The Clare Echo 12/09/24

A&E in Ennis is ‘inevitable’ RIVALS FOR THE DAY...

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

HEALTH activists and politicians have said it is “inevitable” that the Midwest will be getting a second emergency department while stressing the need to ensure it is located in Ennis.

HIQA are currently reviewing the case for a second emergency department in the Mid-West region, a task they were handed in May by Minister for Health, Stephen Donnelly (FF).

“We feel it is inevitable that HIQA will come back to recommend a second ED in the Midwest,” said Angela Coll of Friends of Ennis Hospital who have made a submission to HIQA putting forward the case for Ennis Hospital.

Clare TD, Cathal Crowe (FF) commented, “A political decision brought us to this point and a political decision will get us out of it” while Cllr Tom O’Callaghan (FF) said it is “a no brainer” to have the ED in Ennis.

Both politicians and health activists have said the case for Ennis getting the emergency department has to become the big issue in advance of the General Election.

This week, Clare councillors passed a motion from Cllr Donna McGettigan (SF) which called on the Minister for Health to expedite the HIQA review.

Cllr Tommy Guilfoyle (SF) flagged, “the time is right to reopen it”.

Full Story page 4

l Clare teammates Lizzy Roche and Aine Keane put their club rivalry to one side following the final whistle in the Clare LGFA senior championship tie between Burren Gaels and St Joseph’s Miltown Burren Eye Photography

IN SPORT

Reports on 3nd round of Clare

Dooley takes aim at consultants

MEDICAL CONSULTANTS at University Hospital Limerick (UHL) have come under fire from a Clare Senator, writes Páraic McMahon

Addressing Fianna Fáil delegates at a selection convention in Hotel Woodstock on Tuesday night, Senator Timmy Dooley (FF) blamed consultants as a factor for the continued overcrowding of patients on trolleys at University Hospital Limerick (UHL).

He recalled that it was “really challenging in 2009 when the Government on the advice of experts removed the A&E in Ennis, we got berated and still do on occasion but we didn’t play popular politics, we couldn’t and we suffered politically as a result”.

Senator Dooley said he “almost came to blows” with HSE officials when during a meeting with Minister for Health, Stephen Donnelly (FF) that he raised “serious issues”

and concerns regarding consultants at UHL. “Nobody wants to challenge the consultants, they operate to a different standard at UHL than any other hospital in the country, that is why we have more patients on trolleys than any other hospital in the country,” he stated. Dooley added, “the situation won’t change until somebody stands up to the way in which the hospital is ran”.

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Tony is set for life

Maureen Keane of the Clare Family Resource Centre presented Tony Kelly with a gift certificate of free childcare for life in recognition of his contributions as Minister Roderic O’Gorman looks on

‘No doctor could prescribe the joy they have brought’ - Clare hurlers to be honoured

by Páraic McMahon news@clareecho.ie

A CIVIC reception is on the cards for the All-Ireland winning Clare hurlers, the Mayor of Clare has said while plans are in place to fundraise for a team holiday.

Speaking at Monday’s meeting of Clare County Council, the first sitting since Clare were crowned All-Ireland SHC champions for the fourth time, the success was lauded by the county’s first citizen who himself gave a rousing rendition of Christy Moore’s ‘Lisdoonvarna’ at the victory homecoming in Ennis. Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council, Cllr Alan O’Callaghan (FF) noted, “it has been a busy few weeks

since our last meeting, we’ve had the All-Ireland win and I’d like to compliment Brian Lohan, the players, the management and the backroom team, the joy they have brought to the county no doctor could prescribe what they have done”.

“We will definitely be honouring them with a civic reception before Christmas,” he said. They will become the first side since the Ger Loughnane managed team of 1995 and 1997 to be bestowed with such an honour as the 2013 champions did not receive a civic reception from the County Council.

Plans are also in the pipeline for a fundraiser match to be held in Cusack Park

on November 3rd involving a selection of the Clare panel and the team of the club championships.

Brian Lohan will manage the county side while the selection will have Ger Loughnane at the helm alongside Terence Fahy. The funds raised from this will go towards a team holiday for the All-Ireland champions with more details to be announced in the coming weeks.

All-Ireland winning captain, Tony Kelly was landed with a surprise on Wednesday when Maureen Keane of the Clare Family Resource Centre presented him with a gift certificate of free childcare for life in recognition of his contributions.

SHC

LOCAL NEWS

Publication of HIQA review needs to be fast-tracked

by Páraic McMahon news@clareecho.ie

HIQA’s review into the potential for a second ED in the Mid-West region must be published before next summer, county councillors have stressed.

In May, Minister for Health, Stephen Donnelly (FF) announced he was to initiate a review into urgent and emergency care capacity in the Mid-West region to determine whether a second Emergency Department (ED) is required. EDs are part of larger hospitals, known as Model 3’s / Model 4’s. HIQA have been tasked with completing this review.

Cllr Donna McGettigan (SF) in a motion before Monday’s meeting of Clare Co Council urged the Minister to “expedite the final report from HIQA on the need for a second A&E. Reports are that this will not be published until next year, yet this is needed urgently. The crisis at University Hospital Limerick (UHL) has already been subjected to several reviews with very little positive outcomes for patients.” She noted that there has already been several “reports on the crisis in UHL”. The Shannon woman said, “the facts and figures speak for themselves, we need to speak out for those who are terrified, we need to speak out for the people of Clare to get them better health services”.

Publication of HIQA’s report is not quick enough, Cllr Antoinette Baker Bashua (FF) maintained who said Clare needs to be proactive as both Limerick and Tipperary are already identifying potential landbanks. Cllr David Griffin (FF) said Ennis is the best option given it is “centred in the middle of a rural county”.

Members of the Regional Health Forum will question the delay in publishing the HIQA report, Cllr Rita McInerney (FF) advised. “The situation at UHL is the worst in the country. Given how far a lot of our constituents in North and West of our county are from Limerick it is paramount that we have the emergency department in Ennis”. Support was voiced by Cllr Joe Garrihy (FG) and Cllr John Crowe (FG). “Now is the time for action,” added Cllr Joe Cooney (FG).

‘Inevitable that HIQA will recommend opening of a second ED in the Mid-West’

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

HEALTH activists and politicians in Clare have said it is “inevitable” that a HIQA review will recommend the creation of a second emergency department in the MidWest region.

HIQA’s review team are currently deciding whether or not the Mid-West needs another Emergency Department for the Region, however the findings of their work will not be published until next year.

At a briefing organised by Friends of Ennis Hospital in the Doonbeg Suite of Hotel Woodstock, the case for having this ED in Ennis was clearly outlined.

The top table was comprised of Friends of Ennis Hospital members, Angela Coll, Deirdre Culligan and Cillian Murphy while political figures in attendance were TDs, Cathal Crowe (FF) and Violet-Anne Wynne (IND), Senator Timmy Dooley (FF), Cllr Ian Lynch (IND), Cllr Tommy Guilfoyle (SF), Cllr Clare Colleran Molloy (FF), Cllr Antoinette Baker Bashua (FF), Cllr Tom O’Callaghan (FF), Cllr Rita McInerney (FF), Cllr Paul Murphy (FG) and Cllr Mary Howard

(FG).

In her address, Ennis woman Angela outlined that by 2030 there will be 500,000 people living in the Mid-West relying on one emergency department and that it would be the oldest population of any hospital region. Using Barringtons or developing a greenfield site at UL “is no good to someone on the West Coast of Clare,” she said when putting forward the case for an ED at Ennis.

“We feel it is inevitable that HIQA will come back to recommend a second ED in the MidWest,” she said. The Fianna Fáil member said the county’s TDs were “well paid to represent us” and needed to make a strong fight to ensure Ennis is the location of this emergency department.

From his time on the

Regional Health Forum, Cillian Murphy obtained data from the HSE which detailed that 30,000 people is the number of people needed to go through an emergency department to “make it sustainable”.

Senator Dooley said the evidence from Friends of Ennis Hospital will “sustain the argument” for locating the ED in Ennis. He stated, “the numbers justify a second ED”.

Deputy Wynne noted attendances at the medical assessment unit in Ennis were increasing. She was frustrated that the HIQA review was “pushing out” commitments until next summer.

“Pressure and political pressure is the only way we have seen things happen in the past,” Wynne said.

Closing the emergen-

cy department in 2009 was the “worst decision for the region,” Deputy Crowe decried.

“A political decision brought us to this point and a political decision will get us out of it,” the Meelick native commented while informing those in attendance he was on a trolley at UHL himself in January. He cautioned, “Ennis A&E cannot reopen at the flick of a switch, it has been hallowed out”.

Coll advised that a site has been identified by Friends of Ennis Hospital which is understood to be owned by Clare County Council and that she is speaking to Sandra Broderick, the HSE’s regional executive officer in the Mid-West on a regular basis.

Cllr O’Callaghan insisted it was “a no brainer” that the emergency department be in Ennis. “We have to make this one of the key election issues,” he said.

Not everyone is within 45 minutes of an emergency department, former Kilrush Town Councillor Culligan said while recounting how she had to wait over two hours with a stroke victim in 2019 for an ambulance.

That it took three volunteers to pull the in-

formation together for the submission was “disappointing” according to Cllr Lynch. He asked them what they were looking for elected representatives to do and Culligan replied, “we have to make this a Clare issue for the election”.

Coll said they want all 28 councillors and five Oireachtas members to contact HIQA requesting the ED be located in Ennis, “for us to get what we want we need cross-party support”. Murphy said a notice of motion should be submitted to Clare County Council to investigate a site and ascertain what the five key issues are from the HSE to determine what is needed for the site.

Greenfield sites have been identified for the South Clare SDZ and Roche, noted Deputy Crowe who praised the calibre of persons in the Council’s forward planning office. “We don’t have a Minister in the county and we have felt the effects of that”.

Activists have “built the case,” Cllr Colleran Molloy felt. She said in order to get all councillors on board, they will have to be briefed on the submission.

Nuala helps ALDI mark 25 years in Ireland

This year marks 25 years of ALDI in Ireland.

Many employees have worked with ALDI for over 20 years. One of these is Nuala Hegarty, who works in ALDI’s store on Francis Street in Ennis, Co. Clare. We spoke to Nuala who told us about what has changed since she started working in ALDI in Ballincollig, Co Cork in 2000 and what she has enjoyed about working in ALDI for the last 24 years.

Nuala and the rest of the team will soon be joined by 30 more colleagues, with ALDI’s second store in Ennis, located in Westpoint Retail Park, set to open this Thursday, September 12.

Q. What is the best thing about the job?

A. I love the variety that comes with the job. I know it’s a cliché,

but no two days are ever the same.

Q. Have you worked in other stores?

A. I actually started in Ballincollig, Co. Cork, which was one of two stores ALDI opened in November 1999 to launch in Ireland. I started working there in May of the following year. Since then, I’ve worked in numerous stores, including in Dublin, Carlow and Galway.

Q. Where are you from, are you local to the store in Ennis?

A. I’m originally from Co. Cork. When I got married, we purchased a house in Ennis. I live here in Ennis and my store is two miles away, which is great for work-life balance.

Q. What do you do outside work?

A. I enjoy playing golf in my free time. I’m lucky to live in Clare – we have some of the best golf courses in the country here. I also love listening to music in my down time, and constantly have the ear pods in!

Q. What is the biggest change you have seen in last 20 years?

A. The technological advances that have taken place in that time. When we started, we had to memorise all product prices and manually enter each price on a register. Now, a huge amount of that is automated - it’s a constant learning curve with ALDI.

Q. How have you benefited from working with ALDI?

A. I have made many lifelong friends in my time with ALDI.

Q. What is your favourite ALDI product?

A. Our Specially Selected fruit scones, my kids love them too.

Q. What is the most interesting thing you have seen in the last 20 years?

A. Meeting Mr Karl Albrecht, the co-founder of ALDI. He actually visited Carlow when I was working there in 2003 and he was very impressed with the shop on the day. He was a pioneer in the retail field, and alongside his brother is credited with introducing the discount retailer model to Europe, so it was fascinating to get to meet him.

l Nuala Hegarty, Assistant Store Manager, Francis Street, Ennis

The Town Hall Bistro

Providing

The Poets Corner Bar

‘No amount of prior notice will prevent criminal damage’Minister defends communication on IPAS plans in Kilrush

by Páraic McMahon news@clareecho.ie

PROTESTS have been held in Kilrush over plans to house 27 asylum seekers at The Central B&B on Henry St while the Minister for Integration has said no amount of information provided in advance will deter people from criminal action.

As first reported by The Clare Echo, an attempted arson attack was carried out on the premises in the early hours of Wednesday morning with Gardaí investigating reports of criminal damage. Since then, protests were held on Wednesday evening and Thursday evening as members of the local community formed under the banner ‘Kilrush Says No’ convened outside the B&B.

Clare TD, Violet-Anne Wynne (IND) was among those at the demonstration on Thursday where she held a poster reading ‘no to unvetted males in Kilrush’, she has publicly said she does not support its use as an IPAS centre. Michael Leahy (IFP), an unsuccessful candidate in the European Elections and the 2020 General Election also spoke at the protest.

On Monday evening, elected rep-

resentatives met with members of the community in Kilrush to discuss their concerns. The Department of Integration’s Community Engagement Team is expected to met with some of these residents in the near future but no date has been fixed. Speaking in Ennis on Wednesday, Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, Roderic O’Gorman (GP) said no amount of prior notice will deter persons from carrying out criminal acts at locations where refugees

or asylum seekers are due to be housed. “With respect no amount of information is going to deter someone who decides to take a criminal act. We’ve seen instances of arson around the country, we shouldn’t make excuses for that, that is a criminal act and I don’t believe any amount of information from me or my Department will deter someone who has made a decision to do something outside the law which is dangerous to their local community, dangerous for people living in the area and potentially dangerous for international protection applicants.”

He stated, “We know across Clare there has been huge support for Ukrainians and International Protection Applicants over the last two years, Clare shouldered a huge part of our response to Ukraine, I know because our numbers of Ukrainians are decreasing across the country and about 1,900 fewer Ukrainians are living in accommodation in Clare now than there was this time year. In terms of information where we are opening new accommodation for international protection applicants, we provide information to elected representatives, to TDs, senators, councillors, we also en-

gage with Clare County Council and provide them with information on new centres opening, we do have a community engagement team that provide that information and will respond to those questions.

In Kilrush, it is 27 applicants being accommodated there, where issues come to our Department on pressures on services, we work with the relevant authorities”.

Elected representatives are also among those to have criticised the lack of information circulated. “

Deputy Wynne claimed the Government “has refused to respond to multiple pleas for meetings”, when this was put to Minister O’Gorman he said he was not contacted by Deputy Wynne, “She hasn’t been onto me directly anyway, we’ve a community engagement team who do really god work, they’ve done hundreds of meetings around the country, they go and engage with local and community reps to get a sense of the key issues in an area whether it is pressure on a GP, school places or public transport”.

In a statement, the Clare TD commented, “To bring vulnerable people who have potentially suffered great trauma and dump them in

Kilrush, would be hypocritical and unacceptable. They will need care, especially healthcare, and it is well known on the ground that the local services cannot support those already there.”

When it was put to Minister O’Gorman that communities like Kilbaha, Ennis and Shannon welcomed Ukrainians and embraced them with open arms yet were left devastated with their sudden notices to depart, he responded, “Right now Ireland is not seeing the same number of Ukrainians, a significant number are leaving State accommodation, some are returning to Ukraine and some moving elsewhere. The provision of State owned accommodation is a significant expense, if I’ve an area where I’ve three guesthouses and they are all half full, we have to take steps to make sure we’re consolidating our accommodation provision and ensuring that there is value for money for the State, it is also important to allow hotels, guesthouses and B&Bs return to tourism, when I was in Clare last the criticism was we were taking too much of the tourism accommodation, a lot was taken in Clare and I recognise that”.

Man accused of sex assault says girls parents stalked him

by Gordon Deegan news@clareecho.ie

A MAN accused of sexually assaulting a girl has obtained a restraining court order against the girl’s parents from stalking him.

In the first such case to come before the courts in Clare after the legislation to deal with stalking behaviour came into effect last Monday, the man has secured a Civil Restraining Order against the girl’s parents.

As part of the order granted on an ex-parte basis, Judge Alec Gabbett has imposed an order restraining the girl’s parents from com-

ing within 200 metres of the man and also restrains the two from watching, besetting or threatening violence on the man.

At Ennis District Court, Judge Gabbett granted the order after the man told the court that the father “has been saying things to my neighbours that I was a paedophile”.

He said, “My whole life has been turned upside down by this person”.

The man told Judge Gabbett that he has already been before the circuit court twice on the charges concerning the girl.

He said that a jury found him ‘not guilty’ on one count and couldn’t agree on a second charge and he said that the court is awaiting DPP directions on the second charge that remains before the court.

Giving the background to his ‘stalking order’ application, the man told Judge Gabbett, “I have been falsely accused of sexually assaulting or inappropriately touching someone”.

In reply, Judge Gabbett said, “You have been accused, the ‘falsely’ remains to be seen but there is a case pending before the circuit

court of sexual assault”.

The man told Judge Gabbett said that prior to the allegation that is before the court, the girl’s father “had been going around saying I had sexually assaulted someone else’s child in the area which I had brought to the attention of my solicitor”.

He said, “I have been to a psychiatric unit about himI have been to my GP. I don’t know what to do, your honour”.

The man confirmed that he denies the allegation remaining before the court.

The man alleged in court

that the girl’s father “threatened that he would stab me.

This happened about a year ago and Gardai said that there is nothing they can do about it”.

He said, “I am distressed. I have had heart attacks. My wife is all over the place”.

Judge Gabbett commented, “This is an ex parte application and obviously it is all your side of the story”.

Judge Gabbett stated that based on initial evidence that he was granted the order on the basis that the girl’s father “is threatening to use violence against you and putting you in fear”.

Judge Gabbett said that he was instructing the Gardai to serve the order on the couple and has adjourned the case to Wednesday, September 11th where they will be able to contest the continuance of the restraining order.

Judge Gabbett advised the applicant to obtain a solicitor for the hearing on Wednesday when the other side will be able to give their side.

He said, “They may arrive with a solicitor who will be able to cross examine you”.

l Violet-Anne Wynne (IND) attended the demonstration

Clare’s LPT to remain at highest rate

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

CLARE’S local property tax will remain at the highest rate after the majority of elected representatives agreed to retain it at 15 per cent above the standard rate for the next five years.

Years gone by have seen heated debates when it comes to the local property tax within the Chamber of Clare County Council but there wasn’t a puff of wind at Monday’s meeting with 24 of the 28 councillors voting to retain the highest rate.

Already in place for five years, the increased rate will now be in situ for the entire Council term, up until 2029 but this vote was the first time that the rate will cover a five year block whereas when it was voted on last in September 2022 it was so it would remain for 2023 and 2024.

Mayor of Clare, Cllr Alan O’Callaghan (FF) reminded colleagues that they had been “briefed extensively on this” when the item appeared on the agenda.

Chief Executive of the Council, Pat Dowling in correspondence to colleagues prior to the vote stated that the higher charge was worth €1.5m to the Council’s bud-

get. He pointed out that returning to the standard rate would result in a saving of €13.50 per annum for 51.6 percent of households and €33.75 for another 27 percent.

An attempt by the county’s Sinn Féin councillors to return to “the basic rate of local property tax” failed to receive any backing from Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael or Independent councillors who all voted to back the wishes of local authority management to stick with the highest rate. The proposal to revert to the basic rate was made by Cllr Donna McGettigan (SF) and seconded by Cllr Tommy Guilfoyle (SF).

Their request came after Cllr Michael Shannon (FF) and Cllr Joe Cooney (FG) proposed and seconded the call from management to stick with the higher rate and with a counter-proposal tabled, a vote was called for. This vote saw a comprehensive 24 elected members seek to retain the higher rate, the Sinn Féin duo voted against while both Cllr Tony O’Brien (FF) and Cllr Tony Mulcahy (FG) who were attending the meeting online were not present when the vote was called.

In a statement issued fol-

lowing the meeting, the Council stated that the decision will secure €58m in funding for the operational needs of the local authority.

“Maintaining the Local Property Tax at the same rate for the next five years not only brings certainty for the Council and our budget process, but also gives certainty to Clare property owners at a time of significant economic change and rising costs,” Dowling said.

Director of Finance and Support Services, Noeleen Fitzgerald commented, “Inflation in recent years has reached approximately 19%, while Local Property Tax has remained static. More than half of the property owners in Clare are in the lower band of

the Local Property Tax, paying €103.50 per annum at the current rate – a rate that has been in place since 2020. Another 27% of Clare property owners pay €259 annually in property tax”.

Cllr O’Callaghan said, “The €58 million raised through the local property tax in Clare will support significant community grant schemes, library services, lifeguards on our beaches and other essential services for the county and its citizens”.

Every property is liable for local property tax, if it is a residential property, the tax is administered by Revenue.

Vote: to keep higher level of local property tax in Clare

For: Cllr Pat Daly (FF), Cllr Mary Howard (FG), Cllr Paul Murphy (FG), Cllr Antoinette Baker Bashua (FF), Cllr Clare Colleran Molloy (FF), Cllr Tom O’Callaghan (FF), Cllr Joe Cooney (FG), Cllr Pat Hayes (FF), Cllr Alan O’Callaghan (FF), Cllr Pat Burke (FG), Cllr David Griffin (FF), Cllr Rachel Hartigan (FF), Cllr John Crowe (FG), Cllr Pat O’Gorman (FF), Cllr Michael Begley (IND), Cllr Bill Slattery (FG), Cllr Joe Garrihy (FG), Cllr Shane Talty (FF), Cllr Joe Killeen (FF), Cllr Dinny Gould (IND), Cllr Rita McInerney (FF), Cllr Ian Lynch (IND), Cllr Gabriel Keating (FG), Cllr Michael Shannon (FF)

Against: Cllr Donna McGettigan (SF), Cllr Tommy Guilfoyle (SF) Absent: Cllr Tony O’Brien (FF), Cllr Tony Mulcahy (FG)

l County Council CEO Pat Dowling Photo by Gerard O’Neill

Haugh retires from Council; new role for McNulty

by Páraic McMahon news@clareecho.ie

ANNE Haugh has taken early retirement from her role as a Director of Service with Clare County Council while Ennistymon woman Siobhán McNulty has been promoted to a top role within the local authority. Chief Executive of Clare County Council, Pat Dowling confirmed the news at Monday’s meeting with the long-serving Haugh finishing up with the Council during the month of August. Her career in local government started in 1990 with Clare County Council before joining Limerick County Council. For nearly three years, she was a Director of Service with Kerry County Council until 2010, she then spent two years as Director of Operations with Limerick Regeneration Agencies, all the while living in Co Clare, before returning to Clare County Council in 2012.

Kilrush Town Council.

Dowling told elected members, “Anne has taken retirement and it has only happened in recent weeks, we will be having a proper farewell for Anne in the coming weeks”. He outlined that the process to appoint her successor will go through the public appointments service, an internal interim appointment will be made while this is ongoing.

He also confirmed that

Siobhán McNulty has been appointed as a full-time Director of Service. It is expected she will now oversee the Tourism Development Directorate.

Upon her return Anne was appointed Director of Physical Development, a role she held until August 2018 to head up the Social Development Directorate. A reshuffle announced by Dowling last December that came into effect in January saw her move to Rural Development ending a near six year-term over the department which holds responsibility for housing. She was a board member of glór and was responsible for the Killaloe MD having previously been at the helm in the Shannon MD and

Siobhán spent nine months last year as Acting Director of Service leading the Shannon MD and Physical Development directorate. She has climbed the ranks of the local authority, including acting as senior executive officer in the housing section of the Council and as senior executive officer in the West Clare Municipal District with responsibility for the Ennistymon local area.

Haugh was “an outstanding public servant” with 35 years in local government, Cllr Pat Daly (FF) remarked. Cllr Mary Howard (FG) added, “I wish Anne the very best on her retirement, I found her a very easy person to work with. Congratulations to Siobhan in her new position, she will hit the ground running”.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Dear Editor,

Following the recent retirement of Anne Hayes as PRO (public relations officer) of Clare GAA, I am writing this letter to highlight her achievements as one of the greatest administrators Clare GAA has seen.

Her career has spanned over 40 years of voluntary involvement in Clare GAA.

It began when she was appointed as secretary of Lissycasey GAA and she played a key role in the growth of the club from a single team junior club to where it is now established as a power house in juvenile and adult football.

In 1982 Anne was appointed as secretary of Bord na nOg Peil and she has been instrumental in the development of underage football in the county. She currently holds that position of Bord na nOg secretary.

For many years Anne Hayes has been secretary of the West Clare divisional board. In this role she organises games for uneven age group teams, e.g., under 11, under 13, under 15, age groups that might not have got any football games. Every child and parent depends on Anne and the West Clare board for these competitions.

For a number of decades Anne has been secretary of Clare Scor and, in my opinion, Scor would not have survived without the involvement of Anne Hayes.

When we talk about our culture, we can only admire her achievements in CCE (Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann)

She was deservingly honoured with “Gradam an Uachtarain” in Croke Park in 2014 for her ‘outstanding contribution’ to the GAA.

Anne is going to be a huge loss to Clare GAA at executive level. Hopefully she will continue in the roles that she still fills in the organisation.

Mise le meas

Michael Malty McDonagh

One month jail term for intruder who bit married woman on buttocks during late night assault

by Gordon Deegan news@clareecho.ie

A JUDGE has imposed a one month prison term on an intruder who bit the buttocks of a married woman during the course of a late night assault at her family home.

At Killaloe District Court sitting in Ennis, Judge Alec Gabbett imposed two concurrent one month prison terms on Martin Gooney (27) of Riverview, Scariff, Co Clare for the assaults on the woman at an address in Whitegate, Co Clare on December 22nd 2022.

Mr Gooney had pleaded guilty to two counts of assault against the woman and one count of trespass at her family home.

Solicitor for Mr Gooney, Daragh Hassett asked Judge Gabbett that the sentences be suspending in the context of what he called “the complicated relationship” between Mr Gooney and the woman.

Mr Hassett said that the two had been in a brief relationship though he said that is denied by the married woman.

In response, Judge Gabbett said that he couldn’t suspend the prison term and had been considering a higher prison term than one month. He said, “It was a human bite and human bites are very serious”. He said that he viewed a

photo which shows the bite mark on the buttocks.

Judge Gabbett said that he was also taking into account the woman’s “powerful” victim impact statement handed into court.

Judge Gabbett told the court, “This is what happens when you engage in complicated relationships, things get complicated. This is a complication of a complicated relationship. There is nothing I can do about that”.

Outlining the incident, Garda

Aine Troy told the court that the assault incident at the woman’s home only ended after the woman screamed and this resulted in her eight year old son coming downstairs and Mr Gooney then leaving the house.

Garda Troy said that earlier Mr Gooney had tried to kiss the woman at her property where he was trespassing.

Garda Troy said that the woman opened the back door to ask him what he was at and Mr Gooney

Ennis Lions radio auction returns

THE Ennis Lions Club will hold its third Annual Radio Charity Auction on Clare’s local radio station, Clare FM next month.

This year their chosen charity is Sláinte an Chláir (Clare Cancer Support) – the local voluntary organisation which provides extensive free services to people with a cancer diagnosis.

Sláinte an Chláir services extend from driving people to appointments, Lymphoedema management to nutritional advice and relaxation techniques, working alongside medical requirements to promote the best possible outcome for sufferers, survivors and families.

While Sláinte an Chláir gets no Government support, they continue to provide an ever widening range of complementary and professional services, managed by a team of volunteers. However they do employ fully-qualified trained employed professionals to provide patient services – so funds are always needed.

Members of Ennis Lions Club have family experience of the care, comfort and professional services on offer in Kilnamona, and

more recently in Raheen Community Hospital in Scarriff.

President of Ennis Lions Club David Goodstein recalled, “Apart from the physical supports our members spoke of the intangible value of Sláinte an Chláir– the peer support groups and the warm welcome as well as the perfectly pitched morale boosting self care days. We feel that is a golden nugget for people facing endless medical interventions and decisions”. Having heard such positive stories from those members it was not difficult for the Lions project team to

stand up and commit to raising funds so that Sláinte an Chláir could continue to benefit our local cancer sufferers so wholesomely. As usual bidders get the opportunity to purchase items and services online by registering at https://ennislionsdub.ie/auction/ in advance of the auction going live on October 7.

Project Manager Hans Eisenberg enthused, “As well as the much sought after vouchers from our generous local businesses such as hairdressers, garages, boutiques, mobile valets, leisure centres and golf clubs

pulled her by the wrist out the door. Garda Troy said that the woman fell “and he bit her on the right buttocks cheek. She got back up and on entering the house he followed her and bit her on the right shoulder and pushed her against the dish-water and press unit”.

Mr Hassett said that the guilty pleas were very valuable to the State and there had been a significant downgrading of charges in the case.

Mr Hassett said that the parties had a brief relationship and stated that Mr Gooney “was subsequently approached by the victim’s husband in a pub where he told him that in no uncertain terms that he had a relationship with his wife previously”.

He said, “It is not as if the parties were not known to each other. The victim may not accept that. I am instructed as a fact that it happened”.

Mr Hassett said, “The boundaries were very much crossed on this night by Mr Gooney and his behaviour was unacceptable. There were certain signals that he thought he was getting where the two had a relationship before”.

Mr Hassett said that his client “had to eventually block this lady on the phone after their brief encounter”.

He said, “It doesn’t explain or defend his actions on the night in question. He did trespass significant boundaries. He accepts that”. “He is extremely remorseful for what happened. He wants to get on with his life”.

He said, “There is that important context to what happened - it is not a case where someone randomly walks into a house and tries it on”.

Mr Hassett said, “Mr Gooney is a hard working man. He fits the profile of your typical country lad, maybe that’s a very unfair profile nowadays who leaves school early, works hard and plays hard for a while”.

Mr Hassett said Mr Gooney works six days a week. He said that he won’t go near this family again. “He was a hot head in the past and drink didn’t help.”

He said: “At a point in the encounter he wasn’t welcome in the house and it seems that was made known to him. There were blurred lines all round”. He said, “It is a very messy situation. The victim should not have had to encounter what she encountered”.

Mr Hassett said that Mr Gooney has no cases pending against him and has kept his nose clean since. Mr Gooney was freed on bail pending an appeal of his prison term to the circuit court.

Cooraclare Chief Exec of Iarnród Éireann to address Ennis Chamber briefing

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

COORACLARE native Jim Meade, the Chief Executive of Iarnród Éireann will address an Ennis Chamber breakfast briefing this week.

On Friday morning, the Irish Rail CEO will give a presentation on improved rail connectivity at the Temple Gate Hotel following the recently launched ‘All-Island Strategic Rail Review Report’.

this year we have some interesting new additions including a Funeral Planning Service and an overnight stay in a 4* Dublin hotel. Check out our auction platform from October 7th to see the full range of items available.”

Ennis Lions Club urge local businesses, service providers and professionals to donate an item or service to the auction to ensure the greatest possible fundraising at the Grand Finale live auction hosted by Clare FM on October 18th. To pledge a donation, contact auction@ennislionsclub.ie.

Attendees are also expected to receive an update on plans for improved rail connectivity initia tives in Co Clare. These include planned improvements to the Galway to Limerick via Sixmi lebridge and Ennis commuter line, the proposed reopening of Crusheen rail station, seasonal flooding at Ballycar and the de velopment of spur link to Shan non Airport.

Jointly commissioned by the Department of Transport in Ire land and the Department for Infrastructure in Northern Ireland, the ‘All-Island Strategic Rail Review Report’ sets out a strategic vision for the development of the rail system across the island of Ireland over the coming decades. The report sets out 32 strate-

gic recommendations to enhance and expand the rail system in Ireland and Northern Ireland up to 2050, aligning with net carbon zero commitments in both jurisdictions. Amongst the report’s recommendations for rail on the island are additional capacity, faster services, higher frequency, decarbonisation, greater reach, wider ac- cess and more passengers with the goal pling the number of people using the rail system ly from circa 65 million to over 180 lion by

l The case was heard at the Killaloe District Court sitting in Ennis

‘It’s up to us when we go to the country’ says FF TD as Greens live ‘rent free’ in minds of coalition partners

by Paraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

“IT IS UP TO us when we go to the country,” a Fianna Fáil TD told the selection convention to decide on the party’s candidates in Clare for the General Election while the Green Party leader has hit back at criticism hurled in their direction by coalition partners.

No official date has been set for the General Election but political sources have informed The Clare Echo that it is increasingly likely polling day will be on November 15th.

Tipperary TD, Jackie Cahill (FF) chaired Tuesday’s selection convention for Fianna Fáil at Hotel Woodstock. He took aim at the Green Party which he described as “the third leg in the stool” of the coalition, he said he was “not a fan” of the party and added, “the Greens will get their answer when we go to the country in a couple of weeks or months”. He added, “we’re the largest party in Govt and it is up to us when we go to the country, it is my view that we should go now, Sinn Féin are in disarray”.

Party Chair in Clare, Darragh McAllister told members, “we’re just about to start not a marathon but a middle distance race”. He said, “we can be sure we won’t have a Sinn Féin or Fine Gael Minister from Clare but we can be pretty sure if we give Fianna Fáil a chance of electing three candidates that we could have a Fianna Fáil Minister from Clare”.

Speaking to The Clare Echo, Green Party leader, Minister for Integration Roderic O’Gorman TD (GP) responded to the remarks of Deputy Cahill. “It seems we might be living rent free in the heads of a couple of our coalition partners, I’ve no doubt and I’m not surprised that we featured there because we have such a strong candidate in Clare in Roisin Garvey who I am really confident will take a seat for the Green Party, she is the deputy leader of the Green Party, she is a very good colleague and friend and I know from the reception she has got here in Ennis in the events that we’ve done across the day that people see her hard work and her willingness to listen and work with people”.

Clarins

Clarins!

Style, Beauty and Lifestlye

Rachel Porter @rachels_day_

GET a Head Start with My Clarins Skincare – Now Available at Hollys Pharmacy, Ennis! Clarins has launched My Clarins, a new generation of vegan skincare designed specifically for young skin. Packed with goodness extracted from plants and fruits, this range is perfect if you’re looking to give your skin the early boost it deserves. Available now at Hollys Pharmacy in Ennis, My Clarins is your goto for healthy, radiant skin.

Step 1: Cleanse with My Clarins Re-Move (€22) Start your routine with My Clarins ReMove, a refreshing cleansing gel ideal for young skin. This gel helps eliminate impurities and excess oil that can lead to breakouts, leaving your skin looking brighter, smoother, and more balanced. With its gentle, frosted lightblue formula, it’s perfect even for the most sensitive skin, allowing your complexion to breathe and glow.

Step 2: Tone with My Clarins Pure-Reset Toner (€22) After cleans-

ing, follow up with My Clarins Pure-Reset Toner, a lightweight, ultra-fresh mattifying lotion. This toner prepares your skin by reducing shine and excess oil, helping to clarify your complexion and bring it into balance. Formulated with organic coconut water and Alpine rose extract, it promotes a healthy glow while being gentle enough for daily use.

Step 3: Target Breakouts with My Clarins Pure-Reset Blemish Serum (€30) If you have oily or blemish-prone skin, the My Clarins Pure-Reset Blemish Serum is a must. This serum works to reduce excess oil, blemishes, and visible pores while promoting skin renewal for a smoother, clearer complexion over time. With each use, imperfections are minimized, leaving your skin softer and more even. Its fresh, lightweight texture absorbs quickly, making it a refreshing addition to your routine.

Step 4: Refresh Your Eyes with My Clarins Re-Fresh Eye Gel (€22)

No skincare routine is complete without addressing the eye area! The My Clarins ReFresh Eye Gel is perfect for all skin types, offering a cooling, melt-in texture that instantly revitalizes tired eyes. Enriched with plant extracts, this gel helps reduce dark circles and puffiness, giving you a fresh and well-rested look. Apply morning and night for a soothing, refreshing boost.

Step 5: Hydrate with My Clarins Re-Boost Hydra-Energizing Cream (€29)

Finish off your routine with My Clarins Re-Boost, a hydra-energizing cream that provides a daily dose of hydration and vitality for youthful, glowing skin. With organic fig extract for intense moisture, this cream leaves your skin soft, nourished, and radiant. Its fresh, light, and energizing texture makes it the perfect daily moisturizer for maintaining a vibrant complexion.

Special Offer at Haven Pharmacy Ennis

Right now at Haven Pharmacy Ennis, when you purchase two Clarins skincare products*, you can choose three beauty gifts to complete your routine!

(*One of these must be a moisturizer or serum).

Tipperary TD, Jackie Cahill (FF) pictured with TD Cathal Crowe (FF) at the Fianna Fáil Convention Hotel Woodstock

Council getting the ‘two fingers’ from campers in Mountshannon

by Páraic McMahon news@clareecho.ie

“DRONE videos” are being sent from parts of East Clare in areas where camping is prohibited encouraging people to bring their tents and pitch up, a county councillor has claimed.

Frustration was voiced by Cllr Pat Burke (FG) at the September meeting of the Killaloe Municipal District on the failure to enforce no camping and overnight parking by-laws in parts of East Clare.

He asked Clare County Council to explain what ‘no camping or overnight parking by order’ signs “mean and why are they not enforced”.

Declan Flanagan, acting senior executive engineer in the Killaloe MD explained, “Clare County Council have

specific bye-laws in place for managing of Camping and No Overnight parking at our Blue Flag beaches.

“In the Killaloe MD, the specific bye-laws pertain to Mountshannon and Ballycuggaraun blue flag beaches. One such condition is the provision of no overnight parking within specific areas. Signage is in place to inform the public, QR codes are available with the beach byelaws also for visitors to our beaches”.

He added, “Enforcing of these bye-laws is a function of our Environmental Section, complaints can be made through the Killaloe MD office or through Environment if an issue arises”.

Under the 2021 beach laws, no person shall “drive, bring to, place on, leave or park any

motor vehicle, motorcar, motorbike, van, trailer, campervan, caravan, mobile home, offroad vehicle, carriage, truck, wagon, lorry, all terrain vehicle, quad bike or other mechanically propelled vehicle on the beach or dune system appurtenant to

the beach, with an exception provided for launching or retrieving of a craft at a designated launch area as identified on the individual maps in Schedule 3 of these bye-laws”.

These beach laws also state that a person cannot “encamp,

place, erect or cause to be placed or erected on the beach, or dune system appurtenant to the beach, any tent, caravan, campervan or other temporary dwelling”.

Speaking at this month’s sitting, Cllr Burke admitted he was not “as familiar with what goes on at Ballycuggeran at night”. He lamented the anti-social behaviour and rubbish left behind by people not adhering to the bylaws in Mountshannon, “The place is full of tents and campervans”. He told the meeting he has provided the media with photographs at Dromaan Harbour “which are completely flouting the law”.

Lakeside Holiday Park in Mountshannon is “a fantastic facility but they won’t go there because they have to pay”.

In Mountshannon, he

said “a black bag was put over the no parking sign to give the two fingers to the local authority. It is a big issue, the reply is fine but it doesn’t give me the satisfaction that it will be dealt with.

The area is for boats to come in off the lake, not this. Someone from the Council put up the signs yet they are being ignored”.

According to Cllr Burke, the persons camping overnight are spending nothing locally “from my research” and “they are sending drone videos to their friends telling them to come here”.

Seconding the proposal, Cllr Pat Hayes (FF) acknowledged the restrictions on the owners of campervans with the lack of places to stay in East Clare.

“Genuine people are coming to these places

and we need to be able to provide a site with dedicated services because organised chaos is not good”. He said the Council were missing a trick.

Responding to this, Cllr Burke told the meeting he has spoken with senior planner Brian McCarthy in the past on identifying suitable sites for campervans. “It is not easy for the local authority to come in and find a site. I would prefer to se a private landowner show some initiative”.

Exploring the possibility of a designated area was worthwhile, Cllr Alan O’Callaghan (FF) maintained. “We’d all like a designated site but it is a shortterm season,” Cllr Joe Cooney (FG) commented to which O’Callaghan pointed out, “it is growing”.

l Overnight campers in Mountshannon

Crab and Smoked Salmon Arancini

INGREDIENTS

n 2 cloves garlic, crushed

n 150g smoked salmon, chopped

n 150g cooked crab meat

n 1 cup plain or gluten free flour

n 20g butter

n 3 shallots, finely diced

n Zest of 1 lemon using microplane

n 4 cup of chicken or fish stock, preferably fish stock

n 150g aged parmesan cheese, grated

n 1 cup whole egg mayonnaise

n 2 cups good quality arborio rice

n A splash of olive oil

n 4 free range eggs, beaten

n Soft herbs, dill, flat leaf parsely, a little pinch of tarragon, all finely chopped

n 3 cups of breadcrumbs or gluten free panko crumbs

n Zest of and juice of 1 lime optional

n For Seasoning, grounded sea salt and milled black peppercorns

METHOD

Step 1

In a thick based casserole dish or pot with a large surface area, on

medium heat, heat butter and oil.

Step 2

Add onions and cook until soft but not coloured. Add garlic, add rice and stir to coat well. Stir in stock, little by little, stirring continuously, this will take 10 to 15 minutes until rice is tender and liquid has been absorbed. At this stage, stir in grated parmesan cheese. Transfer into large bowl for cooling.

Step 3

When cool, add in mix of salmon and crabmeat, add in lemon zest and herbs and season to taste.

Step 4

Now the risotto is ready to roll into balls. Once the balls have been made, set in fridge for twenty minutes, this makes them easier to work with on next step.

Step 5

For the coating, line out three bowls, first bowl flour or gluten free flour, second bowl, beaten egg and third bowl, breadcrumbs or gluten free panko crumbs. Coat each ball in flour, lightly. Step two, roll in beaten egg, shake off excess egg and then, step three, roll in

breadcrumbs or gluten free panko crumbs. Repeat this process for a better effect. Tip, do not use the same hand for flour to egg, keep one hand for dry ingredients and one hand for wet.

Step 6

In a heavy based frying pan, over medium heat, test oil with a pinch of breadcrumb, to see that it's hot. You're looking for a sizzle effect, otherwise the coating will not be crispy. When oil is hot enough, cook arancini balls until golden brown, adjusting heat whilst cooking, a minute on each side will do, depending on size of ball. Tip, put in a clockwise direction around the outside of the pan, so first in is first to turn. Using kitchen probe, make sure core temperature is cooked to 75 degrees.

Step 7

For sauce, combine mayonnaise, zest of lemon, option, lime zest and juice in a bowl. Season to taste.

Recommended to serve with a dressed seasonal salad.

Lahinch Leisure celebrates National Fitness Day

NATIONAL Fitness Day is the biggest and most visible annual celebration of physical activity, taking place on September 23 across Ireland.

Lahinch Leisure Centre is celebrating National Fitness Day by encouraging everyone to take steps towards a healthier and more positive lifestyle.

September is a time to settle back into routines, and focus on some personal goals. This September, Lahinch Leisure Centre is urging you to make one of those personal goals to be more active. Physical activity has many immediate and long-term benefits. Not only do you get the health benefits for your body but it will help you immediately feel better, function better, and sleep better.

As National Fitness day approaches, set some physical activity goals, There are many different forms of physical activity. So with that in mind, set aside some time to go for a walk, cycle or for a swim this September.

Lahinch Leisure Centre, situated on the promenade of Lahinch, includes a 25 meter heated pool, learner pool, 20+ fitness classes per week, twofloor fully fitted Gym, functional fitness

Hyrox gym, 3v3 basketball court and a sauna, steam room and jacuzzi to get you recovered for your next work out.

We will be promoting National Fitness Day with some amazing offers and activities to get you started.

Flash Membership Sale for National Fitness Day

We have an amazing offer at Lahinch Leisure Centre on our memberships on the day only. Make sure to call in on September 23 and see our state-of-the art facility and avail of this one off Membership. Gym Challenge

This year, to celebrate National Fitness Day, Lahinch Leisure Centre will be encouraging members to perform two simple exercises back-to-back (500m on the rower and fifty 14g kettlebell squats) in the fastest possible time, to crown the fittest male and fittest female running from Sept 23-30. Both winners will receive a hamper full of fitness prizes. Please visit our social media @lahinchleisurecentre on Instagram and Facebook or ring 065-6703018 for more details on National Fitness Day at Lahinch Leisure Centre.

Fianna Fáil believe they can cause shock by electing three TDs in Clare

by

FIANNA FÁIL’s General Election candidates in Clare have said the constituencies history of shock results could see the party elect three TDs in the county.

On Tuesday night, sitting TD, Cathal Crowe (FF), Senator Timmy Dooley (FF) and Cllr Rita McInerney (FF) were selected as the Fianna Fáil candidates for the General Election in Clare. The selection convention was chaired by Tipperary TD, Jackie Cahill (FF).

There was a big attendance in the region of 200 plus which included Cllr Tony O’Brien (FF), Cllr Joe Killeen (FF), Cllr Clare Colleran Molloy (FF), Cllr Rachel Hartigan (FF), Cllr Antoinette Baker Bashua (FF), Cllr Pat Hayes (FF), Cllr Alan O’Callaghan (FF), Cllr David Griffin (FF) and party strategist Gerry Reidy.

Deputy Crowe told the convention, “I firmly believe a three candidate strategy is the best one for Fianna Fáil”. He said while they ran the same ticket in February 2020 and only elected him, he believed it was a much stronger option now, “I also believe that Rita, Timmy and I are personally stronger in the political scene than we would have been five years ago, I have four years under my belt as a TD, Rita recently topped the poll in the Kilrush LEA and Timmy has maintained a high profile in Seanad Éireann”.

Meelick native Crowe said he was a very proud Republican who valued ‘The Republican Party’ slogan as the driving ethos of Fianna Fáil, he said the equality of access to healthcare, housing and opportunities for young people and persons in rural areas should be a focus. Over the past year, Deputy Crowe said he has held over 300 clinics across the county and that he is the only TD in Clare to hold constitu-

ency clinics.

He said, “Over the coming months I will work doggedly to ensure Fianna Fáil will have a maximum outcome from this election, I will burn shoe leather, not figuratively but literally working in conjunction with Timmy and Rita, party councillors and members to ensure we have a really good election”.

Crowe concluded, “We’re a party of 700 members with three candidates and one goal which is to gain a seat for Fianna Fáil. Tonight the whole world will obsess on the Donald Trump and Kamala Harris Presidential election debate with people talking a lot over the coming months about bellwether states in the USA such as Ohio and Arizona, I hope that come the next General Election that Co Clare will be a bellwether constituency in Ireland for Fianna Fáil and winning three seats”.

Senator Dooley in a lengthy address which his supporters joked was worthy of a Guinness World Record Attempt saw him give a passionate speech to members. He said “a tremendous effort” had been made within his constituency office since he lost his seat as a TD, he previously had three members of staff but as a Senator can only have one which is his wife Emer but they have been aided by the “voluntary services” of Martin O’Loghlen, his former parliamentary assistant. According to Dooley, Fianna Fáil can return a second seat. “Delegates you can stand over Fianna Fáil’s delivery in Government”. Challenges exist and he urged members to understand them so they could “tackle the soundbytes from the opposition”. He spoke of his disappointment at how the ACRES scheme has transpired and predicted migration would be “a very big issue for this election”.

“Unfounded concerns” have emanated in Kilrush on plans to house 27 asylum seekers, he said. “We have to push back against the far right, we have to make sure our systems are fair and solid, if people fail to meet the standards for asylum we have to ensure that they are moved back”. Dublin Airport’s passenger cap will be lifted he said but “huge opportunity” still exists for Shannon Airport, “Dublin can’t be sucking all the life like it has done”.

West Clare is where one of the “biggest opportunities” for the county lies with ESB’s Green Atlantic plans at Moneypoint, Senator Dooley maintained while pointing out that data centre operators are looking at this region. “We’ve proven we can be trusted to manage the finances in a prudent manner that

can support the most vulnerable”. He continued, “We’ve a lot of work to do and it is to do convince the people of Clare that their lives are better served with Fianna Fái influence in Government and I think that will be an easier job than five years ago. I think we can deliver two seats and I know we will”.

Cllr McInerney was the last of the three candidates to speak. “Together using our combined knowledge, experience, backgrounds and associates, East and West of the county I believe we can deliver three seats and cause a shock in the county”. She asked members to promote the candidates “fairly to the people and let them decide in order of their preference on who they believe have the potential to represent them best”.

Through her shop in Doonbeg, Cllr McInerney said she is “constantly engaging with people on their everyday problems, I have my finger on the pulse of the wrist of the people of West Clare”.

As a constituency, Cllr McInerney said “Clare is wide open, people are willing to give us the opportunity to win three seats, Clare has delivered shocking results, we started with an outsider in de Valera, we can win three seats, I know members can doubt that and they have asked me to consider my future, I understand that but when you have your ear on the ground, you hear that people believe in Fianna Fáil again, as the only West Clare candidate I will bring that representation and balance that is needed to the Dáil, my constituents see what I stand for and the hard work we are putting in at local and national level”.

Issues cited by Rita included a crisis in emergency health provision, poor water quality and supply, condition of roads and the lack of support for farmers. She remarked, “Fine Gael are feeling the pressure, Sinn Féin are in retreat, the Greens cannot connect with the people, we must strike now to show unity and strength, if we don’t one of our candidates will fall”. The former Ennis Chamber CEO continued, “I am the progressive change the party needs, I won the hearts and minds in WC and I will win more across the county. I simply cannot and I will not back away from this fight, I would not forgive myself, the people of Clare need representation in the forgotten parts of West Clare and North Clare”.

Eddie Punch enters the

by Paraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

EDDIE Punch (II) has entered the General Election race in Clare.

Three months on from contesting the European elections, Cratloe farmer Punch has thrown his name into the ring for a bid to be elected to Dáil Éireann as Independent Ireland’s candidate, it will be the first time the party contests a General Election in Clare.

Given that he used the slogan ‘there’s more to lreland than Dublin’ when it came to the European elections, it comes as no surprise that Eddie is pushing for more balanced regional development. “Of the

39 million passengers handled by Irish airports in 2023, 85% went through Dublin and just 5% through Shannon. This imbalance is devastating for tourism in Clare and the west of Ireland. We need strong voices in the Dáil to challenge the mindset that ‘Dublin is all that matters’,” he said.

Punch polled 20,751 first preferences in the European elections and was eliminated on the fourteenth count.

He expressed concerns about the overuse of hotel accommodations in Clare for refugees, arguing that this practice harms local businesses that rely on tourism. Additionally, he criticised the Ennis 2040 vision for its lack of consid-

eration for the needs of local businesses, and he voiced skepticism about certain climate policies that he believes are impractical for rural Ireland. Punch stated that he is not against sensible win/ win proposals for climate and environment but he feels that much of what is being driven by the current government is off the charts and makes no sense.

“We have spent the last few years with carbon tax being progressively hiked, being told to use public transport and in the past few weeks parents are exhausted fighting

Paraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

TD Cathal Crowe (FF), Cllr Rita McInerney (FF) and Senator Timmy Dooley (FF)

Fine Gael select Leonora Carey as General Election candidate

FINE GAEL have selected Clarecastle woman Leonora Carey (FG) as its candidate to contest the General Election in Clare.

Leonora who is a sister of the recently retired Clare TD, Joe Carey (FG) and the daughter of former Junior Minister, Donal Carey was officially declared as the party’s candidate at Friday’s selection convention held at Treacy’s West County Hotel.

As first reported by The Clare Echo, Senator Martin Conway (FG) withdrew from the contest meaning Carey was automatically going to be declared, given that she was then the only nominee left standing.

Government Chief Whip, Hildegarde Naughton (FG) chaired the selection convention. Fifteen of the party’s TDs elected in February 2020 have announced they will be not seeking re-election while Fine Gael has chosen 42 candidates across 28 constituencies.

Speaking following her selection, Leonora commented, “I am delighted to have been selected by the Fine Gael membership in Clare to contest the next General Election

to retain a decent school bus service in Sixmilebridge, Cratloe and Newmarket-on-Fergus. There is a feeling that the government is focused on trying to fix the world’s problems, but cannot deliver something as simple as a bus service for school children, we return our focus on getting these important things right for parents and families and that is what I intend to do”.

On the challenges faced by the

and I am looking forward to working closely with them to retain the seat held by my brother Joe and increase the party’s share of the vote in the constituency. I regard it as a great privilege to be given the opportunity to put myself before the people of Clare as an advocate of their interests at local, regional and national levels”.

When addressing the selection convention, Leonora outlined the provision of a third level college in Ennis and a national aviation policy to ensure the future development of Shannon Airport as key policy priorities. She thanked party members for their support and called on them to help her increase the Fine Gael share of the vote in all parts of the constituency with the same level of hard work and commitment that the Clare hurlers displayed in their All-Ireland triumph last July.

Outlining her family’s record of public service, she said her father Donal’s political career stretched from 1974 to 2002 as a County Councillor, Senator, TD and Minister of State while her brother Joe worked as a public representative for 25 years, eight as a County Councillor and 17 as a TD. “They served with distinction, working

farming community, the ex General secretary of the Irish Cattle and Sheep Farmers’ Association stated, “The farming community is at their wits end with threats to end the nitrates derogation and cut the national herd. Farmers in Clare, like the rest of Ireland, are sick and tired of being led up and down the hill. They can’t plan for the future. If elected, I will not be found wanting in standing up for Irish farming, and for our food sector. It makes no sense to cut back Irish quality food systems and import food from outside the EU”.

He has represented the farming community in numerous national forums, including the National Economic and Social

hard and honestly to represent the people of County Clare”, she said.

“I would like to acknowledge Joe’s work, in particular securing the independence of Shannon Airport, reinvigorating the industrial estate; his belief in the potential of the airport which will see two million passengers pass through it this year and the Shannon Group contributing €4 billion to the economy. I hope that that life and the future will be kind to Joe. My first Fine Gael meeting was 35 years ago and I have worked in support of the party in many different roles. While I am a new candidate, I bring a wealth of experience of campaigns and political work. Our goal must be to attract voters, retain the Fine Gael seat and increase our party’s share of the vote in County Clare. I believe we can and will do that”.

She added, “Since I announced my intention to contest the selection convention, I have been overwhelmed with the level of support I received with many expressing delight that a woman is putting herself forward for election. However, I believe that neither my family’s service nor my gender should be the deciding factors in my candidacy. The issues facing people in Clare and the Mid-West require a new approach to how politicians can make a real difference to the lives of ordinary people. Over the coming weeks, I will be engaging with the Clare electorate to give me the opportunity to make that difference.

“My own career to

Council (NESC) and the National Economic Dialogue and held his ICSA role for twenty five years.

Cratloe based Punch holds an Honours Degree in European Studies from the University of Limerick and recently completed a Masters in Business Practice from the Irish Management Institute and UCC. He said, “I am running to give the people of Clare a choice—a choice for sensible change. Our country has been run based on Dublin demands and Green politics for too long. It’s time to bring balance and accountability back to government, with a focus on the needs of all citizens, especially those in rural areas”.

date has also been one of service and caring. I have spent over 20 years working with dying patients and their families in the field of specialist palliative care. Each day was a privilege. Four years ago, I became the first occupational therapist manager for the UL Hospitals Group. Since then we have grown from a team of 16 to 36 covering all the hospitals in the Mid-West and, in my capacity as manager, I ensured that we started an OT service in Ennis hospital last December.

“Health will be one of the key election issues; I have a strong knowledge base not only as an employee of the HSE but also as a carer for my father in recent years. I have first-hand knowledge of how important it is to have access to key services to help older people remain in their homes.

“We also need informed strong leadership to shape the future of our public services. As the county capital, Ennis needs serious attention to ensure that industry is attracted and tourism is developed in order to compete with the likes of Killarney, Kilkenny, Limerick and Galway. The Educational authorities should be getting real about the provision of a new third level

college in Ennis to complement the massive investment across the county in primary and secondary education over the past decade.

“Agriculture and rural communities need support for the climate action transition in the years ahead and, if elected, I will pursue these matters strongly. Fine Gael in Government has delivered for County Clare, not least in the benefits accruing from a 28% increase in employment,” she said.

On Shannon Airport, she said, “In the light of concerns raised over capacity issues at Dublin airport, we have to ask the question why not utilise Shannon? I will campaign for the new government to develop and publish a national aviation policy to ensure a more equitable distribution of traffic across the regions as a matter of urgency”.

Leonora Carey (FG)

Photo by John McDermott

by Paraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

Shannon Airport records busiest August in over 15 years

OVER 233,000 passengers used Shannon Airport last month, a five percent increase on the same period in 2023. This result was driven by Shannon Airport’s strong transatlantic performance, bolstered by the resumption of Delta Air Lines’ New York-JFK service earlier this summer. This new addition complements Shannon’s existing routes to New York/ JFK, Boston, Chicago, and New York/Newark.

Aiding passengers to the

US has been the introduction of the innovative Mobile Passport Control (MPC) app earlier this year. The free app streamlines the pre-clearance process by allowing travellers to complete part of the procedure before even arriving at the airport.

In addition to Shannon Airport’s US services, passengers also availed of increased frequencies across nine of its summer services to popular holiday destinations including Alicante, Faro and Lanzarote.

During the first eight months of this year, Shannon Airport recorded a 7% increase in passenger traffic when compared to the same period in 2023, as over 1.4 million passengers travelled through Shannon. The airport is operating to

33 destinations in 11 countries across Europe, the UK and the US this summer season, while Ryanair’s Gran Canaria service is also operating through the summer season for the first time, providing passengers with even more sunshine destination options.

Commenting on the figures, Mary Considine, CEO of The Shannon Airport Group said, “We are thrilled to see such strong demand for Shannon Airport this summer season, particularly with the return of Delta’s New York-JFK service, one of our key transatlantic destinations. The increase in our passenger numbers for

August is a testament to the airport’s growing popularity as a gateway for both leisure and business travellers. Our commitment to providing a diverse range of destinations and the most seamless passenger experience is really resonating with customers from all over Ireland who have discovered the ease of flying from Shannon Airport. “We look forward to continuing to provide a convenient and enjoyable experience for our passengers and are heartened to know that we are on track to exceed the 2 million passengers mark this year for the first time since 2009,” she added.

Locke Burger open state-of-the-art food truck

WE ARE thrilled to announce our newest venture: a state of the art food-truck - now proudly serving our signature burgers in the heart of Bunratty, on the courtyard of The Creamery Pub & Food Barn. Customers can dine on the courtyard, allowing for freedom to enjoy drinks and cocktails directly from The Creamery to elevate the experience even further! Collection, takeaway and large group orders are also available.

HISTORY & ESTABLISHMENT:

Born during the pandemic, Locke Burger began as a food truck on the courtyard of The Locke Bar in Limerick City. Mandatory outdoor dining regulations at the time allowed Locke Burger to prosper and become a firm favourite among Limerick customers, opening the first brick-and-mortar location on George’s Quay in Limerick City in 2021, shortly followed by a second location in Castletroy during 2022 and now we are returning to our roots as a food truck in Bunratty.

WHAT MAKES LOCKE BURGER SO UNIQUE? At Locke Burger, we don’t just do burgers - we do Locke Burgers. When establishing the original food truck, our Head Chef Richard Costello researched global cuisine and searched for the finest beef producers across Ireland’s Golden Vale. He soon came to the conclusion that Locke Burgers should be different to all other offerings on the market. Our signature blend of locally sourced Black Angus and Hereford Irish beef are dry-aged for 28 days. This technique, used by the world’s best steak restaurants allows for an incredible depth of flavour and celebration of Irish beef. Once butchered and minced, our patties are added to a soft potato bun with fresh salads and premium sauces.

AWARDS & RECOGNITION:

After winning the ‘Ireland’ heat by popular customer vote in 2023, brothers Richard and Jack Costello from Locke Burger represented Irish restaurants and takeaways at the Uber Eats “Restaurant of the Year Awards”. While they were pipped to the top spot by English competitors, feedback from the judges - including Prue Lieth (Great British Bake Off) and Monica Galetti (Masterchef) - was that Locke Burger was ‘a delicious celebra-

tion of Irish beef’.

WHAT TO EXPECT AT NEW LOCATION:

Locke Burger Bunratty will be offering all of the top customer favourites from our Limerick City brick-and-mortar locations including our signature beef burgers, hand coated and freshly fried buttermilk chicken burgers, fresh-cut rosemary fries, loaded fries, milkshakes, desserts. Every month, we showcase a new creation with our monthly burger and milkshake specials.

As Locke Burger’s 6oz patties are made with 100% pure Irish beef, almost any burger on the menu can be customised to your liking and made gluten free. For vegetarians and vegans, our Impossible Burger is 100% plant based and is a delicious alternative. DINE ON THE COURTYARD OF THE CREAMERY:

What could be better than enjoying a gourmet burger, creamy milkshake or gluttonous loaded fries in the picturesque outdoor setting of Bunratty? Pair it with a cold pint from The Creamery Pub & Food Barn! Customers can order at the bar and enjoy their drinks on the courtyard alongside their Locke Burger treats.

DEALS AND SPECIAL OFFERS:

If you still need a reason to visit Locke Burger Bunratty, why not take advantage of our daily deals and special offers?

€10 Midweek Lunch Deal: ANY burger (Beef, Chicken, or Vegetarian) and a portion of rosemary fries. Available Monday to Friday from 12pm - 4pm.

Tuesday Milkshake Special: Any 3 Milkshakes €12. Mix & match any flavours including our monthly special!

OPENING HOURS AND AVAILABILITY ETC:

Whether you’re a local looking for a new lunch spot, a tourist exploring the sights of Bunratty Castle or simply a burger lover on the hunt for the next best bite - Locke Burger’s newest food truck on the courtyard of The Creamery Pub & Food Barn is a must-visit. Now open from 12pm, 7 days a week. Late night dining is available until 9.30PM (10pm Friday & Saturday). Join us in celebrating this new chapter for Locke Burger - where flavour and innovation meet, between two buns.

l Shannon Airport

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

Contract signed for 20 unit social housing development on Gort Road

by Páraic McMahon news@clareecho.ie

COOLSIVNA Construction Ltd have been appointed by Clare County Council as the contractor for the building of a new 20 unit social housing development on the Gort Rd in Ennis. Scheduled for completion in 2025, the development is funded by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. Construction is expected to commence on this project later this month. The new development will be made up of one, two, three and four-bedroom homes and will include a number of specially adapted units.

Galway company Coolsivna Construction Ltd were last February awarded the €6m contractor for the construction of an 18 home social housing development in Scariff. They have also carried out large-scale education projects in the county such as the construction of 24 new classrooms at St Finnachta’s NS in Sixmilebridge

Notes

in 2016 and the €12.5m upgrade of Ennis Community College which was officially opened in January 2023. In April 2022, they also won the re-advertised contract of the new County Library building in Ennis.

Deputy Chief Executive of Clare County Council, Noeleen Fitzgerald, said, “These 20 housing units are part of an ambitious housing programme for the county and will make a significant contribution to the Council’s efforts to meet the housing need of applicants. This development is just one of the projects being delivered as part of Clare County Council’s housing programme which includes turnkey builds, acquisitions, buy and renew, approved housing body build and acquisition, and vacant property refurbishment. All these measures are co-ordinated, supported and delivered by the Housing team in Clare County Council to provide new homes for those on the social housing list”.

Pádraig MacCormaic, A/Senior Executive Officer, Social Development Directorate; Adrian Headd, A/Senior Engineer, Social Development Directorate

Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council, Councillor Alan O’Callaghan (FF), said he was encouraged by the progress being made in the

CLARECASTLE CULTURE NIGHT

As part of the Arts Council’s national Culture Night initiative, Clarecastle Culture Group are hosting an evening selection of culture in Hurst Botanicals Clarecastle on Friday 20th September from 7.30-11pm. Sponsored by Clare Co Co and Clarecastle Community Development, there will be a mix of music, song (open-mic) and spoken word. Artists include musician Padjo Dolan, playwright John O’Donovan, actor Conor Madden and international tenor Dean Power. Free admission.

WOMEN OF CUMANN NA MBAN

PROFESSIONAL historian Dr Martin Walsh FRHistS is researching and writing a book on the women of Ennis Cumann na Mban: their lives before, during and after the revolutionary period in Clare.

As part of the research for the book, he would like to speak with relatives of these extraordinary women to learn more about them. “Perhaps too they might have left behind diaries, letters and other material related to their activities with Cumann na Mban in Ennis that their descendants might be willing to share with me. Any help that the readers can give me is gratefully appreciated.”

Dr Martin Walsh can be contacted by email at tmartinwalsh@gmail.com

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS WEEK

Next week is Sustainable Development Goals Week 2024. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are 17 global goals set by the UN in 2015 to achieve a more sustainable and equitable future by 2030. As part of SDG Week 2024, Clare Libraries will host events encouraging us to live more sustainably through practical tips and resources. The following FREE events will take place in DeValera Library, Ennis:

Tuesday 17th September 6.00 - 7.45pm & Tuesday 24th September 6.00 - 7.45pm

Nicola Barnes: Sewing and upcycling

Breathe new life into your clothes with a free workshop on basic sewing techniques, taught by Nicola Barnes. Sewing tips and techniques, sashiko darning, hemming, hand sewing, threading a sewing machine (bring your own). Bring something to work on and a scissors. Supported by Creative Ireland. Booking is essential as spaces are limited. Please contact DeValera Library, Ennis on 065 6824207 or ennislibrary@clarecoco.ie for more information.

Thursday 26th September 6.30 -7.30pm

Sustainable Gardening and Biodiversity with Jimmy Spellissy Jimmy is the owner and guardian of Ennis Allotments in Cappahard. He is an environmentalist and biodiversity is a key topic dear to his heart. Join Jimmy for this free talk on how to garden more sustainably while protecting the biodiversity of your garden. All welcome. There’s no need to book for this event. Supported by Creative Ireland. Please contact DeValera Library, Ennis on 065 6824207 or ennislibrary@clarecoco.ie for more information.

delivery of social housing in the county, “The addition of this development continues the positive progress that has been achieved to date in Clare to address hous-

ing need. I look forward to seeing the completion and future occupancy of these homes, and to continued progress in housing delivery across the county”.

Jason Murphy, Director of Service, Social Housing Directorate, added, “I am delighted to see this scheme progress to the delivery stage. The project reflects the efforts of our team, working with our councillors and our colleagues in the Department of Housing in their ongoing commitment to meeting the housing need in County Clare. This project also reflects our commitment to providing safe and sustainable homes for local families. We look forward to seeing this development progress to completion”.

The project design team, managed by the Social Development Directorate in Clare County Council, includes Vincent Hannon Architects; Hassett Leyden Flynn and Associates, in the capacity of civil and structural engineers; Moloney Fox Consulting Engineers, as mechanical and electrical engineers; and Rogerson Reddan, as quantity surveyors.

Dromoland members help raise vital funds for Cahercalla

DROMOLAND Golf Club members have helped to raise more than €6,000 for Cahercalla Community Care in Ennis.

The Anderson Foundation Golf Tournament ran over the August Bank Holiday, with members and guests raising €3,225 over the weekend. This funding was generously matched by the Anderson Charitable Foundation, which was recently founded by Dromoland Golf Club members Richard & Jacqui Anderson.

The Andersons have been supporting Cahercalla for more than 20 years via golf tournaments at the club. This year the event organisers, Director of

Golf Eamon O’Donnell, Competitions Secretary Con Ryan, and Honorary Secretary Brian Kelly extended the competition over three days and invited members to bring guests at a reduced rate to maximise fundraising efforts for Cahercalla. Mr Kelly told The Clare Echo that members have been “extremely generous” in their fundraising efforts, “Over three days we trebled what we’d usually raise, taking in more than €3,200 for Cahercalla, and Jacqui and Richard said they would match it.”

The Anderson Foundation Cup was won by Brian Arthur and Trish O’Brien.

l Pictured following the appointment of contractors are (front l-r) Jason Murphy, Director of Service, Social Development Directorate; Noeleen Fitzgerald, Deputy Chief Executive; Alan O’Callaghan, Cathaoirleach; Patrick Gardiner, Managing Director, Coolsivna Construction Ltd; (back l-r)

l At the cheque presentation is (l-r) Jean Colleran (Lady Captain), Dr Michael Harty (Chairman of Cahercalla), Jacqui Anderson, Sheryl Knowles (Fundraising Manager Cahercalla), John O’Neill (Captain Dromoland Golf Club), and Richardson Anderson

‘We need full control of coastal walk’

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

CLARE COUNTY

COUNCIL’s Chief Executive has said they need to “full control” of the Cliffs of Moher coastal walk to make it safe.

Safety works commenced along sections of the 18km scenic coastal walk at the beginning of August in the wake of health and safety concerns raised following the tragic deaths of a 12-year old boy in July and the death of a woman in her twenties after she reportedly lost her footing when walking with friends.

Clare Local Development Company manage the walking route while the County Council is responsible for management and public safety of the 800m section of the walk at the Cliffs of Moher Experience site.

Launched in 2013, the official trail heads between Doolin Community Centre and Liscannor football field with the Cliffs of Moher in between and spawns across land belonging to 37 landowners.

In a joint motion before Monday’s meeting of the Council, Cllr Shane Talty (FF), Cllr Joe Garrihy (FG), Cllr Bill Slattery (FG) and

Cllr Joe Killeen (FF) “in light of recent developments” called on the Chief Executive “to urgently engage with Clare Local Development Company to discuss the future management of the walk”.

Acting Director of Tourism Development with the Council, John O’Malley said the Council, CLDC, Fáilte Ireland, the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Cliffs of Moher Experience are working with landowners “in a planned and managed way to pave a new sustainable future for the coastal walk”.

In December, consulting engineers TOBIN were appointed to develop a management plan for the coastal walk “which will be sympathetic to the environment, meet the needs of the host community and address the issue of safety for public users of the walk”.

Chief Executive of the Council, Pat Dowling said the “overriding issue is public welfare, nothing else. As one of the agencies involved, one of the reasons people come to enjoy our coastline is because we’ve opened up a very successful visitor

centre, as a public body I’m very conscious of our duty of care. Some years ago when it was growing in popularity I was conscious of the importance of safely enjoying the Cliff Walk. There are 37 landowners from Hags Head to Doolin, currently we’ve a licensing agreement with seven of them”.

Dowling believed it was “quite logical” to now look to extend their 1km stretch on either side of the walk. “I’ve sought a meeting which was to take place with CLDC this morning but was called off this morning for legitimate reasons,” he told Monday’s meeting.

He told councillors, “we successfully negotiated with the first tranche of farmers and I’m confident we can do it again”.

Speaking on Monday, Cllr Talty pointed out, “the Cliff Walk and the Visitor Centre are one of the same, it cannot continue where they are marketed as two separate entities”.

Landowners “won’t see a way forward” if they are told there are “five or six entities involved”, he said while stressing it must be established who the management agency is.

“The walk has been a great success since it was launched in 2013, it has outgrown its model of the time. It is currently temporarily closed in sections of it, press releases have suggested it might be reopened in 30 days but I don’t believe that is possible,” he said. “If it is going to be a worldwide tourism product then it needs to be under the remit of

the visitor centre,” the Lahinch man added.

Success of the walk and erosion of parts have made it “unsafe,” Cllr Killeen believed. Fencing that was put in place has been removed against the advice issued, he claimed. “The landowners are stuck between a rock and a hard place right on the edge of the Cliffs of Moher,” he said. “It is getting complicated now, landowners need to be assured that there is a competent plan in place and that walk can be restored”.

Cllr Michael Begley (IND) added, “Sitting down with CLDC urgently is a key to get a solution to do it. I suspect it might not be opened in 12 months because the whole thing is so complicated at the moment”.

Samaritans to support revellers at Lisdoonvarna

VOLUNTEERS from Samaritans will support revellers at Lisdoonvarna on the weekend 13th to 15th Sept, offering emotional support to those in need or struggling to cope.

Thousands of people are expected to join the celebrations over the coming days, but for some the weekend may be challenging.

Samaritans Festival Branch will be on duty from Friday night to Sunday morning in the town, offering support to those who look lost in the crowd. Last year, volunteers supported 220 callers, including six who expressed suicidal feelings

Samaritans volunteer and Festival Director, Anne Carlisle, said: “Weekends like Lisdoonvarna are designed to be fun and enjoyable occasions for all, including participants and visitors. However, for some people it can be a case of ‘lost in a crowd’, albeit in a festival atmosphere. They may be overwhelmed by feelings of loss and/or despair because of what’s happening in their lives.

“We know that men in particular tend to bottle up their emotions, for a variety of reasons. By being present at this event, we want people to know that Samaritans are there to listen, give time and support, in a face-to-face setting, to anyone feeling under pressure, for whatever reason.”

Anne believes that sometimes it is “just easier to talk and share things with a stranger”.

“As Samaritans, we are trained to listen. We do not and cannot assume to know anyone’s full situation, so we don’t advise. We don’t offer solutions, but we do give people time and space to talk, to express their feelings, and we help them to explore options, in dealing with any issues facing them,” she added.

Samaritans Festival Branch attend approximately eight festivals each summer, supporting hundreds of people every year.

Samaritans’ presence at Lisdoonvarna will complement freephone helpline and email service. Anyone struggling can call us on our free to call number 116 123 - 24 hours a day, seven days a week – or email jo@samaritans.ie.

Time to think about next spring!

AUTUMNAL colour is creeping into our gardens and all around some leaves are starting to fall, and the evening are getting that little bit cooler.

This is a reminder to start thinking about bringing in some soft plants like geraniums and possible the new guinea bizzie lizzie and coleus plants they can continue to flower inside over the next few months.

Autumn bulbs are now available - whether you were going to expand the collection of daffodils or add a new tulip bed, now is the time to be thinking of next Spring.

The Snowdrops are the first to poke their heads up can be planted 2 to 3 inches deep with pointed end up and space bulbs 3 inches

apart.

The Blue bells they are a vibrant bluebell shaped flower, they love woodland and give a carpet effect or under tree planting. They can be planted 4 to 5 inches deep and space 4 to 6 apart.

The Crocus are lovely collection of a mix of colour, to plant crocus 3 to 4 inches deep and 3 inches apart and you can plant a single colour block they love the sun or can do in partial shade.

The daffodil collection grows each year, there are so many to choose from whether you want a block of one colour or mixed daffodil they give a lovely spring show. Planting bulbs 6 to 8 inches deep and 3 to 6 inches apart.

Miniature daffodils are one of

my favourites they are ideal for pots and the garden, I love to use them from now on in any pots I make up.

Tulips are iconic spring-blooming flowers that grow from bulbs, and are well loved for their vibrant colours and elegant shape. They come in a wide range of colours and form, making them highly versatile in landscaping.

Planting the tulips 6 to 8 inches deep pointed end facing up and spacing 4 to 6 inches apart.

So bulbs are normally clustered planted in 3 or 5 or 7 for impact.

“Spring bulbs are natures promise, tucked beneath the soil, quietly waiting to burst forth in a symphony of colour and renewal.”

‘Serious concern’ over Kilkishen speeding

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

“SERIOUS CONCERN” is growing in Kilkishen on the rate of speeding occurring in the East Clare village.

A public meeting was held in Kilkishen on Thursday last with members of the community keen to see some form of measures brought in to slow down traffic coming through the village.

At this month’s sitting of the Killaloe Municipal District, Cllr Joe Cooney (FG) tabled a motion calling on the local authority “to put speed ramps in the village of Kilkishen to slow traffic in the interest of road safety”.

Acting senior executive engineer in the Killaloe MD, Declan Flanagan said that a speed survey was

conducted on the main street in Kilkishen within the past two weeks.

“The 85th percentile speeds are in line with the adopted speed limit of 50Km/hr in the center of the Village.

On the approach roads to the village, there are issues regarding speed of traffic,” he stated.

Flanagan outlined, “In early 2023 new gateway signs and line marking were introduced as a measure to slow down vehicles entering the Village.

On foot of this Notice of Motion over the next few weeks we will be installing 50km/hr text on red circle backgrounds on the road surface throughout the village as a reminder to drivers to comply with the speed limit and we will monitor to see if this will be effective over the course of the next few months”.

Long-term plans to tackle speeding in Kilkishen are being reviewed, the engineer stated. “On a long-term perspective, we have engaged with a consultant to review the entire village, we had a recent site meeting to discuss appropriate measures to reduce speed with build outs, tree lined landscape, the possibility of raised tables at Junctions and road narrowing in places. This is a long term plan which will be focused on measures to reduce speeding. A funding stream will need to be sourced following approval from the local community and elected members”.

Speaking at the meeting, Cllr Cooney requested an update on what needed to be done to get speed ramps for Kilkishen. “There is serious concern there and there is no

point saying there isn’t”.

In response, Flanagan said there were “a couple of measures” but that the village needed to be assessed first. “It is speeding from both approaches. We will come up with a plan and present a plan and go to seek funding”. Once this plan has been formulated, officials from the Council will sit down with members of the community in Kilkishen.

Traffic control measures were in “every village in Cork I went to,” Cllr Pat Hayes (FF) told the meeting. “In Dromindoora people have to slow down when they see a truck coming,” he commented. He added, “every councillor got hell on the election canvass over speeding and if they didn’t they weren’t listening to the people”.

Fingers on the pulse

Kinvara showcases Pride of Place

KINVARA was placed under the Pride of Place spotlight on Thursday and Friday when adjudicators for the 22nd annual all-island competition visited Co Galway.

Alongside Williamstown, Kinvara is seeking to emulate the county’s longstanding track record of success in the competition, which is run by Co-Operation Ireland to recognise and celebrate the vital contributions that communities make to society.

They will be hoping to secure a place on the winner’s podium at the overall IPB Pride of Place Gala Dinner & Award Ceremony at the Hillgrove Hotel in Monaghan on November 2nd.

Kinvara Tidy Towns has been selected by Galway County Council to represent County Galway in the ‘Climate Action and Biodiversity’ Award category, which was won by Creggs Rural Develop-

ment Group in 2023. During last week’s visit by Pride of Place judges, local representatives outlined how the collaborative efforts of the wider community towards climate action and biodiversity have culminated in the development of the Biodiversity Action Plan 2021-2024, which was developed in partnership with Burrenbeo and the Kinvara Ballinderreen Tree

Gang. The Plan has so far led to the planting of more than 9,000 native trees by local families, landowners, schools and community groups. The Community Climate Action grant application submitted on behalf of eight local groups was successful thus will facilitate the rollout of many biodiversity and climate actions throughout the community.

Further work highlighted during the judges’ visit included the development of a new Biodiversity and Heritage Plan for 20242027 and collaborative projects with Kinvara Hockey, Kinvara GAA, Kinvara Community Council, residents, schools and businesses to develop habitat mapping, a biodiversity trail, and a series of wildlife and biodiversity citizen science ex-

ploration projects with the local schools in conjunction with local Ecologists and Galway County Council. Sustainability initiatives by Kinvara Plastic Free and Kinvara Tidy Towns were also outlined, including plastic-free awareness campaigns in schools and to communities first public realm water filling station to permanently reduce consumption of single-use plastic in the community. All local groups are members of the Kinvara & District Sustainable Energy Group, which has completed a Master Energy Audit of the village to underpin large energy upgrades of community facilities. Located in the northeast of the county on the Galway/Roscommon border, the village of Williamstown has been selected by Galway County Council to represent County Galway in the ‘0-300 Population’ Award category.

First Gort Arts members show

THE Gort Arts Group is to launch its frst member’s exhibition on Culture Night, Friday September 20 in an intimate seting in the heart of Gort town.

The exhibition titled Beginnings promises to be a vibrant showcase of the diverse talent of its 25 participating artists. The show will feature painting, sculpture, photography, mixed media, and ceramics. Curated by Galway based artist Conor Burke, the exhibition celebrates the accomplished artistic community in Gort.

Gort Arts is honoured to hold the exhibition at the former studio of renowned artist and potter Michael Kennedy on Boland’s Lane.

Part of the Beginnings exhibition will feature collaboratively made willow lantern pieces, created in a community workshop run by artist Shona MacGillivray. The lanterns will form an outdoor installation in the courtyard at the entrance to the potery studio.

On Saturday September 21st printmaker and illustrator Esther Blodau will host a workshop in mono-print, dry point and collagraph printing techniques in the Harvest Studios, also on Boland’s Lane from 11-4pm. In tandem with the exhibition and Culture Night, puppeteer and member of Gort Arts, Tommy Baker performs his new puppet show for adults ‘Luca in Limbo’ at the Gort Town Hall at 8pm.

Beginnings will launch on Friday, September 20th with the local youth orchestra, Sonic Strings playing music and leading Gort pedestrians to the Kennedy potery studio for the show’s wine reception. Doors open at 6.30pm and an official launch with special guest Lelia Doolan will commence at 7pm. The show runs over the weekend and will be open to the public on Saturday 21st and Sunday 22nd 11am until 7pm.

Gort Arts was founded in 2022 and continues to grow as it aims to nurture artists, promote their work and advocate for the importance of art in the community.

Gort & South Galway

lLOOKING WELL: Pride of Place judges pictured with community representatives from Kinvara during an adjudication visit on Friday, September 6

lCOMMENTS: Councillor Joe Cooney (FG)

O’Callaghans Mills manager, PJ ‘Fingers’ O’Connell was pucking every ball with his side when they took on Scariff in the third round of the TUS Clare SHC

Photo byRuth Griffin

VANDELEUR WALLED GARDEN & VISITOR CENTRE

HARVEST FESTIVAL 2024

Want free access to events like our Harvest Festival and other year-round perks? Scan the QR code to buy a Local Access Pass!

Brian Markham, Acting Head of Operations at Vandeleur Walled Garden & Visitor Centre with his parents, Gerry and Joan Markham

All photographs by Eamon Ward Alison and Sophia Kalinina pictured with Charlie and Daniels Kalnins and at the Harvest Festival

Paddy and Mary McCarthy from Cooraclare chatting to artist Ailish Malone, who exhibited alongside Delaney Davis and Hazel Murray in a group exhibition

Vandeleur Garden Manager Karoy Torok pictured (right) with work colleagues Phil Crowley and Tom Corry. Circled is Eamonn Peters of Seven Acres Farm showcasing his produce at Vandeleur Walled Garden and Visitor Centre

Ulrich Arning from Gort and Jamie Smith from Tipperary

Karl McMahon and Cllr Rita McInerney enjoying the Harvest Day Clare O’Brien and her mother and Aoife enjoying the Harvest Festival

COUNTY CLARE’S rural traditions and craft producers were celebrated during the 2024 Vandeleur Walled Garden Harvest Day in Kilrush on Sunday. The family day out featured a range of activities, demonstrations and events such as a local producers market, demonstrations of traditional skills, a group artist exhibition and a local produce competition.

Fresh calls to open NCT centre in West Clare

FRESH CALLS have been made for an NCT centre to be opened in West Clare.

Currently the entire of the county is served by one NCT centre which is located on the Quin Rd in Ennis.

In May 2022, plans were scrapped for the opening of a second NCT centre which was to be situated in Shannon. The National Car Testing Service (NCTS) said the development was halted “due to significant contractual difficulties”, and that “alternative locations in the area are being sourced”.

Construction work had already commenced in the summer of 2021 on the centre which was to be located in the Smithstown Industrial Estate and was set to be operational by the end of 2021.

Having tabled a motion in March 2019 seeking that West Clare be considered as the home for a NCT centre, Cllr Gabriel Keating (FG, pictured) has this month reignited that bid. He proposed that Clare County Council “call on the Road Safety Authority to locate a second N.C.T Centre in Co. Clare”.

Speaking on Monday, Cllr Keating stat ed, “it is now time for the Minister for Transport to address the incompetent service in operation. An arrangement with a company operating on a mo nopoly basis is not fit for purpose. The carry out of car tests on private vehicles is mandatory. This proposal would have the potential to provide employment at local level for many people and enhanced opportunities for apprenticeships. It is five years ago since I first pro posed this, if anything the situation has got worse”.

Seconding the propos al, Cllr Ian Lynch (IND) pointed out, “We found a property and some one willing to operate it in West Clare but we heard nothing since”. He previously flagged the matter at the May 2023 meeting of the West Clare

Municipal District and was told that they would be writing to Minister for Transport, Eamon Ryan (GP) on behalf of elected members.

Prior to getting elected, Cllr Michael Shannon (FF) said he wrote to the NCTS asking them to relocate a new centre to West Clare. “People with suitable premises came to me in Kilrush and Miltown Malbay, there’s plenty of suitable places,” he commented. “We need a second centre in the county, I believe it should be in West Clare, people are waiting four to six months

for an appointment. The people of West Clare deserve the second centre”.

Ennis based, Cllr Tom O’Callaghan (FF) pointed out, “the NCT model was brought in to have no backlogs but there are backlogs and more cars on the road”.

An update on Cllr Keating’s motion tabled five years ago was sought by Cllr Joe Cooney (FG), “what was the feedback”. He added, “I’d like to compliment the staff in the existing centre who are working long hours”.

Cllr Keating replied, “The feedback I got was the contractor has no plans to open another centre. We need a better service”. He continued, “it is not good enough, we are not moving with the times”.

Mayor of Clare, Cllr Alan O’Callaghan (FF) said he booked an appointment in August and will be waiting until the beginning of November, “it is about eight days”.

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

Clare Echo slimmers almost there...

THE Clare Echo Slimmers are but one week away from their final weigh-in - and needless to say, Denise and Kieran are looking forward to the finish line.

Head of Sales with The Clare Echo, Denise Quinn is just three pounds from achieving her two stone target while Account Manager Kieran Murphy has readjusted his target and is on track to lose a still impressive stone in weight by the end of his challenge.

DENISE

This week I joined Martina’s Group at CBS primary School at 10.30am. It was a great way to start the morning as I walked to and from the group and felt super for the day .

Martina discussed Supercharge your weight loss with extra easy SP (PH 105 of food optimising book).

S and P free food is speed free food and protein rich free food. So I planned to Supercharge my weight loss to help reach my target and I was delighted this week with a 2 and a half pound loss.

I am nearly there now with just

lALMOST THERE: Denise with leader Martina

3lbs to go so I will continue this week eating lots of speed free food and protein rich free food to help me to get my 2 stone loss.

KIERAN

I kind of knew as I got closer to weigh-in this week there would be no change in my weight. However, people are beginning to notice my weight loss so that’s a huge plus and a boost to the ego. What I have learned from the ladies in Slimming World is that we are all on a journey and there will be ups and downs but with the right

SLIMMER PROFILE

Denise

mindset and support you can reach your goals. For the week ahead I will keep my focus and go for that pesky stone loss. Roll on my onestone award, watch this space.

I joined Pamela’s 8am group at the West County on Tuesday. What I took from this class was the importance of setting goals and showing up. September is the

perfect time to hit the reset button. Pamela discussed the importance of setting mini-achievable targets in order to achieve realistic goals.

She noted the health benefits of weight loss such as reduced cholesterol and the avoidance of diabetes.

Slimming World Venue Details

Louise: Friday at 9.30am, Newmarket on Fergus Community Hall, V95 RH93. Facebook: Slimming World Newmarket on Fergus

Tarah: Monday at 7pm, Hope Cafe In Shannon, also at Treacys West County Ennis every Tuesday at 5.30pm and 7pm. Facebook: Slimming World with Tarah

Pamela: Tuesday and Thursday 8am and 9.30 am at Treacys West County Ennis. Also on Wednesday 4pm and 5.30pm Teach Ceoil Church Ennistymon.

Facebook: Slimming World Ennis & Ennistymon with Pamela

Martina: Saturday at CBS primary school, New Road Ennis 8.30am and 10.30am. Facebook: Follow Slimming World Southcourt and Caherconlish

SLIMMER PROFILE

Kieran

Can’t wait, tell me more... Slimming World are currently recruiting Leaders for several areas. If you are interested and would like to learn more about the benefits you are welcome to the Radison Blu Hotel & Spa, Ennis Road, Limerick V94 YA2R On Friday September 13 at 6.30pm or Call Martina on 089 407 9264.

Unlock benefits of EMS training: proven to be for everyone

In the previous issue, I shared my passion for EMS (Electro Muscle Stimulation) training, and how it has transformed my life. Today, I want to dive deeper into the numerous benefits of EMS training and why it’s truly a fitness solution for everyone.

Time-Efficient Workouts

One of the biggest advantages of EMS training is how it maximises results in minimal time. A typical EMS session lasts just 20 minutes, yet it’s equivalent to hours of conventional strength training. This makes it perfect for those with busy schedules who still want to achieve significant fitness goals.

Full-Body Activation

EMS training engages up to 90% of your muscles simultaneously, which is far more than traditional workouts where only specific muscles are targeted. This comprehensive muscle activation not only improves strength but also enhances muscle balance and coordination.

Safe and Low-Impact

Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or just starting your fitness journey, EMS training is adaptable to all fitness levels. The low-impact nature of EMS makes it an excellent option for

those recovering from injuries or with joint concerns. It can aldo be beneficial for individuals experiencing back pain. It strengthens muscles without putting stress on the joints and back, reducing the risk of injury.

Enhanced Muscle Strength & Endurance

Scientific studies have shown that EMS training can lead to significant improvements in muscle strength and endurance. The electrical impulses used in EMS mimic the natural signals sent by the nervous system, leading to more efficient muscle contractions and greater gains in strength.

Boosted Metabolism and Fat Loss

EMS training is a powerful tool for those looking to shed pounds. The intense muscle engagement during EMS sessions increases your metabolism, helping your body burn more calories even after the workout is over. This makes it an effective method for fat loss and body toning.

Activated Deeper Muscle Fibers

Traditional workouts often neglect deep muscle fibers, leading to imbalances and limited progress. mihabodytec’s EMS technology targets these neglected areas, activating even

the deepest muscle fbers.

This comprehensive approach ensures a well-rounded, balanced physique, enhancing your overall strength and stability. It can also be a solution to urinary incontinence. EMS stimulates the pelvic floor muscles, which play a key role in bladder control. By strengthening these muscles, EMS can help improve urinary control and reduce or eliminate incontinence

symptoms.

Suitable for All Ages and Fitness Levels

Whether you’re young or old, a fitness enthusiast, or a beginner, EMS training can be tailored to your needs. The workout intensity can be adjusted to match your fitness level, making it accessible and beneficial for everyone.

Conclusion

EMS training is more than just a fitness trend—it’s a proven, effective workout method suitable for everyone. Whether you’re looking to save time, recover from an injury, or enhance your strength and endurance, EMS offers a versatile and efficient solution.

Considerations for Medical Conditions

While EMS training offers numerous benefits, it’s important to note that there are some medical conditions where EMS may not be recommended. It may not be suitable for pregnant individuals, and those with certain medical conditions, such as epilepsy or pacemakers, but on your first sessions we conduct health assessments to determine suitability and make appropriate recommendations for each client. Give it a try, and you might find it’s the perfect fit for your lifestyle!

Increase in young people availing of suicide bereavement support services

by Stuart Holly editor@clareecho.ie

AN INCREASING number of young people are reaching out for suicide bereavement support services in Clare.

That’s according to Maria of Clare Suicide Bereavement Support, a group which offers confidential emotional support to individuals, families and communities throughout County Clare.

Clare Suicide Bereavement Support operates from its office in Roslevan, Ennis where client confidentially is of utmost importance to support workers, or befrienders as they are known.

“We are trained volunteers,” explains Maria. “We are not counsellors or therapists, we are trained to listen compassionately and our training is in the area of suicide bereavement.”

Maria has been volunteering with Clare Suicide Bereavement Support for two decades and speaking about the increased demand for services amongst young people, she told The Clare Echo that they provide a safe space where “people who feel very isolated in their grief can come and feel very comfortable sitting and being listened to.

“We offer the service to individuals, families, children and teenagers and we actually are finding that we are getting more young people, teenagers and adolescents getting in touch with us looking for support.

“Sometimes we think we have to give an-

swers and there are no answers to suicidebut what people just want is space where they can rehash that really complicated grief and go over and over it if they need to without worrying about being judged or being analysed.”

Maria notes that children grieve very differently to adults.

“They will often admit to us that they sit at the bottom of the stairs and are eaves-dropping and they are getting the information but they haven't got that support of adults there with them to break down the information for them and explain it to them, so that's why we would get a lot of people touching base with us.”

Clare Suicide Bereavement Support has two support lines, where people can speak to a coordinator to set up an informal meeting with a one of their 14 trained befrienders at a remote location or at Innovation House in Roslevan. All supports at CSBS are free of cost.

She adds that many visitors will have experienced a recent bereavement, while “other times it can be years and years down the road”.

One of the biggest challenges for those bereaved by suicide is taking the first step to seek support. Maria notes that suicide bereavement is “a very, very complicated grief” which car-ries “a certain stigma”.

Maria encourages members of the public to support those who have been bereaved

World Suicide Prevention Day

WORLD Suicide Prevention Day is a global public health day which aims to raise awareness and understanding about suicide prevention and to mobilise support for action from local and international communities.

World Suicide Prevention Day is a time when we can demonstrate to others in our lives and communities, that there is hope. Even though suicide is a very complex issue, we should always signal to people who are vulnerable or experiencing suicidal thoughts, that we care and want to support them. This helps to create a more compassionate society where those who need to, feel more comfortable in coming forward to seek help.

If someone tells you they have been thinking about suicide, stay calm and don’t be afraid.

There are lots of helpful things you can do in situations like this and there are training programmes that can help you to prepare for them.

For example, if you complete suicide prevention training from the HSE, such as the 60 minute Let’s Talk About Suicide online programme, you will learn to recognise and identify people who might be at risk of suicide, confidently ask them about suicide, and connect them with resources that can help.

WHO

IS ‘LET’S TALK ABOUT SUICIDE’ TRAINING FOR?

Let’s Talk About Suicide is an introductory training programme that is suitable for anyone over the age of 18 who wants to learn basic suicide prevention skills. Participants do not need to complete any training before Let’s Talk About Suicide – in fact, it is a helpful introduction to the topic for anyone considering attending more comprehensive training programmes in the future. These might include more advanced face-to-face programmes (such as safeTALK or ASIST) available from the HSE.

by suicide. “The stigma and isolation makes people uncomfortable and unsure…when some people meet a person who has been bereaved by suicide, they don’t know how to handle it. Often they think ‘God, I can’t talk to him or her about their loved one’ whereas very often all they want is somebody to say ‘tell me about whoever it is that died’ so they can actually have a happy memory, because a lot of that time they’re in that negative space dealing with that complicat-ed grief.”

CSBS offer a variety of supports including 1-1 befriending, community group supports and an 8-week healing programme. The organisation also offers support to non-English speakers through the use of a HSE-approved translator. Following the 8-week healing programme, there are monthly support meetings for those grieving for a loved one.

Speaking about the healing programme, Maria adds, “It can focus on the feelings you go through when you’re bereaved by suicide; guilt, denial, anxiety, shock and so on. In doing that, they are meeting other people who

are walking the same walk as them and that’s where bonds and attachments can form. Our experience is, when you bring people together that have had that same experience, they become really good at supporting each other, moreso than the rest of us can.”

“We give people an opportunity to share their stories, there’s lots of tears and sadness but there’s lots of fun and happy moments too and we always invite people to tell us about their loved one, to share their happy memories as well as the challenging ones.”

CSBS host an annual service for those who have received support, where a picture of the person’s loved one is placed in a sacred space and a candle is lit for them. “We call out that person’s name, and a lot of people love to come back to that,” adds Maria.

To avail of support services at Clare Suicide Bereavement Support or to enquire about becoming a befriender, call 086 056 53 73 or 087 369 83 15. For more information, visit claresuicidebereavement.com.

GREEN CLARE

Biodiversity study sought for Corrovorrin River

Moneypoint a major part of our 'untapped potential'

by

PÁRAIC

MCMAHON paraic@clareecho.ie

AN APPEAL has made for a biodiversity study and action plan to be carried out for the Corrovorrin River.

MIn a proposal put before Monday’s meeting of Clare County Council, Cllr Tommy Guilfoyle (SF) sought greater efforts to protect the undeveloped existing riverside corridor in Ennis.

INISTER for the Environment, Eamon Ryan (GP) has pinpointed Moneypoint as a vital component in Ireland reducing its energy emissions.

He pointed out that the River Fergus, its banks and surrounds “play a major role in our county’s flood defences. Alongside that serious func-

of river is unpolluted and at satisfactory condition. Further downstream at the Tulla Rd monitoring station it drops to a Q3-4 which indicates a moderate water framework directive status,” she outlined.

ing from renewable sources, this was met in 2020. Now, he wants this doubled to 80 percent by 2030.

ences the nature of potential development which can be accommodated there. It is intended that lands zoned ‘open space’ will be retained as undeveloped open space, mainly for passive open space related activities”.

Zoning arrangements were made in the County Development Plan, Quinn flagged.

“To protect the river corridor and its function as both a flood plain for the Corrovorrin River and its function as a riparian zone, the undeveloped riverside corridor has been zoned as ‘buffer space’ from Kevin Barry’s Avenue to

Members of the Shannon Estuary Economic Taskforce are currently assessing the strategic strengths and comparative advantages of the Estuary will be assessed by the Taskforce while also scoping out potential economic opportunities. The group is to have a report compiled by the end of November.

Barry O’Sullivan recently met with Minister Ryan and for the Green Party leader their engagement hammered home the possibilities for the entire region surrounding the Shannon Estuary.

“I’m convinced we can do it, one of the ways we can do it is by switching offshore, our sea area is seven times our land area, there is a limit in Kerry as to how much turbines you can put up in any area but at sea, the resource is huge and the wind power is really strong,” he stated.

Communications, Energy and Natural Resources from 2007 to 2011, Ryan set a target of 40 percent of the country’s energy com-

tion, it also plays a massive role in our county’s wildlife and biodiversity. To enable the Clare County Council to protect these key functions, I request that the Clare County Council carry out a Biodiversity Study and create an Action Plan on the Corrovorrin River (Fergus Minor) from the former West Clare metal bridge (adjacent to Aughanteeroe Estate) downstream to its confluence with the Fergus River at the railway metal bridge (adjacent to Knox’s Bridge) in order to protect the existing undeveloped riverside corridor for biodiversity and nature-based flood solutions”.

Senior planner, Helen Quinn acknowledged that the Corrovorrin River “plays a vital role in the overall water quality of the River Fergus”.

It is monitored by the EPA with the latest river water quality results nearest the Gort Rd returning a Q value of Q4 “which equates to ‘good’ status under the Water Framework Directive indicating that this stretch

connecting to both Tarbert and Moneypoint, you can put that electricity onto that grid to power the country.

Quinn continued, “It is also noted that this stretch of the Corrovorrin River is completely within Flood Zone A which will influence the potential for future development along this corridor. Building

Offshore wind energy by Moneypoint is central to this. Speaking on Radio Kerry’s flagship current affairs show, Kerry Today, Minister Ryan outlined, “We will have a lot of offshore wind which will come into shore at the Shannon Estuary, that’s where we have the deep-wa

“When the wind isn’t blowing, the ESB are saying we should do and everyone in Europe is now talking about and starting to do, you convert the electricity into hydrogen and use electrolysis, it is a new but advancing technology, when the wind isn’t blowing you burn the hydrogen to generate

climate change resilience into the County Development Plan was a central consideration to both the zoning of lands and the development of objectives for economic growth. All land use zonings were assesed from a flood risk and environmental perspective to ensure resilience and adaptation were accounted for throughout. This led to the inclusion of significant areas of buffer zone which will be protected due to

An auction for the country’s first “major offshore projects” is to commence this year on the east coast, Minister Ryan said. “Most of them you drive the turbines into the sand banks on the coast, we’re now planning phase two which goes to the west and south-west, it can be done”.

In the past fortnight, the Irish government approved the procurement of 450 megawatts of emergency generators to help close

their location adjacent to river channels, the presence of important wildlife corridors or their importance for biodiversity. As funding opportunities arise, the planning authority will seek to prepare Biodiversity Studies and Action Plans for key sites across the county, including Ennis. Given the importance of the Corrovorin River this will be added as one of the sites that can potentially be studied in due course as funding allows”.

€350m.

Decisions on open space use and its protection were welcomed by Cllr Guilfoyle. He raised concern on the drop of water quality “down along the river” and questioned why this was the case and what could be done to improve it”.

Minister Ryan insisted that this was necessary. “We will have emergency generators to provide back up as well, we do need that, the really big strategic option by 2030 what we’re planning to have is 5GW of offshore wind and to put that in scale, that is equivalent to the amount of energy we’re using at the current time.

“Climate and biodiversity are key components of any zoning,” remarked Cllr Donna McGettigan (SF) when seconding the proposal.

"We by 2030 can deliver that level, then the following decade and this is the really big industrial plan for the country, we can use that to go further to really tap into the

the confluence with the Fergus in the Clare County Development Plan 2023-2029”.

"If you look at what the likes of ESB are proposing and look at Moneypoint on the other side of the Estuary and similar with Tar bert on this side, you’ve all you need there, you have a really good deep water jetty so any ships can get in, you have a platform there which you could deploy turbines out but what the ESB want to do, you bring the offshore wind in there, you use the grid which we have, there’s major electricity wires

She explained, “Buffer spaces are intended to provide a buffer of undeveloped land for the conservation of biodiversity, visual amenity or green space. Buffer spaces may include natural features such as floodplains, riparian zones, turloughs, valuable biodiversity areas including designated sites, amenity areas, woodlands, hedgerows, green spaces and archaeological features. A riparian buffer zone is a strip of vegetated land running parallel to the river which acts as a protection strip for the river. This strip must be large enough to protect the ecological integrity of the river and the riparian zone but can incorporate amenity uses provided it is done sensitively with minimal impact on the water and riparian environment. The remainder of the riparian zone from Dulick to Kevin Barry Avenue has been zone as Open Space which influ-

Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

Tommy Guilfoyle (SF)

Councillors seek to upgrade recycling centres to one stop shop

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

CONFIDENCE has been expressed by Clare’s councillors that recycling centres in the county are in line for an upgrade.

Regional Public Waste Infrastructure Managers are due to be appointed in Clare following a report by the Department of the Environment which analysed the function and financing of recycling centres and facilities across the country.

In a proposal before the County Council, Cllr Pat O’Gorman (FF) requested the local authority “to upgrade all their recycling centres to recycling and transfer stations, like what we currently have in operation in Scariff”.

Senior engineer with the Council, Cyril Feeney acknowledged that the five facilities in the coun-

ty, two of which are recycling centres and three are waste transfer stations “play a significant role in waste management in County Clare. The Waste Transfer Stations are designed in particular to cater for waste streams outside current kerbside collection systems such as hazardous, WEEE, wood, metals, paints, green waste etc. They also complement, and in some instances provide an alternative option to kerbside collection of household wastes. The Recycling Centres and Transfer Stations have evolved to changing circumstances such as privatised waste management, changing waste compositions, circular economy considerations and legislative changes”.

This level of change prompted the Department of Environment, Climate & Communications to com-

mission analysing the function and financing of the facilities.

Feeney noted, “This national report by the regional waste management planning offices focused on the operations at 30 of the 96 local authority Recycling Centres and Waste Transfer Stations and the long-term sustainability of their operations. The report recommends the appointments of Regional Public Waste Infrastructure Managers (RPWIM) to oversee the integration of this public recycling and waste infrastructure.

“Among the recommendations are to designate Recycling Centres / Transfer Stations following a service hierarchy and set of standards to ensure appropriate national coverage of the various services provided by the sites on a regional basis. We are currently awaiting the

appointment of the RPWIM which will inform the next steps to be taken in the designation/integration of Recycling Centres and Waste Transfer Stations in County Clare”.

Speaking at Monday’s Council meeting, Cllr O’Gorman referenced that a difference exists on the type of recycling centres in the county. He pointed out that three mattresses were illegally dumped in Meelick recently but if they had been brought to the recycling centre in Shannon that “they would have been turned away” which he disagreed with.

Seconding the proposal, Cllr Donna McGettigan (SF) commented, “The Shannon facility is always busy, bringing everything to the one place as a one stop shop would be fantastic and it would help reduce the dumping that is going on”. Cllr

John Crowe (FG) observed, “We have an excellent facility in Shannon. We have a major problem with dumping in our area”.

Illegal dumping in South Clare has “become such a prevalent issue,” remarked Cllr Rachel Hartigan (FF), “Having more facilities there for people to dump their waste legally and safely is very important”.

Mayor of Clare, Cllr Alan O’Callaghan (FF) was in favour of bringing the five facilities “up to a level where they can accept everything to which Cllr O’Gorman replied, “I have a good feeling that it might happen”.

WE ALL experience inflammation at some point, whether it’s due to an injury, illness, or a chronic condition. It’s that painful swelling and discomfort that can really mess with how we feel and slow down our body’s natural healing processes. What makes inflammation particularly challenging is that it can block the delivery of oxygen to our cells, which is crucial for keeping them healthy. If a cell does not receive adequate oxygen this can have a knock-on effect on other bodily functions, This is where Hyperbaric Oxygenation, or HBOT, comes in as a powerful tool to help reduce inflammation and support recovery.

Oxygen is essential for our cells to function properly—it’s like the fuel that keeps everything running smoothly. But when inflammation occurs, it’s like a traffic jam, slowing down or even blocking the oxygen that needs to reach our cells. This can make the healing process take much longer than it should. HBOT can help clear this “traffic jam” by providing a much higher dose of oxygen than we can get just by breathing normally.

During an HBOT session at Ox-

yGeneration, you sit in a special chamber where the air pressure is increased, allowing your lungs to take in a lot more oxygen. This extra oxygen then gets delivered to your cells, even in areas where inflammation has made it difficult for oxygen to reach. By doing this, HBOT helps reduce swelling, eases pain, and speeds up the healing process.

One of the great things about HBOT is that it’s not some new or experimental treatment. It’s been extensively studied and is widely recognised for its anti-inflammatory benefits. But, like with any treatment, knowing when and how to use HBOT is crucial. For example, if you’ve suffered a sports injury, getting an HBOT session within 48 hours can make a big difference in how quickly you recover. The sooner you get that extra oxygen to the injured area, the better.

On the other hand, if you’re dealing with a chronic condition where inflammation keeps coming back, the approach to HBOT might be different. In these cases, a healthcare provider might suggest a more tailored HBOT regimen, with sessions spread out over a longer pe-

riod to effectively manage ongoing inflammation.

Inflammation can arise from a variety of issues, not just traumatic injuries and can be a real obstacle to feeling your best. Autoimmune conditions, stress, and even allergies can trigger inflammation, making it a common challenge for many. Understanding how to compensate for the reduced oxygen delivery that comes with inflammation is incredibly helpful. HBOT may be the treatment that elevates your comfort levels by optimising your body’s natural healing capabilities, helping you feel better and recover more efficiently, no matter the cause of the inflammation.

“I’ve been coming to OxyGeneration to alleviate my symptoms of long covid. Since starting this therapy, I’ve had a significant reduction in my chest pain, fatigue and shortness of breathe. It has increased my energy levels and helped me to return to physical activity. OxyGeneration is an excellent facility and I would highly recommend this treatment. “ Emma attended for Long Covid

Autumn’s Embracing Change

Spreading the word of positivity

RONAN SCULLY

In Autumn, we get to see God’s handiwork put on display in a more magnificent way than I believe in any other time of the year. With all that is happening in our world, especially all the havoc and destruction we humans are wreaking on each other and our planet, it is hard sometimes not to despair. Yet if we look with different eyes, life is still telling us not to give up hope. So, for this week’s thought I have put together some brief reflections on this season. As we watch leaves fluttering to the ground in Autumn, we are reminded that nature’s cycles are mirrored in our lives. As I write this thought for the week, approaching the middle of September, the sun shines brightly and the gentle breeze rustles the trees and plants outside my sitting room window. No doubt about it that autumn is here, and it seems it’s both gentle and a little foreboding. At times such as these, it’s good to tap into your own spiritual self and reflect on life with God in prayer.

AUTUMN TRANSITION

Walking is a form of prayer for me. Most mornings if work allows I head to a nearby walking route and practice being absolutely present to the world. Here I listen for the wisdom that the seasons offer my life. Autumn is a season of transition when the leaves start to fall from their trees, reminding us that our lives are constantly in flux. Of course change is always with us, but autumn brings us to a deeper awareness that we live in a continual cycle of dying and rising. As Albert Camus says “Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower.” God is quite an artist this time of year.

God hues hints of hope and a purpose to the changes we often struggle with on our path. I used to fight autumn, dreading the coming winter. Now in the second half of my life, I am learning to embrace its beauty as part of the transforming process and rhythm of life. Autumn calls us to remember our own fragility and cherish this beauty.

SOULFUL AUTUMN

Autumn can be lending a hand, lifting a heavy load. Autumn can be a smile on a cloudy day. Autumn can be a crust of bread to the poor, giving shelter from the storm. Autumn can be a thought, a poem, a blessing, a prayer. Autumn can be showing support, care and enthusiasm. Autumn can be listening quietly while someone else has something important they’d like you to hear. Autumn can be a friendly hug, or a warm embrace. Autumn can be expressions, penned on a page. Autumn can be the transfer of a certain glance. Autumn can be offering your time. Autumn can be sitting silently beside someone to watch the sun slide behind a silver sea. Autumn can be wiping a tear. Autumn can be chasing the moon at night.

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK

As your thought for the week, I pray that as the signs of autumn begin to show themselves all around us, that you will remember that each new day is like a cleared field after harvesting. Your thoughts, attitudes, and actions are the fruit and crops of what you planted. This autumn choose only the fruits and crops that produced a bountiful harvest of love, joy, health, kindness, care, prosperity, mercy, forgiveness, compassion and peace and let that which held you back drift away. And may you give thanksgiving not only for the autumn time around you, but also for the autumn time within you. Enjoy a beautiful autumn!

Ranganna Gaeilge in

oirthear an

Chláir - Irish Classes in East Clare

An bhfuil fonn oraibh feabhas a chuir ar bhur gcuid Gaeilge? Má tá, agus má tá cónaí ort in oirthear an chondae breathnaigh ar an bpóstaer seo... Did you always want to learn or refresh your Irish? Well check out this poster if you live in East Clare for a fantastic opportunity to learn Ireland’s native tongue...

AN BHFUIL SCÉAL LE ROINNT AGAIBH ?!

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• LUIMNEACH – AIFREANN GAEILGE, chuile Dé Domhnaigh, 10.30am, Mainistir an tSlánaitheora, Sráid San Doiminic, Luimneach

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• LUIMNEACH – Ciorcail Comhrá. Chuile Dé Céadaoin ag 10.30am, Bialann Eden, Ollscoil Luimnigh.Tuilleadh eolais ar fáil ó Noel ag 086 792 8389.

• AN SCAIRBH – ‘’Lón i nGaeilge’’, 1-2pm, CHUILE DÉ MAIRT i gcaifé ‘’An Gáirdín’’, fáilte roimh chuile dhuine.

LE MACDARA Ó CONAOLA

Macalla an Chláir

Lufthansa sponsors post primary GAA in Clare

LUFTHANSA TECHNIK Turbine Shannon (LTTS), one of the MidWest’s largest employers has announced its first-ever GAA sponsorship.

With 90% of the company’s more than 300 employees coming from Clare or Limerick, the Irish subsidiary of Germany’s Lufthansa Technik AG was today confirmed as title sponsor of all Clare’s post primary schools Gaelic Games competitions.

The three-year sponsorship agreement covering all post primary boys and girls football, hurling, camogie & ladies Gaelic football in Clare will see LTTS supporting thousands of students across the county. LTTS specialises in the repair of components for aircraft engine turbines and has been operating in the Shannon region for more than 30 years.

Pat Foley, LTTS CEO and Managing Director said: “We’re a global company but our loyalties are local and with so many of our people active in the GAA as players, supporters and volunteers, this sponsorship was a natural choice for us. However, our decision ran deeper than that, and the partnership had to align with our own values, purpose and future strategy

to nurture and support next generations. We recognise the crucial role that sport plays in young people’s lives and the extended value it brings to communities and counties and we are proud to be able to play our part, in partnership with Clare GAA.”

More than half of LTTS’ employees have children in local schools many of whom are also participating in GAA activities, and the new sponsorship has the potential to positively impact more than 10,000 students in Clare, together with their families.

Deirdre Murphy, Chief Operating Officer, Clare GAA said: “Sponsorship of grassroots and schools GAA is fundamental to the development of our young people and the development of the senior players of tomorrow. We are proud to include all members of the Gaelic games’ family, male and female, and it is fantastic to have a company with a strong global reputation that places such emphasis on community values behind us. This sponsorship will assist in developing Gaelic games for all boys and girls in Clare secondary schools while also creating an awareness among our youth of the future opportunities LTTS can potentially

provide.”

Pat Foley went on to explain how young people are the lifeblood of companies, such as LTTS, which create excellent opportunities for those who want a rewarding career both from within and beyond the university system.

“As part of this sponsorship we will invite both players and students onto the site in Shannon to understand the type of work that we do and offer them a chance to explore the opportunities that might be open to them in the future,” said Mr Foley. “In Ireland we are expanding year-on-year and hope we can encourage some of these fantastic young people to be the next generation of apprentices, mechanics, engineers, maintenance and HR professionals at LTTS.”

Games competitions in Limerick.

Lego engine makes flying visit to mark sponsorship

In addition to Clare, LTTS was also confirmed as title sponsor of all post primary schools Gaelic

For Sale by Public Auction: Fri, Sep 27th at 12:00

Located in what is noted as one of Ennis Town’s much sought after residential roads, Cahercalla Road is just a ten minute walk to Ennis Town Centre, a six minute walk to Ennis National School and St. Flannan’s and easy access onto the inner relief road connecting onto the M18 motorway.

Boasting an incredible and mature site of approx. 0.35 acres, this home is one to be viewed to truly appreciate its outstanding location, the privacy surrounding the property, the bright and spacious and well-proportioned living accommodation which includes entrance hallway, three receptions, kitchen dining, shower

room and garage/utility to the ground floor. To the first floor is the main bathroom, five double bedrooms all of which have built-in wardrobes with the master bedroom also being en-suite. This is a must view home and strictly by prior appointment with sole selling agents.

The GAA sponsorship announcement coincided with a flying visit from Germany of a model Lufthansa ‘Leap’ Engine made entirely of Lego. Taking six months and 400,000 individual pieces of Lego to develop, GAA officials, players and students from local schools were invited to its unveiling at the LTTS site in Shannon.

Weighing almost half a tonne and coming in at 60% of actual size, the Lufthansa Lego Leap1 Engine is a working model and landed in Shannon to mark the occasion of the sponsorship, appealing as it does to young people and adults alike. An incredible piece of structural Lego engineering of intricate detail and accuracy, it came complete with its own security.

Open Viewing Saturday 7th September from 1:00 pm to 1:30 pm

Sherry FitzGerald McMahon is delighted to present this stunning traditional 3 bedroom farmhouse that has been carefully modernised over time. This home is picture postcard bursting with flowers and is in excellent condition. The property is set on a 0.35 hectare (0.86 acre approximately) site, on the western edge of the village of Connolly, which is situated 15 minutes from the the coastal town of Miltown Malbay on the Wild Atlantic Way, and 15 minutes to Ennis, with direct access to the M18 motorway. There is an option to purchase an additional c.23acres of surrounding land. Downstairs accommodation includes an attractive south facing glass porch leading to the entrance hall. To the right there is a cosy double aspect living room with French doors to the garden. On the opposite side of the house there is an open plan kitchen / dining area with French doors to a stunning high ceiling sun room at the rear of the house with yet another set of French doors to the rear garden. In addition, there is a utility space and WC on the ground floor. The first floor includes 3 double bedrooms (one of which is ensuite) and the main bathroom.

CONNOLLY, ENNIS CO. CLARE

WOODBROOK, CAHERCALLA ROAD, ENNIS, CO. CLAR

€325,000

Lufthansa Tehnik Turbine Shannon CEO Pat Foley with St Patrick’s Comprehensive school Students Lucy Watson, Shannon, Co Clare, Damien Lyne, Newmarket, Co Clare, Noel Duggan, Sixmilebridge, Co Clare and Emma Riordan, Shannon, Co Clare at the anouncement of GAA sponsorship for Post Primary Schools in Limerick and Clare

Shannon Chamber launches Mid-West Sustainability Week

SHANNON Chamber on Monday launched the programme for the second annual ‘Sustainability Week, which will be held in Shannon from Wednesday, 25 September to Wednesday, 2 October.

The ‘Week’, which features ten events and a day-long conference, is being delivered by Shannon Chamber via its member-led Mid-West Sustainability Network. It is sponsored by ESB and supported by companies including, Eli Lilly, Ei Electronics, EY, Climeaction, Element Six, Astatine, AIB, Shannon Chamber Skillnet, GreenTech Skillnet, Antaris Consulting, Mavarick, Vitalograph, Fine Grain Property and Aerogen.

A unique addition to the Sustainability Week 2024 programme will be the placement, by ESB, of their new Hydrogen Power Unit at the Shannon Airport Business Park to highlight the versatility of hydrogen fuel cell technology in different applications. The demonstration will be in place for the full week and will be open for guided tours on Monday, 30 September and Tuesday, 1 October from 10am to 4pm.Advance booking is required, and visits will be accommodated in groups of six. Bookings can be made at https://www. snnairportgroup.ie/sustainability/esb-hydrogen-fuel-cell-tour/

The expansive Sustainability Week programme comprises a mix of daily in-person and online events, each addressing four key sustainability areas - Waste, Water, Energy, Biodiversity.

Companies presenting during the ‘Week’ include: ESB Generation and Trading, ESB Smart Energy Services, Aerogen, Chemifloc Group, Ei Electronics, Uisce Éireann, Wyeth Nutrition, Southern Region Waste Planning Office, SEAI, Clean

Ireland Recycling, Vitalograph, The Shannon Airport Group, Antaris Consulting, All-Ireland Pollinator Plan, Veon Forestry and Ecology, and The Change We Need.

The one-day conference (The S4 Conference), which will be held in Westpark Innovation Campus in Shannon, will bring the ‘Week’ to a close on Wednesday, 2 October. Companies presenting at the conference include ESB Generation and Trading, The Shannon Airport Group, Lilly Limerick, Element Six, Edwards Lifesciences, Heraeus Precious Metals Ltd.

The day will conclude with a panel discussion, led by conference MC, Barry Gavin, and involving ESB Moneypoint, Shannon Foynes Port Company, SEAI and Clare County Council.

A ‘Street Event’ included in the conference programme will include information boards produced by companies focusing in on specific projects they have undertaken, the results attained and how the project contributed to the company’s net zero goals. Companies wishing to feature in this ‘Street Event’ should contact Shannon Chamber at admin@shannonchamber.ie

The conference venue will also include an ‘Exhibitor Section’, where attendees can meet companies and organisations whose services can be deployed to commence or enhance sustainability undertakings.

Launching Sustainability Week and the S4 Conference, Shannon Chamber chief executive, Helen Downes said: “The objective of Sustainability Week is to place sustainability centre-stage in companies’ minds through showcasing the types of projects companies are undertaking to reduce their carbon footprint. It follows the very successful inaugural ‘Week’ we

hosted in 2023. We are looking forward to hearing from a different cohort of companies this year, each of whom have embedded sustainability into the products and processes.

“We are delighted that ESB, in conjunction with The Shannon Airport Group, has chosen to place its new hydrogen power generation demonstration unit in Shannon during the week. The unit, produced by GeoPura, a UK-based renewable energy company, and their partner, Siemens Energy, is truly innovative. Having it in Shannon for a week will really enhance what the Mid-West Sustainability Network is seeking to achieve – helping companies to attain net zero. Fuel cell technology, which converts hydrogen to electricity will play a leading role in this transition. To show how this can be achieved, particularly as part of Sustainability Week is a progressive step forward for the Network,” added Ms Downes

Jim Dollard, executive director, ESB Generation & Trading added: “At ESB, our Net Zero by 2040 strategy demonstrates our commitment to building a resilient electricity system of the future, where carbon-free energy will displace carbon emissions in how we power our lives, businesses and the economy. To reach net zero in the timeframe that we have set out, other sources of clean energy will be required to support the electricity system here in Ireland. Moving away from coal and converting our existing facilities in Moneypoint, Co. Clare into a renewable energy hub as part of a major investment in the Green Atlantic programme, is a step forward in achieving this goal.

“We are delighted to return as sponsors of Shannon Chamber’s Sustainability Week and Conference which will allow members to share their own knowledge and experiences when it comes to sustainability and provide an outlet for learnings to be made to apply within their own organisations,” he added.

Full details and bookings for Shannon Chamber’s Sustainability Week and Conference can be found at www. shannonchamber.ie/events-training/. Advance booking is essential.

The Mid-West Sustainability Network was formed for CEOs and senior executives in Shannon Chamber member companies who are tasked with leading their organisations’ sustainability strategies. The Sustainability Week and Conference is a key initiative in the endeavour to position Shannon and the region as an exemplar contributor to sustainable development.

Ice swimming takes the lead at Network Ireland Limerick event

NETWORK Ireland Limerick, the premier forum for women in business, the professions, and the arts, is set to spotlight sport and women’s resilience and teamwork at its upcoming September event.

Throughout the year, Fiona Doyle, President for 2024, has curated a diverse lineup of speakers and guests aimed at inspiring and educating members. Fiona Doyle, a Limerick-based businesswoman and teacher, is a qualified international personal stylist and primary school teacher.

In September, Nuala Moore, renowned as The Ice Swimmer, will address the Limerick group of women in business. Nuala will speak on the theme of Teamwork in Life and Sport, focusing on resilience and the importance of relying on one another.

Nuala Moore, an Irish extreme swimmer, ice swimmer, marathon swimmer, coach, and author of Insight Into The World Of Ice Swimming and Limitless, is also a World Record holder in Ice Swimming and a global role model in the ice swimming community.

The last Network Limerick event before the summer break took place in June, featuring a Health and Wellbeing theme with a yoga, nutrition, and well-being focus held at No.1 Pery Square, including an outdoor yoga session in the People’s Park.

President Fiona Doyle is eagerly anticipating the September event, which will be held at The Fitzgerald Woodlands House Hotel in Adare on September 19th at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are available for both members and non-members on the website: www.networkireland.ie/ Limerick.

Referring to the upcoming speaker, Ms. Doyle stated, “It is a great pleasure to welcome Nuala to Limerick to inspire our members with her story and to impart important knowledge on resilience, self-development, and teamwork.”

“I am privileged to work with a dedicated committee and supportive members. Our branch’s membership has grown significantly in recent years, and I hope that bringing in speakers of Nuala Moore’s caliber will continue this positive trend,” she added.

Ms. Doyle concluded with gratitude, “Thank you to our sponsors LEO Limerick and AIB, whose support has been crucial to our success both nationally and regionally.”

Big test for Townies in quarters

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

QUARTER-FINAL pairings are now known in the Clare senior and intermediate hurling championships.

Caherlohan was the venue on Monday evening for the quarter-final draws for the TUS Clare SHC, IHC quarter-finals and relegation. These games are to take place in two weeks time on September 21st/22nd, following this there will be an open draw for the semi-finals

Having topped the Group of Death, Éire Óg face off with Inagh/Kilnamona in what is arguably the pick of the ties, their last championship meeting in the 2022 quarter-finals saw the Ennis side record a 2-21 0-16 victory while in the 2021 semi-final, Inamona prevailed 1-17 0-17.

Champions Clonlara put their title on the side when they meet unbeaten Sixmilebridge. Donal Madden's victory over The Bridge (0-24 1-16) was a turning point in their season on their way to claiming the Canon Hamilton.

Last year’s beaten finalists Crusheen have been paired against Feakle with Scariff coming up against Cratloe.

In the relegation semi-finals, it’s Clooney/ Quin versus O’Callaghans Mills and Corofin against St Joseph’s Doora/Barefield. The losers of each will meet in the relegation finals while the winner secures their status.

At intermediate level, there was draws for the quarter-finals and the play-offs to determine who will line out in the premier intermediate championship next year.

Favourites Wolfe Tones have been handed a tricky task against Parteen/Meelick, Clarecastle will do battle with Tubber, two of last year’s semi-finalists Sixmilebridge and Ruan face off while Whitegate and Killanena tee up an East Clare derby in the quarter-finals.

For the play-offs, it’s Bodyke against Newmarket-on-Fergus and Tulla versus Smith O’Briens.

TUS Clare SHC quarter-finals: Scariff v Cratloe

Feakle v Crusheen

Éire Óg v Inagh/Kilnamona

Sixmilebridge v Clonlara

TUS Clare SHC relegation

semi-finals:

Clooney/Quin v O’Callaghans Mills

Corofin v St Joseph’s Doora/Barefield

TUS Clare IHC quarter-finals:

Clarecastle v Tubber

Wolfe Tones v Parteen/Meelick

Whitegate v Killanena

Sixmilebridge v Ruan

Clare IHC play-offs

(winners will be in the Clare Premier Intermediate hurling championship for 2025)

Bodyke vs Newmarket-on-Fergus

Smith O’Briens vs Tulla

Éire Óg pull through Ballyea 'battle'

TUS CLARE SHC GROUP 1 ROUND 3

Éire Óg 0-19

Ballyea 0-17

Venue: Cusack Park, Ennis

Compiled by Eoin Brennan

STORY OF THE GAME

ÉIRE ÓG

Frees For: 12 (5/7)

Wides: 8 (5/3)

Scores from Play: 0-12

Spread of Scorers: 7

Top Scorer: Danny Russell (0-9)

Booking: N/A

Own Puck-Outs won: 18 from 26 (69%)

BALLYEA

Frees For: 15 (7/8)

Wides: 10 (5/5)

Scores from Play: 0-9

Spread of Scorers: 6

Top Scorer: Niall Deasy (0-6)

Bookings: Barry Cullinane

Own Puck-Outs won: 16 from 26 (62%)

REFEREE: Eoghan O’Leary (Whitegate)

MANAGER COMMENT “

Ronan Keane, Éire Óg coach:

“Before I say anything about the match, I want to extend my deepest condolances to the O’Connor family and of course Gerry on the passing of his Dad. It’s a testament to the character of the man that he was here with us today after the week that they’ve had and Niall too who is a valued member of the panel.

“On the field, it was a battle, it wasn’t the prettiest of hurling I’d say and wasn’t unlike the last game against Clonlara in that space was at a premium. We felt that we were

very lucky to be only two points down at half-time as Ballyea had done most of the hurling and they will probably relfect on it and the chances they missed and could say that they deserved to be five or six ahead.

“We just wanted our guys to show up for the second half, present for the ball, try and work their angles and run off the ball. So we didn’t necessarily change tactics, we just asked for them to play to their potential as the guys themselves

weren’t happy with their own performance in that first half.

“This is a very player-led set-up so they told us what they wanted to do for the second half and I felt they implemented that really well.

“I think the other game [Clonlara v Clooney-Quin] went along expected lines so it meant that we had to win this

match by six which was a tough task.

“Were we good enough to win by six? Probably not but I certainly thought that we gave it as much as we possibly could and probably deserved a bit more out of the game. That wouldn’t have gotten us out of the group the way the other result went but you just couldn’t fault the effort of our lads."

Clonlara now 'in bonus territory'

TUS CLARE SHC GROUP 1 ROUND 3

Clonlara 3-25 Clooney-Quin 2-17

Venue: O'Garney Park, Sixmilebridge Compiled by Seamus Hayes

STORY OF THE GAME

CLONLARA:

Frees For: 10 (4)

Wides: 10 (2/8)

Scores from play: 3-20

Spread of scorers: 8

Top scorer: Micheal

O’Loughlin (1-8 5f)

Bookings: Logan Ryan (13); Michael Clancy (55)

Own puckouts won: 19 out of 25 (76%)

CLOONEY/QUIN

Frees For: 11 (7/4) Wides: 6 (2/4)

Scores from play: 1-11

Spread of scorers: 7

Top scorer: Peter Duggan (1-7 1-6f)

Bookings: Darragh Keogh (5)

Own puckouts won: 26 out of 38 (68%)

REFEREE: Jarlath Donnellan (Wolfe Tones)

MANAGER COMMENT

Donal Madden, Clonlara:

“Everyone in our panel from the kit man right through, all are working together for one goal and I am awful proud of everyone. People were writing us off but we worked awful hard today and I am most proud of that.

“Huge compliments to Clooney/ Quin and the way they play and present themselves, Peter Duggan in particular. He is carrying an injury

for the last two months but what a clubman. I have huge respect for him as a hurler. He is just a great guy”. “I don’t know whether we are first or second but we are through. The Clare championship is mad, it's brilliant, anything can happen. We are in bonus territory now because the big thing for us was we wanted to do ourselves justice and not hand

over our crown easily. Look, we love this”.

“We really wanted a good start and we did that. At the detriment of us attacking balls out, it left a huge gaping hole at the back that we thought we were able to block up but when you are dealing with the quality of Ian Galvin and John Conlon in a top six forwards, they just hit us for six with

those three goals.

"Take those out of it and it was a fairly even game but look it was very hard to recover after that and very hard to motivate a team going in at half time when you are down ten points. Our lads rallied and we gave it everything but the situation now is we are bottom."

SCAN HERE FOR MATCH REPORT

l Diarmuid Stritch races from Ryan Taylor

Photo by Gerard O'Neill

Fergal Lynch, Clooney-Quin:

SCAN HERE FOR MATCH REPORT

l Luca Cleary brings the sliotar with him as he takes on Peter Casey Photo by Ruth Griffin

Barry Cullinane, Ballyea:

Feakle go forward

TUS CLARE SHC GROUP 2 ROUND 3

Feakle 2-16

Corofin 0-14

Venue: Clarecastle

Compiled by Seamus Hayes

STORY OF THE GAME

FEAKLE

Frees For: 10 (5/5)

Wides: 13 (7/6)

Scores from play: 2-13

Spread of scorers: 7

Top scorer: Shane McGrath (1-6 3f)

Bookings: None

Own puckouts won: 18 out of 23 (78%)

COROFIN

Frees For: 19 (8/110

Wides: 9 (4/5)

Scores from play: 0-9

Spread of scorers: 6

Top scorer: Gearoid Cahill (0-5 2f)

Bookings; None Own puckouts won: 24 out of 31 (77%)

REFEREE: Kevin Corry (Sixmilebridge)

MANAGER COMMENT “

Ger Conway, Feakle:

“We were installed as favourites coming into this match and no-one ever likes been put in as a favourite to win any match. Corofin are there on merit.

"They weren’t going to go down without putting in a big shift, so there is great relief for us that we have qualified for the quarter finals.

“They were two or three points up before we got motoring. We had said to the

Joe Cahill, Corofin

lads, you have to be patient and things will work out if you work hard enough and be honest throughout. We did get the scores, we got a fortuitous goal towards the end but overall we were mature in the way we played.

“Knockout hurling started for us once we got beaten by Kilmaley in the last round, it was knock out today. From here on there are no more second chances”.

“We played our best game in the championship today. It was our best since we played Dromin-Atlacca in Corofin in the Munster club last November. Today we worked hard, we knew we were going to struggle to win, we were looking at the performance."

“I know we are facing into a relegation contest with three other teams. At the start of the year the word on the ground was that we would be in that battle. In the last two games against Kilmaley and Crtaloe, two excellent sides, we never showed the battling spirit we showed today and that’s the key and to bring that the next day will be important."

Scariff pleased to be on top

TUS CLARE SHC GROUP 3 ROUND 3

Scariff 1-19 O'Callaghan's Mills 1-17

Venue: Dr Daly Park, Tulla

Compiled by Seamus Hayes

STORY OF THE GAME

SCARIFF

Frees For: 19 (9/10)

Wides: 12 (6/6)

Scores from play: 1-10

Spread of scorers: 5

Top scorer: Éanna O’Brien (0-10 8f)

Bookings: None

Own puckouts won: 24 out of 33 (72%)

O’CALLAGHANS MILLS

Frees For: 12 (8/4)

Wides: 15 (7/8)

Scores from play: 1-10

Spread of scorers: 8

Top scorer: Sean Boyce (0-7 6f)

Bookings: Cormac Murphy (53)

Own puckouts won: 23 out of 32 (71%)

REFEREE: Gus Callaghan (Feakle)

MANAGER COMMENT “

Mark McKenna, Scariff:

“We were under no illusions about the challenge the Mills would present. They were fighting on their backs and they had nothing to lose, They were always going to come with a huge performance. They are a strong senior side.

“The mistakes we made against Broadford were repeated in the first half today but credit to the lads, they responded and put in a strong second half performance”.

“The target before the competition started was to

get out of the group and we have achieved that. We are in the draw for the quarter finals and that is the main thing. We have topped the group last year and this year and we weren’t supposed to do that on either occasion and it’s hugely pleasing to have do that.

On the injury of Mark Rodgers –“we are hopeful he will make a swift return to action”.

“We were unlucky in the game against Broad-

ford in the first round. We approached today’s game with the mindset that it was a free shot and we needed to show a bit of pride. There was no pressure as we had nothing to lose. We knew going into the game where we stood. As a result of this performance we are in a better pace going into relegation.

“They (Scariff) made two goal-line saves near the

end. The big goal chance we didn’t convert was when we were five points up. Their goalkeeper made some great saves and their backs were chasing down everything.

“There will be nothing in it and our whole focus now is on retaining our senior status...We take great pride in being a senior club and we want to hold on to our senior status”.

Conor 'had one opportunity'

TUS CLARE SHC GROUP 2 ROUND 3

Cratloe 1-20

Kilmaley 1-17

Venue: Fr Murphy Memorial Park, Newmarket-on-Fergus

Compiled by Eoin Brennan

STORY OF THE GAME

CRATLOE

Frees for: 6 (3/3)

Wides: 9 (7/2)

Scores from play: 1-14

Spread of scorers: 7

Top scorer: Rian Considine (0-6 5f)

Bookings: Mike Deegan (52)

Own puckouts won: 21 from 33 (64%)

KILMALEY

Frees for: 5 (2/3)

Wides: 15 (6/9)

Scores from play: 1-13

Spread of scorers: 7

Top scorer: Mikey O’Malley (0-6 3f)

Bookings: Colin McGuane (61)

Own puckouts won: 22 from 30 (73%)

REFEREE: Aaron Hogg (Clonlara)

MANAGER COMMENT “

John O'Gorman, Cratloe:

“It’s just unbelievable stuff. Look, we knew coming in today that we had to win by three points and with three or four minutes left that was looking good as we were five up but then they got the goal and it changed things completely.

“I thought it was slipping from us but in fairness the boys showed tremendous character.

They trusted in themselves that they’d get the opportunities and it worked out as Rian [Considine] got a free and then who better than Conor McGrath to get the ball in his hand at the end and split the posts under pressure by the line...With the final whistle about to go, he knew that he had only one opportunity and thank God he took it."

“It’s hard to put it into words but it’s clearly devastating to go out of the championship like this.

"I thought we were going quite well in the championship with two wins from two so going into this game we had plenty of confidence but on the day it was

just missed chance after missed chance particularly in the second half.

“I think we had ten wides in that second half and obviously that proved really costly for us for a finish."

"We just have to take it on the chin now however difficult that is.”

l Conn Smyth keeps tabs on Micheal Duffy

Photo by Ruth Griffin

SCAN HERE FOR MATCH REPORT

l William Kavanagh races from his goal to stop Sean O’Gorman

Photo by Ruth Griffin

SCAN HERE FOR MATCH REPORT

l James Maguire chased by David Collins and Riain McNamara

Photo by Gerard O'Neill

Conor McMahon, Kilmaley

Sean McNamara, O'C Mills SCAN HERE FOR MATCH REPORT

'Bridge delighted with draw

TUS CLARE SHC GROUP 4 ROUND 3

Sixmilebridge 1-19

Newmarket-on-Fergus 1-19

Venue: Cusack Park, Ennis

Compiled by Eoin Brennan

STORY OF THE GAME

SIXMILEBRIDGE

Frees For: 12 (7/5)

Wides: 10 (3/7)

Scores from Play: 0-13

Spread of Scorers: 7

Top Scorer: Alex Morey (0-7 6f)

Booking: Lorcan Fitzpatrick (4)

Own Puck-Outs won: 16 from 32 (50%)

NEWMARKET-ON-FERGUS

Frees For: 9 (4/5)

Wides: 13 (7/6)

Scores from Play: 1-12

Spread of Scorers: 7

Top Scorer: Peter Power (0-8 4f)

Bookings: Colin Guilfoyle (4), Mikey McInerney (30+2), Niall O’Connor (44)

Own Puck-Outs won: 22 from 30 (73%)

REFEREE: John Bugler (Whitegate)

MANAGER COMMENT “

Tommy Liddy, Sixmilebridge:

“We’re delighted to come away with a draw. Over the balance of play, a draw was definitely a fair result.

"We seemed to start well and got the first three scores of the game and then Newmarket got on top and it took us a while to get the hang of their puck-outs. The success of those puck-outs meant that they had a platform to build on but I felt that we kind of got a handle on it some bit at half-time and it allowed

us to outplay them for ten to fifteen minutes of the second half.

“Jamie [Shanahan]’s penalty was a huge score for us. It was very similar circumstances to the Crusheen game in that we had butchered three goal chances in the first half so it was important that if we got another one, we needed to take it. And no better man than Jamie to take it and he finished it well."

James Carrig, Newmarket-on-Fergus:

“It’s hugely deflating for everyone involved. Look, we’ve put a lot of effort into this all year and you’re just hoping that things can go your way in tight games so to come so close is tough to take.

“I mean we led going into injury-time and even when they scored, we’d a chance to win it again and we just didn’t take

it but that’s sport at the end of the day.

“Over the course of the three games, we just misfired for 15 minutes against Crusheen and handed them a ten point lead, only to claw it back to one with a chance to level it as well so looking back on the group, we created enough chances, we just didn’t take them."

Great bench impact for Inamona

TUS CLARE SHC GROUP 3 ROUND 3

Inagh-Kilnamona 4-18 Broadford 0-16

Venue: Cusack Park, Ennis

Compiled by Eoin Brennan

INAGH/KILNAMONA

Frees for: 13 (6/7)

Wides: 13 (6/7)

Scores from play: 4-16

Spread of scorers: 9

Top scorer: Gearoid Barry (2-2)

Bookings: Eoghan Foudy (10), David Fitzgerald (46), Jason McCarthy (61).

Own puckouts won: 17 from 26 (65%)

BROADFORD

Frees for: 15 (7/8)

Wides: 10 (7/3)

Scores from play: 0-8

Spread of scorers: 8

Top scorer: Craig Chaplin (0-8 8f)

Bookings: Craig Chaplin (61)

Own puckouts won: 21 from 35 (60%)

REFEREE: Kieran Liddane (Sixmilebridge)

“

MANAGER COMMENT

Tomás Kelly, Inagh-Kilnamona:

“We weren’t happy the first day out but the last two performances have been pleasing but we need to keep up that consistency now.

“We only led by a point at halftime having had the wind but the fact that Broadford were so close wasn’t a surprise to us as they have probably been one of the most impressive teams in the championship.

Crusheen kick on

TUS CLARE SHC GROUP 4 ROUND 3

Crusheen 3-19

Doora-Barefield 0-18

Venue: Ruan

Compiled by Ross O'Donoghue

STORY OF GAME

CRUSHEEN:

Frees for: 11 (8/3)

Wides: 12 (5/7)

Scores from play: 3-12

Spread of scorers: 9 Top scorer: Conor O’Donnell (0-5)

Bookings: 0 Own puckouts won: 16 from 27 (59%)

“We got a great impact from our bench with Gearoid [Barry] and Aidan [McCarthy] really impacting on the scoreboard. We’re lucky that we have a very strong panel and lads are really pushing for places and others will be disappointed that they didn’t get any game-time today either....However, the final scoreline does completely flatter us and it must

be tough on Broadford as for most of the championship they’ve been very good, it’s just that the second half got away from them really."

"That goal just after the break really sucked the life out of us as suddenly we were down four which then became five.

“While this is a tough pill to swallow, the bottom line is that we have only been beaten once in the championship and once in the Clare Cup...In 12 competitive matches we’ve only lost two all year so aside from this result and scoreline, we would be really happy with the progress of a lot of our lads so it’s defnitely glass half full and not empty for Broadford."

DOORA BAREFIELD: Frees for: 9 (4/5) Wides: 9 (5/4)

Scores from play: 0-11

Spread of scorers: 6 Top scorer: Davy Conroy (0-10 7f)

Bookings: Francis Meaney (50’)

Own puckouts won: 17 from 33 (51%)

REFEREE: Fergal O’Brien (Broadford)

MANAGER COMMENT “

Michael Browne, Crusheen:

“All we wanted to do was make sure we won here. We had no control over what happened in the Park. When the game was over, I refused to even hear what was going on. I didn’t want to know. We had to win our game here and we did that. That was our focus.

“Once we got the couple of goals it created the space and gave us the opportunity to express ourselves a little bit more. The gap was there.

“Having said that we have died away in the last 10 minutes of both halves in our first two games. So we were really working to make sure that didn’t happen to us. It might have happened to us a little in the first half but we certainly finished strongly."

“I think we’ve developed. We had a desperate spring and a desperate Clare Cup. We had a load of injuries. You couldn’t imagine how bad things had gone. Really we needed these three games to get us back in sync and get us back playing reasonably right.

“Unfortunately Breffni Horner seems to have hurt himself.

We’ll have to assess it and see what the story is. He’ll be a huge loss to us if we can’t play but hopefully that won’t the case."

SCAN HERE FOR MATCH REPORT

l Paddy Donnellan tries to block Sean Rynne Photo by Gerard O'Neill

Ger Hickey, Broadford:

l Breffni Horner and Michael Browne watch on anxiously for the final few moments in Ruan Photo by Ruth Griffin

SCAN HERE FOR MATCH REPORT

l Paidi Fitzpatrick wins the ball off Peter Power

Photo by Gerard O'Neill

HIGH SCORING AS SENIOR CAMOGIE RACE CONTINUES

LADIES SENIORE CAMOGIE CHAMPIONSHIP

TOP SPOT FOR KILMIHIL AND BANNER LADIES

FRIDAY night's Galway card featured three heats of The Construction Mans A3 525 Yards Stake generously sponsored by Noel Gavin & Finbar Ryan of O’Sullivan & Hansberry Main Citroen Dealers Kilrush Road Ennis.

The Final of the €1500-to-thewinner stake next Friday will be the Centrepiece of a Gala Fundraising night for West Clare Cancer Care and on the night Clare dual All-Ireland hero Peter Duggan will be present with the Liam McCarthy Cup.

In race 8 all six runners came away as one for this S4 graded sprint contest with Birr Bomber first to break rank in the centre of the track with Fenrir then coming through to lead as the opening bend loomed. Rounding the bend Rathronan Oscar came through along the rails to become the third leader of the contest but off the home bend the Malin Kelly of Co-

Bridge Utd claim League Cup

BRIDGE UTD claimed the first piece of silverware on offer in the soccer season when overcoming Avenue Utd in Frank Healy Park.

A 3-1 win on penalties saw Bridge Utd take the spoils against Avenue Utd with Kyle Kirby picking up the man of the match award while CDSL

oraclare owned Modig(Burgess Bucks-Crokers Wish) swept to the front and the Colm Fitzgerald of Kilrush trained lady drew right away to defeat Birr Bomber by two & a half lengths in 19.71.

The top graded contest of the night was the concluding A2 graded 525 in which Own Lullaby was just about best away on the wide outside and racing towards the opening bend he led Brickhill Fayla by just about a length . As the leaders reached the opening bend Brickhill Fayla poked her way through along the inner to take over at the head of affairs and turning down the back the Cyril Collins & Kate Comerford of Gort owned daughter of Good News & Twentylittletoes led Own Lullaby and Cloneyogan Sydny by three lengths . Approaching the third bend Cloneygan Sydny went in pursuit and although the leader began to tie up late on Brickhill Fayla prevailed by

Chairman Jason Ryan presented the League Cup trophy to winning captain John Mulready.

CDSL 'taken aback' by sudden resignations

AHEAD OF THE start of the CDSL Premier Division, the County Committee has been left shocked with the sudden resignation of two members, reports Páraic McMahon.

The Clare Echo has learned that secretary Richard Cahill and committee member Jimmy O’Brien have resigned from their posts with immediate effect. Work on upgrading the CDSL’s website drew sharp criticism from clubs and certain quarters which is understood to have been a reason behind the exit of O’Brien. As per the newly designed website, Shannon based O’Brien is listed as an IT and web officer for the CDSL, a title which he did not assume at the AGM in July.

In the case of Cahill, it is likely the feedback from clubs following criticism aimed at clubs in his correspondence regarding the Last Man Standing com-

petition has influenced his departure. PRO of the CDSL, Denis Collins told The Clare Echo on Wednesday afternoon, “The CDSL committee are disappointed and taken by surprise by the decision of Richard and Jimmy. We thank them for their time and work done with the League and wish them all the best. The committee have a meeting tomorrow evening where we will discuss this further”.

Cahill joined the CDSL Executive at the 2023 AGM as Grants and Compliance Officer and at this season’s AGM was elected Secretary. A former manager of Fern Celtic, he contested the 2014 European election and 2016 General Election. O’Brien has been on the CDSL committee since 2023 and outside of this has attempted to bring about walking soccer in the town for older persons.

a length and a half in 28.93.

Opening Double For Damien & Gary Pepper The opening contest on Saturday nights Card was an S8 graded sprint contest over 350 yards and from traps Aastro Neil broke best for his trap four berth and racing towards the opening bend he was closely attended to by Pallasmore Dude on his inside . At the bend though Astro Neil took complete control as he cut to the rail and kicked three lengths clear of his rivals . Clear off the home bend the Gary & Damien Pepper of Feakle owned son of Deerjet Sydney & Teecee Clipper drew right away to defeat Clonfeigh Iris by five lengths in 19.44.

The team completed a very quick double in the second contest an A5 graded 550 yards contest as their Astro Keva wore down the pace setting Kiltymon Ninja in the

home straight to prevail by a length at the line in 31.03.

Kiltymon Ninja showed good pace on the long run towards the opening been to lead round bye two lengths Springwell Honey with the eventual winner in third place entering the back straight. Passing halfway the lead was over three lengths but Astro Neva was now taking dead aim at the pace setting Kiltymon Ninja and gradually closing the gap the daughter of Droopys Sydney & Astro Abby gained the upper hand close home.

In the early strides of the A7 graded contest Peteles Joy showed pace in the centre of the track with Fast Fit Duke and Pierview Honey also to the fore as the opening bend loomed . Rounding the back Fast Fit Duke tracked well against the rails and entering the back straight the John Quinn & Taragh Cantwell of Gort owned son of Malachi & Fast Fit Maeve led by two lengths from

Peteles Joy. Racing along the back the order remained unchanged but from the third bend Fast Fit Duke gradually extended his advantage as he scored by four lengths at the line in a career best 29.33. There was a real ding dong finish to the A3 graded 525 yards contest with the Gerry O’Donoghue of Gort owned On The Latt just prevailing by a neck at the line over the pace setting Barntick Midget in 29.24. Barrntick Midget showed good pace on the run towards the opening bend two lead round from Port West Tiger and On the Latt . Racing down the back Barntick Midget led by over two lengths but rounding the third bend On the Latt closed on the outside and on the run home On The Latt(Broadstrand Bono-Brickhill Sharon) just proved the stronger close home .

Clarecastle/Ballyea's Doireann Murphy Photo by Gerard O'Neill

David McInerney in action with Mark Barry

Photo by Gerard O'Neill

Action from the meeting of Burren Gaels and St Joseph’s Miltown Burren Eye Photography

Photo by Joe Buckley

Team's profiled: CDSL Maloney Hardare Premier Division gets underway

ACTION kicks off in the CDSL Maloney Hardware Premier Division this weekend with three games down for decision.

Lifford FC under a new management take on Shannon Olympic in Drumcliffe at 6pm on Saturday evening while Shannon Town Utd face off with Kilkishen Celtic at 6pm in Lynch Park.

On Sunday morning, the recently crowned League Cup champions Bridge Utd travel to Newmarket-on-Fergus where they meet Newmarket Celtic at 11am.

Two Clare ties mark the opening round of the Munster Junior Cup with Ennis Dons hosting Avenue Utd on Saturday evening while Kilrush Rangers face Tulla Utd on Sunday morning.

AVENUE UTD A

Management: David Russell (Manager), Oliver Fitzpatrick (Assistant manager); Adrian Walsh (coach), Eoin Slattery

Captain: Ronan Kerin

Vice captain: Conor Mullen

Key Player: Dylan Casey

One to watch: Kaden Herlihy

Fresh blood: Jack Ryan, Jack Dunleavey, Kaden Herlihy, Sean O’Callaghan, Kuba Ruminowicz

Departures gate: Witness Odirlie (signed for Bridge United) Tomas Hehir (travelling);

Treatment table: None

“Our aim is to retain our titles in Clare and push further on in Munster and National competitions” – David Russell.

BRIDGE UTD

Management: Mark Culbert (manager), Eoghan McNulty (coach), Noel Collins (S&C, asst coach), John Keane, Albert Finnin, Aoife Hogan (physio)

Captain: John Mulready

Key player: Filip Mostowy

One to watch: Kyle Kirby

Fresh blood: Scott Kirkland, Filip Mostowy, Eric Carr, Mikey Guerin, Ger Myles, Witness Odirile, Aaron Shinners, Eoin Ryan, Finn Murphy.

Departures Gate: Ryan Perez, Eoin Keenan.

Treatment table: None

“We have to be happy with the pre-season, any silverware is good but we won’t get carried away with it. We’ve hit our targets in recent years, we’ve been steadily climbing up the table, we were fourth for two seasons and last season we finished third which was our target. We still feel we were hard done by in last year’s semi-final with the result and the decisions that went against us but we do feel that we’ve closed the gap, we’ve been helped by the addition of Eoghan McNulty as coach. We won’t entertain any talk of a title challenge unless we’re in contention in the business end of the season up till March. We won’t be setting any targets because it is simply going to be game by game”.

INCH CRUSADERS

Management: Noel Barry (Manager); Captain: Enda Finnucane

Key Player: Bradley Higgins

One to watch: Ken Higgins

Fresh blood: Cathal Nolan, John

Hassett

Departure gate: Thomas Collins

Treatment table: None

“Our main goal is to retain our premier status having gained promotion to the Premier Division for the first time this season” – Noel Barry.

KILKISHEN CELTIC

Management: Fergus Donovan (manager), Denis Murphy and Stevie Donnellan (assistant managers), Brian Byrne (Coach)

Joint captains: Mark Pewter & Paul Touhy

Key Player: Conor Henry

One to watch: Cathal MacNamara

Fresh blood: Alex Brady, Alex Muldoon, Padraig Hickey, Cathal Lenihan, Colm McInerney

Departures Gate: Ben McLoughlin

Treatment table: Conor Henry, Paddy Fitzgerald

“Our aims for the season ahead are to once again maintain our Premier Division status. Our first year in the Premier Division went well, we competed very well in most of our league fixtures while we also went on a good cup run where we made it to the quarter final for the third successive season before losing 1-0 to Bridge United. We have a very strong squad and we hope to finish higher up the league table and once again have a good run in the cup”.

KILRUSH RANGERS

Management: Martin Fitzpatrick, Trevor Clancy, Richard Gajeecki

Captain: Dean Neary

Key Player: Jack Cleary

One to Watch: Harry O’Gorman

Fresh blood: Harry O’Gorman, Owen Copley

Departures Gate: Keril Antonov, Norbert Gnuicky, Patrick Clair, Thomas Clair, Karl Murphy.

Treatment table: Richard Gajeecki

“We were very pleased to stay in the Premier Division, this season it will be equally as hard, it will be divided into the top four as one group and the rest of us fighting to stay up, it will be a half and half situation but we’re still confident of taking care of ourselves .We’re looking forward to it, we’re

pushing every close to our 50th anniversary and we’d really like to be in the Premier Division when the time comes around” – Robert Clancy (Chairman) LIFFORD FC

Management: Michael Clair (manager), Aaron Ryan (asst manager/S&C), Nathan Phelan (coach)

Captain: Davy Keenan

Key player: Fiachra Roche

One to watch: John Farson

Fresh blood: Mark O’Connor, Jan, Lucas, Nathan Phelan, John Farson, Keril Antonov, Norbert Gnuicky, Patrick Clair, Thomas Clair, Karl Murphy.

Departures Gate: Kuba Ruminowicz, Johnson Munukum, John Maher.

Treatment table: Fiachra Roche, Mark O’Connor.

I had done three seasons with Kilrush Rangers, I took them on in the First Division, we got promoted to the Premier Division and stayed up for two years, five or six of the squad had finished university and like a lot of places they are now leaving the country. I had done five or six seasons before with Lifford underage, they are good football people and they approached me at the end of last season when their manager stepped down with a few games to go, I thought about it for a few weeks and decided to give it a go for a season or two. It was a bit of a wrench to leave Kilrush but this is a new and exciting challenge. The hope is to finish as high up the table as possible and have a good run in the Cup campaigns. It is a project and we’re excited to take it on”. – Michael Clair

NEWMARKET CELTIC A

Management: Eoin O’Brien (Manager), Stephen Austin, David O’Grady, Daniel Cregan; Captain: Harvey Cullinan

Key Player: Eoin Hayes

One to watch: Che Burke

Fresh blood: Brian O’Connor, Kieran Hackett, Anthony Dubrynets, Cian McDonagh, Cathal Cullinan, Che Burke, Cian Austin

Departure gate: David O’Grady (retired), David Lennon, Darra-

Eoin O’Brien.

SHANNON OLYMPIC

Management: David Flaherty (Manager), Jimmy Houlihan and Ray Fahy, Captain: Ross Mulligan

Key Players: Luke Whelan.

One to watch: Ross Mulligan

Fresh blood: Dan McDarby, Damo Halpin, Mark McPhillips, Ryan McCloskey

Departures gate: Jason Regan

Treatment table: Darragh O’Neill

“Shannon Olympic want to finish as high up the table as possible, hopefully in the top four”. – David Flaherty.

SHANNON TOWN A

Management: David Hogan (Manager); Fergal McCarthy, Evan Glynn, Adam O’Sullivan, Kai Khetan

Captain: TJ O’Dwyer

Key Player: Charlie Morrison

One to watch: Sean Aylmer

gh Leahy, Cael Gaffney, Colin Smyth

Treatment table: Conor McCarthy and Cian Foley

“Our long term goal every season is to win our domestic league and cup. We also aim to be competitive in the business end of the Munster Junior and FAI Junior cups. A new short term goal this season is to develop as many young players as possible and integrate them into our squad for the future”. –

Fresh blood: Sean Aylmer, Luke Keating, Aaron Shinnors, Departures gate: Jack Ryan (transferred), Kieran Hackett (transferred)

Treatment table: None.

“We lost some pivotal players this year in Jack Ryan who has scored over 30 goals for the team and the experienced Kieran Hackett. We have tried to introduce youth via our underage structures. We know it will be difficult but we hope to be competitive”. - David Hogan.

TULLA UTD

Management: Mike Moloney, Shane Fogarty, Owen Kilker

Captain: Dara Ryan

Key Player: Simon Kilker

Ones to watch: Glen McNamara Fresh Blood: Callum Casey, Adam Kilker, Conor McFadden & Frankie O’Sullivan (from last years U17’s, Rian McMahon (back after a season away), Daragh Corry (back from injury).

Departure gate: Nathan Phelan & David O’Donnell

Treatment table: Jashar Aliu

“We’re hoping to be competing in the top half of the table, this is our third season in the Premier Division, the players have gained from the experience and last season we won the U17 Cup so we’ve another raft of players coming through from that. We’re still young but that is no excuse. One of our big learnings is that we need to start the season well, our new international manager has said that both winning and losing is a habit and he is right. We’re aiming to start well. This year Avenue, Bridge Utd and Newmarket will be the teams to beat but I don’t think there will be any pushovers, a good start can you put you on the right road” – Mike Moloney.

l RIVALRIES RENEWED: Dylan Casey is expected to be the key man for Avenue United

Ryder Cup points on offer in Down

by PÁDRAIG MCGRATH

The Amgen 2024 Irish Open begins this Thursday at the renowned Royal Co. Down in Newcastle, Co. Down. It no longer has a Rolex status however it does offer invaluable Ryder Cup points towards those seeking to make the 2025 team. The tournament was first held in 1928 at Royal Co. Down and it is the fifth time the tournament has been played here. Royal County Down itself is one of Irelands most sought-after links courses to play, located in one of the world’s most naturally beautiful links settings in the Murlough Nature Reserve. Against the magnificent backdrop of the Mountains of Mourne, the links stretches along the shores of Dundrum Bay, zigzagging back and forth to provide a different vista from virtually every hole.

The narrowest ribbons of fairways thread their way through as impressive a set of sand dunes as could be imagined. The fairways are

surrounded by purple heather and golden gorse, so beautiful to look at but so punishing for any who may stray from the prescribed pathway of the course.

The ‘bearded’ bunkers are world famous and feature overhanging lips of marram, red fescue and heather. The greens are fast and many are domed, rejecting any shot lacking conviction. This is a true test of any player’s command of the traditional bump and run, the preferred way to play any links. The ninth hole is one of the most photographed holes in

the world of golf. A 486-yard par 4, it is played from one side of a huge mound down to a fairway some 60 ft below and 260 yards from the tee. From the bottom of the slope the second shot is played over two bunkers to a raised green. The finest of all links courses, it offers a stern challenge from the championship tees.

In 2015 Rory McILroy hosted the event where he missed the cut, mainly due to over committing to media commitments as well as a big sway I spotted he had in his backswing that week which I

hadn't seen before. The sway looked so dramatic from a coaching point of view he was on his tip toe on his left foot at the top of his backswing. This is Ideal if you are in a long drive competition but not so good for finding the tight fairways around Royal Co. Down. I have no doubt Rory will be looking to make amends this week and I do fancy him to do well if the weather doesn't blow too hard. With his usual high ball flight, he will be hoping for some calm conditions so he can challenge for this week's prize. This course is well known to Rory from his amateur days playing around the North and playing in many a tournament at Royal Co. Down. Rory will be hoping for another emotional connection with the crowds this week like he had in Royal Portrush in 2019 when he made a charge to make the cut on round two narrowly missing the cut by only one shot in the end. Hopefully this year the crowds will be as enthusiastic and Rory can find four consistent rounds to help to spur them on.

Another player to look out for is our very own Shane Lowry. Shane has not shown his usual good form as much as he would have hoped to in 2024 however you can never rule out the Offaly man, especially at home on a links course in Ireland. Shane is such a likable character he always has the support of the crowds, but that is tenfold when playing in Ireland. You can see how he rose to the crowds in The Open in 2019 at Portrush and also at the 2009 Irish Open at Baltray when Shane won as an amateur. Shane seems to be able to bring his golf game to another level when playing in front of the home Irish crowds. Shane unlike Rory would probably prefer to experience a bit of wind because his game is suited to windy conditions and knows how to get the ball around the course in a storm. When other players fall apart on a windy day, Shane seems to almost excel and return to those youthful days of playing golf around a blustery links. One of the main reasons Shane can play in such inclement conditions is

President's Prize day at Ennis Golf Club

by Seamus Hayes

news@clareecho.ie

ENNIS GOLF CLUB:

President Kieran O’Loughlin’s prize was played for at Ennis at the weekend when Michael Cummins and Mary T. McMahon emerged with the honours

Galway native Michael Cummins (20) won the men’s section with an impressive 44 points while Kilmaley woman Mary T McMahon (16) scored 40 points on her way to victory in the ladies section.

Michael Cummins won by a point from Padraic McNicholas (17) and they were followed by Michael Neylon (19) with 40 points, Noel Pyne (8), Martin Moran (4). Damon Murphy (26) each with 38 points and Tommy Stack (21) with 37 points Ronan Herbert with 34 points won the gross.

Category A was won by Alan Butler (2) with 35 points from Liam Pyne (8) with 35 points. Category; B was won by Thomas Gallery (17) with 37 points from Barry Larkin (18) with 36 points while category C was won by Seamus Frehill (22) with 36 points from Liam Roche (30) with a similar score

Steve Burns (15) with 36 points won the past president’s category

In the ladies section the runner up to Mary T McMahon was Carmel Cummins (45) with 36 points followed by Celie Reilly (35) with 35 points and Sinead Hegarty (18), also with 35 . Sarah Cunningham (-2) won the gross with 26 points.

Category A was won by Peg Hanrahan (16) with 35 points from Mary Nagle

(23) with a similar score.

Bridget Hoey (25) won category B with 35 points from Patricia O’Reilly (33), also with 35 points.

The 9 hole competition was won by Sarah Connolly Barnes (24) with 20 points from Anna Glynn (18) with 18 points

The Get into golf category winner was Ann O’Sullivan with 28 from Dympna Hehir wirh 31, Esther Campbell, Ann Healy and Deborah Glynn

Last week’s ladies 18 hole sttableford competition at Ennis was won by Marian Irwin (43) with 38 points.

The category winners were Carrmel Verling (22) with 37 points, Mary Woulfe (31) with 36 points and Sinead O’Sullivan (47) with 34 points

The overall winner in the 9 hole competition was Margaret Flanaagan (18) with 25 points while the category winners were Mary McMahon (11) with 16 points, Celie Reilly (18) with 20 points and Sadie Moloney (21) with 23 points.

Last week’s ladies seniors competition was won by Mary McMahon, Mary Glynn, Maureen Moloney and Eileen Daly with 52 from Phil Butler, Maeve 0'Grady and Anne McMahon with 53,2 while third place was filled by Marie Dilleen, Jean Moloney and Kathleen Pyne with 55.5.

KILRUSH GOLF CLUB

Barry Coleman (18) with 43 points was the overall winner of the men’s open singles at Kilrush at the weekend.

In category 1 the winner was Brian Scanlan (11) with 38 points from Michael F Ryan (9) with a similar score.

Category 2 was won by Cian O' Mahony (19)with 39 points from Pat J Shannon (16) with 37 points

Joey Martyn (22) with 38 points won category 3 from Finbar McMahon (20) with 37 points

David Browne with 19 points won the front 9 while Fergal S Crowley was the back 9 winner with 21 points

The A.O.N. Physiotherapy competition for ladies was won by Margaret Donnelly (21) with 70 from Helen Hurst (50) with a similar score. They were followed in third place by Peggy Mulqueen (30) with 71. The gross was won by Anne Gallagher with 88 while the nines were won by Mary McCarthy with 34 and Margaret Clancy with 35..5.

The 12 hole winner was Teresa Lyons with 21 points

WOODSTOCK GOLF CLUB

Forty five played in last week’s open singles at Woodstock when the winner was Ronan Horgan (10) with 41 points from Cathal Clune (12) with 40. Third place was filled by Kenny O'Shaughnessy (19), also with 40 points.

Tommy Flynn (21) with 61 won the club championship outing at the weekend when Colm Cleary (9) won the gross with 74. The category winners were Morgan Lahiffe (8) with 68, Robbie Dormer (17) with 64 and Mark O'Dwyer (29) with 70. The category for handicaps 19 and over was won by Ronan Lynch (25) with 43 points.

The open singles continues on this Thursday while the September medal , sponsored by SweetN’Green Healthy Cafe will be played for at the weekend

Meanwhile Mags Nash with 37 points was the week 1 winner in the ladies Christmas hampers competition from Mary McNamara with 32 points and Imelda Duffy, also with 32 points

The Auburn Lodge trophy for Clare clubs was hosted by Woodstock this year with the best three cards to count. The winners were the hosts with 117 points (Eilis Neville 42 points, Mary McNamara 38 point and Louise Guilfoyle 37 points.

Ennis with 98 points were second ( Sinead Hegarty 33 points,Aideen Considine 32 points and Joan Murphy 32 points.

Kilkee were third with 92 points.( Irene Neylon 33 points, Angela O'Connell with 32 points and Marie Mc Guire with 27 points]

Dromoland with 90 points were in fourth place ( Katrina O'Neill 31 points, Niamh Mc Dermott 30 points and Trish O'Brien 29 points).

East Clare with 89 points were fifth(Noreen Doyle 34 points, Helen Downey 28 points. Maureen Clune 27 points. Miriam Abernethy ( Lahinch).won the gross with 21 points while the nett was won by Anne Marie Russell ( Woodstock) with 32 points. The nines were won by Siobhan Doohan (Dromoland). with 18 points and Anna Marie Darmody (Ennis).with a similar score

Seventy four ladies played in the competition

DROMOLAND GOLF CLUB

The golfer of the year competition, an 18 hole stableford event, at Dromoland

because he is able to flight his ball down low and this low-ball flight means he can still can control his direction and distance control even on a windy day while other players are struggling. Hopefully Shane and Rory will find their A game this week and content for the 2024 Irish Open. Wouldn't it be great to see both players battle it out on Sunday in the final group, the crowds would be epic. Other Irish contenders include some more of our home favourites that will also be in action too, including Padraig Harrington, Seamus Power and Tom McKibbin. All of them have the ability to be in contention this week especially Padraig who knows his way around a links golf course. The purse this week is €6,000,000 with the winner taking home €1,020,000. That is €960,000 more than the €60,000 pot Annabel Dimmoch took home for winning the Ladies Irish Open recently at Carton House. The difference in prize money between the men's and the ladies' tours is insane when you think about it.

at the weekend was won by Brian Hickey with 43 points. He was followed by Ian Mulready with 41 points, David Lennon with a similar score and John O’Grady with 40 points while Derek Ryan won the gross with 35 points

Ciaran Gallagher with 19 points won the 9 hole competition from John Higgins also with 19 and Eoghan Smith with 18

The ladies Autumn major for the Deirdre Fitzpatrick trophy was won by Siobhan Doohan with 42 points from Frances Bergin with 40, Anne Fahy with 37 and Cora O’Toole with 36. Leslie O’Flynn won the gross with 26 points. The nines were won by Sheila Ryan with 22 points and Dolores Fox with 18 points. Cora O’Toole was nearest the pin, Niamh McDermott had the longest drive and the 9 hole winner was Mary Rogers

SHANNON GOLF CLUB

Laura O’Brien (9) was the winner of the ladies masters at Shannon last week with 148. She had three to spare over Noeleen Neylon (10) with Liz O’Sullivan (19) in third spot with 152 and Mary Sheehan, (20) in fourth place, also with 152.

Aine Twomey (9) won the gross with 172.

Margaret Hope (15) won the first 18 with 74 while Connoe Corry (18), also with 74, won the second 18. EAST CLARE GOLF CLUB

In the ladies Masters" competition at East Clare on Sunday the winner was Maria Kennedy (37) with 70 from Breda McCarthy (34) with 71.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL

We, James and Lucy Fennelly, intend to apply for retention permission for development at The Square, Carrigaholt, Kilrush, Co. Clare. The development consists of the change of use from garden/ ancillary use to residential use/short-term letting and all associated site development works.

The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the Planning Authority during its public opening hours and a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL FURTHER INFORMATION / REVISED PLANS

Planning Ref: P24/60097

Development Description: construct a detached single storey dwelling house, site entrance, wastewater treatment system, percolation area, domestic well and all ancillary site works.

A Natura Impact Statement (NIS) has been prepared and accompanies this application

Location: Clifden, Corofin, Co.Clare

Take notice that John Shannon has lodged significant further information in respect of planning application P24/60097. This information and plan-

ning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the Planning Authority of Clare County Council, Planning Department, Áras Contae an Chláir, New Road, Ennis, Co.Clare during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the further information or revised plans may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee, not later than 5 weeks after the receipt of the newspaper notice and site notice by the planning authority.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL ARDNAGLA, BALLYNACALLY, ENNIS, CO. CLARE

Take notice that Stephen Clohessy intends to apply to the planning authority for permission to construct a new dwelling house and garage complete with a new entrance, sewage treatment system and ancillary works at the above address. The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority, Clare County Council, Aras Contae an Chlair, New Road, Ennis during its public opening hours and that a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the planning authority of the application.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL DRUMQUIN, BALLYNACALLY, ENNIS, CO. CLARE.

Take notice that Gemma Twigge & Kacper Zybert intend to apply to the planning authority for permission to construct a new dwelling house and garage complete with a new entrance, sewage treatment system and ancillary works at the above address. The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority, Clare County Council, Aras Contae an Chlair, New Road, Ennis during its public opening hours and that a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the planning authority of the application.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL FURTHER INFORMATION/ REVISED PLANS PLANNING REFERENCE: P24/67 DEVELOPMENT DESCRIPTION: renovate, extend and reuse the stone outbuildings to the rear of the main building as a 2 bedroomed unit for short stay letting and to alter the front facade of the main building to create a new access corridor to the rear yard and proposed unit & all other associated site and ancillary works.

LOCATION: Main St., Liscannor, Co Clare V95VPP9

Take notice that Deirdre and Tony Considine have lodged significant further information in respect of planning application P24/67. This information and planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the Planning Authority of Clare County Council, Planning Department, Aras Contae an Chlair, New Road, Ennis, Co Clare during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the further information or revised plans may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee, not later than 2 weeks after the receipt of the newspaper notice and site notice by the planning authority or in the case of a planning application accompanied by an EIS within 5 weeks of the receipt of such notices by the planning authority.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL, TEERGONEAN, DOOLIN, CO. CLARE

Take notice that G. & J. Lodges intend to apply to the Planning Authority for permission to retain the outdoor canopy area, food/ beverage container and toilet cubicle along with associated site works at the above address.

That the planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours and that a submission or observation in relation to the applica-

tion may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

Licence Applications

The District Court

Licensing (Ireland) Act 1833

Section 6

Intoxicating Liquor Act, 1960 Section 29

NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR CERTIFICATE OF TRANSFER OF A LICENCE District Court Area of Killaloe District No. 12

Joe O Gorman Applicant

TAKE NOTICE that the abovenamed Applicant Joe O’ Gorman of Belvoir, Sixmilebridge, Clare intends to apply to the Annual Licensing Court to be held at the Court at Killaloe District Court on the 03-Dec-2024 at 10:30 for the TRANSFER to the Applicant of the Publican’s Licence (7-Day Ordinary) licence attached to the premises known as Gallaghers Bar and situate at Kilkishen, Kilkishen, Clare in the court area and district aforesaid.

Dated 07 Aug 2024

Signed Stiofan Fitzpatrick

Solicitor for Applicant Solicitors, The Square, Sixmilebridge , Clare

To the Garda Superintendent, at CT.Clare.CE@Garda.ie, Ennis Garda Station, Abbey Street, Ennis, Clare, V95 TR83

To the Fire Officer, at fireoff@ clarecoco.ie, Clare Fire Station, Ennis, Clare, V95 CD74

To the Health Service Executive Official, at pehoclare@hse.ie

To the District Court Clerk, Ennis District Court

Mary Finnegan (née Walsh) Ennis, Clare

Carmel Kenny (née O’Kelly) Lahinch, Clare

Michael Reidy Ennistymon, Clare

Kathleen NEVILLE (née DILLON) Kilkishen, Clare

Doris Monaghan (née Taylor) Killaloe, Clare

Patricia O’HALLORAN Kilrush, Clare

Monica PHELAN Edenderry, Offaly

Recent Deaths

Anne Fleming (née Bourke) Broadford, Clare

Patrick Desmond (Des) Jennings RPN Kilmurry McMahon, Clare

Anne McLoughlin (née Finnerty) Ennis, Clare

Paddy Moroney Miltown Malbay, Clare

Margaret MULVIHILL Rosbrien, Limerick

John Blood Kilshanny, Clare

Mary Murray Quinlivan (née Murray)

Lissycasey, Clare

John O’Connor Flagmount, Clare

Senan O’Donoghue Mallow, Cork

PRAYER

THE MIRACLE PRAYER

Dear Sacred Heart of Jesus, In the past, I have asked for many favours. This time, I ask you

This special favour.

(Mention Favour)

Take it and place it within Your own broken heart

Where your Father sees it, Then in His Merciful Eyes

It will become your favour Not mine. Amen.

Say this prayer for 3 times a day for 3 days and favour will be grateful.

Promise publication, never known ot fail PH

PRAYER

THE MIRACLE PRAYER

Dear Sacred Heart of Jesus, In the past, I have asked for many favours. This time, I ask you

This special favour.

(Mention Favour)

Take it and place it within Your own broken heart

Where your Father sees it, Then in His Merciful Eyes It will become your favour Not mine. Amen.

Say this prayer for 3 times a day for 3 days and favour will be grateful.

Promise publication, never known ot fail AF

PRAYER

THE MIRACLE PRAYER

Dear Sacred Heart of Jesus, In the past, I have asked for many favours. This time, I ask you

This special favour.

(Mention Favour)

Take it and place it within Your own broken heart

Where your Father sees it, Then in His Merciful Eyes It will become your favour Not mine. Amen.

Say this prayer for 3 times a day for 3 days and favour will be grateful.

Promise publication, never known ot fail

The Clare Echo Quiz

Killaloe Quiz

1What is the name of the GAA Club in the town?

A.) Killaloe GAA & Camogie Club

B.) Smith O’Brien’s GAA & Camogie Club

C.) William Smith O’Brien’s GAA & Camogie Club

2Which town neighbours Killaloe from opposite side of the bridge in Tipperary?

A.) Ballina

B.) Nenagh

C.) Newport

3What Lake is the town of Killaloe situated beside?

A.) Lough Derg

B.) Lough Neagh

C.) Lough Ree

4Which of these Historical People are fondly known with the town?

A.) Brian Ború

B.) Michael Collins

C.) St. Patrick

5Which of these Ex-Irish Rugby Captains come from the town?

A.) Rory Best

B.) Paul O’Connell

C.) Keith Wood

6Which of these famous rivers bypass the town?

A.) River Barrow B.) River Shannon C.) River Suir

7What is the name of the Secondary School in Killaloe?

A.) St. Anne’s Community College

B.) St. Flannan’s College

C.) St. Joesph’s Secondary School

8Which these Famous Irish Comedians owned a bar and restaurant in the town?

A.) Brendan Grace B.) Graham Norton C.) Brendan O’Carroll

9What are the colours of the GAA Club in the town of Killaloe?

A) Red + Yellow

B) Scarlet + Yellow

C) Scarlet + Amber

10What is the name of the famous Cathedral in the town?

A.) Cathedral of Saints Peter & Paul

B.) St. Senan’s Church

C.) St. Flannan’s Cathedral

Spot the Difference

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

Last

weeks Answers

Michael Barrett battles with Conor Cooney in last weekends match as Scariff took on O’Callaghans Mills

Photo by Ruth Griffin

l QUESTION 3 : What Lake is the town of Killaloe situated beside?

THIS WEEKS PUZZLES Sep 12

Great American Novelists

WORD SEARCH

Bellow

Dos Passos

Dreiser

Faulkner

Fitzgerald

Hemingway

James

Lewis

London

Mailer

Melville

Oates

Roth

Salinger

Twain

Updike

Vidal

Vonnegut

Software © 2017 crossword-compiler.com

The Clare Echo Crossword

ACROSS

1 Pottery oven (4)

3 Endearing (8)

9 Hug (7)

Wharton

Wolfe

DOWN

Sudoku is a logic puzzle where you have to populate the grid with numbers. A number can appear only once in each row, column and house. Each puzzle can be solved using logic from the given information and requires no guesswork.

1 Memento (8)

2 North African country (5)

4 Soak (6)

10 Assisted (5)

https://puzzles.bestforpuzzles.com/games/best-daily-word-search

11 Employees (5)

12 Material for violin strings (6)

14 Young cat (6)

16 Root vegetable (6)

19 Silly laugh (6)

21 Push roughly (5)

24 Go in (5)

25 Feign (7)

26 Cooked egg dish (8)

27 Difficult (4)

5 Cook in an oven (5)

6 Nomadic Arab (7)

7 Terminates (4)

8 Perplex (6)

13 Magnificent (8)

15 Prickly plant (7)

17 Northern Ireland (6)

18 Tyrant (6)

20 Eat gluttonously (5)

22 Last Greek letter (5)

23 Nought (4)