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Local mystery millionaire wants to fund Irish hub PÁRAIC McMAHON paraic@clareecho.ie

l CELEBRATION: Proud dad and Shannon Airport’s Airport Police Fire Service Training graduate Colm Barrett, from Ennis, with his daughters Lily (13), Sofia (6) and Charlotte (3) after his graduation ceremony at Shannon Airport Photo by Arthur Ellis

12 Sep 2019

District. Clare’s only Irish college kept its doors shut this summer following health and safety concerns, however speaking to The Clare Echo, Cllr Murphy admitted he held “a very positive discussion with an anonymous philanthropist who would be willing to contribute a significant sum towards the development of Coláiste Ui Chomhraidhe into an Irish language cultural hub subject to certain conditions.”

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2 NEWS

THURSDAY, SEPT 12 2019

Full review on new cycle lanes near St Flannan’s

Index NEWS

PÁRAIC McMAHON

2-15

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ENTERTAINMENT

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SPORT

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lREADY FOR ROAD: Yvonne and Gary with St Francis Credit Union presenting a cheque to Jordan Drennan and John Maloney from Truck Run 4 Katie. The main event will take place on Saturday, September 21 starting at the Auburn Lodge at 1pm with a Truck Run going around Clare. Between 2015 & 2017, Truck Run 4 Katie has raised over €295,000. All proceeds again this year will go to the CF Unit in UHL. St Francis Credit Union, wishing everyone luck on the day, said, “We are delighted to be in a position to support such a worthy cause on behalf of its members.”

RAFFIC calming measures which include a cycle lane linking St Flannan’s College and the Kilrush Rd have generated such a reaction that Clare County Council have confirmed they will carry out a review on the completed works. Installed in August, the double cycle lanes are surrounded by bollards and armadillos. Fears have been expressed for driver, cyclist and pedestrian safety due to the design with the concerns escalating since St Flannans College opened its doors for the year. Cllr Johnny Flynn requested at Monday’s meeting of Clare County Council that a review be carried out. Green Party councillor, Roisin Garvey who has worked in sustainable tourism for 11 years criticised the finished product. “It is designed in such a way that it is putting the driver against the cyclist, the road surface is too narrow. You have double cycle lines on both sides of the road which is over the top. I’m confused as to what the plan was. You have to invest in behavioural change as well”. Fianna Fáil’s Pat Daly outlined that residents had no objections to the cycle lanes but rather the bollards, “they are

very worried coming out of their houses”. According to Cllr Ann Norton, they have questioned who will take responsibility should an accident occur. “Are the Council going to take responsibility for cars if they do hit a bollard or armadillos on the road, they are quite high, quite hard especially for a smaller car, one driver said to me yesterday it could nearly flip their car, the buses and the trucks are pushing the cars over to have to go into these areas”. Speaking at Tuesday’s meeting of the Ennis Municipal District, Cllr Mary Howard acknowledged, “We all know why they were put in. There were three children knocked down in that vicinity last year, one child knocked down is too many”. She called on St Flannans College to use a second entrance and questioned the “fixation with bringing people right to the gate”. Her call for the old entrance at Flannans to be reopened was backed by Cllr Flynn. Director of Service, Carmel Kirby confirmed that received “an awful lot of submissions” plus plenty of comments, more negative than positive. “When I went down myself to see it, you think, look at the extreme measures we have to take to change driver’s behaviour and make it safe to cycle or walk to school”. She committed to a review which will be brought back before the Ennis MD.

4 NEWS

THURSDAY, SEPT 12 2019

Donor may give six-figure sum to ‘Irish cultural hub’ PÁRAIC McMAHON

paraic@clareecho.ie

N ANONYMOUS donor has expressed an interest in making a significant contribution believed to be in six figures towards Coláiste Eoghain Uí Chomhraidhe if it is turned into an Irish language cultural hub. Kilkee councillor, Cillian Murphy made the revelation at the September meeting of the West Clare Municipal District on foot of his motion calling for a feasibility study to be carried out at the Carrigaholt located Irish college “with a view to accessing RRD funding for 2020”. Such a need has already been considered, Director of Rural Development, Leonard Cleary confirmed a funding application for category two funding in the RRDF “will be made at the October call for grant proposals”. Clare’s only Irish college kept its doors shut this summer which

annoyed Cllr Murphy. “At a time when immersive and experiential travel based around our Irish language, culture and heritage is on an all-time high, when there are a record number of tourists visiting Ireland and particularly the West of Ireland, we should view the closure of the Coláiste this season for the first time in its 107-year history with embarrassment. It has survived the war of independence, the civil war, two world wars and several global recessions but it closed in 2019, not due to day-today management I will add, but closed due to the lack of interest and vision, both politically and by the relevant State agencies”. Noting that Coláiste Uí Chomhraidhe had always paid its operational bills, the Fianna Fáil representative described the costs of upgrading the building for compliance with statutory safety, fire and food regulations as “the straw that broke the camel’s back”. “Its own accounts show it is financially sustainable, even with the short season, and low volumes of busi-

lFRUSTRATION: The Coláiste closed in 2019

ness, so any investment by government will only expand its scope and capacity to create local employment and provide a bespoke educational experience based round our unique culture and the Irish language”. He suggested the business model of the college be adapted to include outdoor adventure activities, training days, immersive experiences into Irish education, culture,

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arts, health and wellbeing. Cillian cautioned that a RRDF application linked to tourism would dent the chances of securing funding as the county had two successful projects last year. The tourism consultant also wished to see it “tie in with a number of existing activities that can offer their product in the Irish language on the peninsula” such as Loop Head Alpacas, Purecamping, Yoga and The Kilbaha Gallery.

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“Make this a West Clare educational and research hub for the Irish language, music, arts, sports, cultural and heritage, and capitalise on the growing demand for immersive experiences where people come and live in communities for long periods of time, rather than just visiting as a tourist”. Responding to Murphy’s views, Cllr Gabriel Keating said its ineligibility for Gaeltacht funding was “the biggest problem”. “If this was done properly, there could be 40 jobs in the area. It is outdated”. Director of Service, Leonard Cleary confirmed the Council’s Irish Officer will also be involved with the project as the feasibility study is carried out. Speaking to The Clare Echo, Cllr Murphy admitted he held “a very positive discussion with an anonymous philanthropist who would be willing to contribute a significant sum towards the development of Coláiste Ui Chomhraidhe into an Irish language cultural hub subject to certain conditions obviously.

Clare County Board keep options open

ERRY O’Connor’s departure may impact on whether his co-manager Donal Moloney is kept on as Clare senior hurling

manager. The Clare Echo revealed last week that O’Connor was departing the setup after three seasons involved. The Killanena man in his parting statement to this paper urged the County Board to keep faith in Moloney by offering an extended period in charge. In the days following his departure, County Board Chairman Joe Cooney stated, “We are keeping our options open”. A meeting was due to take place in recent days between Moloney, Cooney and Pat Fitzgerald according to the Chairman. “Donal has said he was interested in staying on but that was before Gerry decided to walk away. Whether that changes the picture now or not, we are not sure. We will meet Donal and talk to him and we will be leaving our options open going forward after that.” Two time All-Ireland winner, Ger ‘Sparrow’ O’Loughlin admitted the news of O’Connor’s exit came as a shock. “I was a little surprised that there was only one departing, I thought that seeing as they came in together that they would go out together”. Sparrow, who managed the county seniors from 2009-2011, felt changes were required if Donal was to return.

NEWS

THURSDAY, SEPT 12 2019

Risk of more accidents in Kilrush due to dereliction A SPECIAL briefing session is to be held for elected members in West Clare to discuss the amount of derelict buildings in Kilrush with one local councillor warning future accidents may occur if the level of vacancy remains, writes Páraic McMahon. It comes off the back of a motion from Cllr Ian Lynch to the September meeting of the West Clare Municipal District. He sought an update “regarding the register of derelict buildings in Kilrush, efforts made by the Council to have these buildings made good and possible incentives or grant schemes to assist owners bring these buildings back into use”. Director of Rural Development within Clare County Council, Leonard Cleary committed to providing an update to elected members with a special briefing session on the matter. He was hopeful this would take place in early autumn and include inputs from the senior executive officer, rural development and the senior executive architect within that department. “We seem to make headlines when the Geo Directory comes out,” Cllr Lynch said in relation to the derelict buildings in Kilrush. Their 2017 report indicated that the West Clare town had the highest vacancy rate in Munster at 24.7 percent, followed by Shannon on 23.6 percent. A year lat-

l EMPTY THREATS: The high volume of empty units in Kilrush has caused Cllr Ian Lynch to seek an update from the Council on efforts being made to assist owners to bring these buildings back into use Photo by Páraic McMahon

er, Kilrush was deemed to have the second highest vacancy nationally when it came to empty commercial properties at 26.2 percent. In the second quarter of this year, it rose to 26.5 percent, only behind Edenderry and Ballybofey. Cllr Lynch maintained that once the register was made

available, progress could be made. “If we have the derelict building list it will put some pressure on the owners to get things going. Another winter with those derelict buildings could lead to more accidents”. His motion was seconded by Cllr Gabriel Keating (FG).

6 NEWS

Defecation at Daniel O’Connell monument

PÁRAIC McMAHON

paraic@clareecho.ie

MONUMENT in memory of the once “undisputed king of Ireland” Daniel O’Connell in the heart of Ennis has been subject to numerous incidents of anti-social behaviour including human defecation. In place since 1867, the monument at O’Connell Square where polling for his 1828 election to the British House of Commons took place, has become a hangout for “a number of drunk and disorderly people”. Ennis Mayor, Cllr Johnny Flynn tabled a motion at Tuesday’s meeting of the Ennis Municipal District seeking a solution to anti-social behaviour at the site. Last week, Cllr Flynn welcomed judges to the county town for assessment in both the Bank of Ireland Enterprise Towns and

Purple Flag. “On both occasions it was embarrassing to see drunks lying across the steps on a historic monument. A number of retailers located there have won national awards and have their business disrupted by a small number of drunk and disorderly people, it is unacceptable behaviour”. He suggested putting railings in place. His Fine Gael colleague, Cllr Mary Howard described it as “a relatively new phenomenon in the town of Ennis, there are only a small number of people involved in this behaviour”. She pointed out that a change in priests in the town has seen less vagrants spending time at Ennis Cathedral but flagged that one man is now “saying inappropriate things” to Colaiste Muire students during their lunch break. As Ennis Tidy Towns cleaned the town on Monday, Howard revealed they were disgusted by one discovery, “there were hu-

man faeces at the back of the Daniel O’Connell monument”. “We need somebody on foot patrol in the town. It is people’s first impression of Ennis when they come off the coach”. Cllr Clare Colleran Molloy questioned what An Garda Síochána were doing to deal with regular anti-social behaviour at

‘The Height’. Her comments were echoed by Cllr Ann Norton. “I do not think the responsibility is on Clare County Council. They are insulting people whether it is locals or tourists, it is not acceptable. The Gardaí are not fulfilling their responsibility”. Speaking to The Clare Echo, a spokesperson for Ennis Garda Station outlined, “There are a number of people in Ennis town who are of NFA and who have addiction problems – these are attracted to The Monument and sit on the steps, the Gardaí have been called at times to deal with incidents at The Monument and have made arrests and charged offenders for District Court appearances in relation to offences such as intoxication in a public place, disorderly behaviour. “We have Gardaí on foot patrols and bike patrols in and around Ennis town centre as often as we can but this is only one of the duties we are tasked with”.

THURSDAY, SEPT 12 2019

Dooley’s concern over web FIANNA Fáil Spokesperson on Communications Timmy Dooley TD has called on Minister Richard Bruton to bring forward plans for a Digital Safety Commissioner as a matter of urgency. He reiterated the demand following the new CyberSafe Ireland survey, which found that two in five children speak to strangers online. Dooley said, “The online world plays a far greater role in the lives of our children than it did five years ago. We cannot allow a situation to develop where we allow tech companies to set the agenda for what children can or cannot be exposed to online. “These figures are deeply concerning. While the research shows that the majority of children are interacting with other children through online games and other relatively harmless activities, a minority of them are being exposed to more worrying practices. Bullying and the sharing of inappropriate images is not uncommon. “The Law Reform Commission first recommended the establishment of a Digital Safety Commissioner back in 2016. Despite the Minister claiming that he supports the introduction of a Commissioner, there has been no progress on the issue.”

8 NEWS

THURSDAY, SEPT 12 2019

New music bursary award established in memory of Eimear

Noonan family set up fund in memory STUART HOLLY

editor@clareecho.ie

HE Eimear Noonan Music Bursary Award has been established by the Noonan family of Caher, Co Clare in memory of their daughter and sister Eimear, who died in a tragic accident in France in November 2017. Eimear grew up near the banks of Lough Graney and the fund will benefit one music student from both Clare and neighbouring Galway. Eimear (21) had just begun her teaching career a few weeks previously in Ecole Font Che-

valier in the town of Annonay. Eimear was an avid and talented musician playing in a number of different genres and was one of the driving forces behind UCC Orchestra during her years of language study there. The Bursary Award is funded from the proceeds of a memorial concert held in Gort on her first anniversary in November of last year. Performing on the night were Eimear's musical associates spanning the classical and traditional music genres, including Coole Music Youth Orchestra, UCC Orchestra, GCS Choir and ensemble and a group of Eimear's close trad music friends. Additional funds were gratefully received from the Scariff

RFC Robbie Madden Fundraiser and private donors. A second memorial concert to continue supporting music education, will take place in Gort on Saturday November 16, 2019. The award of €1,000 each, to one student from Clare and Galway is open to first year students of music, pursuing a course at third level in the current academic year 2019-2020. The closing date to apply for the bursary award is Monday, October 14, 2019.

All details on eligibility etc. can be found on www.eimearnoonanmusicbursaryaward.net.

l ALWAYS REMEMBERED: The new bursary fund set up in Eimear Noonan's memory will award €1,000 to a student of music from both Clare and Galway

Kilrush and Ennis visited by BOI judges

PÁRAIC McMAHON

paraic@clareecho.ie

UDGING took place in Kilrush and Ennis on Friday for the 2019 Bank of Ireland National Enterprise Town Awards. Having ticked the criteria of receiving a nomination from either Clare County Council, Clare LEO or the public, Ennis and Kilrush will now compete against other towns from all over the country for a prize fund of close to €200,000 that will be shared between forty towns. Local enterprise initiatives, the town’s attractiveness, enterprise partnerships, town leadership, overall community support plus efforts to foster better inclusion and diversity were studied in the judging process. One town will win €20,000 in the rising star category with the same fund to be awarded to the national winner. Kilrush was the first stop for the judges where they attended a presentation from Kilrush Town Team

Chairperson Charlie Glynn and co-ordinating officer Ian Lynch on enterprise there and their vision and plan for its future to encourage a stronger business community. Lisa O’Sullivan of the Kilrush District and Historical Society showcased the history of the area with Joe Whelan of the Irish Museum of Rural Life, Simon McGibney from Kilrush Marina and staff from the Vandeleur Walled Garden all contributing. Last year, Ennis was deemed Munster’s Best enterprising town in what was the first year it was entered in the competition. Judges who visited the county town on Friday afternoon were giving a walking tour by Jane O’Brien and also visited leading Ennis enterprises plus the head office of TTM Healthcare founded by Brian Crowley, a native of the town. Their effort was led by Jean McCabe, VP of Retail Excellence Ireland and Ennis Chamber VP Allen Flynn. Winners will be announced at a gala awards ceremony on December 5th in the Lyrath Estate Hotel, Co Kilkenny.

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NEWS 11

THURSDAY, SEPT 12 2019

West Clare is the source of Happiness in Williams' novel

paraic@clareecho.ie

IALL Williams’ reputation in Irish writing is most definitely on the ascent. Living in West Clare for the past 34 years, his texts are influenced by the place

and its people. For the Kilmacud-born author it’s always been about books. First published at the age of 18 in The Irish Press courtesy of David Marcus who he described as “the patron saint of Irish writers”, that was when he developed the bug which has progressed over time. In 1980 aged in his early twenties, Niall moved to New York City where his first job was opening boxes of books in Fox and Sutherland's Bookshop in Mount Kisco; future employment as a copywriter followed with Avon Books. More significantly in his personal life, he married Christine Breen in the Big Apple. In a role reversal of different generations, they moved into a Kilmihil cottage on April 1st, 1985 that Chris’ grandfather had departed for America 80 years previous. Together they wrote four books on life in West Clare,

l SPECIAL NIGHT: Mary McInerney and her sister Áine Cotter meet Niall at Ennis Book Shop last week where he signed copies of his latest novel This Is Happiness, while visitors also enjoyed the music of Christy MacNamara

all of which are published in the States. Since settling down they have published 17 books, as Niall explains, “one every two years or a play more or less. It’s difficult because every day you’re facing a blank screen or a white page and you don’t know if you’re going to be able to do it”.

History of the Rain saw him longlisted for the coveted ManBooker Prize. The father of two told The Clare Echo that there isn’t a pressure to secure nominations for his tenth novel, This Is Happiness. “For me the big challenge is can I write another book, it’s not about what happens the book after that, the prize for the writer is the moment when you get the book in your hand, once it exists nobody can take it away and it’s on a shelf so it will be found by somebody in a library sometime in the future”. Early reviews have been incredibly positive; The New York Times called it “a magical piece of fiction”. The Financial Times observed “Charming is one word for Williams’ prose. It is also life-affirming and written with a turn of phrase that makes the reader want to underline something on every page”. Closer to home, Hilary A White of The Irish Independent said of Niall, “His name is not part of the literary conversation in this supposed golden age of Irish writing. If This is Happiness is unable to shake up this injustice then nothing can”. Where does the Happiness in the title come from? “There’s a moment in the novel where a character does something that someone said to me, maybe thirty years ago, when I asked a West Clare farmer did he ever get tired of working day after day in the fields, going out to the cattle and did he ever go on a holiday. He said ‘when I want to go for a holiday I go back into the meadow and I lie down, look out and say this is happiness’,” the author explained. Just like History of the Rain, Faha is once again the setting, a remote village unchanged for almost one thousand years. The same cannot be said for Kilmihil during Niall and Christina’s time there, “Enormous changes have happened, the Kilmihil we moved to in 1985 had still a very rural way of life, small farmers, we had a wind-up telephone with no dial... Rural life has changed enormously and will again change enormously if it gets rural broadband. "Part of the reason on what the novel is written about is electricity coming to a west of Ireland village in the 1950s so

when we came in 1985 many of the people we met could remember the day the electricity came, it seemed really remarkable to me because in Dublin I had never imagined a time when there wasn’t electricity”. His writing style has too undergone alterations, the UCD graduate admitted. “I’m still trying to connect to Irish storytelling tradition, I’m trying to find a version in prose of what would be oral storytelling. "I’m using a first-person narrator to tell the story and it’s essentially needing to get you to come inside the spell of the story like a person sitting down in an armchair across the fire from you for an evening, there’s an element of that for sure but a modern take on it”. Not just has West Clare influenced the title but it has also shaped many of the stories he has penned. “I’ve lived more than half my life there and I have the advantage of being an outsider; when you’re an outsider, you see, observe, feel and notice things that other people might take for granted or have grown blind to”. Mornings from Monday to Friday are for writing which he does in their conservatory looking out towards the garden. Novel number 10 took three years from the first sentence to the last to complete. Ennis Bookshop held a reading to cele-

‘‘

The prize for the writer is the moment when you get the book in your hand, once it exists nobody can take it away

‘‘

PÁRAIC McMAHON

brate the launch with his books decorating the shop window, and though they grab attention to Abbey St passers-by, Williams outlined that the process of readers discovering novels must be natural. “Books tend to find the readers that are the readers for those books, in the same way you might walk down the street and be friends with that person and might not get on with another person, it doesn’t matter it’s just how it is. I don’t take any offence if people don’t like a book, it’s wonderful if they do”. West Clare provides the inspiration but his reach is now worldwide. “This is the nearest bookshop to the place where I wrote the book but this evening boxes of this book are being opened in Australia, New Zealand, Canada, India, England, Singapore and they’re out there.” Already the concept of a story lingers as those opening the boxes may soon be inspired by Niall Williams to write their own tale.

12 NEWS

THURSDAY, SEPT 12 2019

Aussie fulfilled a lifelong dream living in Clare PÁRAIC McMAHON

paraic@clareecho.ie

N A brief spell, Bob Singer was made redundant and saw his marriage break down. It forced him to reassess his life resulting in a relocation to Ireland, more specifically to Co Clare. His personal situation resembled Ireland upon his May 2014 landing. “Ireland was still suffering from a hangover of the crash, it was a bit depressed, there was a lot of melancholy around the place but I have noticed there is much more activity and much more vibrancy. Look at Ennistymon and the way it has blossomed in the last few years. Ireland seems a bit more optimistic now”. Six years ago he was made redundant and forcibly retired. Around the same time his marriage ended, but Bob turned a negative period into a positive adventure. “It was a new beginning, I loved it, I embraced it and it was sort of an escape”. Coming here was “always a dream” for Bob who developed a love for Irish music after hearing the Clancy brothers and how they

told stories through songs, remarkably it is through his singersonblog that he has put a 21st century spin on this. “Often in a blog I’ll recall a song or put the lyric of a song in there because singing brings back part of that story, the whole culture and history of Ireland”. Such tales will be told in a book he will write on his musical journey here. Sydney born but also shaped from his time living in Broken Hill, Kalgoorlie, Perth, Melbourne, Adelaide and the Outback, Singer’s work as a geologist has been evident in the blog. Not because it focuses on rocks but rather he looks beyond what meets the eye. “I’m always curious to know what is behind everything you see rather than looking at everything in view. I’ve also got very interested over here in the archaeology, the history and the context of what I’m seeing. I think it enhances your appreciation in travelling if you know what is going on”. With a few clicks, he can rediscover all of his Irish experiences. “I re-read my blog sometimes from three or four years ago and I think, 'that’s me that did that'. It’s like I’m reading someone else’s magical adventures”. Clare was always earmarked as his starting point. “I came for the music and came with

the idea of staying for three months because that’s all you had with a tourist visa, beyond that I had no idea what I would do”. In his first week he attended 23 music sessions. “The first three months I madly went everywhere, I did all the summer schools, I went to every festival I could fit and summer school that had workshops. I thought I was only going to be here for three months so I was cramming everything in, Miltown Malbay, Tubbercurry, Drumshambo, Achill, Donegal, Feakle and by that time it was the end of August”. Next week he departs Caherush and will return to Australia. “After five years I need to go back and re-evaluate where I want to live. I think the future might be that I live in Australia but I spend five or six months of every year in Ireland”. He added, “It’s very difficult to leave, I’m keen to spend more time with my son in Melbourne and catch up with family, I haven’t been back for five years so there is a lot of catching up to do. I’ll initially go to Melbourne where my son is which also happens to be the best place for Irish traditional music in Australia, that’s at the back of my mind because I don’t want to stop the momentum I’ve got from being five years immersed in music”.

lLEAVING: Bob will depart Quilty next week for Australia Photo by Páraic McMahon

At the ideal time, Ireland was “the perfect tonic” for Bob Singer. When he touched down in 2014 he had a suitcase, a fiddle and a camera, as he departs he has two suitcases, three fiddles, two camera, an archive with over one million photographs, countless memories and dozens of new friendships.

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NEWS 13

THURSDAY, SEPT 12 2019

MÓRglór 2019 awarded to legendary Mary MacNamara STUART HOLLY

editor@clareecho.ie

LÓR has announced that this year’s annual MÓRglór Award 2019 has been awarded to legendary concertina player, Mary MacNamara. An inspiration to many musicians, both in Clare, nationally and internationally, and an outstanding ambassador for the traditional arts in Clare, Mary returned to live in her home place of Tulla, in 1995 and set herself the task of restoring traditional music to its rightful place as an integral part of the fabric of life in East Clare. In that, she has been successful as attested by the swathe of wonderful young musicians who are now enjoying the heritage of music in East Clare. It was almost inevitable that Mary Mac Namara would become a musician, having been reared in a house full of music. Her mother Ita, came from a long line of musicians and had an innate knowledge of music. Mary’s father Andy brought the children to sessions in Lena’s of Feakle where they listened to the wonderful rhythmic music of icons of tradition such as Bill Malley, Joe Bane, P Joe Hayes, John Naughton and Mar-

tin Rochford. In 1979 Mary teamed up with Martin Hayes and they won All Ireland honours, and in that same year Mary was the All Ireland senior concertina champion. Mary had the honour of playing with John Kelly of Kilbaha and Joe Ryan of Inagh in The Four Seasons bar and this opened the door to a whole new world of musicians. She soon became a member of Ireland’s first all-female band Macalla led by Seosaimhín Ní Bheaglaoich. She later played music regularly with Breanndán Ó Beaglaoich and became a member of the band Seana Choirce. While in Dublin Mary taught concertina in The Pipers Club, but her full-time job and passion was teaching music to the boys of St Joseph’s School for the visually impaired in Drumcondra. In 1994 Mary released her first album, entitled Traditional Music from East Clare, with guests P Joe Hayes and Martin Hayes. Since 1982 she has toured extensively and has released numerous recordings including The Lady’s Cup of Tea; Note for Note; Mary MacNamara – Traditional Music from East Clare and The Blackberry Blossom. On Saturday 16 November, the people of Clare will come together to acknowledge her enormous contribution to Traditional

Irish Music with a concert in glór featuring Mary’s friends and family, and some of the most renowned traditional musicians and singers in the country. Patricia Callaly, glór’s Interim Director, says “glór is thrilled to recognise and celel INSPIRATIONAL: Mary McNamara epitomises the trad music of East Clare

brate Mary MacNamara’s significant contribution to the development and promotion of traditional music in Clare as well as nationally and internationally." Visit glor.ie for info and tickets.

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK

THURSDAY, SEPT 12 2019

Ronan Scully

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK Author spreading the word of positivity

Don’t ever give up

Potatoes, Eggs and Coffee “Once upon a time, a daughter complained to her father that her life was miserable and that she didn’t know how she was going to make it through. She was tired of fighting and struggling all the time. It seemed just as one problem was solved, another one soon followed. Her father, a chef, took her to the kitchen. He filled three pots with water and placed each on a high fire. Once

the three pots began to boil, he placed potatoes in one pot, eggs in the second pot, and ground coffee beans in the third pot. He then let them sit and boil, without saying a word to his daughter. The daughter moaned and impatiently waited, wondering what he was doing. After twenty minutes, he turned off the burners. He took the potatoes out of the pot and placed them in a bowl. He pulled the eggs out and placed them in a bowl. He then ladled the coffee out and placed it in a cup. Turning to her, he asked, “Daughter, what do you see?” “Potatoes, eggs, and coffee,” she hastily replied. “Look closer,” he said, “and touch the potatoes.” She did and noted that they were soft. He then asked her to take an egg and break it. After pulling off the shell, she observed the hard-boiled egg. Finally, he asked her to sip the coffee. It’s rich aroma brought a smile to her face. “Father, what does this mean?” she asked. He then explained that the potatoes, eggs, and coffee beans had each faced the same adversity, boiling water. However, each one reacted differently. The potato went in strong, hard and unrelenting, but in boiling water, it

became soft and weak. The egg was fragile, with the thin outer shell protecting its liquid interior until it was put in the boiling water. Then the inside of the egg became hard.

‘‘

Keep your thoughts on where you’re going, not on where you’ve been

‘‘

H E N people experience hard times, it can sometimes seem that they’re never going to end. The dictionary defines adversity as “a serious or continued difficulty.” Although some people going through adversity are more likely to define it as hell. It is the long drawnout nature of adversity, rather than brief spells of misfortune, that can crush the human spirit and cause related illnesses such as stress, anxiety and depression. However, it’s also at such times that people can discover their inner resilience and optimism, while having strong faith that the difficult times will come to an end.

However, the ground coffee beans were unique. After they were exposed to boiling water, they changed the water and created something new. “Which are you?” he asked his daughter. “When adversity knocks on your door, how do you respond? Are you a potato, an egg, or a coffee bean?” Thought for the week As your thought for the week, always remember that one of your main jobs in life is to become an expert in dealing with adversity, to triumph over difficulty, to rise above the

challenges of day-to-day life. Keep your thoughts on where you’re going, not on where you’ve been. Keep your eyes on your goals, and keep your chin tilted upward .Resolve in advance that you will meet and overcome every difficulty, and then, no matter what happens, don’t give up until you do. Remember, things happen around us and things happen to us, but the only thing that truly matters is what happens within us. Sometimes when we’re heartbroken, our heart is broken open. As long as we choose not to shut down but stay with the feelings and trust that we can survive them, heartbreak can be an opportunity to experience more love. “God grant us the serenity to accept the things we cannot change, the courage to change the things we can, and the wisdom to know the difference. Living one day at a time; Enjoying one moment at a time; Accepting hardships as the pathway to peace; Taking, as He did, this sinful world As it is, not as I would have it; Trusting that He will make all things right If I surrender to His Will; So that I may be reasonably happy in this life And supremely happy with Him Forever and ever in the next. Amen.”

Facing adversity will help you reach your full potential

Accomplished Author to Initiate Conversation on Mental Health and Wellbeing in the Workplace

HANNON Chamber, in conjunction with Employability Clare will host an evening seminar dedicated to the topic of health and wellbeing in the workplace. The event, which is being held at Ei Electronics’ Centre of Excellence in Shannon Free Zone, from 6pm – 8pm on Thursday, 19 September, will include a keynote address by accomplished author and medical doctor, Dr Harry Barry, an experienced commentator on mental health. The evening event has been organised to encourage employers and employees to attend and encourage them to put health and wellbeing centre stage when implementing corporate policies and procedures. Explaining the rationale for an event of this nature, Shannon Chamber CEO Helen Downes stated: “In the fast-paced environment of work today, technology is making us all ever-available for work. As we live with this constant pressure to be always switched-on to work, quality time out is becoming more

a luxury rather than a necessity. When you add in the everyday stressors of work, such as over-demanding work schedules, lack of onthe-job support, blurred roles and responsibilities and aversion to or inability to handling change, the result can often be an inordinate build up of anxiety and stress. An event of this nature will help to bring us all back to basics and assess how each of us can work to reduce the stress levels in our lives. “Our keynote speaker, author and medical doctor, Dr Harry Barry, has authored 8 books about mental health. His last 2 books, Anxiety and Panic and Emotional Resilience reached number one on the notification best-seller list. His latest book, Self-Acceptance, was launched in May 2019 in Dublin and London and went straight to number one in the same list. Dr Barry has a long-standing interest in mental health especially the management of anxiety, depression, toxic stress and prevention of suicide and is much sought after for his expertise and advice on the subject.”

Also speaking at the event are: Dr Deirdre Smithwick, consultant psychiatrist and director of Mental Health Services, HSE Clare, Limerick and Tipperary and chairperson of the Mid-West Mental Health service improvement programme; Helen McQuillan, team leader, Employability Clare and; Mike O’Riordan, IT & Supply Chain director, Reagecon Diagnostics, who will outline the company’s approach to health and wellbeing in the workplace. “This is a very important topic and one which we, as a Chamber, want to keep to the fore. Attendance is free of charge and the event is open to anyone to attend, whether they are a member of Shannon Chamber or not. There will be ample opportunity to ask questions. Advance booking is, however, essential. Anyone wishing to attend can log onto www.shannonchamber.ie/events/mental-health-andwellbeing-in-the-workplace/ to book their place or call us at 061 475854 and we will do the booking for them at our end.”

l EXPERT: Author and medical doctor, Dr Harry Barry, will address the Shannon Chamber & Employability Clare seminar on workplace health and wellbeing in Ei Electronics’ Centre of Excellence on Thursday, September 19

Shannon Group raises €8K from charity 5k

l STEPPING UP: Pictured Claire O’Grady with Ailish (9) Photo by Arthur Ellis and Leah (7) from Shannon

HANNON Group, in conjunction with Shannon Chamber, raised more than €8,000 from an inaugural 5K event through the Shannon Free Zone last Thursday for this year’s Shannon Group designated charities, the Irish Cancer Society and Limerick Suicide Watch. The Shannon Group chosen charities will receive the boost thanks to monies raised by the 200 participants, supports and sponsors, Ei Electronics, ZAGG, ABC Nutritionals, Lidl, IQ-EQ, SKB Community Fitness Centre, Starbucks, Shannon Chamber, Shannon Group, HIYA Events & Entertainment, The MET Trainer and Timing Solutions. The weather held up and the number of participants surpassed expectations to make the run through the Shannon Free Zone a real success. James Sexton from HIYA Events and Entertainment and Noel Collins, aka The MET Trainer, volunteered their time to provide music and a high tem-

po warm-up for participants. Almost 30 volunteers from Shannon Group, Limerick Suicide Watch and Clare Civil Defence ensured the event ran smoothly and safely. The 200 participants went to the tape at 7p.m. and the first of them, Noel Purcell from Shannon, was first home within 18 mins. It was the proverbial walk in a park – industrial park at that – for Noel who had to dash afterwards straight to his local GAA club, Wolfe Tones, for training! Fastest Female was Aine Hogan while the fastest team (of five) was Ei Electronics’ Barry Crosse, Jaime McCarthy, Niall Reynolds, Nicky Mullen, Idelia O’Malley. In addition to the medals and trophies for being the fastest male, female and team of 5, the winners received flights and passes donated by Shannon Airport and Shannon Heritage. All participants greeted at the finish line by Clare’s first citizen, Mayor Cathal Crowe, who acknowledged

their efforts for the charity. “Hats off to each and everyone who took part. A lot of people with varying levels of fitness signed up for the event and turned out on an evening when they have, no doubt, plenty on. But they did so to raise monies for two very worthy charities in the Irish Cancer Society and Limerick Suicide Watch. “Huge credit also to Shannon Group, who together with Shannon Chamber, organised this event and the sponsors. Since they started their charity programme in 2014, Shannon Group has raised over €280,000 for charity. That shows the power of people coming together and what they can achieve, which in this case really is admirable given the causes involved.” Shannon Group’s Acting CEO, Mary Considine said: “Our charity programme raises vital funds for charities operating in this region and events like this wouldn’t happen without the hard work of our dedicated staff. They were out again in big numbers on Thursday evening.”

Entertainment

David O’Doherty returns to glór with Ultrasound T

HE hairy Enya is delighted to return to glór with a brand-new show made up of talking and songs played on the plastic keyboard he got for his Confirmation. Once again, he will try to fix everything that is wrong in the world. SPOILER ALERT: once again he will fail. Friday 27 September 8:00pm €20/€18 Concession. Visit glor.ie for info and tickets.

McTell hits Streets of Ennis RALPH McTell is one of the great storytellers. Known for his virtuoso guitar style, he is primarily a prolific and gifted songwriter. With a style that invites you into a unique world. Ralph made his debut in 1968 with the album ‘Eight Frames a Second’ and in 1974 the release of ‘Streets of London’. In 2002 he was presented with the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award at the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards.This Autumn Ralph is touring his new album Hill of Beans produced by the great Tony Visconti. Friday 04 October 8pm Tickets: €27 Visit glor.ie for info and tickets

Céilí with Rise the Dust Céilí Band

RISE the Dust Ceili Band was formed in 2011 and consists of three members. Johnnie Duffy, from Lanesboro, Co. Longford, plays banjo and sings the occasional song as required. He is an experienced musician and set dancer, having performed and toured with Rig the Jig and many other bands. Liz Ryan hails from Edgeworthstown, Co. Longford. She plays piano and has played with several ceili bands since her teenage years. Brendan Doyle lives in Moate, Co. Westmeath, and plays accordion. Another veteran of Rig the Jig, he manages bookings and can be contacted on 086-8231661. Since the formation of the band, Rise the Dust has played the length and breadth of Ireland at ceilithe big and small. The band also travels regularly to England and Europe to play at set dancing weekends. From the parish hall to the biggest weekend ceili, Rise the Dust brings the same effort and

enthusiasm to every performance. Each musician loves playing music, and responds to feedback from the floor. The fact that all the band members are themselves set dancers has given Rise the Dust an excellent insight into what makes a successful ceili. The band members believe that it is vital to choose tunes that suit the dances, and play them at reasonable speed in a rhythmic manner that inspires the crowd to dance. Frequent tune changes that lift the set are a consistent feature of this band’s music. Rise the Dust has recorded two acclaimed CDs so far in its career. “All Set” was released in 2013, and “Give it a Lift” in 2015. The band mainly communicates through its facebook page www.facebook.com/risethedust, and through the Set Dancing News website www.sets.ie. Tickets €10 available at the door on the night. Dancing from 9.30pm 12.30am.

Parties

DEC 21

4 COURSE MEAL LIVE PERFORMANCES DJ TILL LATE MULLED WINE RECEPTION

DEC 13

ONLY

â‚¬42

PER PERSON

WWW.TREACYSWESTCOUNTY.COM - (065) 686 9600

Community 18 COMMUNITY

WEST CLARE

THURSDAY, SEPT 12 2019

CONTACT NEWSDESK

065 671 9021 news@clareecho.ie

ENNIS

HISTORICAL TOUR Old Kilfarboy Society outing to Fore, Co Westmeath on Sunday, September 15. Explore Fore Abbey with Ethos, Tyrrellspass and Old Kilfarboy Society. Led by Seamus O’Brien. Explore St Fechin’s early Christian Monastery and the later imposing Benedictine foundation with its impressive defensive features and the associated Seven Wonders of Fore. Bog walk on Cloncrow Bog, Tyrrellspass on Saturday September 14 at 2pm for those interested. Leaving Tyrrellspass for Fore on Sunday, September 15 at 1.30pm. Contact Maura at 087-1264527. €5 contribution. FREE YOGA FREE Yoga and Wellness community class once a month throughout County Clare. Second offering is Sunday September 15 at The Hall Miltown Malbay. Child Friendly. All bodies/levels/stages of life welcome . Please bring healthy baked treats/snacks/nibbles to share. I’ll provide tea and coffee for afterwards. PLEASE BRING A MAT. #communityyogaandwellnesswithrosie @yoga with Rosie - wellness & Life coach

ENNIS CLARE MACRA SOCIAL Clare Macra are having two social events next weekend. A General Knowledge Quiz is planned on Friday September 13 at 9:30pm in Molony’s Lounge, Clare Road, Ennis followed by Bowling on Saturday night September 14 at 8:30pm in the Planet Entertainment Centre, Ennis. All welcome. More details on the Clare Macra Facebook, Instagram and Snapchat accounts.

l THANK YOU: Members and Staff of Irish Wheelchair Association Resource and Outreach Center, Francis St, Ennis proudly holding a cheque for a massive €850. It was raised in August 2019 at their Coffee Morning in their day center. They would like to say a Big Thank You to all who sponsored them with generous spot prizes for their monster raffle on the day from Ennis and the all over Co.Clare and to those who attended on the day.

MID-WEST ONAM CELEBRATION Munster Indian cultural Association Share And Care (MICA) celebrated Onam 2019 in Mungret St Paul’s GAA Hall on Saturday 7 September 2019 (right). Onam is the National festival of Kerala state in India. Onam is a major annual event for Malayali (Keralites) people in and outside Kerala. The festivities of the Onam last for ten days in which old and young participate with equal enthusiasm and they wear traditional clothing. Mr Willie O’Dea T.D, Prof. Colette Cowan (CEO of the UL Hospitals group), Ms. Cathrine Slattery Councillor, Fr. John O’Shea and Fr. Robin Thomas were the distinguished guests and along with Mahabali (a mythical king), they were welcomed to the stage with ‘chenda melam’ percussion using Chenda accompanied with ‘muthukkudas’ decorated umbrellas. The programme was inaugurated by the guests by lighting up “Nilavilakku”, a traditional lamp used in Kerala. Mr. Willie O’Dea in his speech described the Indian’s contributions to our country. Prof Colette Cowan was delighted with the beauty of Indian Culture. Fr. John O’Shea expressed his experience with Indian people. Fr.Robin explained the spirit of Onam to the people of Kerala. Onam being a harvest festival during the month of Chingam (August-September) is one of the best times to visit Kerala in all its glory. It is celebrated year after year to mark the golden era during the rule of the great king Mahabali, a mythical king who ruled over Kerala. The legend holds that jealous of King Mahabali’s popularity and his power, the Gods conspired to end his reign and whose spirit is said to visit Kerala at the time of Onam.The floral carpet, known as Onapookkalam or just Pookkalam, is made out of the gathered blossoms with several varieties of flowers of differing tints pinched up into little pieces to design and decorate patterns on the floor, particularly at entrances and temple premises like a flower mat. Thiruvathira kali is a female group dance follows a circular, pirouetting pattern accompanied by clapping of the hands and singing. Nisha Lino, Anu Thomas, Emy Joseph, Jaisy Jinson, Juby Prince, Sanju Manoj, Santhi Madhu and Stephy Sinto participated in the Thiruvathira kali with very attractive steps. Classical dances were performed by Saptha raman and team. Ranga pooja, an inaugural dance was performed by her team and mind blowing “Bharathanatyam”one of the Indian Classical dance performance from her followed after inaugural speeches. Kids performed semi classical fusion dance and folk dances. Onasadya (Lunch) was served which consisted of a variety of traditional vegetarian dishes usually served on a banana leaf in Kerala. A typical Sadhya can have about 24–28 dishes served as a single course. The most common ingredients in the dishes are rice, vegetables, coconut and coconut oil as they are abundant in Kerala. During the ceremony, MICA also launched their official website micashareandcare.ie .This was a significant step of progress for the association and MICA President Praveen C. Ninan expressed his delight as it will be a platform for communication, registration and record collection for the future.

THURSDAY, SEPT 5 2018

FERN CELTIC CLARE SCHOOLS CHAMPS

l #WINNING: Fern Celtic overcame Corofin Harps (2-1) after extra time to win the Clare Schools Soccer League Girls U12 Division 1 Cup at Frank Healy Park last Sunday. A delighted Fern Celtic captain Keeva Culligan receives the CSSL Girls U12 Division 1 Cup from Lorraine Counihan, Chairperson of the mid West Regional Football Committee (right) and the Fern Celtic champions with their Photos by Willie Oâ€™Reilly medals and the cup (below)

OUT AND ABOUT 19

20 NEWS

THURSDAY, SEPT 12 2019

lVISITING CLARE: Ombudsman Peter Tyndall will meet with public bodies in Clare to discuss complaints handling procedures next week

Ombudsman in Ennis for public service complaints STUART HOLLY

editor@clareecho.ie

F YOU have made a complaint about a public service and are not happy with the response then you may wish to visit the West County Hotel in Ennis on Thursday 19 September. Staff from the Office of the Ombudsman will be in Ennis and can investigate your complaint or provide further advice. The Ombudsman is the State’s watchdog and can investigate complaints about public services provided by government departments, county councils, the HSE, nursing homes and most public bodies. In 2018 the Ombudsman received over 3,300 complaints, including 89 from the people of Clare. The ‘complaints clinic’ is part of the Office of the Ombudsman’s outreach programme which also includes monthly clinics at the Citizens Information Centre in Limerick. The Clare visit will also see Ombudsman Peter Tyndall meet with senior officials in Clare County Council, Ennis Hospital and the Revenue Commissioners to discuss complaint handling and how complaints can be used to improve the delivery of public services. The Ombudsman team will also visit a direct provision accommodation centre in Lisdoonvarna to provide advice

and take any complaints. The Ombudsman wants to see more people complain about services provided by public bodies and says that complaints can be used to improve public services. “In most cases the delivery of public services goes well. However, if people don’t complain when things go wrong, then people will experience the same problems over and over again. When people complain it gives service providers an opportunity to put things right and to stop the same mistakes happening again.” Staff from the Ombudsman’s Office will be at Treacy's West County Hotel, Ennis, next Thursday, September 19 from 10am to 7pm. An appointment is not necessary and the service is free. See www.ombudsman.ie for more information. If you cannot make it the West County Hotel on Thursday 19 September then you can also complain to the Ombudsman online at www.ombudsman.ie; in writing to 'Office of the Ombudsman, 18 Lower Leeson St. Dublin 2; by telephone to 01 639 5600; or by talking to Ombudsman staff at monthly visits to Citizen Information Centres in Cork, Limerick and Galway (see www.ombudsman.ie for dates and times).

*You must have complained to the public body before contacting the Ombudsman.

UP TO

NEW FOR

2019

BACK IN CASH

ON YOUR NEW MORTGAGE SEARCH EBS MORTGAGE MASTERS

If you’re looking to buy a new home EBS Ennis are ready to help

Drop in, call us on (065) 689 9600 or email ennis@mail.ebs.ie IMPORTANT INFORMATION Warning: If you do not keep up your repayments you may lose your home

Warning: You may have to pay charges if you pay off a fixed-rate loan early

Warning: The cost of your monthly repayments may increase

Warning: If you do not meet the repayments on your loan, your account will go into arrears. This may affect your credit rating, which may limit your ability to access credit in the future. WARNING: YOUR HOME IS AT RISK IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP PAYMENTS ON A MORTGAGE OR ANY OTHER LOAN SECURED ON IT. WARNING: THE PAYMENT RATES ON THIS HOUSING LOAN MAY BE ADJUSTED BY THE LENDER FROM TIME TO TIME. Lending criteria, Terms and Conditions apply. For eligible customers 2% will be paid into your current account. Additional 1% paid on the 5th anniversary of the EBS mortgage. EBS. d.a.c. is an authorised agent and servicer of EBS Mortgage Finance (a wholly-owned subsidiary of EBS d.a.c.). EBS d.a.c. & EBS Mortgage Finance are regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland. A typical €100,000, 20 year mortgage for an Owner Occupier Residential Property with Loan to value greater than 80% will have a variable interest rate of 3.7% and Annual Percentage Rate (APR) 3.8%, and 240 monthly repayments of €590.29. If the APR does not vary during the term of the mortgage, the total cost of credit i.e. the total amount repayable less than the amount of the loan would be €41,884.48 (inclusive of valuation report fees of €215.00). The total amount repayable would be €141,884.48. The effect of a 1% increase in interest rates for such a mortgage will add €53.21 to the monthly repayments. Note: The above notice in respect of adjustments to repayment rates will not apply during any period when the loan is at a fixed rate. If you or your dependants intend to use the property as a principal place of residence, you must show evidence of mortgage protection insurance, unless you are exempt under the Consumer Credit Act 1995. Maximum loan to value of Owner Occupier Residential Properties - 90% of purchase price or valuation whichever is lower and 80% loan to value on one bedroom properties. Lending levels are subject to monthly repayment burden, typically not exceeding c. 35% of borrower’s disposable income and will vary according to individual circumstances. Mortgage loan requests are considered on the basis of proof of income, financial status and demonstrated repayment capacity (including capacity to repay at higher interest rates). Loans not available to people under 18. Mortgage loans are secured by a first legal mortgage/charge over your property. The property must be within the Republic of Ireland. Offer valid until 31st December 2019.

Another Quality Development by M. Fitzgibbon Contractors Ltd.

BALLYMACAULA VIEW Cahercalla Ennis Co. Clare

New Development Now Released An exclusive development of 2, 3 & 4 Bedroom Homes Energy Efficient with A3 BER Rating Qualifies for 'Help to Buy' Scheme Exceptional design, build and finish by M. Fitzgibbon Contractors Ltd. Excellent fixtures, fittings and workmanship from partner tradesmen

Enter to Win â‚Ź300 Voucher for In House, Ennis Follow Helen Gallery Auctioneers on Facebook to Find Out More!

Winner announce 01/10/19 on Facebook

Helen Gallery Auctioneers & Valuers T: 065 682 9481 | M: 086 250 467 | E: info@helengallery.ie 68 Parnell Street Ennis Co Clare PRSA No 002433

roperty 24

roperty

Charming new development launch by Fitzgibbon Contractors

. Fitzgibbbon Contractors Ltd. are delighted to present â€œBallymacaula View, Cahercallaâ€? (Radharc Baile Mhic Amhlaoibh), an exciting new development of just 42 elegant homes which are superbly located in a small haven just off the Kilmaley Road within minutes walk from Ennis town and just off the link road to the M17 and M18. This development is ideal for commuters to Shannon, Limerick and Galway cities. Ballymacaula View has a charm all of its own, with its attractive use of stonework on the front facades throughout the development. Once completed, the homes will be centered around a lovely open green landscaped area - the ideal location for young families. This superb development of two, three and four-bedroomed semi-detached and detached properties provides sizable homes in a variety of different layouts. Finished to a very high

standard, they offer an intelligent use of space, a keen eye for style and a true commitment to quality. These fabulous new houses will immediately impress you with the exceptional finish that has become synonymous with M. Fitzgibbon Contractors Ltd. The development caters for all sectors of purchasers, whether you are trading up or down, or indeed a first time buyer availing of the Help to Buy Scheme. Location, design, well-proportioned rooms and high specification throughout with custom designed fitted kitchens, generously tiled kitchens and bathrooms, quality-controlled energy saving features are some of the reasons why these 'A'-rated homes are proving to be so popular with astute buyers. Bookings are now being taken by Helen Gallery Auctioneers and Valuers, 68 Parnell Street, Ennis on 065 682 9481 or 086 250 4671.

roperty 26

29 DUN NA MARA, DOONBEG CO. CLARE V15 NY62

€145,000

12 MCSWEENEY TERRACE KILKEE, CO CLARE V15 R793

€145,000

DELLVILLE, KILFENORA ROAD LISDOONVARNA, CO CLARE V95 C520

€115,000

HIS beautifully finished 4 bedroom semi detached property is ideally located within walking distance of all amenities. Internally, the property has been finished to an exceptional standard throughout. Accommodation is spacious and comprises an entrance hall, three double bedrooms (one with ensuite) and a bathroom downstairs. On the first floor there is a double bedroom, shower-room and an open-plan kitchen/living/dining area with some sea views. Externally, the gardens to the front and back are in lawn with a gravel driveway with ample parking. Viewing of this beautiful property is highly recommended.

fine semi-detached, three bedroom property ideally located in a quiet development on the Doonbeg road in Kilkee. Internally the property comprises an entrance hall, living room, kitchen/dining area (with new kitchen), three bedrooms and a bathroom. Externally to the front there is a gravelled driveway with ample parking, an extremely large lawn to the side and there is a newly paved patio area to the rear. There is also a utility room to the rear plumbed for washing machine and a storage shed. Viewing of this superb property is highly recommended. 70sq.m (753.20 sq.ft) approx.

HIS 5 bedroom detached, two storey property was constructed in the 1950's. The property is in need of complete renovation and modernsiation and has been unoccupied for some time. It is ideally located within walking distance of all amenities in Lisdoonvarna. Internally, accommodation comprises 168 sq.m. (1,807 sq.ft.) approx, laid out over two floors. Externally, there is a large detached store with an additional overhead storage area - this is also in need of complete renovation however the site on which is stands may have potential for other uses (subject to the necessary planning permissions). OFCH and solid fuel fireplaces throughout. BER G. BER Number 109303206. BER Code 522.77 kwh/m2/yr.

Contact: Tiernan O’Malley, Sherry FitzGerald McMahon Tel: 065 686 7866 PSL 001212

Contact: Danielle Kavanagh, Sherry FitzGerald McMahon Tel: 065 686 7866 PSL 001212

NEW House Renovation Loan Rate Our Dedication to YOUR Renovation

NEW%

8B.9 orrow €25,000 & €50, 00 RATE

OPEN VIEWING: SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 14TH 12PM TO 12.30PM SHARP

BE T WEEN

Amount Borrowed €25,000 €35,000 €50,000

Term

10 years

WEEKLY REPAYMENTS €72.55 €101.57 €145.09

www.stfranciscu.ie  loans@stfranciscu.ie  065 682 8305

Ennis, Clarecastle, Kildysart, Kilmihil, Lissycasey, Newmarket-On-Fergus, Sixmilebridge and Tulla

All loans subject to approval . T&Cs apply. WARNING: If you do not meet the repayments on your loan, your account will go into arrears. This may affect your credit rating which may limit your ability to access credit in the future. Credit Unions in the Republic of Ireland are regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland.

Borrow up to 10 APR

9.30% Variable

Years

Cost of Credit €12,721.80 €17,810.52 €25,446.76

CNOC ARD, BREAFFA WEST LISSYCASEY, ENNIS, CO. CLARE V95 X265

€269,000

superb 4/5 bedroom detached home located 2km approx. from the village of Lissycasey, approximately a 15 minute drive from the town of Ennis. Accommodation is spacious and well laid out, it comprises an entrance hall, hall, open-plan kitchen/dining area, living room, 4 double bedrooms (one with en-suite), a sitting room (that could also be used as a fifth bedroom) and a bathroom. Externally this fine property has been finished exceptionally with a tarmac driveway that wraps around the house from the front to the back of the house, To the rear of the property there is a low maintenance back garden that is part paved, part gravelled with some semi-mature trees, shrubbery and a block built garage. Viewing of this beautiful home is highly recommended. Total Area 167.2sq.m (1,799 sq.ft) approx. Contact: Tiernan O’Malley, Sherry FitzGerald McMahon Tel: 065 686 7866 PSL 001212

roperty 32

Mortgage to rent cases on the rise in Clare

UNDREDS of Clare householders in unsustainable mortgage arrears and at risk of losing their homes are being given fresh hope of a solution to their problems. Central Bank figures for Clare show over 700 family home loans in arrears for two years or more, while 26 Mortgage to Rent cases have either been completed or are being actively progressed, according to figures just released by The Housing Agency. The Government's Mortgage to Rent scheme aims to keep homeowners with unsustainable debt in their current properties debt-free as long-term tenants of their local authority. A recent rise in eligibility values in the county to â‚Ź305,000, combined with an increased appetite from lenders to work with the scheme, could see Mortgage to Rent engagements dramatically increase in the coming months. Lenders and funds are now showing a greater willingness to use the Mortgage to Rent scheme as an alternative to repossessing family homes, according to a prominent mortgage expert. "My experience since Home For Life began operating last year is that both lenders and funds want to find workable solutions to mortgage arrears once and for all," said Paul Cunningham, CEO of Home For Life, the only Government-approved private Mortgage to Rent operator. "This means they want to do a deal with

families in trouble in Clare and move on. "What we are witnessing here are changes which very much favour the Clare householder. "The Government has shown it is interested in developing the scheme by widening the eligibility bands by â‚Ź30,000 while banks and funds have made it clear they prefer to see a solution where the householder can stay in their home paying an income-based rent. "Neither the lenders nor the funds want to go down the repossession route and see Mortgage to Rent as playing a significant role in avoiding such outcomes." Mr Cunningham estimates that a large percentage of Clare families deemed to be in serious arrears of two years or more could use the Mortgage to Rent route to solve their unsatisfactory mortgage situation. "Our engagement with home-dwellers in mortgage distress has doubled over the past year, and the growing success of the scheme nationally is in contrast to the tidal wave of repossessions that doomsayers had been predicting. "I can now see a situation arising where thousands of cases can be solved nationally, including many in Clare. "However, for that to happen, politicians locally and nationally must make themselves more aware of the potential of the scheme." Mr Cunningham appealed to families to

grasp this opportunity by engaging with their lender, their local MABS officer or a Mortgage to Rent provider. "Society has a problem when we have

28,000 families in serious mortgage arrears, where many of them could potentially find a way out of this misery through Mortgage to Rent."

34 BUSINESS

THURSDAY, SEPT 12 2019

BUSINESS

LIT graduates to be honoured at President’s Fundraising Ball

ORMER students of LIT will be honoured for their contribution to inclusivity and equality, achievements in sport, business, arts and culture, as well as their work in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics), at the inaugural LIT President’s Alumni Fundraising Ball this October. The event will also raise funds for the college’s Alumni and Foundation Programmes including access scholarships. More than €1 million in scholarship support has been raised in just five years. The Leaders@LIT scholarship alone has provided financial support to more than 100 students. President of LIT Professor Vincent Cunnane said, “We are very proud of our alumni, and it is a great privilege to be able to honour their achievements. We have over 30,000 alumni working in every walk of life and shaping our society. “Here at LIT we pride ourselves in supporting our students as they work towards their goals. It’s very important that we also recognise our alumni for their achievements.” One student who benefited from the Leaders@LIT programme is President of LIT Students’ Union, Jade Foynes,

who will share her story with attendees of the LIT President’s Alumni Ball in the Limerick Strand Hotel on October 11, 2019. Speaking at the launch of the inaugural LIT President’s Alumni Ball, Dr Liam Brown, Vice President Research, Development, Innovation, LIT said, “LIT is extremely proud of our graduates who continue to contribute to society in the region and beyond. Among the five recipients of the award on the night will be International Rugby Union Referee Joy Neville. Ms Neville said, “I am extremely honoured and humbled to receive this award. Anyone associated with LIT knows the support LIT provides to its students to set and achieve their life goals. It is not surprising therefore that the alumni community are so willing to support their former alma mater as it continues to provide programmes such at Leaders@LIT.”

l ROLE MODEL: President of LIT Professor Vincent Cunnane, International Rugby Union Referee Joy Neville and President of LIT Students’ Union, Jade Foynes Photo by Daniel Potts, Piquant

For further details on the LIT President’s Alumni Fundraising Ball or to book a ticket to the October 11, 2019 event, please contact the LIT Alumni Office on alumni@lit.ie.

Ennis PRSI Blind Spot JUST 13 per cent of the people who make PRSI contributions in Munster know the health entitlements available to them, according to a new Specsavers survey. Ophthalmic director at Specsavers Ennis John O’Farrell comments: “We are committed to raising awareness of the PRSI optical benefits available to our customers as taking a proactive approach to eye health is extremely important and should form part of everyone’s overall health checks. “We know from our research that people fail to prioritise an eye test due to perceptions around cost or people deeming it an unnecessary expense. However, thanks to the PRSI benefits this no longer needs to be a barrier to people. Regular eye exams are a vital health check, as your optometrist may be able to see changes in your eye before you’ve noticed a change in your vision.” Specsavers’ research showed that uncertainty remains among people around the benefits, what they entail and how to claim.

To combat this, Specsavers Ennis has taken all the stress and hassle out of the process and can advise customers instantly whether they are eligible. With PRSI optical benefits, those eligible will receive a free sight test and a voucher to the value of €42.37 towards a new pair of glasses. All of the glasses in the €59 range are available for those who qualify at no extra cost, giving customers greater choice when choosing their new frames. Customers can also put their PRSI benefit towards the cost of glasses in the €89 range and above. Hearing also falls under PRSI medical benefits. People can claim half the cost of a hearing aid, up to €500 for a single aid, or up to €1,000 for a pair and claim up to 50 per cent off repairs and replacement hearing aids. Drop into Specsavers Ennis or check out www.specsavers.ie/offers/free-glasses-withprsi. You can also now make appointments online.

BUSINESS 35

THURSDAY, SEPT 12 2019

Milford open their doors for Palliative Care Week 2019

ilford Care Centre will participate in Palliative Care Week 2019, which runs from 8 – 14 September 2019 throughout Ireland. The principal aim of this week is to raise awareness of the difference palliative care can make to patients, carers and families throughout Ireland. The theme for this year is Palliative Care: Surrounding You with Support. To mark the week, Milford Care Centre will have activities, including an information stand and posters in the Milford Care Centre Restaurant on Thursday, September 12 to which people throughout Limerick, Clare and North Tipperary are invited to attend and ask any questions they may have. As Milford Care Centre chief executive Pat Quinlan states: “Palliative Care is not just about endof-life care; it has a focus on improving quality of life of patients

and their families when facing life-limiting illness through physical, spiritual and psychosocial care. “I would encourage members of the public to take this opportunity to engage with us to learn more about palliative care and how Milford Care Centre can support them wherever they live across the Mid-West. “Palliative care is not only for those who have cancer but for people with many life-limiting illnesses such as motor neurone disease or multiple sclerosis and their families. “Palliative care focuses on helping people of all ages to live well with an illness that is life-limiting and achieve the best quality of life as their illness progresses. Palliative Care is provided by a multidisciplinary team including doctors, nurses and health and social care professionals.” Milford Care Centre provides a comprehensive range of special-

ist palliative care service supports across Counties Clare, Limerick and North Tipperary, through its locally based community services network, providing care in people’s homes and in the specialist palliative day unit or within its new purpose-built Hospice In-Patient Unit, both located in Milford. Palliative and supportive care can be provided over several years or towards the final weeks and days of life. People may move in and out of palliative care services as their needs change. This could involve support from primary care or generalist palliative care providers (such as GPs, Public Health Nurses, District Nurses), or from specialist palliative care providers in Milford Care Centre’s Hospice In-patient Unit, Day Care or Community Services. Milford Care Centre extends an open invitation to the general public throughout the MidWest region to visit the Centre on

ow Mid-West Upskilling Roadsh Ennis Co. Clare

EMPLOYEES,

FUNDED TRAINING

OPPORTUNITIES Springboard Courses 

Part Time  On-Line  Flexible Learning

Meet Colleges and Education Providers

Wednesday 25th September 9am-1pm Civic Ofﬁces Drumbiggle Road

Thursday, 12 September where staff will be on hand to answer any questions about the availability and benefits of the palliative care

services provided. For regular updates, follow Milford Care Centre on Twitter: @ MilfordLmkCC #pallcareweek

l SUPPORT: Milford Care Centre provides more than just end of life care Photo courtesy of Milfordcarecentre.ie

Late Dougie Hughes honoured Rally Championship comes to CIAN O’BROIN

cian@clareecho.ie

OUNTY Clare is set to host the Dougie Hughes Memorial Clare Stages Rally this coming weekend on September 14th and 15th. The stakes are high in what will be the sixth and ultimate round of the 2019 Top Part West Coast Rally Championship, with a range of top-class silverware to be presented in Ennis on Sunday night. Voluntary preparations put in place over the last eight months, led by Clare Motor Club’s Gerry O’ Brien, have set the stages for “one of the most popular rally events all over the country.” Gerry was elected clerk of the course for this year’s finale, a position which demands a great deal of judiciousness. Gerry’s vigilance in organising this special event stems from the perseverance of Clare Motor Club’s proliferous nature in successfully running a motor rally every year since 1988. This

year’s event honours the memory of Dougie Hughes, who “was a lifelong member of Clare Motor Club. He was officially known as the voice of Irish motorsport. When Dougie sadly passed away last year, we contacted the family about the idea of renaming the Clare stages after him.” This year’s route is comprised of three stages. The first starts off in Kilmaley and finishes in Inagh. The second stage is set to finish in Kilfernoa, followed by the third stage at Kilnaboy which runs right through to Corofin. Close inspection and meticulous planning of this year’s course was carried out by Gerry over previous months, “I had to have a look at ordnance survey maps, pick a loop that would suit the rally, drive the loop and see what kind of roads they are.”

On his reason for choosing this particular route, Gerry feels that “this is a new loop as it wouldn’t be our traditional area in Clare. Very few would be familiar and it’s certainly a new challenge for the competitors.” All roads lead to Ennis this coming weekend with the official Rally HQ based in the Clare capital.

The growing stature of the Clare Stages will benefit the town enormously this weekend with an estimated total of 6,000 people expected to turn up in support of their favourite motorsport competitors. “It’s good for the town, it’s good for the different business’ as well as bed and breakfast and all sorts of accommodation.” Support for local competitors is tremendous, with a total of twenty-six Clare cars set to compete at this year’s rally. One such competitor to keep your eye on is Michael Hamilton along with co-driver Keith Mc Carthy seeded in 18th and who Gerry O’ Brien feels will, “certainly be in the shake up for the Colm Mc Crey Cup.” Michael traces his love of competitive motorsports back to watching his first rally in Corofin over ten years ago, culminated with a lifelong interest in cars. Preparations have been put in place for this year’s Clare finale as Michael tells of the importance of mental acuity leading up to a big event, “Mentally and physically, you’re training in the gym and car preparation is a lot of it too. Cardio fitness is essential for improving your

as West Coast County Clare mindset and your fitness. Just to keep everything sharp and fresh.” Michael dismisses the pressure of performing on home soil but looks forward to representing his team well, “We have put in double the amount of work we usually do just to get that result out of it. We are trying to go places and get further than where we are at the minute, every day we are trying to progress on that.” This year’s motto brandished by the rally ‘Keep the Race in its Place’ is a sentiment strongly felt by course clerk Gerry O’ Brien. “Motorsport is a sport. Unfortunately, it can attract spectators that cause more hassle than the rally itself on public roads. We do not support that, and I appeal to spectators, please slow down and respect other road users on the weekend. Keep the race on the stage.” Gerry’s chief responsibility and hope for the coming weekend is the safety of everybody involved in the event. More information including dates, times and statistics on this week’s coming event can be found online on the official ‘Dougie Hughes Memorial Clare Stages Rally Weekend 2019’ Facebook page.

lPOPULAR FIGURE: The late Dougie Hughes, who the rally is named after

26 Clare crews ready for action

OCAL Clare crews will take to the stages on this weekend’s rally and will be fighting for awards in the various classes. Headed up by Padraig Egan from Sixmilebridge with Crusheen’s Brian Hassett calling the notes, the pair are seeded at No11 and will be driving a Ford Escort MK2. A top 10 result could be in their grasps. Michael Hamilton and Keith McCarthy are seeded at No18 in a hired Ford Escort MK2. This will be Michael’s first outing in a rear-wheel drive car and he will also be fighting for a top result. Event main sponsor Michael Fitzgibbon with Carrie Moroney calling the notes, seeded at No24, will also be a top local crew to look out for in their newly prepared Honda Civic.

CLARE MOTOR CLUB CREWS

lIN THE MIX: Michael Hamilton will be hoping for a good result alongside his co-driver Keith McCarthy. This will be Michael’s very first outing in a rear-wheel drive

11 Padraig Egan / Brian Hassett (Ford Escort MK2) 18 Michael Hamilton /Keith McCarthy (Ford Escort MK2) 24 Michael Fitzgibbon / Carrie Moroney (Honda Civic) 27 Frankie Sweeney / Jane Cogan (Ford Escort MK2) 31 Niall O’Sullivan / Sean O’Crowley (Citroen C2) 36 Christy Carey / Richard Talbot (Mitsubishi Evo 8) 40 John O’Sullivan / Stephan McTiernan (Citroen C2) 42 Fergal Keane / Mairead Duane (Honda Civic) 44 Cathal Nolan / Emel McNamara ( Honda Civic) 49 Hazel O’Callaghan / Tomas Ryan (Ford Escort MK2) 53 Pa Malone / Liam McMahon (Ford Escort MK2) 54 Keith Naughton / Damien Murphy (Subaru Impreza) 55 Anthony Breen / Jill Breen (Subaru Impreza)

60 Derek Flynn / Killian Cronin (Honda Civic) 61 Jake Lennon / Aaron Lennon (Honda Civic) 67 Robert Behan / Mark O’Looney (Mini Cooper S) 69 Brendan Behan / Michael Bermingham (Honda Civic) 70 Katie Quinn / Ciara O’Connell (Honda Civic) 71 Francis Kelly / Doieeann Tiernan (Honda Civic) 72 Erik Honan / John Green (Honda Civic) 73 Greg O’Brien / Conor Mullen (Honda Civic) 78 Graham Lennon / Anna McCloskey (Honda Civic) 79 Eamonn Glenny / Gavin Carr (Citroen C2GT) 80 John O’Rourke / Brian Commons ( Opel Corsa) 91 Gerard O’Shea / Mary O’Shea! (Peugeot 306) 101 Sean Fergus / Ronan Clohessy ( Honda Civic)

3 STAGES

CHECK OUT THE DOUGIE HUGHES MEMORIAL CLARE STAGES RALLY 2019 FACEBOOK PAGE FOR ALL THE LATEST UPDATES

Clare Rally Stages race details

ALLY HQ for The 2019 Clare Stages is at Hotel Woodstock in Ennis with Scrutiny, Parc Ferme and Centralized Servicing all based at the Clare Marts Complex on the Quin Road outside Ennis. The Rally format is three stages which will be repeated three times in North Clare. The main sponsor for this years Rally is M. Fitzgibbon Contractors. Michael Fitzgibbon is an active member of the Clare Motor Club and he also competes on different events around the country in his Honda Civic. The Organising Committee would like to thank Eoighan McMahon EMC Motors on the Quin Road , Hotel Woodstock. The Stage Sponsors, Duggan Motors Spancilhill, Gallagher Ross, Clare Bar Supplies and the Service Area sponsor N18 Autos The Clare Stages Rally also takes place on the anniversary of the 1995 World Rally Champion, the late Colin McRae and the organising committee with the backing of the McRae Family introduced a Perpetual Trophy on 2017 Stages. The Award is presented to the Top Modified Crew. Kerry’s Mike Quinn / Tony Healy (Ford Escort MK2) were the first winners of the award in 2017 while Chris Armstrong / Chris Melly won the 2018 Title. Other Awards which will be presented at Sunday evening’s awards night will be The Noel McCullagh Award which will be presented to the fastest Clare Crew on the event; The Dermot Molloy Award which will be presented to the fastest Clare Crew up to 1600cc on the first.

meet with the drivers and their navigators. The rally cars will then proceed to Parc Ferme which is based in the same car park where they will be locked in for the night. The first car will leave the mart complex at 09.40 and will head for the first stage near Kilmaley for a 10.20 start. Stages and times as follows S.S. 1, 4 & 7: Lough Burke (13.2km) 10.20, 12.55 & 15.35. S.S. 2, 5 & 8: Lickeen Lake (13.0km) 10.50, 13.30 & 16.05. S.S. 3, 6 & 9: Inchovea (13.8km) 11.25, 14.05 & 16.40. Service: Clare Marts, Quin Road, Ennis: 9.40, 12.00 & 14.45 The cars will finish back at Hotel Woodstock at 17.15 where the winner will be announced.

lPOLE POSITION: Championship leaders Ian Roche & Anthony Nestor Competitors will cover a loop of three Classic Stages in North Clare which will be repeated three times, providing 120km. The rally will bring a welcome boost to visitor numbers to the County as the event generates a requirement for up to 1,000 bed nights in the area over the rally weekend. The club would also like to thank the Clare County Council and the Gardai for their assistance in putting this massive event together. The Organising Team would also like to thank all the residents along the route. The Rally starts on Saturday morning

September 14 when drivers and their navigators congregate at the Hotel Woodstock where they will sign on for Recce. The crews will then be allowed to drive over the three stages, a maximum of three times at normal road speed in their road cars to check or ammend their pacenotes. The rally cars are then presented for scrutiny at the Clare Marts Complex where a team of Scrutineers will check all the safety features, brakes, roll cages, tyres, racesuits, helmets etc. This will give spectators a chance to see some of the top rally cars in the country and

A Souvenir Programme will be on sale and will contain the stage maps, entry list, championship photos and various motorsport articles. These will be on sale at Hotel Woodstock, Western Garages Quin Road, Donnellan’s Centra Loughville, Hogan Motors Gort Road, Clarke’s Crusheen, Inver Filling Station on the Lahinch Road, Lynch’s Centra Gort Road and The 5 Star Catering Unit in The Service Area. Entries remain open up to the weekend, for more info contact the Event Secretary Margaret McCloskey on 087 2808159 or Email: mgt.mccloskey@gmail.com. Anybody interested in marshalling or helping ou please contact the rally’s chief marshall Joe O’Sullivan on 087-9600395.

MOTORING

MOTORING EXPERT NEIL BRISCOE GIVES HIS VIEWS

OPEL CREATES ELECTRIC RALLY CAR “PYRAMID OF SUPPORT’ FOR DRIVERS WHO TAKE UP OPEL’S NEW ELECTRIC RALLY CHALLENGE

PEL will show off a rally-prepped version of its Corsa-e electric car at the Frankfurt motor show next month. The car will be eligible for the new Opel e-Rally Cup, sponsored by ADAC, the German equivalent of the AA. The rallying Corsa-e won’t be much faster than the standard model. It uses the same 136hp electric motor as the upcoming new road-going Corsa-e, but there have been modifications elsewhere. Those include a Torsen differential between the front wheels, for extra traction on slippery surfaces, a roll-cage built into the bodyshell, modified suspension, and a data-logging system. The e-Rally Cup will form part of the German Rally Championship over the next two years, and the plan is to attract up-andcoming rally stars to the new electric format. Opel is promising such drivers a ‘pyramid of support’ with the best of them progressing to the European Junior Rally Championship with the new Opel Corsa R2. Opel is even hinting that, now that the

company is part of the PSA Group, it could eventually see drivers who start rallying in electric Corsas move on to driving in rallying’s top flight, in a World Rally Championship Citroen. “The Corsa-e is the electric car for everyone – fully suited to everyday use and absolutely affordable, attributes that equally apply to motor sport. The new Corsa is also fun to drive and particularly dynamic. Using the production car as the basis, we are the first carmaker in the world to have developed an electric rally car” said Opel chief executive Michael Lohscheller. “Opel has traditionally strong connections with rallying. We can look back with pride on numerous successes, including seven European championship titles as well as the World Rally Championship in 1982 with Walter Röhrl and Christian Geistdörfer in the Opel Ascona 400. Now we are moving forward with electric drive and fans will be amazed by the performance of our e-cup rally car.” Hermann Tomczyk, president of ADAC Sport, added: “With the ADAC Opel e-Ral-

ly Cup we are bringing electric drive for the first time to mainstream sport and especially to young-driver support. The innovative concept and the cooperation with Groupe PSA opens new possibilities for us, especially in the support of young drivers. I am certain that the ADAC Opel e-Rally Cup will point the way ahead for motor sport far beyond the borders of Germany.” Is the Corsa-e the first electric rally car, though? Well, it depends on how you define rally car. Yes, it’s the first battery-powered car to compete in an FIA-sanctioned series, but there have been previous EV rally efforts. Scottish husband-and-wife team Chris and Julie Ramsey, for example, created a rally car out of a first generation Nissan Leaf, which competed in the trans-continental Mongol Rally in 2017. Also in 2017, Cameron Davies, a UKbased rally driver, entered a modified Renault Zoe in the Adgespeed Rally in Wales, and finished the event with the 24th fastest time out of 55 competitors. Meanwhile, New Zealand rally star

Hayden Paddon is working with Hyundai to develop an electric rallying version of the Kona crossover, one that would have the sort of pace and endurance of a top-line World Rally Championship (WRC) car. The WRC is also planning to introduce hybrid power for its cars from 2022 onwards.

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42 SPORT

THURSDAY, SEP 12 2019

Hard work pays off for US-bound Sabhbh with PÁRAIC McMAHON

This week, as part of our 20x20 series we speak to basketball starlet and Kilrush native Sabhbh Edwards Murphy, a rising international ready to take up a scholarship

U19 tournament is fantastic, the Community Games and the work they do in Ennistymon, the Parish Panthers in Doora/Barefield, in Shannon Mike Hickey is an Irish coach. “There is a load of basketball, all we need is more facilities, it’s starting to take off a bit, there’s another team in Kilrush and there never was one before, Ennistymon, Coora-

‘‘

We were All-Ireland champions; we came into next season and we had to play all our home games in Ballybunion, it was a bit ridiculous

‘‘

ASKETBALL in Clare is on the rise according to followers of the sport and if that’s the case, Sabhbh Edwards Murphy is set to be the poster girl and inspiration for anyone taking up the sport. In July, the seventeen year old will head to the University of Akron in Ohio, the region’s most influential public research university and home to the Akron Zips who play in the Mid-American Conference in Division I of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). She is hopeful of studying a medical related degree while in the States on scholarship, getting there did not happen overnight. “Having that security and working so hard, to have it pay off is so amazing”. Ahead of the move, Sabhbh has identified a number of aspects to her game that she is keen to work on. “I’m going to have to keep going to the gym, keep practising, keep my fitness up, keep training and get the shots up, hopefully I’ll be in the best condition for the States when I go out”. Also in July, the U18 Euros will take place, a competition she is determined to be playing a part in. Teachers play an essential role in the formative years of children across the world, for Edwards Murphy it was her time in Moyasta NS where she was first exposed to basketball. “I started in Moyasta, it’s a fairly small school so you end up playing every sport, we had Marissa Galwey who played for Ireland teaching in the school. We played in the Marian Keane tournament that year with five players and we ended up winning it, that’s where it started”. Her English teacher, Orla Kilkenny is another inspiration, she was coach of the Galway senior camogie side that won the O’Duffy Cup at the weekend with Edel Thornton one of her idols on the court. Moyasta may have been the beginning but in truth basketball has always been in the blood. Her grandfather, the late Vincent Murphy was a central figure in coaching the sport in Cork, her uncle Vinnie Murphy played on multiple Irish teams, up until recent years he still lined out with Tralee Warriors where his own son Gary is now lining out. “He played basketball with Ireland, we played National League but we never all got as far as Vinnie,” her father Mick recalled. Cooraclare Blue Stars was her first club, she was with them for a season before joining Limerick Celtics. The Kilrush teenager is with the Celtics four times a week for training, shooting practice, matches and scrimmage. The location for some of her background work is very different in comparison with teammates, “It’s all done in the back garden to be honest, that’s where I get most of my practice done and then travelling to Limerick. Running in the bog whereas everyone

l BALLER: Sabhbh Edwards Murphy is heading to the University of Akron in Ohio

else is running on the track”. Arguably “running in the bog” is character building but not ideal for one of the county’s top young athletes. “Definitely in Clare there does seem to be a lack of focus on basketball, we have such big influences around us in sport that there needs to be more going into it. There isn’t even gyms for local clubs to do their proper practice in”. “With my school team, we can’t play any home games. We were All-Ireland champions, we came into the next season and we had to play all our home games in Ballybunion, it was a bit ridiculous. Looking at that side of things, having no hall or funding to go into that sort of stuff in West Clare does seem like

a bit of a problem. As far as Ireland goes we have to self-fund all of our trips which could change in the future; I could definitely see that changing but we just need the extra effort of sponsorship going into the sport and more focus on it really”. A chance of retaining the schools All-Ireland title with Kilrush Community School suffered as a result. “It can affect our performances as well, having to travel the whole time there is no home advantage. If we want to keep achieving and keep getting better especially in West Clare, we really need to focus on that”. Mick does point out the positives. “There is a lot of basketball going on in Clare. The

clare, there is a hall in Inagh, there is a Clare team the last couple of years playing in national competitions”. A ‘post’, Sabhbh describes her role as “one of the tall ones inside”. “I’m 6’2 so I’m pretty tall, I have that ability inside”. She brings even more to a team and has made close to twenty appearances for the Irish team, “I played my first game against Scotland; ever since I’ve been on international teams, this is my fourth year going into it”. Training with the national side has it’s differences to the club game, “It’s a lot more intense and so is the training, at Euros there would be a bit of pressure but when it comes down to it you’re still on the court playing basketball and you get over it and get used to it”. Over the summer, Sabhbh made a conscious effort to improve her outside shooting and later saw the benefits in their three series win over Great Britain. It’s that West Clare work ethic and miles clocked up in the bog that will set her apart from her counterparts in the US next year.

SPORT

THURSDAY, SEP 12 2019

Pairings known for football QFs PÁRAIC McMAHON

paraic@clareecho.ie

RATLOE versus Ennistymon is the pick of the round following Monday evening’s draw for the Clare SFC quarter-finals. Colm Collins’ side face a fancied Ennistymon outfit who have already recorded victories over Cooraclare and Doonbeg in this year’s championship. The sides have met three times since 2016 with Cratloe victorious on each occasion. Kilmurry Ibrickane will meet Kilmihil in their first clash at senior level since Mark O’Connell’s charges

returned to the senior grade. Reigning champions, St Josephs Miltown will need to get past Lissycasey if they are to hold onto their crown. It will be Lissycasey’s first quarter-final appearance since 2016 while Miltown have been a permanent fixture at this stage since winning the intermediate crown in 2014. On form Éire Óg who have lost their last two quarter-finals meet a determined Doonbeg side who come into the knockout phase following a draw with Cooraclare and defeat to Ennistymon. Roll of honour leaders Kilrush Shamrocks have a difficult ask in retaining their senior status, they have been paired with Clondegad in the

relegation semi-finals. The other tie has pitted Cooraclare against Corofin. In the intermediate quarter-finals, there’s the clash of St Josephs Doora/Barefield vs Wolfe Tones who were both relegated from the senior ranks last year. Last year’s beaten finalists Kildysart face Kilfenora with the Donie Garrihy managed St Breckans drawn against O’Currys. The final tie is the meeting of Shannon Gaels and Coolmeen which both sides will be happy with. 2010 Clare SFC finalists Liscannor face 2005 Clare SFC winners St Senan’s Kilkee in one relegation semi-final with Éire Óg paired against Naomh Eoin in the other clash.

CLARE SFC FIXTURES CLARE SFC QUARTER FINALS: St Josephs Miltown v Lissycasey Kilmurry Ibrickane v Kilmihil Ennistymon v Cratloe Éire Óg v Doonbeg

CLARE SFC RELEGATION SEMIS: Kilrush Shamrocks v Clondegad Cooraclare v Corofin

CLARE IFC QUARTER-FINALS: St Josephs Doora/Barefield v Wolfe Tones Kildysart v Kilfenora Shannon Gaels v Coolmeen St Breckans v O’Currys

Former ref praises Clare GAA’s approach to officiating

AN EX inter-county referee has praised Clare GAA for the handling of fixtures in the club championship by awarding younger men in the middle high profile senior games, writes Páraic McMahon. Corofin’s Ambrose Heagney who was in charge for four Clare SHC finals credited the fixtures committee of Clare GAA for their appointments for the big games taking place in the club campaigns. Speaking at the September meeting of the Clare County Board, the Galway native maintained the performances of the men in the middle locally had been very positive. “The amount of new referees getting games is wonderful. We need to give these guys experience and well done to the fixtures committee for giving them that”. No individual who completed a GAA referee foundation course in 2019 has officiated a senior game. However one of the county’s youngest referees, Chris Maguire of Shannon along with Jim Hickey has been in charge of more senior hurling championship games than anyone else; both have handled a match in each round of the Clare SHC thus far. Niall Malone (29) from Ennis has been assigned two Clare SHC games along with Jarlath Donnellan, Wayne King, Neil O’Brien, Ger Hoey, Damien Fox and Johnny Healy. Both Ger Lyons and Fergal Gray have done one game apiece to date in the senior championship. One of the county’s more promising referees, Joe Mullins stepped away from the role earlier this year due to work commitments. As far as football is concerned, Jarlath Donnellan and Niall Quinn who would fall in the younger category have done two each as have Barry Kelly, Pat Cosgrave and Jim Hickey. Maguire, Fox and Gray plus Barry Keating and Michael Talty also refereed a game.

CLARE IFC SEMI-FINALS: Naomh Eoin v Éire Óg Liscannor v St Senans Kilkee

l NO WAY THROUGH: Two Kilrush Shamrocks defenders do their best to get their hands on possession against Kildysart at Cooraclare. Kilmihil won 5-11 to 1-13 Photo by Gerard O’Neill

The Scorecard in association with

KILRUSH GOLF CLUB Sept 07/08 Paddy Burns Overall Winner 1 John Saunders (14) 41 pts (Back 9) Sept 07/08 Paddy Burns Gents Singles 1 Gerry Duffy (21) 41 pts 2 Tom Coffey (12) 39 pts 3 Patrick Shannon (14) 38 pts Fri Sept 06 Jude Pyne Memorial Mixed Team 1 Murt Collins, Anne Cooper, Tom Clancy 34.11 2 Miriam Saunders, Loretta Maher, Pascal Looney 34.22 3 D O Donovan, Mary Lyons, Eamon Rigney 36.56 Sept 07/08 Paddy Burns Ladies Singles 1 Jean Lorigan (31) 38 pts 2 Ailish Lorigan (17) 36 pts 3 Joan O’Malley (18) 33 pts Sept 5 Thu Crotty’s Bar and Restaurant Ladies’ Singles 1 Margaret Clancy (15) 36 pts 2 Anne Brennan (13) 35 pts B6 3 Anne Gallagher (11) 35 pts 4 Rebecca Brew (30) 33 pts UPCOMING EVENTS Sept 14/15: Captains’ Classic Any Combination Team of Four Sat Sept 28 Rescheduled Munster Past Lady Captains. Timesheet 065-9051138. ENNIS GOLF CLUB TUESDAY FOURBALL 3RD SEPT 1ST Fintan Mc Evoy & Joe O’ Brien 32pts 2ND Tony Lawler & Peter Quinn 29pts

Friday Open Singles 1ST Cormac Walshe (3) Woodstock 42pts 2ND Padraig Cusack (16) 39pts GROSS Andrew Whelan (5) 32pts 3RD Gary Tyrrell (15) 36pts 9 Hole open singles 1ST Gerard Hannon (19) 17pts 2ND Damon Murphy (22) 16pts Gent’s 4 Ball B/B(9/10hdc) 18 Holes Sat. 7th Sun 8th Sept 1ST John Mc Namara(12) & Jason Mc Namara(28) 45pts 2ND Noel Normoyle(13) & Eddie Glenny(18) 44pts 3RD Dermot Doheny(5) & Mark Geraghty(11) 43pts 4TH Tom Gallery(15) & Richard O’ Connell(15) 43pts 5TH Tony Mc Inerney(14) & Frank Owens(20) 42pts 6TH J K Considine(12) & Liam Pyne(6) 42pts Ladies results 18H V Par 1ST Sinead Hegarty (18) -3 2ND Monica Finnerty (22) -5 3RD Peggy Costello (20) -6 (Back9:-1 v -2) 9H S/Ford 1ST Eileen Corry (35) 17pts 2ND Margaret Flanagan (28) 16pts (Back6:12v11) 3RD Bridget Hoey (21) 16pts Senior Ladies 1ST Ann Casey, Anne Keogh & Ann White 89.66

44 www.clareecho.ie

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Secretarial Services: Reports, Letters, Theses, Safety Statements, CVs, Essays, etc. Professional presentation on print or digital media. Confidentiality guaranteed. Collection/delivery can be arranged in Ennis area. Call 087-7630024 for further details.

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TARMACADAM

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46 PUZZLEPAGE

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QUIZ 47

THURSDAY, SEP 12 2019

The Clare Echo Quiz

of the following cities is 1Which County Clare bigger than? a. Bristol b. Hong Kong c. Seattle

The only ever recorded earth2 quake in the Southwest took place in which part of Clare? a. b. c.

North Clare East Clare West Clare

Athlunkard Bridge served as the 7 first _____ between Clare and Limerick City? a. Trade post b. Toll Bridge c. Motel

M. Bennett served as 8Edward GAA President for how long? a. b. c.

Two months Ten months Two years

was the former name of O’ presidency was Clare re3What Connell street in Ennis? 9What moved from in 1600? a. Limerick b. The Midlands c. Connaught

The largest ever pike caught 4 was recorded in Killaloe in which many TD’s represent year? 10How County Clare? a. 1862 b. 1913 c. 1957

The largest golden objects dis5 covery in Europe took place in which town in Clare? a. Kilkee b. Newmarket on Fergus c. Ennis

a. 3 b. 4 c. 5

By Cian O’Broin

from Tulla became ____ to 6Atheman 27th President of the US? a. Chaueffer b. Personal cook c. Bodyguard

Spot the Difference Can you spot the difference? Spot the 7 differences. The answers will be revealed in next weeks edition.

Photo by Brian Arthur

l QUESTION 7: Athlunkard Bridge served as the first _____ between Clare

and Limerick City?

ANSWERS 6. Chaueffer 7. Toll Bridge 8. Two months 9. Connaught 10. 4

Shop street Church street Jail street

1. Hong Kong 2. North Clare 3. Jail street 4.1862 5.Newmarket on Fergus

a. b. c.

Last weeks Answers . Mans boots are now blue . Man to left. His tie has changed to green . Womans cream bag missing stripes. . Castle tower missing . House windows and doors missing on

white house in the background. . Womans feet missing on right . Mans glasses missing from around his neck on right of pic