reading Ronan Scully’s articles each week in The Clare Echo, put in two shifts at the back entrance of Dunnes Stores on O’ Connell Street in Ennis, in support of the service that caters for her “beautiful five-year-old grandson.”

She stated that “the services can be quite costly, and so the Clare branch help out my daughter with her son. People have been great here all day and the cyclists were mighty.”

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Clarisford clearing underway

by PÁRAIC McMAHON

THURSDAY, AUG 12 2021

Clare in the running for TAFISA 2026

WORK has begun on the clearing of overgrown bushes and weeds between St Anne’s Community College and Clarisford in Killaloe.

A member of the Killaloe Municipal District’s outdoor crew has been assigned the task of clearing the overgrown bushes and weeds in the vicinity of the secondary school and Clarisford in the East Clare town.

It follows a proposal from Cllr Tony O’Brien (FF) seeking the works to be completed. “The footpath in question was clearly overgrown and not accessible for people to use properly,” he stated.

Cathaoirleach of the Killaloe MD, Cllr Joe Cooney (FG) seconded the request from the Killaloe councillor.

Wheels stolen from cars

by PÁRAIC McMAHON

CARS in Lisdoonvarna and Kilnamona were targeted in the past week in the theft of alloy wheels.

Gardaí in Clare have confirmed that two separate cars were targeted on Thursday (August 5th). The first occurred when the owner parked up vehicle overnight outside his house at Cloghaun Holiday Homes, Ballinalacken, Lisdoonvarna.

He woke the following morning to discover the four alloys wheels stolen. The rear window was broken to get the lock nut key in order to remove the wheels.

Between 1am and 3am on the same day, the owner of a car at Shallee in Kilnamona woke to find the four alloy wheels removed from the car outside his house.

Anyone with information on the two crimes or who has been offered alloys for sale are asked to contact Ennistymon Garda Station on 065-7072180.

l TRADITIONAL SPORTS: TAFISA working group member Daniel MacCarthy

PÁRAIC MCMAHON paraic@clareecho.ie

A

BID is to be finalised this coming Saturday that could see Clare become one of the host counties for the 2026 TAFISA Games.

Officially formed in 1991, the Games were first held in Bonn, Germany in 1992 and have yet to take place in Ireland. The week-long festival is held every four years, it aims to promote and safeguard traditional sports and games.

TAFISA stands for The Association For International Sport for All and has more than 270 members from over 150 countries on all continents.

Lissycasey native, Daniel MacCarthy is part of the work-

ing group that are finalising an application for the Shannon region to host the 2026 European TAFISA Sports for all Games with the University of Limerick earmarked as the main venue. He explained, “TAFISA is a body with a long established track record going back to 1992 and the first games were held in Germany. They are supported and recognised via the European Union and UNESCO. Ireland would have participated in the first European Games in 2018 in Holland where hurling and gaelic football were played”.

Recent Games held in Seoul and Malaysia have underlined the potential benefit for hosting regions, the Managing Director of the Heritage Factory Ireland believed. “Seoul attracted 16,000 athletes alone outside of tourists, family members, friends and supporters so this is a sizeable, prestigious event.

“Were the Shannon region to be successful in its efforts, it would be a great showcase not just for our own national traditional games but for the region, it would be good news for local tourism.

“The World GAA Games which were brought to Waterford in 2019 was a fantastic event, the hotels were like Bethlehem for the full week there wasn’t a room to be had. If successful, we will be looking to hold parallel either a continental or world GAA Games event”.

David Ward of UL and Fáilte Ireland’s Karen Brosnahan are also heavily involved in the application, the Ballyea resident told The Clare Echo. “It is a statement in itself that they see the merit and attraction of the Shannon region being the host nation, it is a long shot as a country that we would ever hold a World Cup but if we can build

up these events and play to our strengths especially as the Shannon region as a hotbed of traditional culture”.

Recognising the importance of traditional sports abroad has been something Daniel has appreciated all his life. His father Danny, originally from Kilmurry Ibrickane, was the only man to manage a Clare side to a win senior football championship in the United States while his uncle TF Meaney of Coolmeen won three All Ireland Junior Football medals in the 1970s in London.

Maritime events in Kilkee and the use of the Sixmilebridge Arena if it is constructed by 2026 are planned should the Games be held in the Shannon region. “Kilkee itself would hold maritime events, we would also look to tie in with cultural events, Clare would be a custodian of traditional music”.

Cannabis seized 1,519 people on driving test list

by PÁRAIC McMAHON

CANNABIS to the value of €5000 was seized by An Garda Síochána in West Clare over the weekend.

Uniformed Gardaí in Kilrush carried out a search under warrant at a house in Knock, Kilrush on Saturday (August 7th). During this operation, Gardaí discovered cannabis herb drugs worth an estimated €5000.

Gardaí have identified an individual in connection with this seizure with an investigation ongoing in relation to the sale and supply of drugs.

by PÁRAIC McMAHON 1,519 PEOPLE in Clare are awaiting a driving test.

Of this figure, 174 have received a test date while a further 2,965 are on a waiting list to undertake the driver theory test.

Figures were provided by the RSA in response to a parliamentary question from Clare TD, Michael McNamara (IND).

Subsequent to seeing the numbers, Deputy McNamara called on the Department of Transport and Road Safety Authority (RSA)

to further increase the number of driving testers in Clare.

While the Department of Transport has confirmed that sanction was recently received for 40 temporary testers, McNamara says greater numbers need to be employed, at least on a temporary basis, to overcome the backlog.

He stated, “The Department says it is working to increase capacity from 25,000 tests to 50,000 tests per month over time, if public health guidance permits. It is clear however, that the test number limits are

compounded by a need for more testers to be introduced into the system, even if on a temporary basis”.

“The issue is of particular significance to young people whose employment situation may be dependent on their ability to secure a full driver licence. For others, it is about being able to drive to and from Third Level next month. The pandemic has undoubtedly had an impact on the waiting list, but it is important the Department and the RSA take every possible action to reduce these significant numbers,” McNamara added.

NEWS 11

THURSDAY, AUG 12 2021

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Clare County Council’s Lifeguard Service has been front and centre in ensuring visitors enjoy a safe and enjoyable trip to the county’s pristine Blue Flag and Green Coast beaches and marinas.

A comprehensive, daily lifeguard service from 11:00am to 7:00pm operates during the summer months at Lahinch, Spanish Point, Kilkee, White Strand Miltown Malbay, White Strand Doonbeg, Seafield Cappa, Mountshannon, Killaloe (Ballycuggeran) and Fanore. Full-time cover will cease on August 31st, but lifeguards will continue the service during the first two weekends of September.

Lough Derg, Co. Clare

TAKE TO THE LAKE: Lough Derg has two of Ireland’s few inland blueflag beaches at Ballycuggeran (Killaloe) and Mountshannon. Both are excellent for water activities, and each has water-side picnic facilities.

Water activity options include sailing, windsurfing, canoeing, kayaking and paddleboarding. Ballycuggeran also has Ireland’s newest Aqua Park!

Clare’s Beach Ambassadors Clare County Council has deployed Beach Ambassadors at busy coastal locations throughout this summer to assist with traffic management, maintaining public amenities and litter management, and to respond to any requests for assistance or queries from tourists and locals alike.

Fanore, Co. Clare

Please Stay Safe: For water safety advice, visit www.watersafety.ie

www.Clare.ie

12 NEWS

THURSDAY, AUG 12 2021

Steady increase in COVID-19 cases PÁRAIC MCMAHON

P

paraic@clareecho.ie

UBLIC health officials have warned of a steady increases in confirmed cases in Co Clare.

Cases in Co Clare have increased steadily over the past fourteen days with a total of 164 confirmed cases in this period. This day last month, there were 79 cases detected in Clare in a 14-day period.

On August 3, a total of 24 cases were confirmed in Clare, which is one of the highest daily increases since the tail end of the third wave in February.

Officials within the Department of Public Health Mid-West have urged people in the Ennis area to be extra vigilant and to avail of free COVID-19 testing if they are experiencing symptoms or feel they have been exposed to risk in the past 14 days.

While cases have been largely sporadic in the community, an outbreak of at least 10 cases in the Ennis area in the past 14 days has been recorded. Testing is being offered to known individuals and groups.

Due to the current level of infection in the Mid-West region, coupled with the high rate of complex cases, investigating all individual cases and their close contacts is

resource intensive at present, a spokesperson admitted.

“We are particularly urging people to be upfront and honest with contact tracing teams about the full extent of their activities and close contacts. Otherwise, outbreaks in the community are more difficult to prevent and contain. The best intervention in the community is to register for a vaccine at the earliest opportunity, continue to follow the Public Health guidelines, avail of a free COVID-19 test if you think you have symptoms or are concerned you were exposed to a risk of infection, limit your number of social contacts, and avoid crowded areas,” the spokesperson added.

Dr Anne Dee, Specialist in Public Health Medicine, said: “The people of Clare have been among the leaders in keeping COVID-19 at a minimum in their communities since the start of the pandemic.

Unfortunately, due to the high transmissibility of the Delta variant, outbreaks in the community will become more frequent.

However, they can be contained if people are able to follow Public Health guidelines, make known their close contacts, thereby swiftly breaking further chains of transmission. It is equally important to know if you are fully vaccinated, are not showing symptoms, and are following Public Health advice, you can be assured that you are best protected from COVID-19.”

'Public need to contact Gardaí over speeding, not councillors'

Please do not grieve alone We listen and support You are welcome to contact us by call or text

lLAW: Photo by Burren Eye Photography

by PÁRAIC McMAHON

Call or text

086 0565373 087 369 8315 www.claresuicidebereavementsupport.com

GARDAÍ should be called instead of local politicians for instances of speeding across the county, an Ennis councillor has said.

Speaking at a recent meeting of the Ennis Municipal District, Cllr Paul Murphy (FG) in issuing his support for a proposal by Cllr Clare Colleran Molloy (FF) regarding ongoing speeding at Ballybeg affirmed that the public were contacting the wrong persons when it comes to breaking the law.

“We should be calling the Guards if motorists are speeding,” the Clarecastle representative commented in response to repeated pleas for actions in Ballybeg and a commitment from the County Council that further traffic counts would be completed.

Details of the traffic counts would be forwarded to An Garda Síochána, senior executive officer Eamon O’Dea confirmed.

Public consultation for the provision of footpaths on the Ballybeg Rd from the Water

Tower to Radharc na hInse closed in the first week of August, he outlined, this will be concluded with a report before councillors in September.

“The works will proceed immediately following approval by the councillors,” he added.

Cllr Pat Daly (FF) said that the Ballybeg Rd was a very popular spot for walkers, “I have seen cars absolutely flying it on that road, something has to be done”.

Speeding patterns fluctuate depending on the time, O’Dea responded. “There are certain times of the day when it is within the norms of speed limits and others when it is above”. He informed councillors they have informed Gardaí of the times of higher speed activity.

Motorists speeding on the road have been reported to Gardaí by Cllr Clare Colleran Molloy (FF), she told the meeting. She suggested setting up speed traps in collaboration with the Gardaí.

NEWS 13

THURSDAY, AUG 12 2021

O’Mara family give back PÁRAIC MCMAHON

A

paraic@clareecho.ie

BELVOIR family have donated €5,500 to the neonatal unit of St Munchin’s Hospital in Limerick, a place which is very close to their hearts.

In October 2011, Orla and Brian O’Mara welcomed their beloved Aoibheann to the world. She was premature and was in need of care. She spent four weeks getting “first class medical care” at St Munchin’s Hospital’s neonatal unit.

“As first time parents our emotions were very high. It is incredible how you feel when you are faced with your new born baby needing neonatal care. You place all your trust in the medical consultants, nurses and midwives and that is what we did,” Orla recalled.

Each baby step was a remarkable success for their only child.

“Every day she grew stronger.

Aoibheann was under the care of a paediatrician but the day we were told ‘this is your final visit’ was an amazing feeling,” Orla

told The Clare Echo.

Orla and Brian were determined to show the staff how much their work meant to them.

After Aoibheann’s first birthday, they began selling pre-loved baby items and donated goods at baby markets and car-boot sales.

Orla’s parents Frances and Dominic McMahon were the proprietors of the now closed Lemenagh Foodstore in Newmarket-on-Fergus. The many hours Orla and Brian spent covering shifts and giving out ‘penny sweets’ ensured they were among the most popular and warm stall-holders, “our little personalities shone out,” Orla quipped. Seven years of efforts plus some monetary donations saw the O’Mara family raise a total of €5,500, a figure they maintain would not have been reached were it not for the unwavering support of their families and supporters.

On Monday, Orla, Brian and Aoibheann acting as treasurer presented the cheque to neonatal fund unit co-ordinator Deirdre O’Connell. “The money we sent in will be touched by a baby, it is a nice way to hear that the money will definitely be go-

ing to where it needs be”.

“It is a lovely story and a heart-warming story, we wanted to thank the people that gave donations and hand-crafted items. Myself and Brian loved every second of meeting the customers and showing them how to use the stuff, first-time parents would be coming up asking questions, they’d have to get a road-test and we were glad to help them too,” the special needs assistant at St Mochulla's National School in Tulla added.

Brian was hopeful other families would be able to take solace from their story and potentially give back. “Ten years later Aoibheann is healthy and happy, it might inspire families with children in neonatal care to keep hope, Aoibheann might inspire them to keep hope” the Shannon-based chef stated.

There is great pride among the family of their endeavours and excitement is building ahead of Aoibheann’s return to Kilkishen NS for the next school term and her 10th birthday in October. “It did take a number of years but better late than never, handing over the money was the finale, it was great to get it across the finish line,” Orla concluded.

lTHANK YOU: Orla, Aoibheann and Brian O’Meara present a cheque to the Neonatal Unit

Ireland Moving Forward

JOBS FOCUSED RECOVERY The EU has committed to reducing emissions by 55% by 2030. This ambitious target can be achieved if we as policymakers remove the barriers and provide proper incentives.

The new CAP for 2023-27 has been finalised in Brussels, with €10.7 billion secured for Ireland. Now, the national implementation plan must maximize the benefits for our farmers.

As the Parliament’s lead MEP for UK trade matters, including the implementation of the Protocol, I’m working to highlight the economic opportunities that exist for businesses on both sides of the border.

The Irish economy was strong when Covid-19 hit, and Ireland’s Economic Recovery Plan and National Recovery and Resilience Plan will drive a green, digital and jobs-led recovery.

Seán

seankelly.eu sean.kellymep @seankellymep

eppgroup.eu EPPGroup @EPPGroup

KELLY

MEP

YOUR VOICE IN THE EU

14 NEWS

THURSDAY, AUG 12 2021

Ryanair CEO confident of further growth at Shannon PÁRAIC MCMAHON

l DEAL: Ryanair

CEO Eddie Wilson

A

paraic@clareecho.ie

LONG-TERM cost deal between Ryanair and Shannon Airport is expected to result in the addition of increased routes at the International Airport.

On Thursday last, Ryanair announced six new routes at Shannon Airport bringing their total to 18 for the winter season and 34 in total. The return of a second Ryanair aircraft to Shannon brings its employment figures in Clare back to pre-pandemic levels with a cabin crew of 40 to 45 and 20 to 25 pilots.

During a sit-down interview with The Clare Echo, Ryanair CEO Eddie Wilson commended Shannon Airport management for their engagement throughout the pandemic, an approach which has left the airline confident of its future at Shannon. They have agreed a longterm cost deal which is to run for the next eight or nine years “and gives us a template to grow,” he said.

“I know other airlines are closing here but the commercial team in Shannon and Mary Considine have put long hours in, they’ve done what the main airports we

deal with in Europe such as Venice, Paris, Stockholm who have secured extra Ryanair aircraft and they’ve been at the forefront in Ireland in saying here is a long-term deal for Ryanair to be able to grow with certainty in Shannon. I’m confident we’re going to have even more routes next summer and they are in stark contrast to what is happening in Cork. They had two Ryanair aircraft in Cork, they have none now, the score is Shannon 2 Cork nil,”

Wilson remarked.

Shannon Airport has been “ahead of the posse” when it comes to securing investment from Ryanair, Wilson outlined. “What you have here is a management team that engages with us, they are not the only ones in Europe but they are the only ones in Ireland that have dealt with this right from the start. Unfortunately the Government here haven’t done that, the incentive schemes available in Dublin

and Cork end next June, that’s no good for us, we need longer term deals, this airline not unlike other airlines. We lost almost a billion Euro last year.”

“There is two aircraft so the people are here. We’ve restored 100 percent of the Ryanair jobs in Shannon today, other routes will come from other bases which means more passengers and the knock-on effect for restaurants, hotels, taxi drivers and tourism”.

He predicted it will take a season or two for the new routes at Shannon to establish themselves. Ryanair expect that Italian and Hungarian tourists will be visiting Co Clare thanks to the routes to Turin and Budapest.

Linking up with bases in Paris, Milan and Stockholm is likely to see the amount of Ryanair routes at Shannon increase, the CEO stated but he warned that they will not add additional capacity at Dublin or Cork until the Government change their approach.

“If we know we have a deal in Shannon to grow then we don’t even have to meet Shannon, we just add the capacity and that is what they’ve done, they’ve given us a template, that is what the smart regions, airports and Governments have done throughout Europe. Unfortunately the Irish Government hasn’t done that for the two other major Airports. Shannon can’t wait for the Irish Government, they have to look after themselves and the people who work here”.

A previous plea from Cllr Pat Daly (FF) for Michael O’Leary and Ryanair to take over Shannon Airport and make it their European hub is unlikely to occur, the CEO admitted. “Michael has enough on his hands, we don’t want to run Airports, we’ve enough to do with running airlines”.

Shortlist yet to be finalised for Chair Ryanair announce six new routes A SHORTLIST of candidates has yet to be finalised for the post of Shannon Group Chairperson, writes Páraic McMahon.

In August of last year, Rose Hynes’ tenure as Shannon Group Chair concluded. Hynes was appointed Chair of the Shannon Airport Authority in 2012 and remained in the same role for Shannon Group.

Ex CEO of agri business, Aurivo, Aaron Forde was appointed as her successor in

February but this was revoked by Minister for Transport, Eamon Ryan (GP) over a series of offensive tweets.

A spokesperson for the Department of Transport has confirmed that the Public Appointments Service has yet to forward a shortlist of candidates to Minister Ryan for the vacancy. Minister Ryan is to appoint a Chairperson soon after studying the shortlist, a spokesperson advised.

by PÁRAIC McMAHON RYANAIR has announced six new routes at Shannon Airport.

In a positive announcement for Shannon, the airlines has also confirmed it will restore its second based aircraft at the International Airport.

There will now be 18 Ryanair winter routes at Shannon Airport. New routes to Corfu and Gran Canaria began this week.

The announcement was made by Eddie Wilson, CEO, Ryanair at a special media event held today in Shannon Airport.

Welcoming the announcement, Mary Considine, CEO, Shannon Group, which operates the airport said: “We are delighted with today’s announcement by Ryanair.

It is another important step on our road to recovery.

“Restoring its second based aircraft here at Shannon demonstrates Ryanair’s continued commitment to our airport. The confirmation of 18 routes from Shannon for Winter including exciting new destinations such as Budapest and Turin, is very positive news for the airport and for this region after what has been a very difficult period for the aviation industry.”

“There is intense competition globally for air services as countries try to recover from the virtual closing down of international travel. Recovery from the devastation caused by the pandemic will take time, with aviation analysts predicting that it will take a number

l TRAVEL: Budapest is among the new

routes of years for passenger numbers to recover to anything like 2019 levels.

“As we work to rebuild our air services, I am proud of our team who have worked closely with Ryanair to secure these latest Winter air services to London Luton, Budapest, Fuerteventura, Edinburgh, Turin and Birmingham, for the people of our region to enjoy. In addition, our existing services to London Stansted, London Gatwick, Manchester, Krakow, Wroclaw, Warsaw, Kaunas, Tenerife, Lanzarote, Malaga, Alicante and Gran Canaria (Las Palmas), will continue to operate throughout the Winter".

NEWS 15

THURSDAY, AUG 12 2021

Health Care Support Assistant Opportunities in the Mid-West A CAREER as a Health Care Support Assistant (HCSA - formerly known as Home Help) could prove to be your launch pad into a long-term, secure and successful career in healthcare with the HSE. At Mid-West Community Healthcare we are recruiting in excess of 100 suitably qualified HCSAs across Limerick, Clare and North Tipperary.

SOME BACKGROUND Successful candidates will work in the Home Support Service, a community-based model of care which supports older people to remain in their own homes for as

long as possible. Working in partnership with service users and their families, the seven day personalised service provides support with activities of daily living and is available to people aged 65 or over.

As a permanent HCSA you will enjoy attractive rates of pay, job security, pension, paid travel time and expenses whilst availing of full-time or part-time employment.

You will be part of a team and will have an opportunity to care for others.

FEEDBACK FROM OUR RECENTLY RECRUITED HCSAS l “The highlight of my job is that I love what I do.”

l “It’s a very friendly environment.” l “The Home Help Co-ordinator answers all my queries.” l “I enjoy being able to sit with the service user and listen, getting to know their likes and dislikes.” l “It’s well paid and offers really good benefits.” l “It’s a job you’d recommend to a friend.”

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED l QQI Level 5 Certificate in Healthcare Service Skill or Healthcare Support or Community Care or Nursing Studies (Major Award, 8 modules in total). l Mandatory modules include Care Support, Infection Prevention and Control, Communications,

Work Experience, Care of the Older Person and Safety and Health at Work. l Each candidate must have a further 2 modules completed from: Palliative Care Support, Care Skills, Personal Effectiveness, Activities of Living Patient care, Nutrition, Equality and Disability, Dementia Enhanced Home Supports (www.hseland.ie).

Applicants should have experience in a caring role as well as a full driving licence and access to own transport.

HOW TO APPLY Suitably qualified candidates can apply online via www.hse.ie/

jobsearch using the following job references: l Limerick: MWCH 21.083 l Clare: MWCH 21.084 l North Tipperary:MWCH 21.085 or by sending your CV and proof of qualifications to: Aoife Malone/Jackie O’Carroll, Human Resources Department, Midwest Community Healthcare, St. Joseph’s Health Campus, Mulgrave Street, Limerick, V94 C8DV. For informal enquiries, phone 061 461 412.

Closing date for applications is Friday 20th August at midnight.

We look forward to hearing from you and helping you achieve your career ambitions!

Do something

INCREDIBLE today

Health Care Support Assistants Limerick, Clare and North Tipperary At Mid-West Community Healthcare we are recruiting in excess of 100 suitably qualified Health Care Support Assistants. Working as a HCSA (formerly known as a Home Help) with the HSE could prove to be your launch pad into a long-term, secure career in healthcare.

Successful candidates will work in the Home Support Service, a community-based model of care which supports older people to remain in their own homes for as long as possible. In partnership with service users and their families, the 7-day service provides support with activities of daily living and is available to people aged 65 or over. The service is designed in a personalised way and is tailored according to the changing needs of the individual.

The benefits of working as a HCSA:

Qualifications required are:

n Job security - permanent opportunities n Family friendly - full-time and part-time roles available n Attractive rates of pay n Pension from commencement of employment n Paid travel time and expenses n A job which offers an opportunity to care for others.

n Certificate in Healthcare Support at QQI Level 5; or n A QQI Level 5 Certificate in the domain of health and welfare with completion of the modules Care Support and Safety & Health at Work and Care Skills; and n Experience in a caring role. Further details on required qualifications can be viewed via www.hse.ie/jobsearch Applicants must have a full driving licence and access to own transport.

How to apply: Suitably qualified candidates can apply online via www.hse.ie/jobsearch using the following job references: n Limerick: MWCH 21.083 n Clare: MWCH 21.084 n North Tipperary: MWCH 21.085 or by sending your CV and proof of qualifications to Aoife Malone/Jackie O’Carroll, Human Resources Department, Midwest Community Healthcare, St. Joseph’s Health Campus, Mulgrave Street, Limerick, V94 C8DV. For informal enquiries, please phone 061 461412.

Closing date for applications is 20th August 2021.

HSE Mid West Community Healthcare

16 NEWS

THURSDAY, AUG 12 2021

Shannon mourns the loss of legendary Johnny Cregan PÁRAIC MCMAHON

G

paraic@clareecho.ie

LOWING tributes have been paid to Johnny Cregan, a man known as a legendary figure within the town of Shannon following his death last week.

Born in Belfast eighty two years ago, Johnny was proud of his Ulster roots but it was the foundations he laid in Ireland’s newest town that would endear him to so many people in Co Clare.

An honorary lifetime member of Wolfe Tones na Sionna, young and old from the GAA club paid their respects in an enormous guard of honour outside SS John and Paul Church, Shannon on Saturday.

Speaking at the funeral mass, Canon Brendan O’Donoghue described Johnny as “a wonderful parishioner” and a man whose life encapsulated “eighty two years of extraordinary goodness, he always focused on others, he had a heart that was always open for giving”.

Items brought to the altar included Johnny’s iconic cap which he was rarely spotted without, a copy of The Irish News which he

walked to the Town Centre to collect everyday, jerseys and a sliotar to represent his passion for Wolfe Tones, his gearbag which he held closely on the sideline and a photograph of family which symbolised the affection that he had for them.

At the age of 13 Johnny was working in his native Belfast, a work-ethic that was noted by his three brothers and one sister. After marrying Mary and seeing their family expand, Johnny worked in both England and Scotland, “he had no choice, with a wife and five children, he had to put bread on the table even if that meant separation. I often think they were tough times but weren’t they great people,” Canon O’Donoghue reflected.

In 1973, they left Belfast for Shannon, picking the new town for the availability of employment and housing. “One thing is for sure, Johnny wasn’t long idle around here, he was an all-round worker,” the Canon stated.

“He was a man who had great time for the people of Shannon and the people of Shannon had wonderful time for Johnny”.

“He reminds me of the great Englishman Jack Charlton who led our country to soccer glory, Johnny did the very same in the Shannon community,” he believed. The death of his wife Mary fifteen years ago and that of his son-in-law Eamon seven years ago were great blows to Johnny and the Cregan family, Can-

Liqeur keeps Che Geuvara link alive

by CIAN O’BROIN

AN ARGENTINIAN liqueur named after a Clare town has revitalised cultural icon Che Guevara’s ties with the Banner County and could see the beverage stocked in local pubs and off-licences.

The liqueur, described by one Clare man as “similar to Baileys”, is produced by two Argentinian women in Rosario, the birthplace of Ernesto Guevara, an ambitious and learned medical student that later developed into “Che”, the fearsome Guerrilla leader and the face of Western communism.

After developing the liqueur in 2019, the two women coincidentally decided to name it ‘Kilkee’, after the Clare coastal town and at the time were completely unaware of the link between Che Guevara and Ireland. Neither of the women had any connection to Ireland at the time. Che visited the Marine Hotel in Kilkee in the summer of 1962, on a stopover between Moscow and Cuba.

Two years ago, Kilkee resident Fionnuala Murnane spotted the bottle of liqueur online, informing Tom Byrne, who established the annual Ché do Bheatha festival in Kilkee in 2011, which celebrates the fabled connection.

Kilkee resident and teacher Anthony Di Lucia, managed to get a hold of four bottles of the liqueur, and since a direct line of communication has been established with the women in Rosario, plans are in place to bring them over for the next festival.

“Valeria, one of the Argentinian women, is a graphic designer and since the connection between the liqueur, Che and Kilkee has been made, they have decided to add a Shamrock to the label,” Di Lucia told The Clare Echo.

l TRIBUTE: Johnny Cregan on Brendan said.

Paying tribute to his father, Daniel Cregan acknowledged the care shown his carers from Clarecare and the hospice team. “He could be

seen from far away with his well-known walk and swagger. He was well known and loved around Shannon”.

Few characters in Shannon will ever match Johnny, Garret McPhillips maintained. For many hurlers from Wolfe Tones, Johnny gave them their first and last senior jersey such was the longevity of his involvement. Garret’s earliest memories of going supporting the Tones were with Johnny, he would serve as the apprentice to the kitman for their first senior success in 1996 while ironically when he took on a plumbing apprenticeship after school he worked with Johnny on his first day.

Chairman of Wolfe Tones, Mick Riordan told The Clare Echo they were fortunate to have a stalwart of Johnny’s calibre. “For years and years he did the work that it is very hard to get volunteers to do today. He is irreplaceable. These people are the backbone of what volunteerism is about, Johnny was a prime example of what our club is about”.

Johnny is predeceased by his wife Mary and son-in-law Eamon. He will be sadly missed by his daughters Martina and Brenda, sons Sean, Conor and Daniel, son-in-law, daughters-in-law, adored grandchildren and great-grandchildren, brothers, sister, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, relatives, neighbours and friends

Remedial works sought for 'boggy' road in Kilkishen

l APPEAL: Kilkishen

Remedial works have been requested for a Kilkishen road described as “boggy”, writes Praic McMahon.

Cllr Alan O’Callaghan (FF) appealed to staff within the Killaloe Municipal District to complete remedial works on the road between Kilkishen National School and Enagh Cross and claimed it was “deteriorating to a dangerous level”.

At present, the L-7008 is not included in the roadworks programme, senior executive engineer, Niamh Madden stated. She outlined that it would be assessed, the feedback from which would determine if it was worth including in a future programme.

“In the meantime, the Killaloe Municipal District undertakes to carry out essential maintenance on this road in 2021,” Madden added.

Mid-term works could act as some help on “a very busy road,” Cllr O’Callaghan felt. “It is on a bit of boggy ground so it needs a bit of help. Some bit of help could be given to make it safer. A lot of people are using it to access the 12 O’Clock Hills and the school”.

Hope of an upgrade being carried out was voiced by Cllr Joe Cooney (FG). “Unfortunately it is a boggy section of the road two thirds out the way”.

s!!!

NEWS 17

THURSDAY, AUG 12 2021

€7.5m Wastewater Treatment Plant complete PÁRAIC MCMAHON paraic@clareecho.ie

A

€7.5m upgrade of the Shannon Wastewater Treatment Plant has been completed by Irish Water and Clare County Council.

Compliance with European regulatory standards is now ensured as a result of the project along with an adequate treatment of wastewater. New ventilation and odour treatment systems are also provided as part of the upgrade.

Upgrades were carried out to aeration tanks, blowers, final settling tanks, leachate and sludge pumping stations, sludge dewatering facilities, whilst also upgrading the instrumentation, control and automation processes.

Works over the last 16 months were delivered by Ward & Burke on Irish Water’s behalf. The upgrades made maximum use of the existing infrastructure on site, minimising the carbon footprint of the works.

lMODERNISED: The upgrade took 16 months to complete Infrastructure Delivery Lead, Anthony Ka- the water quality in the River Shannon, and vanagh said of the impact, “Not only will it improve the wider environment, it will also help to safeguard local waterways, improve accommodate housing and other potential

developments in Shannon and the surrounding areas. The project has modernised and improved the performance of the wastewater treatment infrastructure in Shannon which the local community will benefit from for years to come”.

CEO of Shannon Chamber, Helen Downes felt its completion was another important step in building a sustainable future for the Mid-West region. “Shannon is recognised as one of Ireland’s premier industry locations and currently boasts a diverse industry base comprising companies who are world leaders in their respective sectors.

Having a modern, fit-for-purpose water and wastewater infrastructure is vital to meet the needs of existing businesses and for the attraction of new investment”.

In Clare, new sewerage schemes are currently planned for five locations where there is untreated wastewater being discharged: Liscannor, Kilrush, Kilkee, Ballyvaughan, and Clarecastle. Upgrades of wastewater treatment plants are also being progressed in Doonbeg and Ballycannon (Meelick). A total of 52 towns and villages in the county are without adequate wastewater infrastructure.

Hastings restoration to be launched this Heritage week

by CIAN O’BROIN

Full Gastro Lunch & Gastro Evening Menu – Early Diner Specials – Costa Coffee Serving food daily from 12 noon to 9.30pm

Marquee is Dining Only and reservations required Beer Garden & Car Park Areas will be a Walk in System Full Takeaway Menu available Daily Order online: www.shannonspringshotel.com or by calling 061.364047 / 083.0703662 Offering Deliveries: Thursday to Sunday 12.30pm to 9pm.

A SPECIAL Shannon restoration project will be launched this weekend as part of National Heritage Week and will feature an afternoon of music and storytelling.

Dúchas na Sionna in collaboration with the Shannon Archaeological and Historical Society are planning to fully restore Hasting’s Farmhouse, for use as a heritage centre, community venue and exhibition space.

The farmhouse is the last surviving remnant of the 19th/early 20th century farming community in the Tullyvarraga area.

The Hastings Farmhouse Restoration Project launch

by Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council, Cllr. P.J. Ryan (IND) takes place on Saturday August 14, from 3pm – 5.30 p.m.

Dúchas na Sionna Secretary Olive Carey stated: “There will be an opportunity to hear about the proposed restoration of the farmhouse and to meet with a representative from Kittiwake Solutions who will be conducting the feasibility study.

This is the first of several public consultation opportunities for the community to contribute to the ideas

lCONSERVATION: Hastings Farmhouse on the future of Hastings of Independence.

Farmhouse.”

A second Heritage week Phase one of the project, event will take place the which is to carry out a con- following day on Sunday, servation plan, feasibility August 15 at 6:30pm in study and consolidate the front of Ballycasey House, existing walls, is grant aid- Shannon. ed from the LEADER fund Shannon Archaeologiadministered by Clare Lo- cal and Historical Society cal Development Compa- members Jake Justice and ny, Clare County Council, Micheál Mac Gearailt along Shannon Municipal District, with students of Heritage the Heritage Council, and and Celtic Languages will the Built Heritage Fund. be providing “an opportunity The event will feature to learn about their work in the traditional music of the Shannon as they wind their Sixmilebridge Folk Group way through the modern and friends plus the chance estates of Shannon Town, to hear the stories of the revealing the near-forgotten farmhouse including how placenames of what was General Lucas, who was once the marshland and captured in Cork by the IRA pasture of the Ballycasey was accommodated in the and Clonmoney Estates,” farmhouse during the War Olive informed.

18

THURSDAY, AUG 12 2021

in association with

Noel’s love for the bike continues CIAN O’BROIN

A

cianobroin@clareecho.ie

N ULTRA Cyclist from Ennis recently completed his fourth annual Joe Barr 800km cycle in 31 hours and has championed the mental health benefits of “disconnecting from technology during training”.

Now six years into his ultra-cycling career, the Element Six night shift worker has shaped his lifestyle to optimize a consistent training schedule, which has led to a number of personal bests. Working four days on, four days off, Noel Cusack trains for 18 hours per week, in blocks consisting of five to six hours and covers a distance of 550km. He trains for six days and then takes two days off. The night shift work in Shannon suits the nature of ultra-races, “that go

through the night.”

His first race six years ago took place on the Isle of Wight, taking the form of a 24-hour non-stop cycle.

Caught in a storm, Noel managed to place second, and finish joint first with the leader, losing out due to his opponent completing an extra lap. Four others were unable to complete the race due to the storm. From then on, having completed 11 ultra-races, he has “liked the thought of pushing the body a bit further”.

Noel enjoys the process of self-improvement and despite numerous polling finishes, does not fixate on being yet to finish in first place.

The Joe Barr 800km race run by the World Ultra Cycling Association is a testament to the benefits of Noel’s hard work on the roads.

The race goes from Donegal to Derry and then back again. In the last four years of the race, his finishing times have been 44 hours,

lULTRA CYCLIST: Noel Cusack covers 550km on his bike every week

42 hours, 36.5 hours and now 31 hours and 46 minutes. The marked

Outstanding Ennis golfer Donal Kenny remembered DONAL Kenny, Hermitage, Ennis who died recently was one of the finest golfers the town has produced.

Aged 73 years, he was a scratch golfer for the best part of 20 years during which time he represented Munster several times in the inter-provincial championships. Donal showed promise from an early age and went on to represent the club in the Senior cup and Barton Shield and figured prominently in the South of Ireland championship in Lahinch.

Afterwards he joined Kilrush and club stalwart, Denis Nagle, who attended Donal’s funeral, praised him for his contribution to the West Clare club including playing in the Barton Shield, Senior Cup and mixed-foursomes.

For the past 15 years Donal was a valued member of Woodstock and featured with various Woodstock teams.

Also among those who attended Donal’s funeral was golfing great, Vincent Nevin, who is also a native of Ennis. He said that when he was non-playing captain of the Munster team that played in the inter-provincial championships in Newcastle, Co. Down in 1980, Donal was a member of the

lRIP: Donal Kenny team. In his game against Bertie Wilson, Donal was two down with six to play but he went on to beat the Ulster player to win the series for Munster.

Also joining in the tributes was another great Ennis golfer, Noel Pyne who holds the record of 50 consecutive appearance in the South of Ireland championship.

He described Donal as a natural golfer who had an impressive record when playing for Munster. He was not very far away from winning an Irish cap, Noel said.

He recalled Donal playing in the South and in particular the year he reached the quarter final when he was pipped at the fourth

tie hole by local golfer, P.J. Queally. He added that Donal was also a promising underage hurler but decided to concentrate on golf.

Donal was a proud Ennis man and as a tradesman was gifted and highly regarded. A son of the late Tony and Rita Kenny, Hermitage, Donal was a great entertainer on social occasions. He was also wonderful company over a pint when he liked to recall old family names and places in his native town.

His death, after a short illness, took place at Milford Centre, Limerick on July 7. His funeral mass was at Ennis Cathedral on July 10 with Fr. Tom Ryan, parish priest, as chief celebrant.

Private cremation took place afterwards. The attendance at the funeral included many friends and golfers. Members of Woodstock Golf Club paid their tribute with a guard of honour after mass. His friends and neighbours in Hermitage also honoured him with a guard of honour.

Donal who was predeceased by his wife Essie, is survived by his sons Tony and Paul, siblings, daughters-in-law Jennie and Sarah, grandchildren, extended family and many friends.

(TM)

improvement is down to “being consistent and sticking with my

training schedule”.

Focusing on 800km races for now, Noel is looking ahead to a World Championship race in four weeks’ time, starting in Dingle’s Slea Head to Wicklow Lighthouse and back again.

His ultimate ultra-racing goal is to complete a race across America but settling for a more realistic near-future challenge, he is looking ahead to completing a 2,300km race around Ireland. Despite the goal becoming bigger each time, his training regiment stays the same, and infuses “passion.”

“I have great support from volunteers during races and you meet great people within the sport. The best thing about cycling for anyone is that it clears the mind.

There are no phones or no technology out there. We are always stuck on computers or phones in our everyday lives now, I know this from work. The bottom line is, I love being out there on the bike,” he concluded.

FEATURES 19

THURSDAY, AUG 12 2021

GREEN CLARE

Crews assemble for annual River Fergus clean-up CIAN O’BROIN

T

cianobroin@clareecho.ie

HE annual River Fergus clean-up took place last week in Ennis, yielding a large rubbish profile from one of the town’s Special Areas of Conservation (SAC).

The clean-up is a collaborative approach between Ennis SubAqua Club, Ennis Tidy Towns and Clare Civil Defence, organised through Clare County Council. As well as being a SAC, the River Fergus, which begins at Lough Fergus in North Clare and flows into the Shannon Estuary is a Special Protected Area (SPA), which designates legal protection of natural habitats, flora and fauna.

Clare County Council Executive Engineer Maria Carey stated that the River Fergus “provides an important habitat for nature, plants

and animals.” It is home to several species of migratory birds, swans, geese, brown trout, salmon, mackerel and otters.

“The cleaner the river is the better the chance there is that we will meet the standards under the Water Framework Directive. A clean river is also a nice amenity for the town. It provides recreational activities and can lead to an increase in tourism,” she stated.

Members of the sub-aqua club, a scuba diving club that dives off the county’s coast, entered the river at the rear of the Post Office field.

Brandishing wetsuits and personal protective equipment (PPE) they waded the low tide and were assisted by the Civil Defence along the shoreline, who removed the bags of rubbish directly into council trucks bound for Inagh Central Waste Management Facility.

Ennis Sub-Aqua Club Member Bridget Ginnity, who took part in the clean-up, stated: “The river is just such a lovely part of Ennis, flowing through it. Looking over

the bridges, down by the riverbanks, its lovely that its a clean area to look on. You have really poor visibility in the river and you can’t really see where you are walking. When you are reaching in, you don’t have good visibility and there is a danger of getting cut with sharp objects.

“We have the visual impact but the impact on the wildlife is adverse. It simply can’t be good for the fish, birds and the wildlife to have all that rubbish”.

Maria informed that there was a wide rubbish profile present in the Fergus that flows through the centre of the town. Metal fencing, timber, cans, bottles, bicycles, road signs, traffic cones were all removed from parts of the river along urban settings. More rural sections of the river that forms part of the Shannon Basin are less subject to intensive pollution, she added.

Several awareness campaigns are in operation as educational preventative measures. These are the

lWORKING TOGETHER: (Main and inset) The River Fergus cleaning crews

County Council’s Greener Clare and social media channels. The national MyWaste.ie campaign, waste enforcement teams, Clare County 2018 Waste Management Byelaws as well as the presence of community wardens patrolling the riverbanks, who act as authorised officers under the waste management act 1996 and can issue on the

spot litter fines of €150. A breach of the byelaws presented to local businesses that instruct on proper waste management can also lead to a fine of €75.

On the back of the success of the clean-up Maria added that there is “scope for more than one clean-up during the year, dependent on the river levels.”

20 Arts & Entertainment

THURSDAY, AUG 12 2021

‘The world is crying out for real music’ CIAN O’BROIN

A

cianobroin@clareecho.ie

CLARECASTLE musician looking to put a smile on people’s faces has released his debut single, stating that “the world is crying out for real music with real instruments, and not computerised stuff ”.

Padjo Dolan (26) relished in the rich music scene in Galway whilst studying Business in NUIG and was “in and out of bands” for a few years, playing college bars and venues but found that he “always wanted to get in and record original music, but at the time everyone was just trying to study and get by”.

Looking for like-minded individuals that wanted to do it at the same scale took a number of years for the St. Flannan’s College past pupil, who decided in 2019 that he was going to “go hard or go home.”

His new debut single ‘Blunder’ which was released on July 23rd is a “heart-warming package”, mixing rock, country and pop, creating a “feel good, laid back, summer track.”

Receiving great support from family, friends and the local community, the

single has already received the accolades of ‘song of the week’ on Clare FM, been played on RTÉ Radio One and was number one on the iTunes rock chart and third overall, next to Ed Sheeran one week.

The single came about after Padjo contacted Camden Recording Studios in Dublin and after returning from Finland on a work rotation, managed to get in the studio with “real life rock stars” that “were a pleasure to work with” and finetuned over 30 ideas that led to Padjo’s first three songs.

He recorded with Cian Boylan who works with Sinead Ó Connor, Conor Brady who toured with The Corrs for 10 years and Robbie Malone, who played the bass for Davy Gray. “They were a sound bunch of lads and a pleasure to work with. Their experience is phenomenal,” he admitted.

Despite receiving a number of accolades on the back of Blunder’s release, Padjo hopes to sign with a record label that can get behind him and plug his music properly. Adopting an all or nothing mentally, Padjo believes that Blunder was “done to the highest standards” and he is looking to “leave no stone unturned.”

Now with a total of eight songs recorded in the studio, he is looking forward to the return of live music.

lDEBUT: Padjo Dolan

Thoor Ballylee to come alive for ‘Wild Child’ Heritage Week event THIS year Thoor Ballylee, the Galway home of poet laureate WB Yeats, will come alive for a ‘Wild Child’ celebration on August 18th for National Heritage Week.

Families are invited to be inspired by the words of Yeats: “Come away O human child to the waters and the wild, with a faery hand in hand”.

There will be workshops for making fairy doors and magic wands, as well as readings from stories and poetry from his writing.

A woodland walk connecting the beauty of Thoor Ballylee and its environs to the fairy folk will

be accompanied with music and legends.

The event is designed to connect children to the wild wonder of the place that Yeats so loved.

For further details see ‘“Wild Child” at Thoor Ballylee’ on Eventbrite: https:// www.eventbrite.ie/e/wildchild-at-thoor-ballylee-tickets-165904547969 This is a free event, but due to Covid 19 restrictions registration for workshops is necessary. lFAIRY FOLK: Explore the home of WB Yeats

Photo by Kate Nolan

FEATURES 21

We are stronger together

THURSDAY, AUG 12 2021

RONAN SCULLY

Thought for the week

O

VER the years, I have travelled around our world and our country quite a lot especially with work. In that time, I have seen and heard of many acts of racism committed against coloured people especially black and brown people and people of different ethnic minorities, from children right up to adults.

Now, I have to ask myself a question: As a dad of two amazing beautiful children of colour, why haven’t I done more to try to end this? We must stand up for those who are persecuted.

We must listen to those who are harmed and stand with them and protect them. I am moved to hear so many speak of how they need to be more than not racist, but to be actively anti-racist. In a world battling the Coronavirus, especial-

R

ly these last few months, we have all realised how much stronger we are, when we work together. The senseless acts of racial and ethnic violence in word and deed should have no place in our country and world

Kennys Needed!

Listening to people and indeed some people's nasty racist rhetoric recently especially after England lost to Italy in the European Soccer Final when the 3 young men from England were racially abused because of the colour of their skin and most recently on our own doorstep an Irish rugby journalist and ex-player just in the last few weeks making racists remarks against one of the scrum halfs, another fine young man on The Lions Rugby team, one might think that leadership has to be aggressive and confrontational, but consider this parable about

ebecca O’Neill

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leadership. A student assigned to write an essay about an effective leader wrote this story: "I've been taking a bus to school for years.

Most passengers keep to themselves and no one ever talks to anyone else. About a year ago, an elderly man got on the bus and said loudly to the driver, 'Good morning!' Most people looked up, annoyed, and the bus driver just grunted.

The next day the man got on at the same stop and again he said loudly, 'Good morning!' to the driver. Another grunt. By the fifth day, the driver relented and greeted the man with a semi-cheerful 'Good morning!' The man announced, 'My name is Kenny,' and asked the driver, 'What's yours?' The driver said his name was George. That was the first time any of us heard the driver's name and soon people began to talk to each other and say hello to George and Kenny.

Soon Kenny extended his cheerful 'Good morning!' to the whole bus. Within a few days his 'Good morning!' was returned by a whole bunch of 'Good morning's' and the entire bus seemed to be friendlier. People got to know each other. "If a leader is someone

who makes something happen, Kenny was our leader in friendliness." A month ago, Kenny didn't get on the bus and we haven't seen him since. Everyone began to ask about Kenny and lots of people said he may have died. No one knew what to do and the bus got awfully quiet again. So last week, I started to act like Kenny and say, 'Good morning!' to everyone and they cheered up again. I guess I'm the leader now. I hope Kenny comes back to see what he started.

Maybe all our societies in our world need a Kenny!

Thought for the week

As your thought for the week, I ask you to join in this race for racial justice, to do our part, so that together we can create a new world. The society we live in is the result of human choices and decisions. "We", the members of humanity created racism and only "We" can defeat racism and that time has come. No longer can racism be tolerated or accepted, it needs to be stopped, and the people who have suffered because of it have the right to finally be free from its grasp.

Racism has no place here, it has no place anywhere and until we

stamp it out permanently, we will never truly be free. That means that humanity can change things.

So as another new week begins, may you be blessed and may others be blessed by you. May you be blessed with all things good. May racism be absent from your life and may beauty, order, real love and abundance be your constant companion.

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

And while we give thanks for the diversity of people— of cultures and ethnicities, of histories and life-stories, of skin colour and language and hearts that love the world; the best way to give thanks is to disassemble the systems, the stories, the myths, that privilege of one colour over another— is to root out and unroot the insidious beliefs of those of us with privilege that “me and mine” are better than “you and yours.” End racism now. Amen

Realistic goal setting This week, beauty therapist Rebecca O’Neill believes it is important to be kind to yourself when setting out to achieve your goals

ECENTLY, I have become a qualified life coach and this week I really wanted to talk about the fundamentals of goal setting and how important it is.

We have all heard about this topic and what to do when you want to set a goal, but finding out how to make it easier is a whole different ball game. Some people tend to overwhelm themselves when it comes to goal setting because they may become unrealistic to them in their life, at that point in time. This can soon develop anxious thoughts which will ultimately make your goals unrealistic to complete.

SETTING REALISTIC GOALS What I mean by setting realistic goals is that they are very achievable and suitable for you at that time. Putting pressure on an unrealistic goal can result in it not being reached. When starting out, I recommend to list small daily tasks for yourself. If you happen to not reach one or two of these,

COMPASSION: Don't beat yourself up if you don't complete your list

you can always move them to the next day. For example my small daily goals would be: 1: Set aside one hour to read my book. 2: Complete a 30 minute workout. 3: Journal for 20 minutes. 4: Allow five minutes for meditation.

These are just small daily goals that I know I will feel so much better once I’ve completed them.

You can have less or more depending on how realistic they are for you.

When it comes to a wider

spectrum of goals, I recommend to mind map some that you have thought of throughout life and list the pros and cons of each. This will help you filter out the ones you really want and declutter the mind. Essentially, a to do list, daily, will help you achieve your goals.

THE FRAMEWORK When coming up with goals there is always a game plan involved to achieve them. Your

desires and intentions towards it, all lie in the framework. This is a simple step by step list on how your going to achieve it. This will also make you less overwhelmed when trying to complete and fulfil those desires. What I love about an action plan is that it is completely personal and on your very own terms. I always advise to write out very achievable framework in order to fulfil your intentions. Mind maps also come in very useful when developing framework and creates a clear vision on how it will be completed. The main priority is to not get overwhelmed when setting these tasks and goals.

Creating healthy and positive plans for yourself are essential to your everyday mental and physical health. This column is a gentle reminder that you are fully in control of how you treat every situation in life. Be kind to yourself and always ensure you have your own best interests at heart when it comes to creating a happier and healthier life.

22 COLUMNIST

THURSDAY, AUG 12 2021

Eoin Neylon

An inside look at Clare’s political spectrum With

With With

Farming columnist with The Clare Echo, Joe Melody says all farming representative bodies need to unite in opposition to the Suckler Carbon Efficiency Programme.

T

HE Chinese New Year starts in February but on ours and many other grass based farms the grazing year starts in August.

That statement might at first make little sense but the month of August is when we start to build grass so as to extend our cows grazing season into late autumn and dare I say it winter. From now on it is our imperative to build enough grass on farms but not too much as in that case autumnal graze outs could be poor and this will leave a patchy sward for spring 2022 and reduce the amount of grass available to freshly calved cows.

August is also harvest on tillage farms across the country, granted these type of farms are few and far between in Co. Clare but as a dairy farmer it can be a great month for harvesting milk solids as cows are still milking decent output but their butterfat and protein is on the up.

The Department of Agriculture has outlined the details of its proposed Suckler Carbon Efficiency Programme and rather

than this being a vehicle to drive progress in the Suckling industry, it is in effect a modern day Suckler cow quota. The scheme will prevent participants from increasing their suckler cow numbers over the duration of their contract with the scheme. This scheme is taking up where the BDGP and BEEP schemes left off.

In my experience neither of those schemes did much to progress the suckler farmer’s lot, rather they enrolled him in further form filling, and pushed him down a route of breeding by numbers in mandating him to use certain bulls with high star ratings.

These breeding strategies only served in many cases to dilute the quality of our national suckler herd.

In Ireland our average suckler cow herd is 17 cows, in many cases there would be scope to expand and improve efficiencies to allow for a better return on these herds. However this scheme has shut the door to any increased productivity by capping of cow numbers.

Our national suckler herd cannot be the sacrificial lamb for climate mitigation.

These type of schemes de-

DRINK UP: The average Irish suckler herd is 17 cows

flate the industry and lower expectations as to where the suckler industry can go.

Sometimes when stagnation is mandated it actually leads to the receding of cow numbers.

We need only look to the dairy industry and see what decades of milk quotas did to the energy and direction of that sector. I remember in the noughties, the farming papers often carried stories of how such a farmer had left dairying and went into some diversification whether it be keeping ostriches or growing pumpkins.

The farmer would usually cite the cost of purchasing milk quota as the last straw that dissuaded them from expanding. This had a knock on effect as it was clear to the next generation there was no part to play for them on the farm.

All farm representative bodies need now to unite and vehemently oppose this regressive scheme.

Our elected representatives would do well to remember that Ireland is a small open economy and we cannot afford to put a key sector of our economy under a policy induced anaesthesia.

We need to change T HE only thing consistent about political accountability is its inconsistency.

There has been a quote doing the rounds on social media this past week: “Last year a Government Minister broke the Covid rules and there was little time spent in changing the Minister. This year, Leo broke the Covid rules and they spent little time changing the rules.”

What’s good for the goose has not proven good for the gander it seems.

The fall out of the Zappone party in Dublin’s Merrion Hotel has not yet died down but it seems that Varadkar will be shielded from all censure come what may.

But this may prove one controversy too many for a lot of people, especially members of the three Government parties.

Having spoken to members of FF, FG and the Green Party over the past week, there is fury at the attitude on show.

The rush to defend the seemingly indefensible has caused a lot of anger within party faithful of the coalition partners. “How is it one rule for Dara and another one for Leo”, a member of the Fianna Fáil national executive asked me rhetorically.

FG members spoke of frustration of the actions under cutting the Government’s message of caution with regard to Covid, at a time we should be celebrating the huge vaccine roll out success across the country.

Green members spoke of a further knock on to the other Government backed measures and programmes, especially with a view to climate change and the impending need for dramatic cultural change

in Ireland when it comes to our waste production and over consumption. There was also frustration at their own party event hosted by their by-election candidate which had over 50 people in attendance including party leader Eamon Ryan.

Grassroots members appear up in arms to the display of low standards in high places.

Opposition have also been notably quiet. Sinn Féin cannot really say too much given the previous breaches that party partook in for which their politicians faced no consequences. Independents were also quietened when one of their group TDs, Kerry’s Danny Healy-Rea, was caught on camera presiding over a veritable festival atmosphere in his pub in which multiple Covid regulations were being breached.

Lastly, new Labour TD Ivana Bacik was also at the Zappone party in the Merrion, leaving just the Social Democrats unsullied by accusations of playing fast and loose with Covid restrictions that the rest of us have to obey.

It further erodes faith in politics and politicians at large but for the majority of people, it would appear, there is no surprise at the latest round of breaches. It’s all a bit exhausting at this stage.

Yet, it is the message from Green members in Clare that really struck a note with me.

As the latest UN report on climate change is launched this week, it is more and more apparent that Governments around the world need to become far more radical with their actions on climate change.

The Climate Action Bill recently passed through the Oireachtas, is ambitious and at the forefront

of Governmental action on the global scale.

Nevertheless, given the growing scale of the problem, it may already be too small a response.

Being able to sit back on Lahinch beach in 30 degrees of heat a fortnight ago was blissful, but the deluge of rain we’ve suffered since is the consequence of that.

Our weather is notably getting more extreme and with the Gulf Stream dying away, Clare needs to prepare ourselves for far greater extremes, especially plummeting temperatures in Winter and more and more rain than we already suffer.

Undoubtedly this will see a huge increase in infrastructure maintenance costs and flood repairs.

The future is a scary one unless drastic action is taken. This needs to be done on a grand scale, involving all companies and multinationals, but also on a personal level.

Forty per cent of all emissions in Ireland are transport related, with 50 per cent of all journeys less than 2km undertaken by car. It’s no surprise to see the growing obesity issues in Ireland when you look at statistics like that.

We are still the greatest producer of plastic waste per capita in Europe as well.

The changes we need to make as a society must be led by Government but in order for them to be able to get that message across effectively, they need to have the moral authority to make those decisions and get public buy-in for them.

This is the decade we need to see change.

Anything further will be too late.

The antics of Leo and co. will no doubt make that process harder.

COMMUNITY 23

THURSDAY, AUG 12 2021

Community THE BURREN

CONTACT

NEWSDESK 065 671 9021 news@clareecho.ie

LABASHEEDA ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION

SHANNON Gaels will hold an outdoor celebration event on Saturday August 14th 2021 to mark the 50th anniversary of the 1970 & 1971 Clare Senior Football Championship winning teams. The event will take place at the GAA pitch in Labasheeda at 2pm on Saturday August 14th. An underage football blitz will take place followed by a small presentation to each player from the winning teams.

MILTOWN MALBAY CONCERTINA CRUINNIÚ

THE 9th annual Concertina Cruinniú, organised by Oidhreacht an Chláir, has been rescheduled for September 17-19, in the Community Centre. The programme includes classes for all grades, lectures, a Junior open session on Saturday, a Concert by the Mulcahy family and Noel Hill on Saturday night, and a Songs & Tunes session with special guests on Sunday. For the classes, please register by August 31. Full details on www.concertinacruinniu.ie.

QUIN FARMERS MARKET

A NEW farmers market will take place in the car park of Malachys Bar in Quin this Sunday from 11am to 1pm. To take place on the third Sunday of every month. All welcome.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR lSUPPORT: James Fahy, Chair of the Burren Lowlands, receives a donation of €1250 from Anne McInerney of the Gort Credit Union. The

donation will support the redesign of the Burren Lowlands website, which is currently under construction at www.burrenlowlands.org. It is thanks to such local contributions that the Burren Lowlands CLG can continue their mission to return that support to local businesses, such as the Gort Credit Union

Photo by PJ Downey

COUNTYWIDE CUIMHNEAMH AN CHLÁIR

THE Clare Oral History Podcast – A Taster, is the subject matter of a heritage project undertaken by Cuimhneamh an Chláir to mark National Heritage Week 2021. Come join us online on Saturday 14 August at 2pm when we will be sharing some of the incredible stories from our archive.

This Autumn Cuimhneamh an Chláir will be dropping its first ever podcast. These podcasts will be deep dives into the oral archive of Cuimhneamh an Chláir, which now contains over 12 years of memories and stories collected from Clare’s oldest citizens.

The committee and volunteers at Cuimhneamh an Chláir are currently beavering away picking the most surprising, interesting, informative, inspirational and moving of these stories to share with you. Cuimhneamh an Chláir would like to acknowledge the generous support from the Heritage Council which will enable us to produce a podcast series generated from our rich archive.

To take account COVID-19 restrictions, Cuimhneamh an Chláir has organised an online Zoom event which will allow people of all ages to share in our upcoming Heritage Week event. Email eventsclarecac@gmail. com to register your interest and get Zoom link.

lHERITAGE: The archive of Cuimhneamh an Chláir

now contains over 12 years of memories and stories collected from Clare’s oldest citizens.

Dear Sir, Congratulations on your article in The Clare Echo, August 5 re Rhona Lucas. What a role model she is in the care of abandoned animals, together with her helpers (volunteers). The time and patience they give to these animals is incredible.

Ireland has the reputation of being one of the the countries for its cruelty to animals, both domestic and farm animals. All animals have feelings like humans have, but they cannot speak for themselves. Lucky there are some kind people who take great care and respect for their animals.

The Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals should do more to prevent such cruelties occuring e.g. jail sentences, heavy fines and ban the culprits from keeping animals. When someone sees or knows of anyone who treats their animals in a cruel way, they should report it to the society, and hopefully the society will take action, failing that report it to the guards.

People of Ireland, please take care of your animals, be kind and have respect for them. Remember they have feelings, and also give affection and love as well as being loyal. Thank you Rhona and staff for all the great care you give to the animals and thank you to all who donate to the good cause.

Colette H, Ennis

RECRUITMENT 25

THURSDAY, AUG 12 2021

BUSINESS AND RECRUITMENT

CONTACT US WE’RE ON FACEBOOK, TWITTER AND INSTAGRAM #CE

Environmental groups slam Ennis Data Centre as 'climate disaster waiting to happen' PÁRAIC MCMAHON

A

paraic@clareecho.ie

GROUP which led the campaign against the Shannon LNG has described the proposed Ennis Data Centre as “a climate disaster waiting to happen”.

Campaigners from Futureproof Clare, Extinction Rebellion Clare and the Clare Environmental Network have united in their criticism against plans for the €1.2bn Data Centre, plans for which were lodged three weeks ago.

Public participation surrounding the project has been labelled as “almost non-existent” by the groups, they are going to hold an information webinar on the topic on Monday evening, details can be found via Futureproof Clare’s Facebook page.

Emanuela Ferrari of Futureproof Clare questioned whether the Ennis Data Centre was compatible with the Regional Spatial Economic Strategy (RSES). “According to the planning application for Ennis Data Centre, it would use 1 million litres of water per day during hot weather, while the electricity load would be 200MW, which is the amount of power used by 210,000 homes,” she claimed.

Ferrari added, “The rapid growth of data centres in Ireland is leading to new gas-fired power stations being built to meet the increased energy demand, and their growth is also adding to pressure to approve the Shannon LNG fracked gas import terminal.

Another huge data centre is the last thing we should be building.

The world’s climate scientists this week issued their starkest warnings yet about the scale of the planetary emergency. We are rapidly approaching dangerous climate ‘tip-

www.localenterprise.ie/clare www.localenterprise.ie/lookforlocal

ping points’. The only way to avoid a climate catastrophe is for every country to decarbonise rapidly. Building more data centres is going in the wrong direction.”

A rapid growth in data centres will “overwhelm Ireland’s electricity grid” and risks rolling blackouts, Aisling Wheeler of Extinction Rebellion Clare commented. “Clare County Council is not requiring Ennis Data Centre to generate any renewable energy. If Big Tech cannot provide new renewable energy to power their data centres, they should be refused permission.

She said, “This data centre application must be rejected in its current form, both because of the carbon emissions from burning fossil gas and the excessive load it places on the grid. The Council should insist that any data centre be powered by renewables provided by the operator”.

Clare Environmental Network’s Theresa O’Donohoe believed, “Public participation

has been almost non-existent, and a legal challenge on these grounds will undoubtedly succeed”.

Art Data Centres, which is responsible for the works detail in its Environmental Impact Assessment Report to Clare County Council that impacts during the construction phase will be “short term”. 250 jobs will be created in the data centre, 1,200 in construction and 600 in support services. lWORRIED: Theresa O’Donohoe

26 RECRUITMENT

THURSDAY, AUG 12 2021

Cliffs of Moher strategy 'too important to not get right'

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by PÁRAIC McMAHON AKING local feedback on board is critical to making the Cliffs of Moher 2040 Strategy a success, county councillors have stated.

Half a million euros is being spent on the development of the strategy which is due to be com-

The organisation is currently seeking to fill the following fixed term position, based in Scarrif, Co Clare:

CLERICAL OFFICER, ENVIRONMENT & HERITAGE SECTION JOB REF: 1276T FIXED TERM – 12 MONTHS €25,324 All information relating to this post, including the application form, is available on our website www.waterwaysireland.org

pleted by the end of 2021, the cost of which is to be split between Clare County Council and Fáilte Ireland for Leicester based Haley Sharpe Design.

Director of Service with the Council, Leonard Cleary detailed that the consultants had been briefed on key points raised by councillors in the West Clare Municipal District.

He believed a subsequent meeting between the consultants and councillors was “very positive”.

Cllr Joe Garrihy (FG) said the strategy was “too important to not get right”. He stated, “This is a topic as a Municipal District we need to be fully briefed on and keep on top of, it is the most important strategy that has been done for North Clare”.

“It is really important that we get a sense of what the consultants are hearing. Given the level of engagement that has happened, it is really important that we get a sense of what is being heard and what comes back,” Cllr Cillian Murphy (FF) believed.

A member of the steering committee involved with the Cliffs, Cllr Shane Talty (FF) acknowledged the consultants for taking on board points put before them to date. “There is a massive element that is not site specific which we will hopefully see more detail on in the coming months”.

Potential new directions for the Cliffs must be put before elected representatives, Cllr Joe Killeen (FF) stressed. “Mobility audits are taking place in different towns and villages to make sure the tourists can progress to the Cliffs of Moher.

We want to have a tourism offering that will increase our long-stay tourism stay. As a Municipal District we need to move with determination to make sure the Cliffs of Moher is helping our case and that we’re gaining from it”.

D&W METER D&W M E T EREADING R R E A D I NIS G NOW IS RECRUITING N O W R E C R UIN I TNORTH I N G I N CLARE, EAST MID CLARE ENNIS CLA R E & E& NN I S A RAREA EA Reading Electric Meters on behalf of ESB Networks.

Applicant must have a clean drivers licence and own vehicle. Local knowledge of the area is essential. Applicant must also have access to a landline. For more details contact Liam at 087 2865565 or email dwmeter@gmail.com.

lVITAL: Cliffs of Moher

Photo by Kevin L Smith

BAR & RESTAURANT

We require a food & beverage manager for an immediate start - The successful applicant must be highly motivated and be a team player - Minimum 1 years experience in a management position - Will be expected to train new staff members and complete rotas - This is an excellent opportunity to join our growing team - An excellent employment package will be offered to the successful candidate

Suitable candidates should send a cv to info@thegroveennis.ie or apply in writing to The Grove Bar & Restaurant Roslevan shopping centre Tulla Rd Ennis V95 E03Y

BUSINESS 27

THURSDAY, AUG 12 2021

Plans for Ennis Data Centre 'totally independent' of Council PÁRAIC MCMAHON

C

paraic@clareecho.ie

LARE County Council have outlined that the planning application for a data centre in Ennis has been made “totally independent” of the local authority.

On July 16th, Art Data Centres Ltd lodged the planning application for the Ennis Data

Centre with a permission of ten years duration sought.

Although a data centre has been identified as a key pillar of the Ennis 2040 Plan by Clare County Council while local authority staff were involved in a visit to Facebook’s data centre in Lulea, Sweden before plans were progressed.

“This application has been made totally independent of Clare County Council and will be adjudicated on in the coming weeks,” a spokesperson for the Council told The Clare Echo of plans for the Data Centre.

The application site has a total of c.60 hectares with a net area for development of c.45 hectares, and is bound to the south by R352 (Tulla Road), to the east and the north by agriculture land, to the west by the M18.

Plans include the demolition of an existing single storey with pitched roof farm dwelling house together with 8 No. farm outbuildings on the overall site and the construction of six two storey data centre buildings with three storey plant/office levels and associated ancillary development that will have a combined gross floor area of 118,740

sqm.

These data halls are maximum 19m high and will consist of the data halls and air handling units and offices and ancillary plant and support.

Each of the six data centre buildings will include data halls, associated electrical and mechanical plant rooms, loading bays, maintenance and storage spaces, office administration areas, pump rooms, water storage tanks, and plant, as well as backup (standby) generators (eleven per building) for emergency use.

EXPERIENCED TARMAC OPERATIVES REQUIRED Including Paver and Roller Driver, Hand Laying Operatives for Galway/South Mayo area. lAPPLICATION: Ennis Data Centre

PART TIME NEWSAGENT SHOP ASSISTANT C.V. Required post to PO BOX 170491 Clare Echo 36C Abbey St Lifford Ennis Co. Clare

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28 RECRUITMENT

THURSDAY, AUG 12 2021

Time running out to apply for Excellence Awards STUART HOLLY

T

editor@clareecho.ie

HE first submission deadline for entries to the Clare Business Excellence & Resilience Awards is fast approaching. Speaking to . – official media partners of the Awards – organiser and Ennis Chamber CEO Margaret O’Brien said that while

acknowledging that it was a “gamble” to host the awards as many industries continue to find their feet following the pandemic interruptions, “The Executive Board of Ennis Chamber felt we owed it to the businesses in County Clare to acknowledge the battles many of them have fought to stay in business over the past 17 months, amid lockdowns, restrictions and ever changing guidelines.

The event organisers added the word ‘Resilience’ to the title of

CATEGORIES AND SPONSORS l BEST GREEN & SUSTAINABLE PRACTICES Sponsored by Rengen Power l BEST MICRO BUSINESS (employing 10 people or less) Sponsored by Clare Local Enterprise Office l BUSINESS SUPPORTING COMMUNITY Sponsored by Essilor l CLARE PROFESSIONAL SERVICES EXCELLENCE AWARD Sponsored by AIB

the awards this year as a way to celebrate and acknowledge the quality that has shone through within the county’s business community during a difficult 18 months, “which they have displayed in spades”.

Two new categories have been introduced to this year’s awards list to reflect the changing business landscape. The ‘Resilience Award’, sponsored by Cup Print will recognise a business that pivoted, modified their business model or introduced a new service, in order to adapt to changed conditions and demands. The ‘Commitment to Training Award’, sponsored by Regional Skills Mid-West, will celebrate businesses that leveraged readily available training opportunities since March 2020, to ramp up management and employee skills.

There are 12 award categories this year. Categories range from those with a mystery shop/critic element including ‘Best Tour-

ism Experience’, ‘Best Hospitality Provider’, ‘Customer Service Excellence’ and’ Best Retailer’. The submission deadline for these categories is Monday August 16.

Categories based on case study/ written submissions have a submissions deadline date of August 23rd. These categories include ‘Best Professional Services’, ‘Green & Sustainable Practices’, ‘Business for Community’, ‘Best Commitment to Training’ ‘Resilience Award’ ‘Best Micros Business (10 employees or less), Best use of Digital Marketing/Social Media’ and Best Community/Voluntary Group.

The overall ‘Clare Business of the Year’ sponsored by Clare County Council will be announced on the night of the Awards to be held on October 28 at glor. The ‘Clare Business of the Year’ will be chosen from the category winners.

“These awards would not be possible without the support of our sponsors. Some have supported us for many years, and we thank

them sincerely for their continued support, while others, including Rengen Power, Regional Skills Mid-West, Ability IT Solutions, Shannon Region Conference & Sports Bureau and The Clare Echo are new sponsors whom we warmly welcome on board.” With a comprehensive list of categories open to businesses large and small from all sectors, entries can be competed online at: www.ennischamber. ie/services/buinsess-awards.

Ms O’Brien adds, “We hope that businesses right across county Clare will take the opportunity to apply to this year’s Awards. We appreciate that time is precious and consequently the submission process is very straightforward and is completed online. We are very pleased with the response to date and already we can see some trends emerge. We expect the Green & Sustainable Practices and the Hospitality categories to be especially hard fought, but its early days yet!”

l BEST TOURISM EXPERIENCE IN CLARE Sponsored by LIT l BEST HOSPITALITY Sponsored by Shannon Region Conference & Sports Bureau

l BEST USE OF DIGITAL MARKETING & SOCIAL MEDIA Sponsored by The Clare Echo l CLARE RETAILER OF THE YEAR Sponsored by Ability IT Solutions l CUSTOMER SERVICE EXCELLENCE Sponsored by McKeogh Gallagher Ryan Accountants l COMMITMENT TO TRAINING Sponsored by Regional Skills Mid-West l RESILIENCE AWARD Sponsored by Cup Print

l BEST VOLUNTARY/COMMUNITY GROUP IN CLARE Sponsored by St Francis Credit Union l OVERALL WINNER – ‘CLARE BUSINESS OF THE YEAR 2021’ Sponsored by the awards lead sponsor - Clare County Council

lRESILIENCE: Ennis Chamber CEO Margaret O'Brien Photo by Arthur Ellis

A rewarding experience, says previous winner

by STUART HOLLY

lTOP PRIZE: Pat Dowling, CEO Clare county council, Darin McGibney, Irene Hamilton, Martina Kenyon Hamilton, Christian Mc Gibney, John Mulqueen and Cathal Crowe

Photo by Mike Mulcaire

A PREVIOUS winner at the Clare Business Excellence and Resilience Awards is urging other businesses to take part in what she describes as a rewarding experience.

Irene Hamilton, of the Kilrush based Scattery Island Tours, was the recipient of the overall Business of the Year in 2019 when the awards were last held before a year’s hiatus due to Covid-19. The West Clare woman said the prestigious awards had a positive impact on her business.

“We were absolutely delighted to be awarded the Overall Business of the Year award at the Clare Business Excellence Awards in 2019. Co Clare has such a wealth of fantastic businesses, so we felt incredibly honoured to be selected as the Overall winner for 2019, in addition to being awarded the Best Tourism Business for the same year.

“The service we offer to Scattery Island

is a combined effort between our dedicated crew here at Scattery Island Tours and the fantastic OPW guides on Scattery Island who bring the island's story to life, so it was really rewarding to see this combined team work acknowledged with such a prestigious award."

Irene added that not only does winning an award offer customers a stamp of approval, the ceremony itself is a great way to connect with people in the business community.

"These awards are a great initiative by Ennis Chamber, and I would urge all businesses no matter how small, especially new businesses to get involved. They are a great way to keep you focused on delivering the core values for your business and for your customers. The evening itself is a great opportunity for your team to have a night out together and remind yourselves that all the hard work is worth it! For our customers also, it gives them the confidence that the service we offer can be trusted."

THURSDAY, AUG 12 2021

Everyone wants to get what they paid for. The Clare Echo is independently verified by ABC, because we want our advertisers to know they’re getting the exposure they’ve been promised.

NEWS 29

Beautiful homes all over the County

Property

“LAKE VIEW”, 6 GIRROGA HEIGHTS GALWAY ROAD ENNIS, CO.CLARE €465,000

1B CREGAÚN, TOBARTAISCAIN CLONROAD MORE, ENNIS, CO. CLARE

THIS hidden gem represents a unique opportunity to purchase a detached property, situated within walking distance of the town centre and with the type of views you would never expect!

This property is set on an elevated site with amazing, uninterrupted views overlooking Girroga Lake. Originally constructed in 1980, this fine home has been lovingly restored and redesigned by its current owners. It is situated in an established, residential area within walking distance of all local amenities.

Internally, accommodation is well proportioned and comprises 180 sq.m. (1,937 sq.ft.) approx and includes a contemporary open plan kitchen and dining area, a generously sized living room, running nearly the full length of the property, a luxurious bathroom, an office, 4 bedrooms (2 of which are ensuite) and an adjacent garage. The master bedroom suite encapsulates the whole first floor of the property. The lake views on offer from this property are second to none and every emphasis has been put on maximizing these views with successful results.

1B CREGAUN is a charming five bedroom detached house located in the heart of the popular residential area of Tobarteascain just a short stroll to all town amenities, including secondary schools, recreational facilities, transport links and the retail and social scene of Ennis town centre.

Entrance is via the main hallway, to the left is the sitting room which features a solid fuel fireplace and front aspect bay window. The hallway leads into the main kitchen/dining room area. This is recognisably the heart of the home and comprises various integrated Zanussi appliances and ample work surfaces. This room offers a large dining space and a sliding patio door merges onto the south facing rear garden. The ground floor WC completes the ground floor accommodation. At first floor level there is access to the five bedrooms and main bathroom. Four of the bedrooms feature tastefully finished en-suites.

A feature of this home is the Granny flat to the side of the property which comprises of an open plan kitchen/living room, WC & double bedroom.

THIS impressive 3 bedroom detached property is ideally located within walking distance of Lahinch beach and all local amenities. Situated in an established residential development, this particular property is positioned in a small enclave of only 5 houses and is not overlooked to the rear. Internally, accommodation comprises 150 sq.m. (1,614 sq.f.t approx) and includes an open plan kitchen and dining area, utility room, living room, a ground floor toilet, bathroom and 3 bedrooms (with the potential to subdivide bedroom 3 into two bedrooms). Externally, the grounds are mainly in lawn with ample parking facilities, low maintenance patio areas and a storage shed. Rarely does such a well located property become available in Lahinch. Early viewings are advisable

Danielle O’Connor Sherry FitzGerald McMahon Licence No: 001212 065 686 7866

Jason Pyne Sherry FitzGerald McMahon Licence No: 001212 065 686 7866

Danielle O’Connor Sherry FitzGerald McMahon Licence No: 001212 065 686 7866

MOLLANEEN, DYSART, ENNIS, CO. CLARE

WILD GEESE COTTAGE, LACKYLE, LABASHEEDA, ASKING PRICE CO. CLARE €130,000 Detached Home - 1 Bed - 1 Bath

LATOON, NEWMARKET ON FERGUS, CO. CLARE.

30

ASKING PRICE €245,000 Detached House - 3 Beds - 2 Baths

THURSDAY, AUG 12 2021

€295,000

NEW TO THE MARKET: Mollaneen, Dysart is an attractive, architect designed bungalow with carport built in 1986 and standing on a well landscaped site in a popular residential area close to Dysart castle.

Dysart is ideal located, being in a quiet rural setting with all the benefits of country living yet is within a stone’s throw of the M18 and easy access to Ennis, Shannon, Galway and Limerick. The property has been built to a very high standard with particular care been taken with the insulation levels in the home.

The bungalow offers excellent living accommodation with kitchen, spacious living room, WC, utility, store room, three spacious bedrooms and a bathroom. Viewing on this fine home is strongly recommended

RENOVATED COTTAGE: Wild Geese Cottage” is a delightful, renovated cottage in a pleasant rural setting outside the village of Labasheeda with views of the River Shannon to the rear.

The property is ideally located for those seeking a “get away” holiday home in a quiet setting yet within fifteen minutes of Kilrush and thirty minutes of both Doonbeg and the ferry at Killimer. The cottage was built in the 1930’’s and has been recently refurbished to a very high standard. There is a large site of approximately an acre with a patio area to the rear and a driveway to the side.

Contact: Helen Gallery Auctioneer & Valuers, 68 Parnell Street, Ennis, Co. Clare.

086 250 4671 & 065 6829 481.

PSRA Registration No. 002433

Contact: Helen Gallery Auctioneer & Valuers, 68 Parnell Street, Ennis, Co. Clare.

086 250 4671 & 065 6829 481.

PSRA Registration No. 002433

2 AN CREAG, LAHINCH, CO. CLARE

€395,000

ASKING PRICE €75,000

EXTREMELY WELL LOCATED SITE in the very popular Latoon area just off Exit 11 on the M18 close to The Dromoland Inn. The site is nicely elevated with the adjoining properties being located back off the road.

The site is being sold subject to planning permission and we have been advised it could qualify as an infill site. The purchaser would need to verify this with the local authority.

Contact: Helen Gallery Auctioneer & Valuers, 68 Parnell Street, Ennis, Co. Clare.

086 250 4671 & 065 6829 481.

PSRA Registration No. 002433

PROPERTY 31

THURSDAY, AUG 12 2021

DOONAHA EAST, KILKEE

Asking Price: €345,000 Fantastic 4 Bedroom detached B-rated home Substantial private site measuring approx. 0.66 acres Located in the much sought-after area of Doonaha East, Kilkee 5 minute drive to Kilkee Accessed through the electric gates onto a tarmac drive with lawns to both sides and offers ample parking Block-built garage to the rear of the property.

Zoned heating (upstairs, downstairs & hot water) Constructed circa 2018 Solar panels Solid block walls 210 sqm (2,260 sq.ft)

SHERRYFITZ.IE

/SHERRYFITZGERALDGROUP @SHERRY_FITZ

It’s not just about property. It’s about people

PSRA No. 001212

Sport Clare Echo THE

12-08-21

pg 32

instagram.com/ClareEcho twitter.com/ClareEcho facebook.com/clareecho clareecho.ie

Donovan dazzles in 7th win Hehir’s strike PÁRAIC MCMAHON paraic@clareecho.ie

ENNIS’ Paddy Donovan recorded a devastating first round knockout in what was the seventh win of his professional boxing career.

A superb body shot from Donovan forced Jose Luis Castillo of Argentina to the ground in round one of their bout on Friday night at the Falls Park in Belfast. The fight lasted one minute and twenty two seconds and was part of the undercard for two-time Olympian Michael Conlan’s bout with ex junior featherweight champion TJ Doheny.

Donovan now has seven wins from as many outings in his blossoming professional career, five of these have been

FIXTURES HURLING: Clare IHC Saturday August 14th: Corofin vs Parteen in Shannon at 2:30pm Tubber vs Killanena in Corofin at 6pm Ruan vs Clarecastle in Eire Og at 7pm Sunday August 15th: Cratloe v Tulla in Newmarket-on-Fergus at 1pm Inagh Kilnamona v Sixmilebridge in Gurteen at 2:30pm

knockouts.

Trained by Andy Lee, the twenty two year old is expected to fight for a WBC Youth

Crusheen/Banner v Truagh Clonlara

Parteen: Parteen v Cratloe at 19:00. Referee: Johnny Healy

Kerry Group U17 B Group 1 Round 2 Ogonnelloe: Scariff/Ogonnelloe v Crusheen/Tubber at 19:00. Referee: Eoghan O’Leary

Ruan v Clooney Quin

Killaloe: Smith O’Briens v Newmarket on Fergus at 19:00. Referee: Augustine Callaghan Friday August 13th: Kerry Group U17 A Round 1 Ennis: Éire Óg v Ballyea at 19:00 Referee: Andy McMahon

Smith O’Briens v O’Callaghans Mills in Clonlara at 6pm

Clonlara: Clonlara v Éire Óg at 19:00. Referee: Ger Hoey

Doorabarefield v Clonlara in Broadford at 6pm UNDERAGE HURLING Thursday August 12th: Kerry Group U17A Round 1 Gurteen: St Joseph’s Doora Barefield v Clooney Quin at 19:00. Referee: Kevin Corry

Sixmilebridge: Sixmilebridge v Tulla at 19:00.

Referee: Fearghal Gray Kilmaley: Kilmaley v St Josephs Doora/Barefield at 19:00. Referee: Kevin Corry

Inagh: Inagh-Kilnamona v Kilmaley at 19:00.

Referee: Paul Howard

Clare Marts U13 B Round 6 Ogonnelloe: Scariff/Ogonnelloe v Bodyke O Callaghans Mills at 18:30. Referee: Eoghan O’Leary

Clarecastle: Clarecastle v Sixmilebridge at 19:00.

Referee: Robert Harte

Ruan: Corofin/Ruan v Crusheen/Tubber at 19:00.

Referee: Flann O’Reilly

Kerry Group U17B Group 1 Round 1 Broadford: Broadford v Scariff/Ogonnelloe at 19:00. Referee: Joe Mullins

Cratloe: Cratloe v Feakle/Killanena at 19:00.

Referee: Paul Howard

Killanena: Feakle/Killanena v Wolfe Tones at 19:00. Referee: Eoghan O’Leary Kerry Group U17B Group 2 Round 1 Tulla: Tulla v Banner at 18:30. Referee: Neil O’Brien

CONOR HEHIR had the winning strike on Sunday morning as Avenue Utd recorded an important victory over Newmarket Celtic.

Winners of the League Cup will be of little significance once the business end of the Premier League gets up and running but nonetheless with victories over Newmarket Celtic becoming a rare commodity for Avenue Utd in recent seasons, their 1-0 win on Sunday morning comes as a big lift for David Russell’s charges.

Already strengthened by the addition of new signings Stephen Jordan and Elias Kunz, the Ennis club have beefed up their squad with many of last year’s Avenue B side which contested the Cup final progressing up the ranks.

Action continues in the Maloney Hardware Premier Division League Cup this coming Sunday. Newmarket Celtic welcome Sporting Ennistymon to McDonagh Park while Lifford FC head to Lynch Park to take on Shannon Town, both ties kick off at 11am.

Sixmilebridge: Sixmilebridge v Éire Óg Ennis at 19:00. Referee: Rory McGann

Newmarket-on-Fergus vs Bodyke in Pairc Micheal O’Hehir at 3:00pm

Bodyke: Bodyke O Callaghans Mills v Clonlara at 19:00. Referee: Jarlath Donnellan

a needed lift for Avenue

Ennistymon: Ennistymon v Whitegate at 19:00.

Referee Martin Leahy

Clare Marts U13 A Round 6 Newmarket-on-Fergus: Newmarket on Fergus v Inagh-Kilnamona at 18:30. Referee: Robert Harte

Crusheen: Crusheen/Tubber v Corofin/Ruan at 19:00. Referee: Martin Glynn

welterweight title in his next fight which is due to take place before the end of 2021.

Speaking on Friday, Paddy expressed his delight with another step forward in his career. “It’s absolutely brilliant.

The turnout. This is everything I dreamed of, I’ve been thinking about this for weeks and this was perfect. Thank you guys for showing your love and support for me. My team behind me are the best, I have to thank them too.

“I’m still only 22 so I still have a lot of learning to do.

But if I keep doing business like this, I’m sure people across the water will keep an eye on me”.

Clooney: Clooney/Quin v Smith O’Briens at 19:00.

Referee: Neil O’Brien Clare Marts U13 C Round 6 Ennistymon: Ennistymon v Wolfe Tones at 19:00.

Referee: Martin Leahy Saturday August 14th: Clare Marts U13 C Round 6 Whitegate: Whitegate v Parteen at 18:00. Referee: Fergal O’Brien Monday August 16th: Kerry Group U17 A Round 2

Clonlara: Clonlara v Feakle/Killanena at 19:00.

Referee: Andy Mc Mahon Shannon: Wolfe Tones v Broadford at 19:00. Referee: Kieran Liddane Ruan: Corofin/Ruan v Bodyke O Callaghans Mills at 19:00. Referee: Jarlath Donnellan Kerry Group U17 B Group 2 Round 2 Whitegate: Whitegate v Parteen at 19:00. Referee: Ger Hoey Tulla: Tulla v Smith O’Briens at 19:00. Referee: Shane O Loughlin Banner: Banner v Ennistymon at 19:00. Referee: Niall Malone Cratloe: Cratloe v Newmarket-on-Fergus at 19:15.

Referee: Wayne King Tuesday August 17th: Kerry Group U17 A Round 2 Kilmaley: Kilmaley v Clarecastle at 19:00. Referee: Chris Maguire CAMOGIE Thurs 12th Aug U14 Championship U14A Shield Semi Final Sixmilebridge GAA: Sixmilebridge v Kilmaley, 5.45pm Extra time in all U14 Semi Finals in the event of a draw Fri 13th Aug U16 Championship U16A

Scariff Ogonnelloe v Newmarket on Fergus

U16B Parteen v Clarecastle Kilkishen/Bodyke v Sixmilebridge U16C Whitegate v Broadford Corofin v Smith O’Briens Eire Og v Wolfe Tones Wed 18th Aug U16 Championship U16A Crusheen/Banner v Scariff Ogonnelloe Inagh Kilnamona v Ruan Newmarket on Fergus v Truagh Clonlara U16C Whitegate v Corofin Cratloe v Eire Og Smith O’Briens v Broadford SOCCER Saturday August 14th: Under 19’s League Group 1 Riverside: Shannon Hibs v Avenue Utd at 11am.

Referee: Trevor White Lahinch: Moher Celtic v Bridge Utd at 11am. Referee: Sean Kenneally Under 19’s League Group 2 Lisdoonvarna: Burren United v Tulla Utd at 6pm.

Referee: Michael Rock St Colmans Park Gort: Coole FC v Shannon Town St at 11am. Referee: Museliu Bashua

pg 33

12-08-21

Clare Echo THE

instagram.com/ClareEcho twitter.com/ClareEcho facebook.com/clareecho clareecho.ie

Duggan returns from Australia as Clooney Quin set for chmp’ship

by PÁRAIC McMAHON CLOONEY/QUIN’S championship preparations have received a major boost with All Star, Peter Duggan set to return to their ranks.

Duggan has been living in Australia since November 2019 and most recently has been in Perth. The 2013 All-Ireland medallist had intended to stay abroad for one year and emigrated after Donal Moloney withdrew from the race to become Clare senior hurling manager when Gerry O’Connor was unable to continue as joint manager.

The Clare Echo has learned that Duggan is heading home and is set to be available for his club for the 2021 senior championship. His return will also pique the interest of Brian Lohan who is currently considering whether or not to extend his tenure as Clare manager.

A three-time All-Ireland U21 medallist, the Spancihill native has been a major loss to the Clare and Clooney/Quin attacks during the last two seasons.

Prior to heading Down Under, Peter was named as an All Star in 2018 and was the key man for his club as they contested the 2017 Clare SHC final with Sixmilebridge, losing the decider following a replay.

Clarecastle native, Fergie O’Loughlin returned as Clooney/Quin coach earlier this year having previously been in the role in 2017. Both Noel Harrison and Mike Duggan from last year’s management also remain involved with Quin native Victor O’Riordan as the strength and conditioning coach.

They begin their championship campaign against recently crowned Clare Cup champions, Feakle.

(clockwise from above) Matthew O’Halloran gets away from Fred Hegarty, their fathers Michael and Fergal were teammates on Clare’s All-Ireland winning hurling teams of ‘95 and ‘97; Captain Niall Liddane raises the trophy; Darragh Whyte, Cillian Murphy & Ben O’Connell celebrate at the final whistle Photos by Gerard O’Neill

Breen the hero as ‘Bridge take U15 title vs Inagh Kilnamona

by EOIN BRENNAN Sixmilebridge 1-15 Inagh-Kilnamona 0-17 Venue: Cusack Park, Ennis

Photo by Eamon Ward

Shannon Gaels celebration SHANNON Gaels will hold an outdoor celebration event on Saturday August 14th 2021 to mark the 50th anniversary of the 1970 & 1971 Clare Senior Football Championship winning teams. The event will take place at the GAA pitch in Labasheeda at 2pm on Saturday August 14th. An underage football blitz will take place followed by a small presentation to each player from the winning teams. David O'Connell 0868560290 is the club secretary and can be contacted for further details.

IT WAS the ultimate never-say-die crescendo as Eamonn Breen’s injury-time goal snatched a famous title clinching victory for Sixmilebridge in Cusack Park.

Trailing by seven points at one stage, the ‘Bridge chipped away at the deficit, mainly through Cillian Murphy’s frees, to get to within two by the 58th minute. The script was written for a late twist as Breen gathered a throw-in on the 20m line before burying the ball in the left corner of the net.

Inagh-Kilnamona did get that opportunity to finish on level terms, only for a last gasp free to drift wide to the right.

It was a gut-wrenching sucker-punch for Inagh-Kilnamona, especially after suffering a similar heartbreaking reverse to the same opponents in last year’s U14A decider that went all the way to extra-time.

Inagh-Kilnamona carved out a seven point cushion by the 23rd minute. The attacking trio of Fred Hegarty (3), Jack Mescall (2) and Gearoid Barry eased their side to a 0-7 to 0-3 advantage before a hattrick from the former made it 0-11 to 0-04 nearing the break. Full-back Alex Leyden and captain James Hegarty were also very influential in a hugely encouraging start.

With only Matthew O’Halloran providing any major resistance, Cillian Murphy’s frees kept the ‘Bridge in touch while a goal chance for Breen was bravely blocked by Ruan Cummins. Crucially, Sixmilebridge

did finish the half with three of the last four points, two from Murphy, to lessen the half-time damage at 0-12 to 0-07.

With the wind picking up, Sixmilebridge rose with it as they re-emerged with the first four points including an inspirational Calum Phelan brace to leave the minimum between them by the 37th minute.

Indeed, they might have even nudged in front only for a Breen shot to be excellently repelled by goalkeeper Frank Roughan.

It was enough to wake Inagh-Kilnamona from their slumber as Hegarty (3) and Barry hit back with four points to leave the score at 0-16 to 0-12 by the water break.

The leaders would only add one more point to their tally in the final quarter however as a plethora of wides ensured that they couldn’t put the result to bed.

A brace of Murphy frees ramped up the tension at 0-17 to 0-15 entering injury-time before Breen became the hero once more for Sixmilebridge’s 14th U15A title and first since 2017.

Scorers for Sixmilebridge: Cillian Murphy (0-9f); Eamonn Breen (1-0); Calum Phelan, Ben O’Connell (0-2 each); Finn Murphy, Harry Chaplin (0-1 each) Scorers for Inagh-Kilnamona: Fred Hegarty (0-11, 8f); James Hegarty (2f), Jack Mescall, Gearoid Barry (0-2 each) SIXMILEBRIDGE Mark Sheedy; Will Gilligan, Jack Phelan, William Chaplin; Callum Toomey, Matthew O’Halloran, Harry Chaplin; Cillian Murphy, Jack O’Halloran; Calum Phelan, Niall Liddane (Captain), Finn Murphy; Ben O’Connell, Eamonn Breen, Michael Morey Substitutions: John Deasy for W. Chaplin (27); Dylan Keogh for Morey (46); Morey for O’Connell (59) INAGH-KILNAMONA Frank Roughan; Rian Cummins, Alex Leyden, Luke McGuane; Neil Hegarty, Conor Rynne, Jack Cullinan; James Hegarty (Captain), Michael Cotter; Ralph Whelehan, Jack Mescall, Fred Hegarty; Gearoid Barry, Thomas O’Halloran, John Barry Referee: Joe Mullins (Clonlara)

12-08-21

Clare Echo THE

pg 34

instagram.com/ClareEcho twitter.com/ClareEcho facebook.com/clareecho clareecho.ie

CLARE SENIOR FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP RD2

Winning start for Kilmurry Ibrickane KIB 1-10 ENNISTYMON 0-07 Venue: Cusack Park KILMURRY IBRICKANE Frees For: 24 (12/12) Wides: 10 (5/5) Scores from Play: 1-04 Spread of Scorers: 3 Top Scorer: Keelan Sexton (0-05 4f) Own Kick-Outs won: 8 from 10 (80%)

ENNISTYMON Frees For: 15 (8/7) Wides: 3 (2/1) Scores from Play: 0-03 Spread of Scorers: 2 Top Scorer: Killian Malone (0-05 4f) Own Kick-Outs won: 14 from 21 (67%)

AIDEN MOLONEY, KILMURRY IBRICKANE MANAGER “We started poorly, Ennistymon ran at us and had a strong midfield at the start. We slowly got into the game and kept the scoreboard ticking over throughout the first half, the second half suited us better as we kept the ball in hand and ran at them and we got a lot of joy in that.

“The Michael O’Dwyers and these guys just controlled the game all the way through, the

Compiled by Páraic McMahon SCAN HERE FOR MATCH REPORT

longer it went on the better they got, Enda Coughlan was in there and got the goal, Martin McMahon, Darren Hickey they kept control of things.

“If we’re critical we would say we left a little bit more behind us overall, there was opportunities there for us to kill off the game a lot earlier but we didn’t do it.

“We’ve Cratloe next and that is always going to be a tough game for us, you don’t want to lose any game because you don’t know what

is going to happen with the other teams, they are all strong teams. Cooraclare played good against Cratloe, we’ve those two games left and we know we’re going to have to be at our best for it.

Darren Hickey gets past Joe Dowling Photo by Gerard O’Neill

NOEL CROWE, ENNISTYMON MANAGER “We’re very disappointed with the performance, we felt we started well in the first quarter and got on a bit of possession but after that Kilmurry Ibrickane showed their experience and cohesion, they played particularly well and tagged on a number of points in the second quarter when they had the breeze behind them to give them a cushion, ultimately when they got the goal in the second half it gave them the confidence and the lead which saw them out to the finish”.

“Against the breeze, a goal is a big score for any team and that is ultimately what saw out the game for Kilmurry Ibrickane, that created the cushion which gave them the bit of comfort for the last five minutes”.

Referee: Chris Maguire (Wolfe Tones)

Spoils shared Cratloe 1-08 Miltown 0-11 Venue: Cusack Park CRATLOE Frees For: 25 (10/15) Wides: 7 (5/2) Scores from Play: 1-03 Spread of Scorers: 3 Top Scorer: Cathal McInerney (0-06 5f) Own Kick-Outs won: 13 from 15 (87%) ST JOSEPHS MILTOWN Frees For: 14 (6/8) Wides: 5 (2/3) Scores from Play: 0-08 Spread of Scorers: 5 Top Scorer: Eoin Cleary (0-04 2’45 1f) & Kieran Malone (0-04) Own Kick-Outs won: 12 from 16 (75%) COLM COLLINS, CRATLOE MANAGER: “There was a great fight back from Miltown in the second half and at the end of the day you couldn’t complain about the result. They got a great starts, Kieran Malone was on fire and he got some great scores. At the end of the day it was a fair result, Miltown deserved a draw for what they did in the second half. It’s just a pity that so many people went off injured in the second half. It’s going to be a big factor in the championship. It was a good exciting game in tough conditions.

Compiled by Seamus Hayes

Eoin O’Brien manages to get to grips with the ball ahead of Podge Collins Photo by Gerard O’Neill

This is a very tough group and every day you go out and don’t get beaten you have to be happy”.

MICHAEL NEYLON, MILTOWN MANAGER “Either one of us could have won that game and either one of us could have lost it. It probably was a fair result. What we are very happy with is the standard of the game. That was a really good high tempo game against a really good team. It means a lot to us to be able to come out here and play that type of football. It wasn’t brilliant at all times but it

was committed and we are quite happy with the way we played, this week, a big step up from last week.

We took sucker-punches throughout the game and it was up to us to respond to those...our boys kept coming back and one of these days we might get at the right side of one of those score- SCAN HERE FOR MATCH REPORT lines. “ We are all a bit better with that game”.

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Daly resigns as Kilrush manager PÁRAIC MCMAHON

Photo by Gerard O’Neill

paraic@clareecho.ie

LESS than a week after their first outing in the 2021 Clare SFC, Kilrush Shamrocks have been handed a setback with manager Aidan Daly suddenly stepping down from the role.

The Clare Echo has learned that Daly resigned as Kilrush manager in the days subsequent to their six point defeat to Kilmihil on Saturday last. The twenty one time champions are paired in Group 2 alongside St Breckans and St Josephs Doora/Barefield.

Remaining members of the management are to continue on following Daly’s departure. Kevin Shalloo will continue as trainer with selectors Noel Ryan and Michael Griffin plus performance coach Tom Dillon all committed to the Shams cause

for the campaign.

Daly was in his second year as manager of the Kilrush senior side.

Prior to this, he managed Lissycasey at senior level, a post he held for one year.

Coolmeen in control against Wolfe Tones

by SEAMUS HAYES Coolmeen 2-13 Wolfe Tones 0-03 Venue: Banner GAA Grounds, Ennis

DELAYED for a week due to Covid issues in Shannon, the remaining tie in the first round of the intermediate football championship was played at the Banner grounds on Sunday.

While the Shannon side would have gone into the game as slight favourites, a Coolmeen victory would not have come as a surprise but few if any would have predicted the margin of their win.

Without detracting from Coolmeen’s merited win, it must be pointed out that the Shannon side were short five regulars for this tie. To add to their woes they were reduced to fourteen men for half of the game after Jayme O’Sullivan picked up a second yellow card.

Ahead at the interval, Coolmeen continued to hold the upperhand in

the second half with the O’Connor brothers Cathal and Eoin ruling matters at midfield.

Coolmeen’s goalscorers on the day were Aidan Corry and substitute Ronan Murphy. Corry finished the game as the top scorer with 1-9 to his credit. Other scorers for the winners were Cathal O’Connor (03) and Daniel Forde Joe McGauley, Chris Dunning and Conor Carigg were the point scorers for the Shannon club.

COOLMEEN: Paudie Corry; Mark Meaney, Gary Meaney, David Hehir; Thomas Coffey Daniel Forde, Alan Normoyle; Eoin O’Connor, Cathal O’Connor; J. J. Carigg, Brian Markham, Liam Markham; Aidan Corry, Micheal Brooks, Joe Corry. Subs: Ronan Murphy for Brooks; Aaron Kelly for Carigg; David Neenan for J. J. Corry; Jamie Brooks for L. Markham.

WOLFE TONES: Paul Tuohy; Shane Nihill, Aaron Brennan, Barry Murphy; Jason McGauley, Jayme O’Sullivan, Daithi Lohan; Joe McGauley, Ross O’Connor; Cody Waller, Conor Carigg, Daniel Riordan; Darragh Lohan, Dean Devanney, Chris Dunning. Subs: Sean Brennan for Riordan; Aaron Rudd for Joe McGauley; Brian Monaghan for Devanney; Liam O’Dwyer for Dunning; Joe McGauley for Darragh Lohan.

The Banner Ladies celebrating their victory over Kilmihil Ladies in the Senior League Division 1 Final held recently in Clondegad pitch. The competition was run this year without the inclusion of County players due to their participation in the Intermediate Championship.

ALL-IRELAND INTM LADIES FOOTBALL CHAMP’SHIP QF

‘We lacked composure’ Westmeath 3-11 Clare 2-11 Venue: Tuam Stadium

WESTMEATH Frees For: 17 (8/9) Wides: 5 (2/3) Scores from Play: 2-8 Spread of Scorers: 6 Top Scorer: Anna Jones (1-3) Own Kick-Outs won: 14 from 22 (64%) SEAN FINNEGAN, WESTMEATH MANAGER: “We’re just delighted to get out of here today with a win.

I mean games are for winning and it wasn’t pretty at times but we dug in and we’ve had to dig in for a few games this year. The effort and the work-rate that these girls are putting in is phenomenal. Even when things are going against them, they keep at it so I’m so proud of them.

“It’s a result driven business and we were under the cosh in the last few minutes but we kicked on and got two great points from frees and that was the ultimate difference. There was nothing between those teams out there, I mean Clare are a good team so we’re just delighted to get to the next round. It’s not easy because every team is so well prepared and it’s tough going out there.

CLARE Frees For: 16 (8/8) Wides: 12 (6/6) Scores from Play: 2-10 Spread of Scorers: 6 Top Scorer: Niamh O’Dea (1-3) Own Kick-Outs won: 13 from 19 (68%)

SCAN HERE FOR MATCH REPORT

Compiled by Eoin Brennan

Clare’s Fidelma Marrinan with Westmeath’s Rachel Dillon BurrenEye Photography

“I’m not so sure if it’s good for the heart though as we’re being involved in a few games now that have been nip and tuck but momentum is crucial. And while we’ve had one more extra game due to being in the group of four, when you’re winning, there’s no such thing as tiredness.

EVAN TALTY, CLARE MANAGER: “It’s just really disappointing because I thought that game was there for us. I definitely felt that we were the better team and it was a marked improvement on a lot of our performances this year. For a finish, we had plenty of chances and kicked four or five wides and unfortunately, we just didn’t have the composure to take our chances.

“At the other end, conceding goals has been an issue all year.

We’re our own worst enemy as when we concede one, we’ve to concede two more with it. So being eight down, we did kick on after that and got it back to three and at half-time, I felt that we were well in the game.

“We eventually got it down to one and I felt that if we could have got level at all, we would have kicked for home but we just couldn’t get that equaliser.

“The one thing I was pleased with today was that we got a performance out of them.

I think anyone watching the game would have seen that we were probably the better team over the course of 60 minutes.

So we were poor against Leitrim and less so against Fermangh but I think today they actually showed how they can play. It’s no shame to lose as that’s a good Westmeath team that will go a long way in the intermediate championship. So ultimately the goals killed us but we were definitely a lot happier today with our performance.”

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O’Hanlon claims Captain’s Prize in East Clare

by SEAMUS HAYES CAPTAIN Enda Donnellan’s prize was played for at EAST CLARE GOLF CLUB last week when the top 30 plus ties (nett 72 or lower) qualified for an 18 hole stroke play off on Bank holiday Monday, Teddy O’Hanlon (13) with a total of 132 (68 and 84) emerged as the winner by three strokes from Colm Kelly (17) (62 and 73) and Sean McNamara (25) with 136 (70 and 66).

Ronan Hayes (4) with 140 (71 and 69) won the gross while the category winners were Ben Rittweger (2) with 144 (70 and 74) won category 1, John Fahy (18) with 138 (69 and 69) won category 2 from Cian McInerney (15) with 139 (69 and 70) while the category 3 winner was David McNamara (15) with 136 (65 and 71). David O’Mahony won the competition for nearest the pin at the 17th hole while the longest drive at the 18th hole was won by Shane Corry.

The men’s captain’s prize to the seniors was won by Ailbe McDonnell (21) with 45 points from Brendan Magill (8) with 42 points. In third place was Sean Ahern (22) with 42 points.

Heather Cullen (22) won the ladies competition with 42 points from Noreen Skehan (26) with 40 points, and Noreen Doyle (22) with 39 points. Rachel Whelan (23) won the gross with 19 points while the nines were won by Ursula Hogan (35) with 22 point and Margaret MacNamara (23) with 18 point.

Over €2,000 was raised for the National Breast Cancer Research Institute (NBCRI) at East Clare last week, organised by Marie A. Kelly, Breda Reid and Noreen Skehan.

The winners in the ladies section were Heather Cullen, Noreen O’Grady and Celia Moloney with 79 points from Margaret Egan, Ursula Hogan and Claire Ryan with 76

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points with third place filled by Margaret Lynch, Patricia Kerr and Phil Burke with 75 points.

In the men’s section the winners were TJ and Dave McNamara and Richard McLoughlin with 100 points from Colm Kelly, Martin McInerney and Kearon Fox with 86 points with third spot filled by Shane McGrath, Killian Bane and Cathal Lenihan with 78 points.

There will be an open singles at East Clare from this Thursday August 12 and every Thursday until the end of September. Tee times can be booked by telephoning 061 921 322.

LAHINCH GOLF CLUB: President Eugene Gilligan’s prize will be played for at Lahinch on Friday and Saturday, August 13 ad 14 while the President’s prize to the senior men will be played for on the Castle course on Saturday.

The men’s fourball on the Castle course on Tuesday of last week was won by Fergal (18) and Ross Molony (12) with 50 points. In second place with 47 points were Martin Ryan (12) and Johnathan Casey (14) followed

by Jimmy Condon (14) and Tommy Green (25) with 46 points.

The Brud Slattery memorial trophy, a men’s singles stableford competition, was played for on the August Bank holiday, Monday when the winner was Pat Connellan (19) with 42 points from Tom McMahon (17) with 41 points. Kevin McGrath (8) was next with 41 points followed by Tom McAleese (17) with 40 points, Eddie Power (2) with 40 points, Gerry O’Sullivan (3) with 39 points, Paudie Grealish (5) with 39 points, and Gabriel Considine (8) with 38 points.

Declan McInerney won the gross with 38 points.

The Resident’s cup, a men’s fourball stableford competition, was played for on the Castle course on Sunday of last week when the winners

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Ennis Golf Club captain Damien Pilkington with his wife Fidelma presenting captain’s prize to Ian Myatt

were Shane Doyle (11) and Ciaran Vaughan (13) with 46 points. In second place with a similar score were James Kiernan (9) and Bart Moriarty (12) followed by Bobby Fleming (7) and Barry Quinlan (3), also with 46 points.

The championship course hosted the Dr. Browne Cup, a men’s fourball stableford competition when the winners were Tom McAleese (15) and Conor CJ McCarthy (9) with 46 points from Gus Hayes (15) and David Sheedy (6) with 45 points. They were followed by Pat Falvey (14) and David Givens (5) with 44 points.

Over the past week, the Lahinch ladies and men’s Junior cup teams were both defeated by Dromoland Castle and Shannon. The ladies senior cup team are preparing for the defence of their All-Ireland title which will be hosted by Castle GC on August 20/21.

ENNIS GOLF CLUB: Ennis hosted their captain’s (Damian Pilkington) prize at the weekend and this resulted in victory for Ian Myatt (9) with 133 nett. He had three to spare over Seamus Nugent (21) with third spot filled by Tom McDonagh (14) followed by Fergus O’Brien (16).

Noel Pyne (8) won the gross with 155 from Conor Malone (8) on 160. Ciaran Browne (16) was the leading qualifier 67. The category winners were Mattie O’Neill (8) with 147, Aaron Greene (14) with 143 and John Gavin (21) with 145.

Other prize winners included Gary Cunningham (12) with 15 nett (past captain), John Lil-

lis (20) with 148 (seniors), William Hannon (18) with 37 points (guests) and Liam Hughes (9) with 72 nett (Junior prize). Two hundred and fifty eight played in the competition.

The winners of the Tadhg O’Flynn ladies fourball better ball competition at Ennis were Yvonne (15) and Kate Keohane (18) with 45 points. In second place on 44 points were Jan (29) and Ethna Murphy (30) followed

by Helen (22) and Ann A. Gallery (16) with 42 points. Deirdre Molyneaux (17) and Claire Ruane (19) were fourth with 42 points followed

by Mary McMahon (22) and Louara Fox (23), also with 42 points. Ann O’Loughlin (15) and Peg Hanrahan (15) won the gross with 22 points.

In the 9 hole stableford , Joan Rassie (21) was the winner with 21 points from Lourda Fox (13) with 20 points with third spot filled by Anne Kelly (14) with 19 points followed by Peggy Costello (11) with 18 points and Ann O’Loughlin (19) also with 18 points.

The winner of the lady improvers 9 hole stroke competition was Sinead O’Sullivan (26|) with 41 points.

The seniors outing on August 2 was won by Mary McMahon. Eileen Corry and Maureen Maloney from Geraldine 0’Mahoney, Anne Kelly and Mary Murray with third spot filled byu Aideen Considine, Liz Kelly and Kathleen Pyne.

KILRUSH GOLF CLUB: It’s open week in Kilrush and the Ennis Electrical men’s open on Tuesday last was won by Oliver McNamara (16) with 45 points from Patrick Coleman (21) with 44 with third spot filled by Cyru Ekkty (19( with 42 points.

Michael Twomey (22) was the winner of the Saint Gobain men’s open on Wednesday with 43 points from Bill O’Reilly (18) with 42 points, Michael Bolton (33) with 41 points and Ennis member Gary Cunningham (16) with 40 points. The category winners were Terry O’Hare (13) with 40 point, Noel Thornton (19) with 39 points and John Robinson (26) with 40 points.

Crotty’s men’s open on Saturday was won by Ross Cullinan (19) with 43 points from Woodstock member John Baker (29) with 39 points. Terry O’Hare (13) was third with 37 point followed by Geremiah Brennan (13) with 37 points.

The competition on Sunday was for the Hospital cup and the winner was Gerard Hehir (18) with 42 points from Henry A Cahill (25) who had a similar score. Ronan Nagle (19) was third with 40 points followed by Michael J. King (25) with 40 points.

The category winners were Jim Young junior (5) with 39 points, Fergal O’Connor (18) with 40 points and Eoin Fitzgerald (23) with 39 points.

In the ladies Hospital cup the winner was Lucy Hayes (29) with 37 points from Joan O’Malley (20) with 36 points and Jean Lorrigan (32) with 34 points. The 12 hole winner was Ann McMahon.

DROMOLAND GOLF CLUB: Friday’s open singles competition at Dromoland was won by Thomas Cooney with 42 points from Niamh McInerney with 40 points and Michael Brown with 38 points, Nathan Fox won the gross with 27 points.

The juniors outing on August 3 was won by Jack O’Neill (white tees) with 35 points, Aaron Piccolo (black tees) with 43 points and Suzie Cusack with 36 points. In a similar competition on August 5th, John Hogan won off the white tees with 43 points, Aaron Piccolo won off the black tees with 44 points and Suzie Cusack won the girls competition with 44 points.

Brian Moloney won the 9 hole competition with 22 points from Stefan Howard with a similar s core while third spot was filled by Marcus Creavan, also with 22 points.

The men’s 18 hole v par was won

by Noel McMahon with 8 up from Cillian O’Connor with 5 up, Ciaran O’Donoghue with 4 up and Conor McInerney with 4 up Alan Neville won the gross with I up.

In the ladies 18 hole stableford golfer of the year competition, Carola Wixted was the winner with 37 points from Shauna Moylan with a similar score with third spot filled by Katrina O’Neill with 36 points. Leslie O’Flynn won the gross with 76. The ladies 9 hole competition was won by Brenda Fitzgibbon with 36 points.

WOODSTOCK GOLF CLUB: Last week’s open singles at Woodstock was won by Brian Keogh (13) with 46 points from Damian Slattery (21) with 43 points, Podge Collins (18) with 42 points and Frankie Slattery (25) with 41 points. Tony Cleary (scratch) won the gross with 34 points.

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Garrihy gunning for Irish team

by CIAN O BROIN A YOUNG man from Ennistymon is gunning for his place on the Junior Irish Shooting team this September, with two successive high scoring weekends adding to his chances.

Brandon Garrihy became the first person from Clare to win the Colt Cup Championships, which took place in the Esker Shooting Grounds in Galway.

The Ennistymon Vocational School student “fell in love with the sport of clay pigeon shooting from a young age”, enticed by watching his father attend competitions and “advised on his technique” by his uncle Martin Garrihy, who has represented the Senior Irish shooting team.

Since turning 14, which is the earliest age one can legally obtain a firearm training certificate under the supervision of an adult, Brandon has acquired his licence, registered with the Irish Clay Target Shooting

Association (ICSTA) and now shoots every Sunday.

“His ambition is to be picked up for the Irish team that will go to Wales on September 17. Each shoot he does adds up to his tally.

There are also a number of compulsory shoots, where scores on the day count.

They then take your four best scores and if you are within the first five in Ireland in the Juniors, you will qual-

ify to represent your country. His 100 straight shoot in Knocknagoshel is a great achievement,” his father Brendan stated.

Also playing golf, hurling and basketball, Brandon admitted being “hooked on the sport” and enjoys both the challenge and the satisfaction of “seeing a clay being broke.” Unlike his other sports, clay pigeon shooting is a costly passion. Each weekend sees the family rack up expenses of over €100 with €40 being spent on cartridges, €20 being spent on a tee and the expense of weekly travel due to competitions taking place at distant locations across the country.

“It’s a very expensive sport,” his dad Brendan admits. “We have been unable to avail of any sponsorship for him and have no way of funding his weekend shoots... Brandon has five shoots in the next four weekends and is looking forward to possibly hearing from the Irish team,” he added.

because

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Find out more about Jackie and other amazing greyhound stories on grireland.ie/thisrunsdeep

Paddy Coote - a great character in greyhound & coursing circles

by MICHAEL MAHER

ON SUNDAY evening last the sad news filtered through that another great coursing and track personality had gone to his eternal rest. Ennis and Clarecastle Coursing Club Honorary President, Paddy Coote of Drimeen, Ennis and formerly of Coote’s Bakery, Cahercalla Cross passed away peacefully at home in his 91st year.

Paddy ran his dogs under the Drimeen prefix and was one of life’s great characters whose company you would love to enjoy. His wit was legendary and his memory of greyhounds was second to none.

He saw the great Spanish Battleship win his 3rd consecutive Irish Derby in 1955 and when asked what were the best coursing dog and bitch, he’d reply without hesitation Fourth Of July (Derby 1957) and the late Tom Hayes’ Tender Honey (Oaks 1969).

The chief celebrant at Paddy’s funeral Mass was retired priest Fr Harry Brady, the Mass took place at Ennis Cathedral with burial in Drumcliffe Cemetery.

He is survived by his wife Alice, children Martina, Noel (Chairman Ennis & Clarecastle CC), Siobhan, Stephanie and Orla, sons-in-law Sean, Eric, Liam and Joe, daugh-

ters-in-law Mary and Mary, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, brothers Michael and Frank, sisters Margaret and Patricia, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, relatives and all his coursing and track friends.

The Song 4&9 was Paddy’s party piece and it was fitting that his son Noel lead with the singing of it in a final tribute at the graveside.

Double delight for Sixmilebridge’s Murray

SIXMILEBRIDGE’S Stephen Murray had reason to celebrate in Galway over the weekend recording a double success on Saturday night.

The Sean Conlon owned and Stephen Murray of Sixmilebridge trained Bumblebee Dylan (Droopys Jet-Gunner Maisie) never saw another rival in the third contest at the Galway Track on Saturday night last for this S5 graded sprint contest as he made all the running from his trap six berth to score by four and a half lengths over Traceys Tiger in 19.20.

Smartly into his stride the winner led Traceys Tiger by over a length racing towards the opening bend with Ringroe Rascal in third place. Between the two bends the winner extended his advantage as he strode clear up the home straight.

Murray completed his double in the A5 graded fifth contest as the Paul Conlon owned Besloe Missouri never saw another rival as she recorded her second career success by six and three quarter lengths over Springwell Zoey in 29.31.

In the A3 tenth graded 525 yards contest, Ballylean Rogue owned by Doora’s Paddy

Collins delivered a career best time as he recorded his fourth career victory by two and three quarter lengths over Come On Charlie in 29.06.

The fastest time over the sprint distance on last Saturday night’s Limerick Card was Rockalong Rocket in race eight for owner Michael McNamara of Tulla. Running from trap five, Rockalong Rocket came through the bars to lead Gurtnacrehyblake into the opening corner. Tracking well thereafter, the son of Droopys Cain and Sues Stout stuck to his task well to see off his rival by three parts of a length at the winning line. The time was a swift 18.84.

At the Thurles Track also on Saturday night last, Confused Fitzy ran a fine race to claim the S1/S2 330-yard contest. Owned

by Gerry Manley of Cratloe, Confused Fitzy came away racing wearing the stripes and he showed terrific early gears to sweep the opening bend clear of Hon The Jet. Maintaining a strong gallop thereafter, the son of Confident Rankin- Confused Breda crossed the line with a length and a half in hand, in a time of 18.04.

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ST FRANCIS CREDIT UNION CLARE COMMUNITY GAMES COUNTY ATHLETICS The County Athletic Finals will be staged this year in John O’Sullivan Park, Lees Road on Sunday, August 15. It will be a scaled down event compared to former years.

There will be no relays. The winners in all events will qualify for the Munster Regional Athletics on September 18, Technology University Cork.

TEAM EVENTS The St Francis Credit Union Clare Community Games got back to their Outdoor games for the first time since 2019. The first of these events. On Sunday the Camogie U14 was held in Kilmaley. It was co ordinated by Ann McMahon. Four teams participated with Newmarket-on-Fergus proving to be the much stronger team on the day.

Results

1st s/final – Newmarket-on-Fergus 7-8 to Inch/ Kilmaley/Connolly 5-2 2ns s/final – Sixmilebridge/Kilmurry 7-8 to Broadford/Kilbane 3-4

Final – Newmarket-on-Fergus 8-7 to 0-3 The play off for 3rd & 4th places was a very close contest with Inch/Kilmaley /Connolly coming out on top 3-5 to 3-3 Newmarket on Fergus now go on to represent Clare in Munster on 11th September in U.L.

IMPORTANT DATES

Sat 21st Aug – Gaelic Football Girls U12 & U14 – Kilrush Sat 21st Aug – Hurling U11 – Sixmilebridge Fri 13th Aug is Closing Date for – Outdoor Soccer U12 & U15, Tag Rugby U11 & U14, Skittles U12, U14, U16, Rounders U13, Pitch & Putt U16 & Cycling on grass U14. All these competitions to be held from 16th to 22nd Aug. Sat 11th Sept - Munster Team Events Finals – U.L. Sat 18th Sept - Munster Regional Athletics Technology University Cork Sat 25th & Sun 26th Sept - National Athletic & Cycling Finals, TBD Sat 9th & Sun 10th Oct - National Outdoor team events - U.L. Sat 16th Oct National Pitch & Putt –Ballinalee These dates are depending on the advice of the HSE & Government

(Pictured clockwise from top left) teams which took part in the U14 Community Games camogie; Fourth placed Broadford Kilbane; third placed Inch-Kilmaley-Connolly; and winners Newmarket on Fergus

Silverware for local athletes

THERE was national athletics action taking place last week at the Irish Life Health National Juvenile Championships in Tullamore.

Undoubtedly inspired by the Irish athletes taking part in the Olympics recently in Tokyo, Tadhg Hassett from St Cronan’s Athletic Club in Ennis won All Ireland gold in the long jump with an impressive 5m leap at the weekend.

Congratulations also goes to Gemma Galvin from Kilrush St Mary’s Athletics Club who won gold at the National Juvenile Championships at the weekend. Gemma was first home in the highly stacked 800m race in the U15 girls. At the same competition, Clara Miniter also of St Mary’s won a well deserved All Ireland Bronze.

Meanwhile, Evan Crimmins of Ennis Track Club, from Newmarket-on-Fergus received an All Ireland silver medal in the shotput U14 competition, with a throw of 12.15.

(Clockwise from left) Evan Crimmins; Tadhg Hassett; Clara Miniter and Gemma Galvin

Let the games begin pg40

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PÁRAIC MCMAHON

W

paraic@clareecho.ie

ITH a meaningless Clare Cup campaign behind all teams, it’s full steam ahead towards the championship with action brimming to life over the course of the weekend.

500 spectators will be allowed entry into all senior games this weekend to really kick off the race for the Canon Hamilton.

Whether or not Brian Lohan and his management will be among these spectators will prove intriguing as to their intentions for 2022.

Sixmilebridge go in search of their first ever three in a row, they will once again carry the favourites tag for glory while following closely behind are Ballyea who can call on a certain Tony Kelly to set the way.

Whoever can emerge from

the vicious Group 1 containing O’Callaghans Mills, Clonlara, Whitegate, Kilmaley and Inagh/Kilnamona will certainly have strong credentials for a tilt at the championship.

Eyes will certainly be on the trio of Clonlara, Inagh/ Kilnamona and Kilmaley as the added ingredient of momentum could be just what’s needed to see them really progress in the business end of the Clare SHC. Neutrals will also be keen to see how Éire Óg progress in the group stages. In recent seasons, the Ennis club have been the closest to knocking Sixmilebridge off their perch and will be keen to finally pull the trigger this time round. They are paired in a group which also includes Feakle and they come bouncing in having claimed their first Clare Cup title in 33 years.

Fresh from winning the intermediate title and a solid league campaign, Scariff certainly have the ability to leave a mark in this year’s race but for them, their opening hur-

dle with Wolfe Tones will tell a lot.

With the smell of championship in the air, many injuries have miraculously cleared up, the new grips have been applied to the hurleys, the boots polished and the obligatory visit to the barber for the ‘championship cut’ has been completed.

Now that the goalposts have been sanitised, it’s time to see which club will be hitting the back of the net to begin the ascent to the top of the pile and get their hands on the Canon Hamilton.

The race for Canon Hamilton begins this weekend. Sixmilebridge lifted the trophy last year and will be bidding to make history this year if they defend their title to make it three in a row

Photograph: Gerard O’Neill

CLARE SENIOR HURLING CHAMPIONSHIP 2021 GROUP 1

O’Call’ Mills p41 Inagh Kilnamona p42 Whitegate p40 Kilmaley p43 Clonlara

p44

GROUP 2

Sixmilebridge Clarecastle Wolfe Tones Scariff

p45 p46 p47 p48

GROUP 3

Ballyea Broadford Crusheen Cratloe

p49 p50 p51 p52

GROUP 4

Éire Óg p53 Newm’-on-Fergus p54 Newm’-on-Fergus Clooney Quin p55 Feakle p56 SCAN WITH PHONE CAMERA TO VISIT SHOP WEBSITE

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WHITEGATE

Underdogs hope to slay big dogs EOIN BRENNAN

I

F BEINGdrawn in the Group of Death wasn’t arduous enough, being allocated a bye in the opening round and having to watch the remainder of the 16 competing teams from the sidelines would have been exceedingly frustrating for the majority of sides.

Not Whitegate however as with admittedly the smallest panel in a group involving O’Callaghan’s Mills, Clonlara, Inagh-Kilnamona and Kilmaley, the additional week has provided some further recuperation time for their returning players according to manager Terence Fahy.

“Having the bye this weekend is a real break of the ball from our point of view as it took the pressure off in terms of rushing back players so we were delighted to have a free weekend.

Overall, the boys applied themselves very well during the lockdown, our Strength and Conditioning coach Dave Moriarty is excellent and got a great response from the lads.

“So the league started off bright enough and then we started to pick up a few injuries and our panel became very thin very fast. We also had a handful of players playing junior and senior, sometimes on the same day and therefore due to injuries and double jobbing, it resulted in a patchy league.

“Thankfully all but two [Eoin Patterson and Reuben Noyes are still out] of those injuries are beginning to rectify themselves now so we’re happy enough where we are now coming into championship.”

That’s where their luck ended however as with all their group rivals harbouring ambitions of title success, Whitegate are overwhelming underdogs albeit that Fahy and Co. are hoping that his side will be completely overlooked and can put a major spanner in the

works.

And considering their healthy record against the Mills, all roads lead to that competitive bow against their East Clare neighbours on Friday week.

“The way I’ve always looked at it is that there’s no easy draw in the senior championship regardless of your group. We’re well used to playing against the top teams and we don’t expect anything soft out of the draw as we rarely get it.

“There is definitely nothing soft in this group and there’s no short corner either so the challenge for us is that we have a small panel and therefore we would have preferred to be in the groups of four. However, it is what is is now and we won’t have any excuses when it comes to it anyway.”

MANAGEMENT Terence Fahy (Manager), Patrick Minogue, Kenneth Doyle (Selectors), Dave Moriarty (S&C Coach), Fiona Sampson (Physio), Dermot Hayes, Barry Fahy, David Pearl, Jarlath Garvey, Ger Hogan, Adrian Hynes (Backroom Team) CAPTAIN Eoin Quirke Key Player Eoin Quirke ONE TO WATCH Danny Hynes FRESH BLOOD None DEPARTURES GATE None TITLES WON: 2 MOST RECENT TITLE: 1961 FIXTURES: Round 1 (Saturday) Whitegate a bye Round 2 (Friday, August 20th) - Whitegate v O’Callaghan’s Mills Round 3 (Saturday/Sunday, September 4/5th) Whitegate v Kilmaley Round 4 (Saturday/Sunday, September 18/19th) - Whitegate v Clonlara Round 5 (Saturday/Sunday, October 2nd/3rd) - Whitegate v Inagh-Kilnamona

*Brendan Bugler’s experience will be a vital asset to Whitegate once again.

Quin, Mountshannon, Kilkishen, Nenagh

Photograph: Gerard O’Neill

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O’CALLAGHANS MILLS

Mills raising bar for 2021 MANAGEMENT Donach O’Donnell (Manager), Donal Cooney, Marty Baker, Ollie Nash, Tom Crehan (Selectors), Aaron O’Connell (Coach), Alan Duggan (Performance Analysis) CAPTAIN Bryan Donnellan KEY PLAYER Gary Cooney ONE TO WATCH Cormac Murphy FRESH BLOOD Colm Cleary, Fionn Hickey, Mikey McMahon, Conor Cooney (Elmhill) Departures Gate: None

EOIN BRENNAN

D

ESPITE the huge strides made in last year’s memorable journey to a first county final in 27 years, the rarity of the breakthrough also ultimately made it a missed opportunity for O’Callaghan’s Mills, especially for their experienced spine that had fought so long to get there in the first place.

However, the fact that both management and panel have remained in situ is a statement in itself of the determination to go one significant leap further, particularly in light of a strengthening of their personnel according to manager Donach O’Donnell.

“I think last year we came up against a very experienced, well organised and well drilled Sixmilebridge team in the final. We could have done a bit better as I don’t feel we played to our full potential and looking back now, I think the players realise that and hopefully it will count in the championship. With the Junior A and Minor wins, our squad have improved and the competition for places on the team is high, with the ambition of getting to a final last year

TITLES WON: 8 (Most recent 1937) FIXTURES:: FIXTURES Round 1 (Sunday) O’Callaghan’s Mills v Clonlara Round 2 (Saturday/Sunday, August 21st/22nd) - O’Callaghan’s Mills v Whitegate Round 3 (Saturday/Sunday, September 4/5th) - O’Callaghan’s Mills v Inagh-Kilnamona Round 4 (Saturday/Sunday, September 18/19th) - O’Callaghan’s Mills v Kilmaley Round 5 (Saturday/Sunday, October 2nd/3rd) O’Callaghan’s Mills a bye and going on to win one this year hopefully”.

To do so, they will have to negotiate an even tougher path that is paved with obstacles as being the seeded side in a five team group involving fellow title hopefuls Kilmaley, Inagh-Kilnamona and Clonlara along with Whitegate wasn’t necessarily a benefit.

However, with a relative clean bill of health and a satisfying Clare Cup campaign under their belts, O’Donnell’s optimism is flanked by a realisation that they will need to find their 2020 form immediately in order to make a similar impact in this year’s Canon Hamilton race.

“Every game is important in this group particularly your first one. If you have championship ambitions, you’re going to have to win all your games anyway so that’s the path we’ve been given and hopefully we can do enough to get through.

“We’ve Clonlara first on Sunday and on paper, Clonlara are in the top three or four teams in the county.

They’ve got some very, very good players and there’s no doubt that we’re going to have to be at the top of our game to beat them”.

Two matches in the space of five days against Clonlara and Whitegate will certainly tell a lot about the strength of the 2021 Mills championship ambitions.

Patrick Donnellan will be forming a vital component of the O’Callaghans Mills side

Quin, Mountshannon, Kilkishen, Nenagh

Photo by Gerard O’Neill

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CLONLARA

‘We’ve been bridesmaids a long time’ EOIN BRENNAN

F

OR all of Eddie Horgan’s plans and ambitions when taking on the role of Clonlara manager for the 2020 season, the reality is that he is still to see his best 15 take to the field for any competitive match.

Aside from the pandemic, long term injuries to county stars John Conlon and Colm Galvin allied to a minimal lead-in to championship conspired to a premature exit from the Canon Hamilton race before the quarter-finals, with the caveat of a senior B crown of little solace.

However, while Horgan and Co. will have to plan without Cillian Fennessy, Mike White, Garrett Kennedy and Aaron Dillon, the MANAGEMENT Eddie Horgan (Manager), Paul Nihill (Coach), Darach Honan, Dave Clohessy, Fergal Marren (Trainers), Aaron Hogg (S&C), Senan Nihill (Physio/S&C) CAPTAIN Micheál O’Loughlin KEY PLAYER John Conlon ONE TO WATCH Micheál Stritch FRESH BLOOD Sean Begley, Michael Clancy, Tom Egan, Seimi Gully, Bryan McLeish, Daniel Moloney, Sean Moriarty, Micheál Stritch DEPARTURES GATE Nicky O’Connell

return of their former All-Stars Conlon and Galvin and the further maturation of their 2018 county minor winning panel has provided much more positivity entering this year’s title race.

Even if the management team haven’t had much time to put the pieces together on the field of play just yet. “We’re not a settled unit at present but we’re hoping to get it together before the first round.

“Overall we found the Clare Cup campaign disjointed. We think it’s unfair for medium to small sized clubs that the senior and intermediate league games are on the same weekend, sometimes even on the same day. So with county ties and injuries, you end up having to play players twice in one weekend but overall we were pleased to have won three matches, got to look at a lot of new players and got some new ideas together too in terms of implementing a structure and a gameplan. It’s a strategy that we’re

TITLES WON: 2 MOST RECENT TITLE: 2008 FIXTURES: Round 1 (Sunday) Round 1 - Clonlara v O’Callaghan’s Mills Round 2 (Saturday/Sunday, August 21st/22nd) - Clonlara v Inagh-Kilnamona Round 3 (Saturday/Sunday, September 4/5th) - Clonlara a bye Round 4 (Saturday/Sunday, September 18/19th) - Clonlara v Whitegate Round 5 (Saturday/Sunday, October 2nd/3rd) Clonlara v Kilmaley

still implementing under coach Paul Nihill as we’ve yet to have a full team heading into this weekend’s first round.”

Sheer necessity dictates that Clonlara will have to learn on their feet as with the stakes extremely high for only two quarter-final places from their group of five, taking down last year’s finalists O’Callaghan’s Mills could provide the spark to get their development to the next level.

“It’s been called the Group of Death but if you want to progress, you’re going to have to beat the best and we’re up for that.

“Last year was a non-runner as we had no chance whatsoever to implement anything so this year is a chance to put things together.

Hopefully barring the few players who are out with long term injuries, we hope to have a pretty strong unit put together but it’s going to be difficult especially against a seasoned team like the Mills who

will always put it up to any team and proved it last year. We’re going to give a good showing this year I believe. I mean we’ve been bridesmaids for a long time now”.

Cathal ‘Tots’ O’Connell will be key to any Clonlara charge this season. Photograph: Gerard O’Neill

CLONLARA V O’CALLAGHAN’S MILLS Sundy August 15 at 2.30pm, Cusack Park, Ennis

by Eoin Brennan Not wanting to delve into the territory of melodrama, to paint this opening tie up as season-defining cannot be underestimated. When O’Callaghan’s Mills blazed through to a first final since 1993 last year with a mix of goal-hungry young guns and the guile of their experienced core, it seemed like the stars had aligned to finally bridge their interminable 83 year gap to their last senior crown.

Things didn’t exactly go to plan as they met a Sixmilebridge machine not willing to compromise or adhere to any romance and it means that the Mills are still desperately searching for that elusive breakthrough.

The evergreen core of Bryan Donnellan, Conor Cooney and Patrick Donnellan are back to try and redress the balance while the solace of Minor B (O’Callaghan’s Mills/ Bodyke) and Junior A triumphs have only bolstered their options.

However, that determined drive won’t have been aided by being seeded in a savage group that will only allow two battle-hardened side progress unscathed.

Clonlara will be one of the Mills’ chief rivals having rather underachieved themselves. Back-to-back fine appearanc-

es in 2015 and ’16 felt like the end of an era but the boost of a historic 2018 Minor A success has provided renewed hope that Clon can get over their Canon Hamilton hoodoo.

A senior B crown was garnered without John Conlon and Colm Galvin so to have both back in the van allied to their three strong Clare Under 20 contingent in Colm O’Meara, Aidan Moriarty and Dylan McMahon suddenly provides an optimism that could well get them over the line in the familiar surroundings of Cusack Park if they can joined the dots in time.

VERDICT: Clonlara

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KILMALEY Kilmaley aim to capitalise on underage success EOIN BRENNAN

H

AVING already guided his native club back to the promised land of senior in 2017, Conor Clancy has returned to try and deliver the holy grail of a Canon Hamilton crown.

Alongside fellow former All-Ireland winner Colin Lynch, the management duo, who were both part of Kilmaley’s last championship winning side in 2004, are eager to capitalise upon a decade of underage successes and turn Kilmaley’s undoubted potential into tangible success.

Putting that masterplan into operation has been limited though, with the former club chairman keen to stress the severity of the pandemic on the development of young players.

“When you compare it to last year when there was no Clare Cup and it was straight into the championship, obviously getting five games was a help ahead of

this year’s championship. We were missing a few with the Clare seniors and Under 20’s and along with that, we’d injuries as well so it was a good opportunity to blood a few players and get lads back to speed after a long lay-off.

“For all the clubs, the last 18 months have had a massive impact on hurling and football at both adult and underage levels as the lack of competitive action is no good for the state of the games across the county”.

Those concerns will have to be put to one side however as they are set to be embroiled in an ultra-competitive five team group that offers only two places in the business end of the championship.

“It’s a very tough group but the way we’re looking at it is that even if you come out of the group, at some point you’re going to be playing the big teams anyway. So I’m sure all five will have the same objective and whoever eventually comes out of it will definitely be battle-hardened for the knock-out stages.

“Because it’s so difficult, every team is capable of beating each other and therefore it’s unlikely that any one team will be able

Cian Moloney will be on free-taking duty once again for Kilmaley. Photograph: Burren Eye Photography

to win all their four matches. So every point will be important in a wide open group like this and that’s the way we’re approaching it”.

That cut-throat challenge commences this Saturday evening against none other than neighbours Inagh-Kilnamona who certainly won’t lack motivation following their Clare Cup final reverse in 2019. Whoever prevails will have much more than bragging rights this time around however.

INAGH KILNAMONA V KILMALEY Saturday August 14 at 7pm, Cusack Park, Ennis

by Eoin Brennan Considering the frequency of their underage meetings in finals and semi-finals over the past decade, it’s strange that Inagh-Kilnamona and Kilmaley’s senior championship derby meetings have been so rare. The last big competitive meeting was in the 2019 Clare Cup Final that went decisively in Kilmaley’s favour just before the championship.

However, even that win would have an adverse reaction when it came to the Canon Hamilton as a week later Kilmaley were ambushed by Éire Óg whereas Inagh-Kilnamona would make it all the way to the semi-finals.

Kilmaley are also no strangers to reaching the penultimate stage of Canon Hamilton race either, having had their own regrets from semi-final tilts in 2015 and ’18 which amazingly sandwiched a relegation to intermediate that was helped by a relegation reverse to Inagh-Kilnamona.

Their continuous conveyor belt of underage talent means that both have been installed as contenders over the past five years but as of yet, both have fallen short of the mark, predominantly for the same reason. Put simply, for all the skill, pace and movement, there has been a dearth of

physicality and leadership that is not easy to find or manufacture.

In such a bearpit of a group, just getting over the line by whatever means possible will be key on Saturday evening, with Inagh-Kilnamona’s slight edge on grit perhaps enough to shade what should be a shoot-out.

VERDICT: Inagh-Kilnamona

MANAGEMENT Conor Clancy, Colin Lynch (Joint-Managers), Martin Meehan, Kieran Murphy (Selectors), Dermot Maher (Goalkeeping Coach), Eanna Murphy (Performance Analysis), Aidan Slattery, Eva Moynan (Physios) CAPTAIN Mikey O’Neill KEY PLAYER Conor Cleary ONE TO WATCH James McGuire FRESH BLOOD Peter Ronan, Sean Ronan, PLAYERS GONE: None

TITLES WON: 2 MOST RECENT TITLE: 2004 FIXTURES: Round 1 (Saturday) - Round 1 - Kilmaley v Inagh-Kilnamona Round 2 (Saturday/Sunday, August 21st/22nd) - Kilmaley a bye Round 3 (Saturday/Sunday, September 4/5th) - Kilmaley v Whitegate Round 4 (Saturday/Sunday, September 18/19th) - Kilmaley v O’Callaghan’s Mills Round 5 (Saturday/Sunday, October 2nd/3rd) - Kilmaley v Clonlara

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INAGH/KILNAMONA

No room for error for Inagh-Kilnamona EOIN BRENNAN

E

UGENE Cullinan was a player when Inagh-Kilnamona were official fused as a permanent amalgamation backing 2008 and 13 years on is now back as manager trying to take the fledgling club through to the next level.

Senior Championship Semi-Final appearances in 2012 and 2018 aside, the continued success of their underage section is yet to bear a full harvest for their flagship side. However, with the addition of fellow clubmen Tomás Kelly, Alan Griffin and Noel ‘lower the blade’ Hehir on Inagh-Kilnamona’s new management team, Cullinan is optimistic that their long standing relationships with the players can over-ride any lack of training or competitive matches due to to the COVID restrictions.

“It has been difficult but I think most of us involved in the management team has worked with most of these players at underage down the years so we all know each other and have a good understanding with each other. So hopefully that will be beneficial and we can put it together when the championship

comes around, now that we have out county players back.

“Preparations have gone well.

We got some good, tough games in the Clare Cup. So while results weren’t the most important thing, it was good to get performances out of it especially considering that we saw a lot of players in those five matches”.

Cullinan and Co also face a baptism of fire when it comes to their first senior championship as they are due to face neighbours Kilmaley and then group favourites Clonlara in the space of a week.

“There’s no room for error and because of that, to be honest we simply can’t look beyond our first match this Saturday. Every game is do-or-die now so it’s too important to start looking beyond Kilmaley.

“In fairness, Kilmaley have had the upper hand on us in the last few years and obviously we’re looking to change that but it’s still going to be a tough battle. We have to be prepared for that and work very, very hard from the word go, that’s a given”.

One win out of those two heavyweight contests would be more than satisfactory ahead of remaining bouts against O’Callaghan’s Mills and Whitegate but the priority has to be to keep their fate in their own hands come the start of October.

Dulick Motors Wishing the best of luck to Inagh Kilnamona Senior Hurling team this year in the Championship

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Wishing Inagh Kilnamona the best of luck in the Senior Hurling Championship for 2021

Aidan McCarthy will be hoping to reproduce his form for Clare with Inagh/Kilnamona Photo by Gerard O’Neill

MANAGEMENT: Eugene Cullinan (Manager), Tomás Kelly (Coach), Alan Griffin, Noel Hehir (Selectors), Steve Cusack (S&C), Shane O’Connell (Physio) JOINT-CAPTAINS: Kevin Hehir and Cian McInerney KEY PLAYER: Aidan McCarthy ONE TO WATCH: Josh Guyler FRESH BLOOD: Keith Barry, Eoghan Foudy, Josh Guyler, Niall Mullins DEPARTURES GATE: Niall Arthur TITLES WON: 3 (as Kilnamona) Most Recent Title: 1908

FIXTURES: Round 1 (Sunday) - Round 1 - Inagh-Kilnamona v Kilmaley Round 2 (Saturday/Sunday, August 21st/22nd) Inagh-Kilnamona v Clonlara Round 3 (Saturday/Sunday, September 4/5th) Inagh-Kilnamona v O’Callaghan’s Mills Round 4 (Saturday/Sunday, September 18/19th) Inagh-Kilnamona a bye Round 5 (Saturday/Sunday, October 2nd/3rd) Inagh-Kilnamona v Whitegate

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SIXMILEBRIDGE

‘Bridge refuse to look past opener despite three-in-a-row opportunity SEAMUS HAYES

W

HILE there is much talk amongst hurling followers across the county as to whether or not Sixmilebridge can make history and win a third senior championship title in a row for the first time in their history, the champions’ manager Tim Crowe says they are not looking past the opening round.

“We are focussed on our opening game against Clarecastle. A vital component of any championship preparation is to respect the opposition, We will take it step by step”, he told the Clare Echo this week.

Continuing he said “it’s almost

Sixmilebridge celebrate with the Canon Hamilton trophy in 2020

Photo by Gerard O’Neill

impossible to achieve three in a row. Sixmilebridge and St. Josephs failed to achieve that when they were winning All-Ireland club titles. We are trying to win the Canon Hamilton this year.

We want to win that trophy and that is our approach. We won’t be discussing anything about 3 in a row as it’s not relevant to our preparation, such talk is probably more in the minds of our opponents. Our focus will be on the first round. We will be facing each round with the same approach. Our opponents will deserve that. If you respect the opposition you raise the game to take them on”, according to the former international athlete.

He went on to explain that the squad didn’t go back into training too early this year. “Because we won last year, we needed to give them time to recover, we didn’t go back too early. We ap-

proached the Clare Cup as part of the preparation. Timing of one’s run is a crucial part and hopefully we have got the timing right”.

The medal presentation for last year’s championship victory took place last week. “The medal presentation draws a curtain on last year and we have fulfilled the honour of last year before this year’s campaign starts. We are really in championship mode for Clarecastle”.

Joint captain Cathal Malone is out of contention for the first round. He missed the first outing for his native Ennistymon in the Clare SFC due to a broken finger which he played through for Clare’s final championship clash with Cork this season.

The champions have a new addition to their backroom team this year in Waterford man Pat Bennett whose three sons have

been outstanding in Waterford’s progress to tshe semi-final in this season’s All-Ireland senior championship.

Noel Considine continues as part of their backroom team and this week finds himself involved

against his home club.

Best wishes to all teams in this years hurling championships ®

MANAGEMENT Tim Crowe (manager), Davy Fitzgerald (coach), Paddy Meehan (selector); Timmy Crowe (trainer) Pat Bennett (asst. coach), Martin Conlon (asst. coach), Noel Considine (goalkeeping coach), JOINT CAPTAINS Jamie Shanahan and Cathal Malone KEY PLAYER Cathal Malone ONE TO WATCH Leon Kelly FRESH BLOOD Sean McNamara, Christy Carey, Jordan and Dylan Downes, Leon Kelly DEPARTURES GATE Kevin Lynch, Rory Shanahan, Cathal Lynch SHC TITLES WON 15 (Most Recent SHC title, 2020) GROUP FIXTURES Round 1 v Clarecastle (August 13th) Round 2 v Wolfe Tones (September 4th/5th) Round 3 v Scariff (September 18th/19th)

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CLARECASTLE

Young Magpies hoping to shine SEAMUS HAYES

C

LARECASTLE are determined to be more competitive in the senior ranks and the eleven time champions are hopeful their young guns will make a mark in the 2021 championship.

Throughout the past decade Jonathan Clancy has been a key figure for the Clarecastle senior hurlers but they will face into the 2021 race for the Canon Hamilton trophy without the diminutive midfielder who has called time on his playing career.

In addition they are facing into this campaign without one of the brightest young hurlers in Clare in Cian Galvin who is out for the season due to a leg injury while another who has given great service to the club, goalkeeper Jamie

Coughlan, has retired. Galvin has been drafted into the backroom team by the manager The loss of these players is a blow to the Magpies and their management team headed up by Brian Russell who is in his first season in the role with the senior team.

“We are trying to progress the young lads through, trying to improve our recent record and be more competitive than we have been. We realise the challenge in front of us and we are working as hard as we can to get better”, manager Brian told The Clare Echo.

“We are in a group with the county champions and the intermediate champions as well as a Wolfe Tones team with a good mix of youth and experience and we are taking nothing for granted”, according to Russell whose family are steeped in Clarecastle GAA. According to the Magpies manager, “we can’t hide from the results of the last few years. It is our hope to be more competitive this year”.

He acknowledged that his side are facing a huge task against the title holders in the opening round.

“If you take your eyes off the ‘Bridge you will be turned upside down quickly. They are well coached and they have a fine selection of players, They have won this title five times in the last eight years. We have it all to do”.

Apart from those already mentioned, Clarecastle hope to have the remaining members of the panel available for selection. Experience is provided by Patrick Kelly and Stephen O’Halloran, both of whom have been part of Clare panels in recent times while team captain Bobby Duggan has also worn the saffron and blue of Clare at a number of levels.

Cian Broderick (goalkeeper) and defender Darragh Healy were members of the Clare under 20 team this season and they are among a number of young players making their mark in the senior grade for the club.

Cian Broderick will be between the posts for Clarecastle Photograph: Chris Copley

SIXMILEBRIDGE V CLARECASTLE Friday August 13 at 7pm, Cusack Park, Ennis

by Eoin Brennan For all their great showdowns of the past, this is unlikely to rekindle that rivalry just yet as it’s essentially a case of two sides in completely different levels of development.

Sixmilebridge were unquestionably the team of the last decade and are still current kingpins as they bid for a three-in-a-row of senior crowns and their sixth in nine seasons.

Clarecastle meanwhile have been predominantly languishing at the other end of the divide and despite some

Wishing Clarecastle Senior Hurlers the best of luck for 2021 Senior Hurling Championship

encouraging signs from their underage wing, they are yet to make any considerable strides to the contrary.

Let’s not forget that it was only two years ago that the ‘Bridge had 18 points to spare in the sides’ first round clash in Cusack Park so even allowing for the expected absence of lynchpins Seadna Morey and Cathal Malone, anything less than another comfortable victory for the holders would be a surprise.

If Clarecastle were at full strength

themselves, then there would be an outside of a chance but with Jonathan Clancy retired following a sterling service, county senior Cian Galvin out for the season and a host of other borderline injury doubts, it’s unlikely that the Magpies will risk too much as realistically their championship starts in Round 2.

VERDICT: Sixmilebridge

MANAGEMENT Brian Russell (manager), Shane Mullane (coach), Eric Flynn, Colin Higgins, James McMahon, Cian Galvin CAPTAIN Bobby Duggan KEY PLAYER Bobby Duggan ONE TO WATCH Killian McDermott FRESH BLOOD Rory O’Connell, Dylan

Browne, Kevin Hartigan DEPARTURES GATE Jonathan Clancy, Jamie Coughlan TITLES 11 (Most recent, 2005) GROUP FIXTURES Round 1 v Sixmilebridge (August 13th) Round 2 v Scariff (September 4th/5th) Round 3 v Wolfe Tones (September 18th/19th)

Wishing the Clarecastle senior hurlers every success in 2021

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SCARIFF

McKenna ‘under no illusion’ regards step-up to Senior grade SEAMUS HAYES

A

STRONG senior hurling club back in the forties and fifties, dwindling numbers contributed to Scariff losing their senior status but the reigning intermediate champions are viewed as a side that will have a big say in the 2021 campaign.

It took Scariff six years to regain senior status, their determination to stay in the top tier is palpable while their attack which includes Mark Rodgers and Patrick Ryan plus lively shooters such as Shane Kavanagh and Keelan Hartigan will ask questions of defences.

“It’s a big step up but it’s where we want to be. It took us six years to get back up there and we want to stay there but we are under no illusions as to the quality of the competition which is higher”, Scariff manager Mark McKenna outlined.

Like many of his fellow managers across the county, McK-

Mark Rodgers will be a vital component of Scariff’s attack Photograph: Gerard O’Neill

MANAGEMENT Mark McKenna (manager), Johnny Markham(coach), Michael Long, Paul Hayes, Michael Moroney (selectors), Donal Moloney; Jim Minogue (Stats) Diarmuid Carr (S&C), Michelle McNamara (physio), Aimee McInerney (nutrition)

CAPTAIN Michael Scanlan KEY PLAYER Mark Rodgers ONE TO WATCH Patrick Ryan FRESH BLOOD Patrick Crotty, Keelan Hartigan, Eoin O’Grady, Shane Kavanagh, Sean Collins

SHC TITLES WON 5 (Most recent, 1953) GROUP FIXTURES: Round 1 v Wolfe Tones (August 14th) Round 2 v Clarecastle (September 4th/5th) Round 3 v Sixmilebridge (September 18th/19th)

Best wishes to scariff for the 2021 championship from proud sponsors MLC Builders

The best of luck to the Scariff Senior Hurlers www.mlcbuilders.ie

enna is adamant that Scariff “are not looking past the first round. It’s a huge match for the club. Get a result at the weekend and it will be huge for the club”, McKenna when speaking said of their game against Wolfe Tones on Saturday.

For team coach Johnny Markham, its sure to be an interesting fixture. A Wolfe Tones clubman, Markham has played for and managed various teams at the Shannon club.

Manager McKenna admits that Scariff have had “a good league (Division 2) which we won. This has helped our preparation, you cant beat winning.

In the current climate it was great to be able to play matches and this has certainly continued the progress of our team”.

Padraig Brody and Tomas McNamara are long term injuries and will not be part of the Scariff squad in the coming

weeks. Conor McNamara is unlikely to be available for Saturday’s game because of an ankle injury he picked up early in the league.

Winning last year’s intermediate title was a huge lift for the East Clare club, McKenna noted. Winning the Division 2 League against the same opposition, Tubber has helped with preparations also.

“Of course we want to hold our senior status and there will be pressure to achieve that. In our group we have the county champions and two other clubs that have won the Canon Hamilton title since our club last contested a final. The other three teams in the group have all won Munster club honours while Sixmilebridge have brought home the All-Ireland title. We know that we are facing a huge challenge,” McKenna commented.

SCARIFF V WOLFE TONES

Sunday Aug 14 at 1.30pm, O’Garney Pk, Sixmilebridge

by Eoin Brennan It’s only Round one but effectively every match between Wolfe Tones, Scariff and Clarecastle is a county final as the trio look to sort out the promotion and relegation candidates between them. Not being presumptuous but with Sixmilebridge a clear step above the rest, the champions will be expected to see off all three and therefore this opener is a veritable four pointer in terms of confidence.

The Tones have the edge on senior experience, with the triumvirate of Rory Hayes, Aaron Cunningham and Aron Shanagher pivotal to their success. Indeed, Shanagher almost beat Clarecastle on his own in last year’s first round and having been an ever-present for Clare this year alongside the versatile Hayes, it should add an extra dimension to the Shannon side’s challenge.

The thing is that Scariff are on the crest of a wave themselves after finally returning to senior last year for the first

time since 2014 and after adding a Division 2 League crown already this year, their winning habit will be difficult to counteract.

Also in their favour is the fact that they won’t feat either the Tones or Clarecastle so it’s up to the Shannon side to lay down an early marker in order to put some doubts in Scariff’s heads.

VERDICT: Wolfe Tones

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WOLFETONES

Tones keeping laser-like focus on Scariff SEAMUS HAYES

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T’S fifteen years since Wolfe Tones won the second of their two Clare senior hurling titles, that win coming a decade after they made the breakthrough in 1996 after which they went on to win the Munster title before losing out in the All-Ireland final.

The nineties and the noughties were great times for the Shannon club with numerous underage title wins but a downturn came and the past decade hasn’t seen too many titles come to the club.

They lost their senior status but quickly bounced back to the top flight and they plan on remaining there. They face last year’s intermediate title winners Scariff in this Saturday’s senior championship first round and the East Clare side go into the game with a lot of confidence having come through the recently concluded Division 2 league without suffering a defeat.

Wolfe Tones team manager Ray Divinney is pleased with the team’s run in to the championship.

“Unlike last year, we had a league this year and we got five games which helped develop the younger lads and this has proven beneficial. We started the league poorly but we had good results towards the end of the campaign and played better in our last two games against St. Josephs and Whitegate”, he said this week.

With 11 dual players in his squad, Diviney admitted it was an issue that required careful management. “Like all dual clubs we suffer because of this. We have to balance. We have a good rapport with the football manager and both sides are mindful of the work load of the players”.

Alan Cunningham who coached the team which made the breakthrough to win senior honours back in 1996, has joined this year’s management team. The St. Caimins secondary school principal is currently a member of the Limerick senior hurling management under John Kiely.

Scariff are the sole object occupying the minds of the Tones set-up. “Scariff are building strong from last year and with Mark Rodgers in their team, they will be very tough opposition. We struggled against Clarecastle last year while the ‘Bridge are the champions. For now the opening game (v Scariff) is all we are focussed on. We will be taking it round by round,” Diviney told The Clare Echo.

Experience is provided by Barry Loughnane, Jamie Roughan and Daithi O’Connell who are survivors from the 2006 title winning side which was captained by Loughnane. Their squad also includes current senior Clare panellists in Rory Hayes, Aron Shanagher and Darragh Lohan.

MANAGEMENT Ray Diviney (manager), Barry Keane, Paul O’Shea, Alan Cunningham, Fergal Lawlor (S&C) CAPTAIN Aaron Cunningham KEY PLAYER Rory Hayes ONE TO WATCH Cian O’Rourke FRESH BLOOD Daithi Lohan DEPARTURES GATE Gary O’Connell SHC TITLES WON 2 (most recent, 2006) GROUP FIXTURES Round 1 v Scariff (August 14th) Round 2 v Sixmilebridge (September 4th/5th) Round 3 v Clarecastle (September 18th/19th)

Sean Costelloe will be vying for a place in the Wolfe Tones attack.

Photograph: Gerard O’Neill

Wishing the Wolfe Tones Senior Hurling Team the best of luck in 2021

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CRATLOE

Dual debate no issue for Cratloe SEAMUS HAYES

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OUGH challenges have not deterred Cratloe and it comes as no surprise that they are itching to get going in what is a very intriguing group.

Cratloe are looking forward to competing in a really tough group according to their manager Conor Earley who is in his second season in charge of the South Clare outfit.

Last year, they failed to make the quarter-finals having contested the county final in 2019.

The Tubber native who transferred to Cratloe some years ago is hoping that “playing in the Clare Cup this year will stand to us. We didn’t have that competition last year. It means that there are more games this year because of the league and the fact that the championship format changed. We will see soon proof as to how beneficial these additional games have been”, according to Conor.

Cratloe have been close to success in both the senior hurling and football championships in recent times but have come up short and many have argued that this is because they have a very high percentage of dual players.

Earley did not share this view. “I don’t see it as a difficulty,. The majority of clubs have some footballers playing on their hurling team.

I don’t see it as a problem within the one club. We are putting our best foot forward”.

Like many of the managers in this competition, the former Clare intermediate hurler believes that “it’s all about the first game and getting the best out of the guys. Every game will be very tough. The main thing is get a performance out of

the guys for the three games for 60 to 65 minutes. If that happens the result will look after itself ”.

Captain Cathal McInerney and Podge Collins are “working hard” to get back to full fitness for this opening tie. Neither played in the footballer’s opening round win over Cooraclare but both returned for last week’s draw with Miltown in round 2 of the football competition. They are two of the most experienced players in the squad and both played key roles in the two wins that Cratloe have recorded in the hurling and football senior championships in modern times.

Conor McGrath, Martin Oige Murphy, Michael Hawes, Gearoid Ryan, Sean Chaplin, Liam Markham and Sean Collins are very experienced players who will be joined by rising Clare star, Diarmuid Ryan, Rian Considine, Jack McInerney and Shane Neville for what promises to be an exciting first round clash with Crusheen.

MANAGEMENT Conor Earley (manager), Aaron Carroll, John O’Gorman, Joe McGrath, Jody O’Connor and Oscar O’Dwyer (S&C) CAPTAIN Cathal McInerney VICE CAPTAIN Gearoid Ryan KEY PLAYER Diarmuid Ryan ONE TO WATCH Conor McGrath FRESH BLOOD Oisin Collins, Jack Donnelly SHC TITLES WON 2 (Most Recent 2014) GROUP FIXTURES Round 1 v Crusheen (August 15th) Round 2 v Broadford (September 4th/5th) Round 3 v Ballyea (September 18th/19th)

Diarmuid Ryan will be hoping to replicate his county form with Cratloe in the club championship.

Photograph: Gerard O’Neill

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CRUSHEEN

Crusheen focus on blooding youth SEAMUS HAYES

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OUNG guns will be forced to step up for Crusheen in this year’s championship with two of the club’s longest servants announcing their retirement ahead of the 2021 campaign.

Two players who have been key to great successes enjoyed by Crusheen in modern times will not be involved in this year’s senior championship.

Paddy Vaughan and Alan Brigdale were key members of the club’s two championship winning sides but they have now called time on their careers and their absence will certainly be felt by the North Clare club.

Added to this is the long-term injury of Ciaran O’Doherty which is likely to see him miss the bulk of their campaign.

Replacing the very experienced trio is something that new manager Kevin Sheehan and his backroom team will have to deal with. Sheehan spent the past couple of seasons in charge of his native Ballyea with whom

he won Clare and Munster championship success in 2016. His backroom team includes his fellow Ballyea clubman, Barry Coffey.

“Luckily I was involved in management last season and quickly became aware of the difficulties caused by Covid. It was difficult dealing with that last season, trying to get everything together quickly, but that experience proved valuable this season,” Sheehan explained.

One of the challenges set by Kevin when he took on the role of Crusheen manager was “to find

three or four new players and get them up to championship pace while also extending the careers of the o l d e r guys who have given a lot to the club and to t h e game”.

T h e championship draw “ w a s n’ t the kindest as a l l three teams drawn with us were in o u r league also”. For the record Crusheen began the league with a two point win over Broadford (1-19 to 1-17) whom they will meet in the final group game in September, they lost to Cratloe, their opponents this week, by six points (1-14 to 1-20) while they beat Ballyea (410 to 0-12).

“In the league we suf-

fered a bit because of injuries in some games while on some days we were down in numbers,” Kevin recounted and added that “the championship draw wasn’t the kindest”.

When asked about being grouped with his native Ballyea he said “when I took over the chances of this happening were 1 to 16 but when the format changed to groups of four, it got very real very fast. Look we have a job to do and we face Cratloe first. Right now Ballyea seems a long way away”.

He didn’t believe there was a sense of pressure for Crusheen in Group 3. “I want to make sure that we are prepared to the best of our ability and that we are clearly focused. The lads have been a pleasure to work with so far. Pressure and sport are two words that go together. I hope things will go well”.

MANAGEMENT Kevin Sheehan (manager), Barry Coffey (coach), Stephen Cunningham, Diarmuid O’Doherty, Alan Griffin (S&C) CAPTAIN Cian Dillon KEY PLAYER Ross Hayes ONE TO WATCH Diarmuid Mullins FRESH BLOOD Luke Kettelaar, Oisin O’Donnell DEPARTURES GATE Alan Brigdale; Paddy Vaughan, SHC TITLES WON 2 (Most recent, 2011) GROUP FIXTURES Round 1 v Cratloe (August 15th) Round 2 v Ballyea (September 4th/5th) Round 3 v Broadford (September 18th/19th)

(Pictured) Crusheen’s Conor O’Donnell will be a prominent part of their attack this year.

Photograph: Gerard O’Neill

CRATLOE V CRUSHEEN Saturday August 14 at 4.30pm, Cusack Park, Ennis

by Eoin Brennan

from everyone at Daybreak

To say that Crusheen and Cratloe know each other inside-out is an understatement.

Of course, their county final meetings have ended evenly as Crusheen dethroned Cratloe in 2010 only for revenge to be exacted four years later as part of Cratloe’s historic double winning year in hurling and football.

Their last meeting came only two years ago when Cratloe had much the better of matters by 3-24 to 2-12 to qualify for their second successive county final. However, 2014 still remains their last

title success in either code as unfortunately Cratloe have been on the end of three consecutive county final defeats in hurling (2018 to Ballyea and 2019 to Sixmilebridge) and football (2020 to Kilmurry Ibrickane).

U n d e t e r r e d , Cratloe’s enthusiasm hasn’t wilted and after an unbeaten start to their footballing championship challenge, they will hope to maintain that momentum against a more ringrusty Crusheen on Saturday afternoon.

Under new manager Kevin Sheehan, the

retirements of Alan Brigdale and Ciaran O’Doherty through injury are big blows in terms of experience but it has opened the door for a new crop that have been blooded throughout the Clare Cup. Whether they are ready to take that form into the senior championship is still unknown so in a close tie, perhaps Cratloe’s third week of action could top Crusheen’s freshness.

VERDICT: Cratloe

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BALLYEA

Hogan: ‘We have to be at our best’ means that they have togetherness with the players, they know what their bodies are capable of doing. all the time,” he outlined.

SEAMUS Speaking to The Clare Echo, he They have to find the balance. We HAYES added, “It’s all about the first game trust the lads that they can make and the key is to hit the ground the the right judgement. The players first day. A win is vital”. are highly committed and they S THE man to guide Approaches from the players led are key players within their own Ballyea to their first to Hogan’s return. “It’s all around clubs,” he said. ever senior titles at me here. They are a great group Hogan believes that “getting five county and provincial who have a love of the club and league games this year was a great level, Robbie Hogan a love of the game. They won’t be help. That’s where preparation for is back in the hotseat and is de- around for ever.” the championship begins. Covid termined to see the fancied outfit Selectors Raymond O’Connor presented a very difficult and difhave a big say in this year’s cham- and Diarmuid O’Sullivan have ferent challenge considering where pionship. been part of Hogan’s backroom we were. It was a different chalHogan led the club to their first team from the outset. Most of lenge altogether. We were looking Clare senior crown in 2016 and the squad which made the senior at screens for much of the year but returned as the successor to Kevin breakthrough in 2016 are still part it was the same for every club”.

Sheehan at the beginning of this of the panel. This year they are As the players finalise preparaseason. He was originally manager coached by Kevin O’Grady from tions for the opening round there from 2012 until March 2017, bow- Beagh, a member of the teaching are concerns about the fitness of ing out when they lost the All-Ire- staff at St. Flannans College.

Niall Deasy and Matthew Reidy land club final to Cuala in Croke Among his fellow teachers at while Pearse Lillis is troubled by Park. the famed Ennis nursery are Jack a hand injury. “The players know “There is no easy group in the Browne who will captain Ballyea this game is a 50/50 game and Clare senior hurling champion- this year, and Tony Kelly who led we will have to be at our best to ship. Broadford are our first op- the club to the 2018 title. They are compete with Broadford,” the ponents. They are fielding four further boosted by the return of manager concluded. adult teams this season and for a 2016 captain Stan Lineen after a small community this shows that three year stint in Australia. there has been huge work done at The manager agrees that manunderage level. They have an ex- aging a team which has assistance perienced backroom team which from players from six different includes Jimmy Browne, Aong- football clubs can hus O’Brien who is currently part prove difficult. “We of the Limerick senior backroom have a good relationMANAGEMENT Cathal O’Connor, Stan Lineen team and Kieran Corcoran. They ship with the clubs Robbie Hogan (manager) Kevin (2016 captain) have no dual player issues which involved. A lot rests O’Grady (coach), Raymond DEPARTURES GATE O’Connor (selector), Diarmuid Brian Carigg, O’Sullivan (selector), Alan SHC TITLES WON Duggan (goalkeeping coach/ 2 (Most Recent SHC title: 2018) BEST OF LUCK TO THE BALLYEA TEAM FROM O SULLIVAN AND HANSBURY MOTORS THE ALL NEW ELECTRIC C4 NOW IS AVAILABLE TO TEST DRIVE selector), Jude Quinlivan (stats/ GROUP FIXTURES selector) Adrian O’Brien (S&C) Round 1 v Broadford (August CAPTAIN 15th) Jack Browne Round 2 v Crusheen (SeptemKEY PLAYER ber 4th/5th) Tony Kelly Round 3 v Cratloe (September ONE TO WATCH 18th/19th) Mossy Gavin FRESH BLOOD

A

2021

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BROADFORD

Broadford’s bid to return to quarter-finals will be no easy task SEAMUS HAYES

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N THEIR first season back in the senior ranks, Broadford advanced to a quarter-final stage, paired off with Ballyea, Cratloe and Crusheen the task of returning to the knockout stages is made more difficult this time round.

Broadford manager, Jimmy Browne guided the East Clare side to the quarter-finals last season.

He maintained that the clubs with smaller panels will have more obstacles in this year’s campaign.

“Clubs with tight panels will face a lot of challenges this year. The route to a quarter final this year is much trickier than it was last year. Last year’s shortened format was such that teams could peak for a game. It’s hard to compare last year’s route to this year’s. The critical game this year is the first game,

Last year’s first round didn’t really have any impact,” he outlined.

An experienced hurling coach, Browne has been involved with numerous Clare teams as well as managing the LIT Fitzgibbon Cup side and Limerick club outfits.

The Clonlara native admits that Broadford are hoping to build on last year. “We played well against the Mills and then Clonlara. This year we are facing a really difficult challenge. The first game is critical and the games come rapidly after that. Clubs with large panels will do well in this type of format.

Those of us with tight panels will face some challenges if we pick up small knocks”.

Most of the East Clare club panel have a clean bill of health at this time. “We have had a tough training and challenge game schedule.

Sean Phelan and Darren McNamara are out due to long term injuries.

With Ballyea in the opening round, Broadford will have to focus on limiting the influence of Tony Kelly. “Tony is arguably the

best hurler we have ever produced in Clare. He is a hugely influential player and a big leader for his club.

They have strength and depth in their panel. We will focus on our strengths and hopefully we can challenge them,” Browne stated.

He added, “It’s all about performance. That’s the mantra every day and to control what we can control as a group, give our all and be able to say we have given our best performance. Ballyea is a club that has provided a blueprint for Broadford in terms of what they have done on the field and in terms of facilities provided”.

Stiofan McMahon will be a chief scoring threat for Broadford

Photograph: Gerard O’Neill

BALLYEA V BROADFORD Sunday Augst 15 at 12pm, Cusack Park, Ennis

by Eoin Brennan They came up to the top tier of the Clare Cup together in 2019 after a suitable draw but that is where the similarities ultimately end as while Broadford have incrementally climbed the ranks in recent seasons and made an encouraging start to their return to senior last season, they are still relative newcomers in a group of vastly experience Canon Hamilton winners.

Their victory over neighbours Clonlara in Round 2 in 2020 demonstrated that they are cable of causing an upset but their strength-

in-depth is unlikely to extend to beating all three heavyweights.

Add in the fact that a scorned Ballyea will be doubly determined to redress the balance, having been unceremoniously dumped out of the championship by a late sucker-punch against O’Callaghan’s Mills in last year’s semi-final and it is possible the worst possible first opponent for the East Clare side.

Having soared to Canon Hamilton successes in 2016 and ’18, the omens suggested that 2020 should deliver a third senior crown. So

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while that pattern has been disrupted, don’t rule out a 2021 backlash as with a better squad at their disposal and some fresh faces to boot, it’s difficult to look past a handsome Ballyea win.

VERDICT: Ballyea

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MANAGMENT Jimmy Browne (Manager), Kieran Corcoran (coach), Aonghus O’Brien (coach), Kevin Ryan (selector).

CAPTAIN Diarmuid Moloney KEY PLAYER Stiofan McMahon ONE TO WATCH Darragh Whelan FRESH BLOOD Oisin Kavanagh DEPARTURES GATE Diarmuid Whelan (transferred), Sean Phelan (injured), Niall Moloney, Kieran O’Connell SHC TITLES WON None MOST RECENT SHC TITLE: None GROUP FIXTURES: Round 1 v Ballyea (August 15th) Round 2 v Cratloe (September 4th/5th) Round 3 v Crusheen (September 18th/19th)

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CLOONEY/QUIN

Clooney-Quin want to be in shake-up EOIN BRENNAN

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OLLOWING a sobering first championship season, Noel Harrison and Mike Duggan hope to use last year’s experiences to get back to the right side of the senior shake-up this time around.

A succession of long term injuries to experienced regulars has forced their hand a little and rather accelerated the apprenticeship of an exciting crop of young players who have been given their chance in the recent Clare Cup. Players likes Darragh Keogh, John Conneally Oisin Egan, Eoin Guilfoyle and Dylan Cunningham have stepped up to the mark and should provide more options for Harrison, Duggan, Adrian Fleming and Fergie O’Loughlin for their opening encounter against Feakle on Sunday.

“We have a couple of long terms injuries that we’ve known about for a while and have had to plan without in Jimmy Corry, Martin Duggan, Bryan McInerney, Seamus Conroy and Paul Clune. But we have plenty of guys to slot in so in that way, the games were important,” Harrison noted.

“In saying that, overall, the Clare Cup

was a bit false as every team was missing so many but it was also good for what it was, a preparation for the championship.

We had a mix bag of results but we’ve a big panel so just to give everyone a decent go was the main objective and I think we were fair to all of our panel as everyone got at least a game or two to put their hands up for the championship.”

Based on last year’s disappointing showing that resulted in sizeable defeats to Inagh-Kilnamona and Ballyea, Clooney-Quin will be firm outsiders to make the knock-out stages but with the prospect of 2018 All-Star Peter Duggan back in the fold, their odds are certainly shortened as the rumour mill has gathered momentum over the past few weeks.

Derbies against Éire Óg and Newmarket-on-Fergus have to wait however as first up for Clooney-Quin is a growing grudge match against Feakle in O’Garney Park at 1.30pm “Barring draws and scoring difference coming into play, realistically you’re going to have to win two to progress so it’s about getting off to a good start and taking it from there really Over the past four or five years, there has been very title between Clooney-Quin and Feakle on every day they meet so I’m sure Sunday will be no different.”

MANAGEMENT Mike Duggan (Manager), Noel Harrison, Adrian Fleming (Selectors), Fergie O’Loughlin (Coach/Selector), Victor O’Riordan (S&C) CAPTAIN Shane McNamara KEY PLAYER Ryan Taylor ONE TO WATCH John Conneally FRESH BLOOD Callum Beirne, Colm Cassidy, John Conneally, Dylan Cunningham, Oisin Egan, Eoin Guilfoyle, Shane Harrison, Darragh Keogh, Conor O’Brien, Donagh O’Sullivan, Tomás Ó Cearbhalláin TITLES WON: WON 1 (1942) FIXTURES: Round 1 (Saturday) - Clooney-Quin v Feakle Round 2 (Saturday/Sunday, September 4/5th) - Clooney-Quin v Éire Óg Round 3 (Saturday/Sunday, September 18/19th) - Clooney-Quin v Newmarket-on-Fergus

CLOONEY QUIN V FEAKLE Sunday August 15 at 1.30pm, O’Garney Park, Sixmilebridge

by Eoin Brennan Much has been said and written about their now infamous 2017 meeting that Clooney-Quin edged in extra-time on their way to the county final while as a result Feakle were nudged down the road to relegation.

Ironically it was Peter Duggan that provided the telling blow that day so his possible return on Sunday would certainly make Feakle sit up and take notice.

The thing is that there is more certainty surrounding Feakle as collec-

tively they are a formidable unit as demonstrated in their recent successful Clare Cup run.

Their understanding and experience does give them an edge over a little more unpredictable Clooney-Quin that could well shoot the lights out but are more likely to be a bit wary after last year’s chastening experience.

VERDICT: Feakle

The experienced Fergal Lynch will be part of the Clooney/ Quin attack Photo by Gerard O’Neill

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FEAKLE

Feakle treating opening round as do or die contest MANAGEMENT: MANAGEMENT: PJ Kelleher (Manager), Tomás Downes (Coach), Henry Hayes, Raymond Nelson (Selectors) CAPTAIN: Con Smyth KEY PLAYER: Shane McGrath ONE TO WATCH: Adam Hogan FRESH BLOOD: Oisin Clune, Adam Hogan, PLAYERS GONE: None TITLES WON WON:: 6 MOST RECENT TITLE: 1988 FIXTURES:: FIXTURES Round 1 (Sunday) - Feakle v Clooney-Quin Round 2 (Saturday/Sunday, September 4/5th) - Feakle v Newmarket-on-Fergus Round 3 (Saturday/Sunday, September 18/19th) - Feakle v Éire Óg Steven Conway and Feakle will be crossing paths with Éire Óg in the final round Photo by Gerard O’Neill

EOIN BRENNAN

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ACKED by the welcome early boost of silverware as Feakle took full advantage of a condensed Clare Cup campaign to bridge a 33 year gap to their last title, new manager PJ Kelleher is hoping to have a similar alchemist’s touch when it comes to the championship.

However, while rare adult honours will be invaluable to Feakle’s confidence, Bodyke native Kelleher is certainly not going to be fooled into automatically anticipating a replication in the race for the Canon Hamilton.

“It was great to win the Clare Cup as we were kind of taking each game as it

came really. I mean we had a lot of injuries but I suppose most of the teams we were playing were missing a lot of players as well. So we just said that we’d go out and try and win every game and use them as best we could ahead of the championship.

“We have a few young fellas coming through as well as a few injured players that were coming back and from a management perspective, the Clare Cup was just as important to get to know lads as well.”

In such an even group that sees Feakle as the East Clare outlier in a derby trio of Éire Óg, Newmarket-on-Fergus and Clooney-Quin, there is still some uncertainty however as to where Feakle currently stand. After all, while injuries have cleared up somewhat, there is a large degree of competitive ringrustiness surrounding

a large chunk of their panelists.

“The big thing for us is that we have a lot of players that haven’t a lot of hurling done.

So while they are available, some of only played one or two leagues matches so our worry is how match sharp they really are.”

While their squad has been populated by some

fresh blood, Feakle still lack the strength-in-depth of their group opponents so keeping everyone fit will be a major factor in how they fare.

However, what they lack in numbers, Feakle invariably make up for in collective spirit and determination, something that they hope will guide them back

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to a third successive quarter-final at a minimum according to Kelleher.

“It’s a very even group as there’s no easy game. Take our first match against Clooney-Quin, in the last few years there has been nothing between the sides so it will be very tough to get out of the group.

“A first win is vital though.

You put yourself in a good position if you win whereas you’re on the back foot straight away if you lose. So it’s about treating it as do-ordie, win your first game and move on from there”.

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EIRE ÓG

Late fitness calls for Townies SEAMUS HAYES

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ANCIED by many hurling followers as strong contenders for the Canon Hamilton, Éire Óg will commence their 2021 bid in Sixmilebridge when they meet Newmarket-on-Fergus.

Thirty one years without a Clare senior hurling title is a mighty long time for a club based in the county capital, Ennis.

A certain amount of progress was made last year when Éire Óg reached the semi-final in the race for the Canon Hamilton cup where they were a bit unlucky to lose out by the minimum margin to title holder Sixmilebridge.

As they put the finishing touches to preparations for this week’s opening round date with Newmarket-on-Fergus, there is uncertainty about the availability of Clare’s All-Ireland winning hero from 2013, Shane O’Donnell.

The talented forward hasn’t played since suffering a concussion some weeks ago while training with Clare. He has trained with MANAGEMENT Matthew Shannon (manager); Ronan Cooney, Gerry O’Connor, Barry Nugent; CAPTAIN Liam Corry KEY PLAYER David Reidy ONE TO WATCH Jarlath Collins FRESH BLOOD Ciaran Hanna, Paul Moynihan SHC TITLES WON: WON: 6 (titles have also been won by Faughs,

the Ennis side but is unlikely to be risked at the weekend.

In addition there are concerns about the fitness of defender Aaron Fitzgerald who is reported to have suffered a leg injury in the closing stages of the town club’s first round football victory over Lissycasey last week. It will be near match time before a final decision is made as to the starting line up.

Corofin native Matthew Shannon is in his third year in charge of the town club’s senior hurlers. Former player with the club, Ronan Cooney has been part of the backroom team throughout Shannon’s time at the helm. Former Clare joint manager Gerry O’Connor joined the group last year and is again part of the management this season while former player Barry Nugent has come on board this year.

“We have ten to twelve dual players between both senior teams and staying free of injury will be key for both codes. It is difficult to manage with so many dual players. A single code team has a big advantage. Thankfully Paul (Madden, football manager) and myself have a good rapport and we make sure that those involved are not on the field every night”.

Ennis, Ennis Dals and an Ennis/Clarecastle amalgamation) MOST RECENT SHC TITLE 1990 GROUP FIXTURES Round 1 v Newmarket-on-Fergus (August 14th) Round 2 v Clooney/Quin (September 4th/5th) Round 3 v Feakle (September 18th/19th)

In this year’s league Éire Óg, like all other clubs were “short players and this provided a chance for all in the panel to get game time. It would have been frustrating for them if they did not get games. Most lads got full games and the league served a purpose”.

“There are a few niggles since the football last week and we wont be in a position to know who is available until nearer the match.

Shane O’Donnell is working his way back to fitness and at this time I don’t know when he will be avail-

able. Aaron Fitzgerald suffered a muscle strain last weekend and we won’t know the full extent of it for a few days. They will of course, be big losses if they are out.

W e don’t

have a big panel, we do rely on our big players. We have been in this position before and others have come in and stepped up”.

Matthew is another of the managers who is not looking past the first round. “We played Newmarket two years ago and we won by a score and we were put to the pin of our collar. They seem to be moving well, they have put up big scores.

It’s going to be a serious test”.

Éire Óg’s David McNamara will be hoping the Ennis side get off to a winning start this weekend.

Photograph: Gerard O’Neill

EIRE ÓG VS NEWMARKET ON FERGUS Saturday August 14 at 4.30pm, O’Garney Park, Sixmilebridge

by Eoin Brennan

by Eoin Brennan A game that will reveal a lot about the genuine title ambitions of both as Éire Óg have been getting closer and closer to a breakthrough while Newmarket-on-Fergus have shown early signs of rejuvenation so far, backed by a perfect league record.

The Townies will be favourites to reach a sixth successive quarter-final, having come perilously close to reaching the county final last year. Allied to the current buoyancy surrounding their footballers, there’s a real buzz surrounding Clondroadmore this year that will only be derailed by injuries.

Newmarket meanwhile have been blending youth to their experienced championship winning core of 2012 and there’s an element of a last chance saloon feeling for some of their older members.

That should provide an extra edge but all will depend on Éire Óg’s line-up as a full strength side complete with Shane O’Donnell would be difficult to stop whereas anything less and the Blues will fancy their chances.

Only two points separated the sides when they

The very best of luck to the Eire Óg Senior Hurlers OPEN MONDAY - SATURDAY 9AM -5PM 065 68 92488 info@brianpynetiles.com Unit 4, Westgate Business Park, Ennis.

met in Round 3 two years ago so it should be equally as close this time around.

VERDICT: Éire Óg

BEST OF LUCK TO EIRE ÓG SENIOR HURLERS IN THE 2021 CHAMPIONSHIP Abbey Street Car Park, Central Buildings, Ennis

(065) 689 9600

12-08-21 23-07-20

pg57 pg35

NEWMARKET-ON-FERGUS

Blues need to build momentum management ticket.

“We’d be happy with how we have progressed, we’ve given every lad a chance and built up a bit of momentum so it was good preparation for the championship. Éire Óg obviously have been the most consistent team over the past couple of years but each of the teams will look at the group and fancy their chances of getting out and going on a run.

“As the Mills proved last year, if you can get any bit of momentum at all in the championship, you could go a long way so all teams will definitely be eyeing up getting out of the group”.

Whether facing their toughest test first is a help or a hinderance will only be known on Saturday evening as O’Garney Park in Sixmilebridge hosts their bow against the Townies at 4.30pm. “Éire Óg are the team in the group that would be considered top level. They’ve been knocking on the door over the past few years so I’m sure they’re determined to go that step further I would think.

We’re just focusing on ourselves though, our own performance and style of play and we’ll reassess matters after the first game and take it from there.”

The Blues will have to do without captain John Feehily though as the midfielder suffered a broken thumb in their final Clare Cup outing but they can expect Colin Guilfoyle to return after suffering a freak cut in his hand that kept the county senior out of Clare’s championship plans.

MANAGEMENT Tomás Ryan (Manager), David McCormack (Coach), James Carrig, Brian Clancy, John McInerney (Selectors), Derek Morris (S&C), John Earls (Physio) CAPTAIN John Feehily KEY PLAYER Colin Guilfoyle ONE TO WATCH Éanna Crimmins FRESH BLOOD Mark Delaney, Darragh Whelan PLAYERS GONE Eoin O’Brien, Shane O’Brien Snr, Shane O’Brien Jnr TITLES WON: 23 MOST RECENT TITLE: 2012 FIXTURES: Round 1 (Saturday) - Newmarket-on-Fergus v Éire Óg Round 2 (Saturday/Sunday, September 4/5th) - Newmarket-on-Fergus v Feakle Round 3 (Saturday/Sunday, September 18/19th) Newmarket-on-Fergus v Clooney-Quin

EOIN BRENNAN

A

LMOST a decade on from their 2012 title breakthrough, there are still enough survivors for Newmarket-on-Fergus to mount a concerted tilt at reclaiming the Canon.

A handful of Clare Cup titles have been welcome but it was the Blues’ 2019 double final appearance in the Minor B and Under 21B deciders that have offered the most encouragement to that objec-

Eoin Hayes is one of the survivors from the last Newmarket-on-Fergus side to taste championship glory. Photograph: Gerard O’Neill

tive.

That’s why the appointment of Tomás Ryan is an interesting move, being the last manager to guide his native club to a Minor A crown back in 2010.

A perfect Clare Cup 1B run has only bolstered the belief that Newmarket can get back to being in the shake up for championship honours, having had to settle for a Senior B final appearance in 2020.

“It was just great to be playing games and they were competitive matches too.” Admits Ryan who is joined by fellow locals James Carrig, Brian Clancy, John McInerney and Davy McCormack on the

Best of luck to the Newmarket Senior Hurlers for 2021

pg58

12-08-21

CLARE INTERMEDIATE HURLING CHAMPIONSHIP: TEAM PROFILES GROUP 1: KILLANENA

MANAGEMENT: Martin Smyth (manMANAGEMENT: ager), Mike Cummins, Declan Noonan, Mikey Noone CAPTAIN:: Cathal Noonan CAPTAIN KEY PLAYER: PLAYER: Mark Flaherty One to Watch: Keith Smyth FRESH BLOOD: BLOOD: Ian McNamara, Keith Smyth, Darren McMahon DEPARTURES GATE: GATE: Alan McNamara, Mikey Noone ORDER OF GAMES: Round One versus Tubber (August 14th) Round Two versus Sixmilebridge (September 4th/5th) Round Three versus Inagh/Kilnamona (September 18th/19th)

ONE TO WATCH: WATCH: Diarmuid Cahill FRESH BLOOD: BLOOD: Marc O’Loughlin, Cillian McGroary, Killian O’Connor ORDER OF GAMES: GAMES: Round One versus Parteen (August 14th) Round Two versus Clonlara (Sep 4th/5th) Round Three versus St Josephs Doora/Barefield (September 18th/19th)

Tulla’s William Halpin in action against Scariff last year, will hope to emulate the success of their East Clare neighbours

Photograph: Gerard O’Neill

GROUP 4:

NEWMARKET-ON-FERGUS

MANAGEMENT: John Guilfoyle MANAGEMENT: (manager), Seamus Meehan, Eamon Curley, Derek Clancy CAPTAIN:: TBC CAPTAIN KEY PLAYER: PLAYER: James ‘Jellies’ Power ONE TO WATCH: WATCH: Mark Delaney, FRESH BLOOD: BLOOD: Noel Frawley, Darragh Whelan, Mark Delaney, Seadhna Liddy, Jamie Power ORDER OF GAMES: GAMES: Round One versus Bodyke (August 15th) Round Two versus Clarecastle (Sep 4/5th) Round Three versus Ruan (Sep 18th/19th)

INAGH/KILNAMONA

MANAGEMENT: Paul McInerney MANAGEMENT: (manager), Pat Barry, Dermot Gannon CAPTAIN:: TBC CAPTAIN KEY PLAYER: PLAYER: Tomás Kelly/Barry Keating ONE TO WATCH: WATCH: Ronan Mescall FRESH BLOOD: BLOOD: Tomás Kelly, Keith Barry, Ronan Mescall, Jack O’Connor DEPARTURES GATE: GATE: Jamesy McConigley, ORDER OF GAMES Round One versus Sixmilebridge (Aug 15) Round Two versus Tubber (Sep 4th/5th) Round Three versus Killanena (September 18th/19th)

SIXMILEBRIDGE

MANAGEMENT: John Lynch MANAGEMENT: (manager), Jamesy Hassettt (manager), Danny Chaplin, Keith Walker, John Lynch, Ciaran Agnew CAPTAIN:: Kevin Lynch CAPTAIN KEY PLAYER: PLAYER: Tiarnan Agnew ONE TO WATCH: WATCH: Jack Corry FRESH BLOOD: BLOOD: Cathal Lynch, Kevin Lynch DEPARTURES GATE: Niall Gilligan, Tommy Liddy ORDER OF GAMES: GAMES: Round One versus Inagh/Kilnamona (August 15th) Round Two versus Killanena (Sep 4th/5th) Round Three versus Tubber (Sep 18/19th)

GROUP 2:

SMITH O’BRIENS

MANAGEMENT: Tony Gleeson (manager/ MANAGEMENT: coach), Pat Minogue, Alex Simpson, Kevin McCarthy, David Kelly (physio) CAPTAIN:: Cian Nolan & David Gough CAPTAIN KEY PLAYER: PLAYER: Cian Nolan ONE TO WATCH: WATCH: Evan Connolly ORDER OF GAMES: GAMES: Round One versus O’Callaghans Mills (August 15th) Round Two versus Cratloe (Sep 4th/5th) Round Three versus Tulla (Sep 18th/19th)

O’CALLAGHANS MILLS

MANAGEMENT: Fergus Donovan (manMANAGEMENT: ager), Kevin Sammon, Paul Heffernan, Ollie Nash, Jack McNamara, Mike Jones CAPTAIN:: Barry Heffernan CAPTAIN KEY PLAYER: PLAYER: Jamie Keane ONE TO WATCH: WATCH: Fionn Hickey

FRESH BLOOD: BLOOD: Fionn Hickey, Michael McMahon, Kevin O’Callaghan, Sean Murphy ORDER OF GAMES: GAMES: Round One versus Smith O’Briens (August 15th) Round Two versus Tulla (Sep 4th/5th) Round Three versus Cratloe (Sep 18/19th)

CRATLOE

MANAGEMENT: Kevin Browne MANAGEMENT: (manager), Padraigh Chaplin CAPTAIN:: Patrick Carey CAPTAIN KEY PLAYER: PLAYER: Jamie Costigan ONE TO WATCH: WATCH: Kevin Danaher FRESH BLOOD: BLOOD: Jack Donnelly, Oisin Collins, Mark Gallagher DEPARTURES GATE: GATE: Philip Gleeson, Padraigh Chaplin, Aidan Browne, Conor Earley ORDER OF GAMES: GAMES: Round One versus Tulla (August 15th) Round Two versus Smith O’Briens (September 4th/5th) Round Three versus O’Callaghans Mills (September 18th/19th)

TULLA

MANAGEMENT: Eamonn Kelly MANAGEMENT: (manager), Jim McInerney, Jim Hunt, Chris Withycombe, Declan Hogan, Declan Curran CAPTAIN:: Darragh Corry CAPTAIN KEY PLAYER: PLAYER: David McInerney ONE TO WATCH: WATCH: Sean Withycombe FRESH BLOOD: BLOOD: Sean Withycombe, Jimmy O’Gorman, Dan Withycombe, Liam McInerney ORDER OF GAMES: GAMES: Round One versus Cratloe (August 15th) Round Two versus O’Callaghans Mills (September 4th/5th) Round Three versus Smith O’Briens (September 18th/19th)

GROUP 3:

ST JOSEPHS DOORA/ BAREFIELD

MANAGEMENT:: Michael Guilfoyle MANAGEMENT

(manager), Vinnie Sheedy, Shane Dowling, Daragh Droog (S&C) CAPTAIN:: Tom Hannan CAPTAIN KEY PLAYER: PLAYER: Adam Mungovan ONE TO WATCH: WATCH: Conor Tierney FRESH BLOOD: BLOOD: Joey Keane, Seanie Keane, Fionn Kelleher, ORDER OF GAMES: GAMES: Round One versus Clonlara (August 15th) Round Two versus Parteen (Sep 4th/5th) Round Three versus Corofin (September 18th/19th)

CLONLARA

MANAGEMENT: Mike Stritch (manager), MANAGEMENT: Jim Gully, Seamus Hogg CAPTAIN:: Sean Moriarity CAPTAIN KEY PLAYER: PLAYER: Sean Begley, ONE TO WATCH: WATCH: Daniel Moloney, FRESH BLOOD: BLOOD: Louis McCormack, Ciaran Downey, Bryan McLeish DEPARTURES GATE: GATE: Pat O’Hare ORDER OF GAMES: Round One versus St Josephs Doora/Barefield (August 15th) Round Two versus Corofin (Sep 4th/5th) Round Three versus Parteen (Sep 18/19th)

PARTEEN

MANAGEMENT: Mike Flynn (managMANAGEMENT: er), Willie Banks (coach), Oisin O’Brien (coach), Niall Conway, PJ Flanagan, Mark Boland.

CAPTAIN:: Nathan Fox CAPTAIN KEY PLAYER: Oisin Hickey ONE TO WATCH: WATCH: Daniel Cooney DEPARTURES GATE: Colm Quinn ORDER OF GAMES: GAMES: Round One versus Corofin (August 14th) Round Two versus St Josephs Doora/Barefield (September 4th/5th) Round Three versus Clonlara (Sep 18/19)

COROFIN

MANAGEMENT: Michael O’Dell MANAGEMENT: (manager), Darragh Moloney (S&C), Aaron Considine (coach), Patrick O’Loughlin, Sean O’Loughlin.

CAPTAIN:: TBC CAPTAIN KEY PLAYER: PLAYER: Gearoid Cahill

BODYKE

MANAGEMENT: Francie O’Halloran MANAGEMENT: (manager), Caimin Treacy, Tom Downes (S&C) CAPTAIN:: Paddy Fitzgerald, Cathal Doyle CAPTAIN KEY PLAYER: PLAYER: Paddy Fitzgerald ONE TO WATCH: WATCH: Jamie O’Donnell FRESH BLOOD: Jamie O’Donnell, Tiernan Slattery, Cathal McKenna, Thomas Minogue, ORDER OF GAMES: GAMES: Round One versus Newmarket-on-Fergus (August 15th) Round Two versus Ruan (Sep 4th/5th) Round Three versus Clarecastle (September 18th/19th)

CLARECASTLE

MANAGEMENT: James McMahon MANAGEMENT: (manager), Colin Higgins, CAPTAIN:: TBC CAPTAIN KEY PLAYER: PLAYER: Briain Lynch, Jamie O’Connor, Mark O’Loughlin, ONE TO WATCH: WATCH: Barry Morrissey FRESH BLOOD: BLOOD: Alec Cassley, Darragh Keogh, Conor Whelan, Noel Copley, Cian Donnelly DEPARTURES GATE: GATE: Niall Quinn, Niall Dunne, Garret Barry, ORDER OF GAMES: GAMES: Round One versus Ruan (August 14th) Round Two versus Newmarket-on-Fergus (September 4th/5th) Round Three versus Bodyke (Sep 18/19th)

RUAN

MANAGEMENT: Niall O’Connor (manMANAGEMENT: ager), Cyril Lyons, John Punch, Alan Bell (GK), Jonathan Clohessy, Mattie McDonagh, CAPTAIN:: TBC CAPTAIN KEY PLAYER: PLAYER: Colm Rice ONE TO WATCH: Ryan Power FRESH BLOOD: BLOOD: Killian Ryan, Ryan Power, Jack McDonagh, Darragh McInerney, Keelan Mounsey, Jason Power, ORDER OF GAMES: GAMES: Round One versus Clarecastle (August 14) Round Two versus Bodyke (Sep 4th/5th) Round Three versus Newmarket-on-Fergus (September 18th/19th)

PLANNING

THURSDAY, AUG 12 2021

PLANNING NOTICES CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL DOONASS, CLONLARA, CO. CLARE Take notice that Maria Rieder intends to apply for planning permission for development at Doonass, Clonlara, Co. Clare. The development will consist of a new dwelling house, shed, site entrance, wastewater treatment system and associated site works.

The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours 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 FURTHER INFORMATION/ REVISED PLANS TULLIG, CROSS, CO CLARE PLANNING REF: P21/480 Development Description: to erect proposed dwelling house, foul sewer treatment plant, percolation area and new site entrance Location: Tullig, Cross Take notice that M. B. Downes has lodged significant further information in respect of planning application P21/480.

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, 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 CARROWMORE NORTH, MULLAGH, CO. CLARE Take notice that T. Garvey intends to apply to the Planning Authority for permission to extend existing dwelling house and upgrade existing sewerage system at the above address.

The Planning Application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee, €20, within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application and such submissions or observations will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions or may refuse to grant permission.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL LOUGH NORTH, DOOLIN, CO CLARE. Take notice that June Danaher intends to apply for PERMISSION to renovate and extend the existing derelict dwelling house, with part use for a Garage, install a Waste Treatment System and all associated site and ancillary works at the above address. The planning application may be inspected or

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

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL CAHERMACLANCY, DOOLIN, CO CLARE Take notice that Sandra McDonagh and Martin Hogan intend to apply for PERMISSION to build a new private dwelling house, install a Waste Treatment System and all associated site and ancillary works at the above address. The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority, during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the authority on payment of the prescribed fee of €20.00, within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL CAHERADERRY, LAHINCH, CO CLARE. Take notice that Deirdre O’Donoghue intends to apply for PERMISSION to renovate and extend the existing derelict dwelling house, install a Waste Treatment System and all associated site and ancillary works at the above address. The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority, during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the authority on payment of the prescribed fee of €20.00, within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

That the planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours and that a submission or observation in relation to the 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 THE HAWTHORNS/ CLARE ROAD, CLONROADMORE, ENNIS, CO. CLARE Take notice that Paul Conway Architects, Knockbrack, Ennistymon intend to apply to the Planning Authority of Clare County Council on behalf of Jada Property Investments for planning permission for development at The Hawthorns/ Clare Road, Clonroadmore, Ennis, Co Clare.

The development will consist of the Construction of 8No 2-bedroom apartments on three floors, with site works and connections to services.

That the planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours and that a submission or observation in relation to the 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 BREAFFY SOUTH, MILTOWN MALBAY , CO. CLARE Take notice that the Estate of James Christopher Boland are applying to Clare County Council for planning permission to install a new wastewater treatment system and percolation area to service an existing house and construct a new entrance along with all associated works at the above address. The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the offices of Clare County Council during its public opening hours and a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL FURTHER INFORMATION / REVISED PLANS CLOONCARTHY, CLONLARA, CO. CLARE. Planning Ref: P21/515 Development Description: Proposed construction of an agricultural cattle house over existing underslat tank & associated site works.

Location: Clooncarthy, Clonlara, Co. Clare.

Take notice that Derek Walsh has lodged significant further information in respect of planning application P21/515 .

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 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 NO 10 FAIRWAYS, LAHINCH, CO. CLARE Take notice that Paul Conway Architects, Knockbrack, Ennistymon intend to apply to the Planning Authority of Clare County Council on behalf of Peter & Monica Kilkenny for planning permission for development at No 10 Fairways, Lahinch, Co Clare.

The development will consist of the construction of a single storey 30sqM extension to the rear and side of the dwelling, with new upper floor escape window to east/ side gable, with site works and services

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL CORRANROO, KINVARA, CO. CLARE Take notice that Chantal McCabe intends to apply for planning permission for development at Corranroo, Kinvara, Co. Clare. The development consists of upgrading existing wastewater treatment system and associated site works.

The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours 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 ARDATAGGLE, O’BRIEN’S BRIDGE, CO. CLARE Take notice that Deirdre & Tadhg Nihill intend to apply to the Planning Authority of Clare County Council for planning permission for development at Ardataggle, O’Brien’s Bridge, Co. Clare. The development will consist of one two-storey dwelling house, wastewater treatment system, percolation area, new site entrance, driveway and all associated site works. The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee, €20, within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application and such submissions or observations will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions or may refuse to grant permission.

CLARE CO. COUNCIL CAPPAGH MORE, BAREFIELD. Take notice that Eoin Hennessy intends to apply for permission for development, the development consists of the construction of a dairy with a waste water treatment system with percolation area and associated site works at the above address.

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

CLARE CO. COUNCIL BALLYKEELAUN, PARTEEN, CO. CLARE. Take notice that Patrick O Connell intends to apply for permission for development, the development consists of the construction of an underslat tank, dairy store and associated site works at the above address.

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

CLARE CO. COUNCIL KILCORNEY, NOUGHAVAL. Take notice that John Davoren intends to apply for permission for development, the development consists of the construction of a dwelling house, waste water treatment system with percolation area to replace existing mobile home on site and associated site works at the above address.

The planning application maybe inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the offices of

59

the Planning Authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

LICENCE APPLICATIONS An Chuirt Duiche The District Court No. 86.3 Public Dance Halls Act, 1935 NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR A PUBLIC DANCING LICENCE District Court Area of Ennis District No. 12 Tulipbay Limited Applicant TAKE NOTICE that the abovenamed Applicant Tulipbay Limited of 24/26 City Quay, Dublin 2, Dublin, Ireland intends to apply to the District Court at Ennis District Court on the 28 Sep 2021 at 10:30 for the grant of an Annual Dance Licence a Licence to use a particular place, to wit: LOCATION Hotel Woodstock, Shanaway Road, Ennis Co. Clare situate at Shaneway Road, Ennis, Clare in court area and district aforesaid, for public dancing.

Signed McMahon O’Brien Tynan Solicitor for Applicant

Case No. D:LIC:KILA:2021:002859 Courts Licence No: LIC-12302 Revenue Licence No: LIP0033 An Chuirt Duiche The District Court Licensing (Ireland) Act 1833 Section 6 Intoxicating Liquor Act, 1960 Section 29 NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR CERTIFICATE OF TRANSFER OF A LICENCE District Court Area Killaloe District No. 12 Jayme Keogh as Nominee Applicant TAKE NOTICE that the abovenamed Applicant Jayme Keogh as nominee of Jay Keogh Entertainment Limited of Cappagh, Sixmilebridge, Clare intends to apply to the Annual Licensing Court to be held at the Court at Killaloe District Court on the 07-Sep-2021 at 10:30 am for the TRANSFER to the applicant of the Publican’s Licence (7-Day Ordinary) licence attached to the premises at Ballina, Killaloe, Clare in the area and district aforesaid.

Dated 09 Aug 2021 Signed Stiofan Fitzpatrick Solicitor for Applicant Solicitors, The Square, Sixmilebridge, Clare To the Garda Superintendent, at CourtPresenters.Ennis@garda. ie, Ennis Garda Station, Ennis, Clare, V95 TR83.

To the Fire Officer, at fireoff@ tipperarycoco.ie, Central Fire Station, Nenagh, Tipperary,E45 AK71 To the District Court Clerk, Ennis District Court

Case No. D:LIC:KILA:2021:002858 Courts Licence No: LIC-12208 Revenue Licence No: ENP0312 An Chuirt Duiche The District Court Licensing (Ireland) Act 1833 Section 6 Intoxicating Liquor Act, 1960 Section 29 NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR CERTIFICATE OF TRANSFER OF A LICENCE District Court Area Killaloe District No. 12 Andrew Freeman as Nominee Applicant TAKE NOTICE that the abovenamed Applicant Andrew Freeman as nominee of TSM Ventures of Sallybank, Kilmore, Clare intends to apply to the Annual Licensing Court to be held at the Court at Killaloe District Court on the 07-Sep-2021 at 10:30 am for the TRANSFER to the applicant of the Publican’s Licence (7-Day Ordinary) licence attached to the premises at Main Street, Tulla, Clare in the court area and district aforesaid.

Date 09 Aug 2021 Signed Stiofan Fitzpatrick Solicitor for Applicant Solicitors, The Square, Sixmilebridge, Clare To the Garda Superintendent, at CourtPresenters.Ennis@garda. ie, Ennis Garda Station, Ennis, Clare, V95 TR83.

To the Fire Office, at fireoff@ clarecoco.ie, Clare Fire Station, Ennis, Clare, V95 CD74 To the District Court Clerk, Ennis District Court

CLASSIFIEDS

60

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RUBBISH REMOVAL

61

ABCGLAZINGIRELAND

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SANTA CLAUSE LOOKALIKE SANTA CLAUS LOOKALIKE ACTORS WANTED! Are you Santa?

Do you know someone that looks like Santa Claus? We are searching for jolly Santa lookalikes who are willing to play Santa. Location: Dunnes Stores, Ennis. Dates: End Nov onwards. Full-training and Santa suit supplied.

Real beard preferred but not essential.

Please respond with your phone number and photo to staff@santaexperience.ie

TV

STORAGE

Contact paul on

PAINTING

087 9830736 065 671 0124 087 983 0736

THANKSGIVING

TRAINING

POWER WASHING JASON’S Powerwashing All types of powerwashing, Commercial, Industrial, Residential. Fully Insured Registered.

Call Jason 087 446 883

The Clare Echo Classifieds

For all your training needs: * Manual Handling * Fire safety / Marshal * ergonomic assessments * learning english for Work * Presentation skills * online training ContaCt us at:

Contact 065 671 9021

info@bridgetrainingservices.ie or 087 7092789 Web: www.bridgetraininingservices.ie

THANKSGIVING. ST. JUDE.

Most Holy Apostle St. Jude faithful servant & friend of Jesus. The Church honours & invokes you universally as the patron of hopeless cases, of matters almost despaired of. Pray for me I am so helpless & alone. Make use I implore you of that particular privilege given to you, to bring speedy help where help is almost despaired of. Come to my assistance in this great need that I may receive the consolation & help of Heaven in all my necessities, tribulations & sufferings & that I may praise God with you & all the Elect forever. I promise O Blessed St. Jude to be ever mindful of this great favour to always honour you as my special & powerful patron & to gratefully encourage devotion to you. Amen.

This prayer must be said for 9 consecutive days & published immediately & in 3 days the favour will be granted.

THURSDAY, AUG 12 2021

THIS WEEKS PUZZLES AUG 12

WORD SEARCH

SUDOKU

8/9/2021

Aldrin

Titov

Bean

Young

2

5

3

6

8

4

4 2

Carr

6

7

Conrad

3

Cooper

5 9

7

2 6

2

4

Gibson

8

5

8

Gagarin

1

5 1/1

8

Glenn

How to play

8

9

4

4

8

9

5

3

6

1

7

4

8

6

3

5

2

7 4 5

2 7

9

5 4

1 7

2

1

6

2

4 5

9

7

2 8

1

1

8 1

3

8

4

6 9

6

3

7 5 9 3 6 2 8

5

8

9

2

6

3 6

1 2

7

8

4 1

3 7

5

4

9

Shepard

3

Scott

9

Ride

6

Popov

3

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

7

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

Lovell

8

ANSWERS

HOW TO PLAY

Leonov

5

2

Irwin

3

5

2

2

1

Gordon

9

How to play

Borman

White

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

Anders

1/1

8/9/2021

The Clare Echo Crossword

not too difficult - just k.

14

O R

ug 2021

11

H O

15

E

C

U

I G R

M

1

I

A

U

Y M N

H

2

D

18

E

O

9

L

O

R

16

E

17

D O N

12

R

R

A 8

H

T

T

10

V 3

C O 4

R

N E

5

O

J A M

Y

13

T A

X

F

L

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E

E

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22

T I

S

I S

6

S

A A

7

L

Order Online www.supermacs.ie

P

X

#supermacs heart of Ennis

Phone 065 6820914

U

21

L

S T

(065) 682 0914

20

S

order direct

O'Connell Street, Ennis

E

L A

For a quicker faster delivery service

19

I P

S

T

A

D

A

N

A

C

27

25

L

L

B

23

22

24

I

T

R M O N

13

E

17

21

25

V

E

20

T

18

CROSSWORD ANSWERS I

16

1 Comical (8) 2 Sorcery (5) 4 Exaggerate (6) 5 Many times (5) 6 Four squared (7) 7 Final (4) 8 Cask (6) 13 Regal, grand (8) 15 Curing (7) 17 Die (6) 18 Baltic country (6) 20 Wide awake (5) 22 Laziness (5) 23 Fire injury (4)

N

1 Church song (4) 3 Enormous (8) 9 Fly south in winter (7) 10 Cabs (5) 11 Happen again (5) 12 Beast of burden (6) 14 Sustain (6) 16 Rupture (6) 19 North American country (6) 21 Artificial gems (5) 24 Join together (5) 25 U.S. state (7) 26 Bedtime drink (8) 27 Smart (4)

DOWN

U

26

ACROSS

C

I

24

7

T

23

19

H

12

15

10

C

6

27

14

E

P

5

I

A

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4

T

8

R

11

3

N

G H

9

I

2

N

R

1/1

26

1

try (6)

lt - just

62 PUZZLEPAGE

QUIZ 63

THURSDAY, AUG 12 2021

The Clare Echo Quiz MAURA O’CONNELL 1983 1987 1991 1983

2

7

3

8

Maura performed in a band called Tumbleweed with which Clare musician?

Nonie Lynch Tom Lenihan Mike Hanrahan

4

Where in Clare did Maura go to secondary school?

Kilrush Kilmihil Spanish Point

5

In which city did Maura perform her first gig with De Dannan?

London New York Sydney

6

How many times has Maura been nominated for a Grammy?

Once Twice Thrice Maura was cast by Martin Scorsese for which film?

Shutter Island The Departed Gangs of New York

9

Which of these is not a Maura O’Connell song?

Feet of a Dancer Never Be The Sun Guns of Love

10

l Maura was cast by Martin Scorsese for which film?

Which city does Maura now reside?

Galway Rio de Janeiro Nashville

6. 1983 7. Twice 8. Gangs of New York 9. Never Be The Sun 10.Nashville

Her family owned what type of shop?

Fish Shop Sweet Shop Shoe Shop

In what year did Maura record her first solo album

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

The answers will be revealed in next weeks edition.

ANSWERS Ennis Fish Shop Mike Hanrahan Spanish Point New York

Where in Clare is singer Maura O’Connell from Crusheen Ennis Fanore

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

1

Last weeks Answers . White part of A missing on sign held by Cathal . POD logo missing on jersey in background . Plane missing on sign . ‘-’ missing on Cathals sign . Clare jersey crest missing . POD logo missing on man right . Cable on wall missing in background

Kilmihil v Kilrush Photograph: Gerard O’Neill

AND GUTTERING CLARE

ROOF MOSS CLEANING