The Clare Echo 12/12/19

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64 male asylum seekers ‘will be welcomed’

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NNIS is preparing to welcome 64 single male asylum seekers to its new direct provision centre.

Following a recent refurbishment, Clare Lodge is to open its doors to the first of the asylum seekers with the remainder arriving on a phased basis. Bridgestock Care Ltd will operate the Ennis facility where they are set to employ 15 people.

To actively promote integration initiatives and opportunities, a Residents Support Officer will be appointed. Speaking to The Clare Echo, Cllr Clare Colleran Molloy (FF) said that Ennis would provide a positive reception.

12 Dec 2019

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“Ennis is populated with friendly people, you will always have some exceptions to that but I’m quite confident Ennis will be a supportive environment for these people in need of help. Not all will qualify for the asylum they are seeking but in the interim this facility will be the third Direct Provision centre in Clare.

It will be accommodating men, about 64 single individual males who are already being provided with emergency accommodation in Ireland.”

In a statement to The Clare Echo, Dr. Michael Harty (IND) commended the Department for their choice of location. “Clare Lodge is a good high-quality building in the centre of town, with sufficient capacity, close to dental and medical services and with social, education and transport services centrally available”.

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Full Story page 18

2 NEWS

THURSDAY, DEC 12 2019

TIDY RESULT FOR ENNIS

Index E 2-17

NEWS

ENTERTAINMENT

21

COMMUNITY

22-23

XMAS GIFT GUIDE

25-44

GREEN FEATURE

NNIS town was honoured at the annual Co-operation Ireland Pride of Place awards in Kilkenny on Saturday evening.

Ennis placed runners up in the Best Town with a population over 5000.

Sponsored by IPB, the Pride of Place competition was initiated 18 years ago through a Co-operation Ireland programmes to acknowledge the invaluable work undertaken by volunteers and those involved in local community development.

It has grown into the largest competition recognising community development achievements on the island of Ireland Two separate projects had been nominated by the Rural Development Directorate of Clare County Council (Bunratty Local Development Asso-

45

BUSINESS

46-47

SPORT

50-51

CLASSIFIEDS

52-53

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

NEWSDESK

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

SALES

Email: ger.naughton@clareecho.ie or niall@clareecho.ie

l HON THE TOWN: Michael Richards, Ennis Tidy Towns, Cllr Pat McMahon, Leonore O’Neill, Clare

County Council, Peter Sheridan, CEO Co-operation Ireland, Cllr Martin Brett, Mayor of Kilkenny, Nicola Killeen, Pride of Place Co-Ordinator, Clare County Council, Leonard Cleary, Director of Services, Clare County Council, Michael Garvey, CEO and Executive Director, IPB Insurance. Front row: Antoinnette Barry, Mary Coote Ryan, Cormac McCarthy, Cllr Mary Howard and Teresa McGrath (all Ennis Tidy Towns) with Mayor of Clare Cathal Crowe

ciation, Ennis Tidy Towns) to participate in annual all-island competition, which is run by Co-operation Ireland and aims to recognise and celebrate the vital contributions that communities make to society.

Ennis Tidy Towns had been nominated to participate in Category 5, for towns with a population of over 5,000 people. Now one the longest serving Tidy Towns groups in the country, the group has for 30 years championed community-led projects which foster a sense of place, promote engagement, all of which makes Ennis a wonderful place to live, work and visit.

Current activities include community arts initiatives, clean-ups, climate change campaigns, sustainability and waste management projects and enhancing local green spaces for pollinators and biodiversity.

Mayor of Clare Cathal Crowe after being at the event has said that Ennis tidy towns should be so proud to be recognised at such a prestigious award’ he hopes that they ‘continue their hard work and dedication to their town as it brings the community together in making their town a home’.

4 NEWS

THURSDAY, DEC 12 2019

Ennistymon gets €500,000 tourism boost STUART HOLLY

E

editor@clareecho.ie

NNISTYMON has been nominated as Clare's destination town to benefit from a €15.5 million Fáilte Ireland initiative to boost the attractiveness and tourism appeal of 31 centres throughout the country.

Clare Fine Gael TD Joe Carey explained that up to €500,000 will be allocated in two rounds to Clare County Council which nominated Ennistymon for the funding with the first allocation being made in January and the second in early Spring when further developmental work has concluded.

Clare County Council will also provide additional funding for the project which is part of Fáilte Ireland's campaign to achieve a better regional spread of overseas and domestic visitors and revenue.

The funding will be used to enhance public spaces such as squares, streetscapes and markets in a way that will engage tourists and enhance their experience in key towns.

This could include spaces for food and craft markets, areas for town centre events, public art displays as well as orientation and signage to help visitors explore a town's local heritage.

Fáilte Ireland's Destination Towns scheme is funded under the Government's Project Ireland 2040 strategy with the aim of driving sustainable growth in the Irish tourism sector and higher revenue and job creation around Ireland.

JACK THE RUNNER

l WEST IS BEST: Jack Leahy from Lissycasey won a Gold medal for his club Fergus AC in the U/15 race at the cross-country championships held in St Flannans on Sunday.

NEWS 5

THURSDAY, DEC 12 2019

'Ennis will welcome 64 single men placed in direct provision' PÁRAIC McMAHON

A

paraic@clareecho.ie

NEW direct provision centre is to open in Ennis and will house up to 64 single residents.

Following a recent refurbishment, Clare Lodge is to reopen its doors at the end of the month to the first of the asylum seekers with the remainder arriving on a phased basis. The Department of Justice have confirmed the plans for Clare’s fourth direct provision centre with a contract signed last Thursday.

From 2001 to 2009, Clare Lodge which is located on the Mill Rd was an accommodation centre for asylum seekers and it will once again fulfil the same function. A spokesperson for the Department of Justice has said the centre will include cooking facilities and an on-site food hall where groceries can be purchased.

Bridgestock Care Ltd who run centres in Sligo and Mayo will operate the Ennis facility where they are set to employ 15 people.

On Tuesday morning, five of the seven Ennis Municipal District councillors attended a briefing with Clare County Council officials, Bridgestock Care Ltd and their officials where integration was the main concern highlighted by the elected representatives. Elected representatives visited Clare Lodge on Wednesday afternoon. They

were informed at the briefing that no prior public consultation had taken place prior to the signing of the contract last week and that the Direct Provision residents will be able to apply for work within nine months.

To actively promote integration initiatives and opportunities, a Residents Support Officer will be appointed. The Department of Justice has confirmed a Friends of the Centre will be established within the centre. A leaflet drop is to be carried out to neighbouring areas in Carmody St which will inform residents what is planned and the available supports.

Speaking to The Clare Echo, Cllr Clare Colleran Molloy (FF) that Ennis would provide a positive reception. “Ennis is populated with friendly people, you will always have some exceptions to that but I’m quite confident Ennis will be a supportive environment for these people and in need of help.

Not all will qualify for the asylum they are seeking but in the interim this facility will be the third Direct Provision centre in Clare. It will be accommodating men, about 64 single individual males who are already being provided with emergency accommodation in Ireland.”

In a statement to The Clare Echo, Dr. Michael Harty (IND) commended the Department for their choice of location. “Clare Lodge is a good high-quality building in centre of town, with sufficient capacity, close to dental and medical services and with social, education and transport services centrally available”.

OPW and Iarnród Éireann ‘turf war’ halting Ballycar progress “A TURF war” is preventing progress in solving the issue of flooding at Ballycar, Clare TDs have stated.

RPS Consulting were appointed in May to develop a solution to Ballycar’s regular flooding problems. It has been a frequent occurrence during winter months that a stretch of rail between Sixmilebridge and Ennis has been flooded forcing commuters to get off the train at Sixmilebridge and travel by bus to the county town.

Last November, Clare County Council, Irish Rail and the Office of Public Works (OPW) agreed to work to fix flooding at Ballycar. According to Cllr Pat McMahon, (FF) the first instance of flooding in Ballycar dates back to 1826.

Speaking at the Newmarket-on-Fergus community forum organised

by Obair, Tom Casey declared “The parish of Newmarket-on-Fergus is falling behind”. He criticised the

long-wait residents endured to get a proper water supply, neglect in maintaining flowers and weeds plus the state of footpaths. “Ballycar has been flooding for years, what are they going to do about it?”

Dr Michael Harty (IND) stated, “Ballycar flooding is a huge issue. There is a turf war between the OPW and Iarnród Éireann, there is an active process in place because it is part of the Western Railway Corridor”.

l CONCERNED: Local residents attend the Newmarket on Fergus community forum

6 NEWS

THURSDAY, DEC 12 2019

‘We’re going to kill you’ - Ennis DJ threatened PÁRAIC McMAHON

A

paraic@clareecho.ie

N ENNIS DJ has spoken out at the frightening abuse which he has been subjected to while playing in nightclubs across the country.

Trevor White started working as a glass collector in the Queens Nightclub in May 1995 later working with the lights and sound systems before becoming a DJ in 1996 and going full-time a year later.

When he started off, on a typical week Trevor would spend £150 on music across multiple genres and half a day in a record store going through hundreds of differ-

ent tracks.

Speaking to The Clare Echo, White explained that people’s expectations is that a DJ is now a jukebox.

“Nowadays people think they are an expert on a particular genre which is down to free music, they don’t buy it anymore, they have a mix of everything and it is very hard to keep people happy.

“Because of that in the last five years, everyone is an expert, they’ll come up asking you to play a song which you can’t play in a nightclub because you won’t be let back there again but then they start abusing you, ‘you’re shit, you’re this’, even such things as ‘you’re dead outside, we’re going to kill you when you go outside’ over not playing a song”.

In his opinion, there is a multitude of reasons for the

shift in people’s behaviours towards DJs and other people working in nightclubs.

“Back in the nineties when I first started off people would drink pints and bottles of beer, now it is more spirits. The drugs

scene is massive at the moment which is an awful shame, it was always there but it’s gone massive altogether. The amount of times I’ve been asked for drugs is unbelievable.

“It’s a combination of the

lMURDER ON THE DANCEFLOOR: Ennis DJ Trevor White has been threatened for refusing to play songs

alcohol and the way when people want something they want it now, they won’t accept no for an answer, when you can’t do what they are asking to do, then the abuse comes and it comes fairly heavy, the problem with that is if you’re in a band there is four or five in the band, you’re not on your own, when you’re a DJ you are 100 per cent on your own in a DJ box and the things people don’t realise is you can’t walk away, if you walk out of the DJ box then the music stops”.

Abuse suffered by Trevor is both verbal and physical.

“A girl tried to pull the eyes out of my head, they thought it was funny to push the girl into the DJ box, I was lucky the DJ box was the width of a door that’s what saved me, I had her hand and she

dug into my wrists there was blood pouring into my hands after it, a fella that was latching onto the hen night was trying to punch me in the face so I was holding him back, there was six or seven of them coming at me that they all got stuck in the door.

“It took a while for security to spot it, they eventually did, the door was locked for me and the worst thing of all they weren’t even thrown out, I drove home that night, didn’t give it a second thought, it wasn’t upsetting me and there is something terribly wrong with that”.

Trevor has contemplated quitting. “I know I don’t want to, part of me wants to because as much as it doesn’t faze you it is a mental drain but I know when I do it will be final”.

NEWS 7

THURSDAY, DEC 12 2019

1,500 wheelie bins of water dumped daily STUART HOLLY

P

editor@clareecho.ie

LANS for a new Wastewater Treatment Plant in Liscannor that will eliminate the discharge of the equivalent of 1,500 wheelie bins of untreated wastewater per day into the bay, have been submitted for planning permission.

Minister of State for Trade, Employment, Business, EU Digital Single Market and Data Protection, Pat Breen said that Irish Water, in partnership with Clare County Council, have submitted the plans to the local authority for approval.

Minister Breen said, "I am pleased that this essential project is moving forward and look forward to the day it is completed. Wastewater in the Liscannor area is currently treated by a septic tank system which discharges poorly treated effluent into Liscannor Bay. The new wastewater treatment plant will

eliminate the discharge of the equivalent of 1,500 wheelie bins of untreated wastewater per day into Liscannor Bay. "The discharge of poorly treated wastewater into the bay threatens water quality and does not comply with EU regulations relating to the treatment of wastewater," he added.

"The new wastewater plant will serve a population of 1,150 people, providing cleaner water that will enhance the environmental amenity value of the Liscannor area and act as a platform for social and economic development," said the minister of state from Clare.

The new wastewater treatment plant will include the construction of a storm water storage tank and a new pump station with emergency storage; the construction of approximately 1,220m of sewer pipelines; and connection to the existing outfall pipe to safely discharge treated wastewater into Liscannor Bay. Irish Water has now submitted a planning application for the plant and subject to statutory approvals, it is envisaged that construction would commence in late 2020.

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10 NEWS

Demand for burial site may hinder tourism

PÁRAIC McMAHON

“S

news@clareecho.ie

IGNIFICANT demand” for a burial site in the Ennis environs may hinder the potential for developing a new tourism site on the Kildysart Rd. A new county burial ground is proposed to be located at Ballaghafadda on the Kildysart Rd. As reported by The Clare Echo in September, Cllr Paul Murphy (FG) spoke of the need to develop “an anchor tourism destination for the Shannon Estuary Way” there.

He brought a similar call forward to the November meeting of Clare County Council. Murphy noted that the fifty acre landbank “provides unrestricted access to Ballybeg Lough (not a Special Area of Conservation) and onwards to Newhall Lake, Ballybeg Woods and the famine trail from Killone Abbey to the Rocky Road”.

The Clarecastle representative cautioned, “The development of a burial ground next to the water may impact negatively on the potential of the lake and lakeshore to be used for a large scale recreation and tourism development”.

In a detailed written response, senior exec-

utive officer with the Council’s rural and community development, Monica Meehan pointed out that the investment took account of numerous factors. “The aim of this significant investment is to balance the needs of recreation/ amenity/tourism and burial grounds”.

She confirmed that members of the Ennis Municipal District would soon be briefed regarding the site.

Ten different sites were identified and researched by the local authority as a potential county burial ground between 2013 and 2014.

“The timely coming to market of the Ballaghafadda site during 2017 prompted Clare County Council to consider this site for the purpose of providing a burial ground due to the fact that the burial ground at Drumcliffe is nearing capacity”.

Half of the site is zoned for community use and the other for tourism. Meehan stated, “A design brief is currently being developed with a view to a design team being appointed in order to expedite this project”.

She concluded, “It should be noted that the proposal for the provision of a burial ground and recreational area at this site has been advised to the consultants preparing the Ennis 2040 Plan”.

Cllr Murphy said Ballaghafadda was located “about one kilometre from my house. I am not

putting this forward to cause hassle”. He said that as someone passing the lands on a very regular basis he was au fait with its potential and questioned how familiar Council officials were with the land. “I’d like to see an outdoor pursuit centre like what is there in Lough Derg.

Ennis is very much in need of this.

“Putting a graveyard on the shore of one of them, I’d query that. I recognise the need for a county graveyard but I don’t want in 20 years time us to be saying what the hell were we at.

Could something better be happening,” Murphy questioned. Cllr Clare Colleran Molloy (FF) seconded the motion and said, “Paul has a big vision for those lands”.

l POTENTIAL: Councillor Paul Murphy raised his concerns at the Council meeting Photo by Eamon Ward

THURSDAY, DEC 12 2019

Cllr Talty critical of N85 delay CONSULTANTS for works along the N85 from Ennis to Ennistymon are to be appointed in early 2020, a Director of Service with Clare County Council has confirmed.

"What is the current status of planning for long overdue upgrade and realignment works on the N85 from Ennis to Ennistymon," Cllr Shane Talty (FF) asked at the November meeting of the local authority.

Director of Service, Carmel Kirby said "certain sections" of the N85 require upgrading. "Members will be aware that a plan to upgrade a 3km section from just west of Kilnamona Cross eastwards towards Ennis was being advanced.

“The preferred route was for the most part offline and in developing the design for same, surveys and geotechnical investigation work identified that there would be a significant cut and fill imbalance meaning that there would be a substantial volume of surplus material requiring to be disposed of offsite rendering that particular design unviable".

Locally there is annoyance at the delay to carrying out the works, Cllr Talty outlined.

"It is hard for a frustrated public not to be sceptical. The road is a gateway to the North West of the county, it is vital route for thousands of commuters travelling to Ennis, Shannon and Galway".

12 NEWS

THURSDAY, DEC 12 2019

CRAFTY LITTLE CREW 100 new jobs

as Shannon firm expands

S

lSTICKING TO THE TASK: Ellen Stritch, Clare Library with Muireann, Grainne, Ciaran and Sinead O'Neill enjoying the Crafts workshop as part of the open day at the DeValera Library, Ennis on Tueaday

Photo by Eamon Ward

OME 100 new jobs are on the way to Shannon with Modular Automatic yesterday announcing expansion plans.

Based at Smithstown Industrial Estate, Modular are a supplier to some of the world’s leading medical device and technology manufacturers. With the acquisition of eight acres of land for future development which includes an innovation lab, they are going to expand on their business while adding an additional 100 employees to their workforce of 160 by 2023.

Founded in 1986 as a specialist tool and die provider for advanced electronics manufacturers, Modular now delivers complete automation integration solutions to customers in Europe and North America.

Boston Scientific, Stryker plus Johnson and Johnson are listed among their

customer base. Recently, it opened a subsidiary in Jacksonville, Florida as it expanded into North America to be located closer to customers. In September 2016, Modular opened a €3m expansion of its Shannon facility.

Shane Cooke, Engineering Director stated, “This investment enables us to grow our technology and innovation programs focused around the development and implementation of advanced automation technologies. These are key enablers for our MedTech customers to advance their manufacturing processes and systems”.

Modular’s expansion marks the second positive jobs announcement for Smithstown in the space of a week. Smithstown Light Engineering have recently confirmed they will be hiring 60 new staff as part of a €6m investment.

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14 NEWS

Shannon player to fight ban

A SHANNON man has launched an appeal against a decision from the Clare District Soccer League (CDSL) to hand him a six month ban for comments posted online.

In a week where the Football Association of Ireland (FAI)’s financial report showed liabilities of over €55m, the Government opted to withhold €2.8m in annual funding, Three Ireland announced they were not renewing their sponsorship deal which was worth €7.5m over four years to the organisation and it was revealed that ex CEO John Delaney received a €462,000 settlement, the CDSL also came under fire.

On Friday last it emerged that a registered member of a Shannon club received a six-month ban from the CDSL on the back of online comments directed at the League following their public support of Delaney subsequent to his departure from the FAI. The player criticised the CDSL’s support of Delaney who he later declared to be corrupt. As further details emerged of FAI finances, more comments were made on social media including one where the county committee was called a “shower of scumbags,” according to the CDSL. “The player was suspended for bringing the game into disrepute”.

Meanwhile, a petition has been set up by a club member to overturn the ban and at the time of going to print has over 800 signatures.

THURSDAY, DEC 12 2019

Poor air quality leaves asthmatics breathless PÁRAIC McMAHON

A

news@clareecho.ie

STHMATICS are “struggling to breathe” at times due to the poor air quality in Clare’s county town.

In October and November, Ennis readings for PM10 and PM2.5 particulate-matter pollutants have approached four times the Environmental Protection Agency limits with levels of sulphur dioxide also spiking.

Speaking at Tuesday’s meeting of the Ennis Municipal District, Cllr Johnny Flynn (FG) called for an urgent enforcement of the legal ban on the selling and burning of smoky coal in Ennis and for the ban to be extended nationwide. He referenced the “large number of reports of adverse air quality readings in Ennis during October and November” that were “consistently well in excess of safe health levels by both EU and WHO” when proposing the motion.

“As of the 30th November 2019 there have only been six exceedances of this parameter in Ennis. However the limit is only deemed breach if more that thirty five exceedances oc-

cur during the year,” senior engineer in Clare County Council’s water and environment section, Cyril Feeney said of particulate matter rising above EPA limits. He confirmed the local authority would be carrying out inspections to ensure regulations relating to the sale of smoky coal are being adhered to.

Both Feeney and Cllr Flynn referenced an advertisement that the Council placed in The Clare Echo reminding fuel merchants and the general public of their obligation not to burn smoky coal. The whole issue of informing people about this law was considered by Cllr Mary Howard (FG), “I don’t know how we’re going to create awareness that people cannot burn smoky coal, people are not buying newspapers, the free paper going into Ennis and Clarecastle is great”.

Of the poor air quality, Cllr Flynn stated, “I have experienced it myself out in the evening walking, there is an uncomfortable level of smog. This is a very serious issue, vulnerable children and people with cardio or lung issues are affected by it”.

A member of the Ennis Tidy Towns committee, Cllr Howard admitted to being “shocked” upon reading about the air quality levels in the county town. “As an asthmatic I’ve noticed the difference in air quality at night time, I can’t breath at times with it. It is a whole health is-

sue in my eyes”. She was sceptical as to how a blanket ban nationwide on burning smoky coal could be enforced.

Not alone is the burning of smoky coal and the poor air quality “a climate change issue” in the view of Cllr Flynn but “it is hurtful to the environment and causing huge damage to the reputation of Ennis and Clarecastle. I will be asking the Chief Executive to include the enforcement in his monthly report”.

Support for the motions was also voiced by Cllr Clare Colleran Molloy (FF) and Cllr Paul Murphy (FG).

l CONCERNS: Calls were made for a legal ban on burning of smoky coal in Ennis

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16 NEWS

Market to be integrated into regenerated area PÁRAIC McMAHON

A

paraic@clareecho.ie

N INVESTIGATION is to be carried out by staff within the Ennis Municipal District to assess if traders of the farmers market at Roslevan have planning permission to use the location.

Councillors questioned if planning had been granted to allow Roslevan be used by the farmers market during a discussion at a recent meeting of the Ennis MD. This stemmed from a motion by Cllr Pat Daly (FF) who asked the MD to “look at the possibility to open up at weekends the Market Building for trading similar to the Milk Market in Limerick”.

It was noted in a written response by Bernadette Haugh, administrative officer within the Ennis MD that the Market

Building “provides a quality and convenient location for licensed traders to promote their quality food and craft produce”. She listed some of the events which took place in the building since its September 2016 opening and that it provides 27 car parking spaces “in a safe, convenient and central location”.

Haugh confirmed “The existing Market Building will be integrated into the regenerated urban area once the O’Connell Square, High Street, Barrack Square and Old Barrack Street project, part of the Ennis Public Realm Regeneration Programme is advanced. In the interim, we are always open to engaging with traders who wish to come together to hold a Market in the building”.

Born in Parnell St, Cllr Daly expressed his disappointment with the operation of the €500,000 Garraunakilla building. “In general it’s not working, it’s a glorified car park. One councillor said to me it’s just not

l Cllr Pat Daly

Photo by Gary Collins

working. The Milk Market is there for over 100 years and it is working”. He added, “I remember the old days in the 70s and 80s, the Market was hopping. I know things have changed, big chains of shops have come in since and it is a different Ennis to that of the 70s. The regeneration of Barrack St is fantastic but people are not happy with what has happened in the Market, I’m

getting it everyday of the week.

We have to put in a bit of management there”.

His party colleague, Cllr Mark Nestor (FF) seconded the motion. “We have lost something very special in the Market,” he lamented.

Cllr Mary Howard (FG) maintained that the covered market “has great potential”.

“I have been informed that the Farmers Market don’t have planning permission for Roslevan, the Market Building was built for them, I’d like for that to be looked into”.

Senior executive officer, Leonore O’Neill stressed that they were “open to collaborating” with any personnel interested in trading in the Market Building.

She confirmed they were happy to facilitate a delegation to the Milk Market. “Regarding planning issues, we will follow up on that. We are reviewing the overall Market Building as part of the overall Parnell St and Barrack St project.”

THURSDAY, DEC 12 2019

Homeless units in pipeline NATIONAL housing and homeless charity, Peter McVerry trust is to deliver social housing in Clare for the first time.

Working in partnership with Clare County Council, the charity has secured six apartments in Ennis that will help in meeting the housing needs of people impacted by homelessness in the county.

CEO of Peter McVerry Trust, Pat Doyle stated, “I am delighted to be able to announce that we have begun to provide housing and supports to people in Clare and help Clare County Council to move more people out of homelessness. We have secured 6 apartments in Ennis which has allowed us to progress 13 people, made up of singles and families, out of homelessness.”

“As is our normal practice, we will be providing all individuals with intensive visiting supports. Those supports are crucial in helping to make the move into a new home a success for the tenants and the broader community. In 2016, Peter McVerry Trust opened its Mid-West Regional office in Limerick City and from there we have a dedicated housing with supports team that provides specialist supports to our tenants, for everything from property maintenance issues to employment and education supports.”

Trolley Dash in support of Jigsaw STUART HOLLY

T

editor@clareecho.ie

HE annual Lidl Trolley Dash took place this week with winning customer, Margaret Collins taking home their ‘big Christmas shop’ for free.

All proceeds raised through ticket sales will go to Lidl’s charity partner, Jigsaw, the National Centre for Youth Mental Health.

Deirdre Ryan, Head of CSR at Lidl Ireland and Northern Ireland: “The money raised through ticket sales across Lidl’s 162 stores will go to Jigsaw to help them to continue to deliver vital services to young people, so it is brilliant that so many customers supported this worthy cause!”

Margaret Collins from Sixmilebridge grabbed more than €190 worth of their Christmas shopping

in a Lidl Trolley Dash at the Shannon store.

Margaret had just two minutes to do a ‘Supermarket Sweep’ style dash around the store, grabbing as much of her Christmas shopping as she could.

Lidl stores across the country gave

customers the chance to win their ‘big Christmas shop’.

Tickets were on sale for just €1 at Lidl checkouts across Ireland since November, with all proceeds going to Jigsaw.

Jigsaw provide a range of free men-

lTURKEY RUN: Lidl trolley dash winner Margaret Collins, Sixmilebridge, with her grandsons Evan Elliott and Jim Collins Photo by Arthur Ellis

tal health support services for young people between the ages of 12 and 25.

With services in 13 communities across Ireland and a dedicated advice and information website, young people, parents and their guardians can benefit from the supports that Jigsaw provides.

To date, Jigsaw has supported over 26,000 young people across Ireland.

Lidl Ireland’s 2018 Trolley Dash raised a total of €213,045 for Jigsaw.

Deirdre Ryan, Head of Corporate Social Responsibility at Lidl said: “We are thrilled with the result of our Lidl Trolley Dash this year.

“Over four weeks, 162 Lidl stores across the country have raised a significant amount of funds, 100% of which will be donated to Jigsaw.

“The proceeds will support the crucial work Jigsaw are doing with young people facing mental health issues, as well as their families. We would like to thank all of our customers who have supported our fundraising efforts.”

#CompGoesGreen at St. Patrick’s

A GROUP of students at St. Patrick’s Comprehensive are leading the way when it comes to environmental matters in their school and surrounding area. As part of their TY Ag Science course students were encouraged to think about their surroundings and build a project around that.

The idea was formulated and the group came up with the name #CompGoesGreen and designed a logo to match. The initiative started with a great idea linked to both the river and estuary here in Shannon and the goal to make our community plastic free.

Not only have they implemented a ban on single use plastics in school, but they have also given the fantastic alternative of their very own Comp stainless steel thermal bottle.

The #CompGoesGreen project are in to round two of the @SEAIonegoodidea competition.

St. Patrick’s Comprehensive in con-

junction with other parties in school have been producing beeswax wraps as a new alternative for clingfilm and tinfoil. .

Chloe McNamara of the CompGoesGreen group stated, “Climate change is a problem for our generation and as a school community, we can help to make a big, lasting change”.

The students also became film makers and created a wonderfully thought-provoking film on the future of our planet.

Another element of their campaign was a Plastic Pollution Workshop designed and presented by TY students to every member of the school community.

The TYs will present their project and video on the big screen at the @ SEAIonegoodidea Regional Final in lSAVE THE TREES: Students from St Patrick’s Comprehensive School Omniplex Cinema in Limerick Feb have made great strides with their new environmentally friendly initiative #CompGoesGreen 28th 2020.

Shannon wastewater upgrade contractor appointed A CONTRACTOR has been appointed to carry out the upgrade to the Shannon Town Wastewater Treatment Plant.

Minister of State for Trade, Employment, Business, EU Digital Single Market & Data Protection Pat Breen has been assured by Irish Water that the award of the contract has been approved and the award letter sent to the successful tenderer Ward & Burke.

It is expected the contact will be signed and work will begin soon after on the water treatment plant.

Minister Breen said: "The Shannon Town Wastewater Treatment Plant needs to be updated as a matter of urgency. This is an ageing plant built in the 1970s, which was designed for a different time and a smaller population.

“More than 40 years on and the volume of waste water requiring treatment has multiplied significantly."

"The people of Shannon deserve a proper, modern, Wastewater Treatment Plant that meet their needs. I look forward to work beginning on the new plant early in 2020," he said.

Meanwhile, plans have been submitted for a new waste water treatment plant in Liscannor.

18 NEWS FEATURE

THURSDAY, DEC 12 2019

Clare Echo opens doors at new location...

lBIG MOVE: Clare Echo editor Stuart Holly at the Abbey Street Car Park premises

Photo by John Mangan

Expansion continues at Abbey Street HQ ELAINE TUBRIDY

T

elaine.tubridy@clareecho.ie

HE Clare Echo has this week continued its expansion plans by opening the doors to its new premises at a premium Ennis town centre location.

Just over two years since the newspaper's first edition (October 19, 2017), the county-wide media company has grown its newspaper circulation to 15,000 weekly print editions, its newspaper readership to more than 40,000 while increasing its online audience to more than 30,000 followers. The Clare Echo has now moved from O'Connell Square into its new premises at Abbey Street Car Park, Ennis, to deal with the rapid expansion, increasing staff numbers and growing profile.

Stuart Holly, Editor of The Clare Echo, said that the move is in line with the

company's ambitions to develop the most interactive and modern news and advertising platform available.

"The Clare Echo team is delighted to have established its base in such a visible location which is very accessible to the wider public," said Mr Holly.

"One of the key components to our early success is weekly engagement from community groups and businesses across the county, they being two of the most vital lifelines to a thriving society in County Clare. This move brings us a step closer to those communities and underlines our commitment to public interaction. We have always been grateful for the support of the wider public and for that reason our door is always open to them."

He continued, "I believe The Clare Echo has already become the most effective and user-friendly means to share community news and promote local

businesses across the county; therefore the establishment of our business in a high-profile location marks another step on our journey to becoming the beacon for a modern media in County Clare."

Mr Holly also paid tribute to his staff members, who he says have paved the way for the continued growth of The Clare Echo.

"This bright and fresh space will add to the vibrancy of our working environment. From Day 1, our staff members have shown unwavering commitment to the values of The Clare Echo and have always represented the company in a friendly and professional manner. I believe that the company as a whole will benefit from this move and that's thanks to our dedicated workforce," he added.

lNEW BEGINNINGS: Clare Echo staff get settled into their new surroundings; (clockwise from top left) Sales Director Ger Naughton with Sales Executive Niall O'Connor; sub-editor Elaine Tubridy; graphic designer Shane Gillian; photographer John Mangan; Head of News & Sport Pรกraic McMahon; Office Administrator Maria Lockett Photos by John Mangan

NEWS FEATURE 19

THURSDAY, DEC 12 2019

Geared up for Clare's Fittest

W

ITH excitement growing ahead of Davy Fitzgerald's event, Clare's Fittest Superstars, The Clare Echo has announced its team for the much anticipated competition.

Taking place on January 25, teams of four will compete for

McMahon heads up news and sport ELAINE TUBRIDY

elaine.tubridy@clareecho.ie

THE Clare Echo is delighted to announce a new editorial appointment as part of its continued expansion.

Journalist Páraic McMahon has been appointed as Head of News & Sport, a new position within the organisation.

Editor Stuart Holly says that the appointment will serve to help further develop The Clare Echo's journalism offering and increase its reach across Clare.

The new position will see the Newmarket-on-Fergus native play an increased role in the editorial process, while being tasked with developing a new sports section with increased coverage to be rolled out early in 2020. Editor Mr Holly said, "I'm delighted to give Páraic this opportunity, which will not only increase his responsibilities but will also facilitate The Clare Echo's continued growth as a company. While Páraic will now play a larger part in the editorial process, he will also be in a position to help nurture journalists such as Cian O'Broin, the latest addition to our news room.

"At such a young age, Páraic has already displayed his capabilities as an excellent and highly productive journalist. His thirst for knowledge and dedication to journalism will continue to enrich The Clare Echo product."

Páraic McMahon is a graduate of Mary Immaculate College, Limerick, where he studied Media, Communications and English. Having come on board with The Clare Echo in 2018, he continues to have work published in national media outlets such as The Irish Examiner, RTÉ, The Irish Times, The42.ie and The Irish Independent.

“It is a great privilege to become the youngest Head of News and Sport with a media outlet in the country. In what is a challenging time for journalism, I am excited to take on the new role and look forward to building on our news coverage plus building what we hope will be a unique sports section that the whole county can savour,” McMahon said.

prize of being crowned champions of Clare's Fittest Superstars challenge - while raising important funds towards the establishment of a new multi purpose centre for Sláinte An Chlair.

The Clare Echo team will comprise of Frank Holly, Stuart Holly, Shane Gilligan, and Niall O'Con-

nor. Speaking ahead of the event, Team Clare Echo said they are confident of putting in a good performance.

Niall O'Connor, Sales Executive with The Clare Echo and team captain for the event, said, "We are very excited to be taking part in an event that's contributing funds to

such an important cause. Cancer touches the lives of so many people in Clare which is all the more reason to get involved.

"The event itself also looks like great fun. I've been lucky enough to have a sneak peek at the course and will admit that while it looks like a serious challenge, I'm still

looking forward to getting stuck in and having a great time on the day.

Clare's Fittest Superstars takes place on January 25 at the Showgrounds in Ennis. To sign up as a team or individual, please contact Clare's Fittest Superstars on 083 363 3244 or email info@fittestsuperstars.ie.

20 THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK

THURSDAY, DEC 12 2019

Ronan Scully

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK Author spreading the word of positivity

A Christmas Candle

T

HE lighting of candles at Christmas is one of the most beautiful of all Irish Traditions and if anyone knows me well enough, will know I adore lighting candles for people who ask me to light one for them and I love to do it all year around but love it even more at Christmas time when I light my Christmas candle for everyone to see.

The candle lighting in the window at Christmas time is not just an emblem of welcome but is also a light of hope. When religion was suppressed throughout Ireland during the English persecution, the people had no churches to go too.

Priests hid in forests and caves and secretly visited the farms and homes to say Mass there during the night. Every Irish family longed for at least one chance during their lifetime to be visited by a priest at Christmas to celebrate the Divine sacrifice during Holy Night. Many hoped and prayed for this all through the year.

When Christmas came, they left their doors unlocked and placed burning candles in the windows so that any priest who happened to be in the vicinity would know they were welcome and were guided to their home through the dark night. Silently he entered through the unlatched door and was received by the faithful who were grate-

ful that their home was used to worship the birth of Christ Jesus. To justify this practice in the eyes of the English soldiers, the Irish people used to explain: “We burn the candles and keep the doors unlocked, that Mary and Joseph, looking for a place to stay, will find their way to our home and be welcomed with open doors and open hearts.”

The English authorities, finding this Irish “superstition” harmless, did not bother to suppress it. Candles or not, the choice is ours. God’s Spirit resides in us and pausing to be aware of that makes any moment or any location sacred. In the midst of another busy holiday season are we making room for Jesus to enter more deeply into our hearts?

Christmas was and still is a season of hope and the lighted candle gives it the simplest and maybe the most beautiful expression of all. According to my Nana Scully lighting a candle at Christmas was and is like saying a prayer, signalling as it shone a willingness to make others feel welcomed and the chance to embrace hope, love and mercy which is the promise of the Christ child at Christmas season itself.

The lighting of the candle for me and especially at Christmas time is a heartfelt prayer, a prayer that we can share not just with our friends and neighbours and with those who asked us to light a candle for

them but a lighted candle we can share with the whole world. The world news continues to bring the most horrific images of war, conflict, loss and greed into our homes, so it is a fitting prayer that we light a candle for peace at Christmas time again and always.

It is no great wonder that so many of us feel so helpless, so powerless in the face of such mindless violence and evil.

However as my Nana Scully use to say, “It is better to light one candle than to curse the darkness”. So let your Christmas candle light shine as a sign of welcome in our homes and hearts, not only for the Christ child but for all who accompany us on this journey we call life and all those who are in need of shelter, food, water, a bed, a meal or whatever need there maybe.

This simple gesture of lighting a candle of goodwill and hope for someone and especially during the Christmas season contains a formula for peace in our own hearts, our homes and our world. It is an echo of the comforting message of the angels on the first Christmas night, “Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to people of good will”.

Thought for the week As your thought for the week, let’s not give each other more stuff this Christmas

and instead give each other more love.

Let’s not gift products but instead gift experiences such as experiences of connection, compassion, acknowledgment and belonging.

And if we find ourselves in a place of relative abundance, let’s offer what we can to ease the suffering of our fellow humans.

Also remember the lighting of a Christmas candle is still as wonderful as ever, still as evocative as the first Christmas night, when the shepherds came and angels sang in the sky overhead.

When we light our candles this Advent and Christmas time we are, in a way, inviting them to sing again, their message of peace more sorely needed than ever, their message of hope still finding a place in our lives and their message of love seeking full time residence in our hearts.

According to an ancient philosopher, “the greatest good we can do for someone is to turn their darkness into light”, and even in the smallest of ways, it is an ideal that still has meaning today. Not just at Christmas, but all year around.

Happy Christmas to each and everyone of you and may God grant you the light in Christmas which is faith, the warmth of Christmas, which is love, and the all of Christmas, which is Christ.

Arts & Entertainment

THURSDAY, DEC 12 2019

21

Winter is here

Over 80 events to dance away the January blues at Shannonside Winter Music Festival

F

ROM modest beginnings as a concert and a session, the Shannonside Winter Music Festival has grown into a hectic schedule of over 80 events, featuring 10 musical genres delivered across 17 locations in Sixmilebridge and Bunratty, Co. Clare.

The 21st Festival, launched today in Bunratty Castle & Folk Park, Co Clare, will take place from Thursday, 16th to Monday 20th January and include an impressively eclectic mix of music styles to brighten the gloomiest winter.

This annual festival, which was awarded the accolade of best festival in Co Clare earlier this year, is organised by Sixmilebridge Folk Club and has become synonymous with delivering exceptional musical diversity and bringing visitors to the Co Clare villages of Sixmilebridge and Bunratty at a time of year when tourists are normally sparse on the ground.

Launching the 2020 festival schedule, which can be found online at www.wmw.ie, festival director Michael Minihan said: "Taking the helm after the stewardship demonstrated by the festival founder, Brendan Walsh, who directed the festival through its 20th anniversary has been daunting but exciting.

“Great thanks must be extended to Brendan for fostering an appreciation of musical diversity and bringing such unique talent to Co Clare every year.

The committee have worked hard to continue this tradition and will always be indebted to Brendan for his innovative endeavours.

“We can promise an equally enthralling schedule of music, song and dance as has been delivered over the past two decades. We were trained well by our founder to take the festival forward. We hope it will encourage people of all ages to appreciate and take up playing a musical instrument."

Delighted to be associated once again with the festival as a sponsor, Shannon Heritage managing director, Niall O'Callaghan, in welcoming the

inclusion of the one-day music trail at Bunratty Castle and Folk Park as an element of the festival said: "We are proud to once again support the Shannonside Winter Music Festival at Bunratty Castle & Folk Park.

“The committee have done a terrific job over the years in making this event one of the highlights of the musical year and I would like to wish them every success again in 2020."

The line-up for January 2020

will include a mix of international, national and local artistes performing classical, traditional Irish, Cajun, blues, folk, bluegrass, Celtic funk, ragtime country blues, American jam and acapella vocals in local pubs, restaurants and concert venues throughout Sixmilebridge and Bunratty.

A one-day music trail held in Bunratty Castle and Folk Park on Saturday, 18th January, is aimed at families and giving every generation the opportunity to hear

all that the festival offers in one venue on the same day. Music changes on the hour, from noon until 5pm, at four venues in the Folk Park – two levels in Bunratty Castle, a concert-style theatre venue in the Corn Barn and the delightful Tea Room.

The Shannonside Winter Music Festival, organised by Sixmilebridge Folk Club, is supported by the Arts Council, Fáilte Ireland, Clare County Council, Shannon Heritage, Metis Ireland, Shannon

Springs Hotel, Sensori FM and local businesses.

For full details on the Shannonside Winter Music Festival 2020 schedule of events, or to book weekend tickets or tickets for the headline concerts, check out www.wmw.ie and www.facebook. com/ShannonsideWMW.

Ladies Christmas Dinner at Dromoland Castle for the National Breast Cancer Research Institute lGLAM: Attending the Ladies Christmas Dinner in Dromoland Castle supporting the National Breast Cancer Research Institute were (Clockwise from right); Thecla Hartmann, Blackwater; Clodagh Waddell and Rosemarie Casserly - both Ballyneety, Co. Limerick and Lisa Wallace, SCR, Limerick City; Isabel Slevin, NCR, Limerick, Siobhán Condon, Mungret, Co. Limerick and Olivia McDonagh, Cratloe; Mary Hurley, Emma Talty and Niamh Fitzpatrick all from Ennis; Host Maria Nolan of Dromoland Castle, Mary Anne Sheils from Ennis, Lucy and Adrienne Brannock, Barefield Photos by Paul Fennell

Community 22 COMMUNITY

ENNIS

THURSDAY, DEC 12 2019

CONTACT NEWSDESK

065 671 9021 news@clareecho.ie

ENNIS

BAG PACKING The Irish Red Cross Clare Will hold a Bag Pack in Dunnes Store Ennis on this Saturday 14th December 2019.

All moneys raised is to support our Community Mini-Bus Project where we have completed a total of 191 Medical Runs traveling all over Co. Clare and all over Ireland to Hospitals. All our Drivers and Community Support teams are all Volunteers and we now need your support on Saturday next. Any member or volunteer that can cover the whole day will be fed and watered. James Lafferty would like to thank all our Irish Red Cross members all over Co. Clare and our Volunteers who help out in anyway supporting the Irish Red Cross in Clare a special thank you for all your hard work.

CANTARE CHOIR ANNUAL CONCERT Cantare Choir are introducing something new to their annual concert this year as they will be accompanied by a 13 piece string orchestra, with acclaimed accompanist Irena Dernova on piano.

As well as some Christmas favourites and other beautiful music arranged for choir, strings and piano, the orchestra will play Winter by Vivaldi with solo violinist Archie Connolly. Also on the programme is Vivaldi’s Concerto for Oboe, Violin and Strings, and Bach’s Concerto for Oboe, Violin and Strings, with Etain McCooey on oboe and Yuki Nishioka-Dalton on violin. The concert will take place in Danlan an Chlair on Wednesday, Dec 18th,at 8.00 pm. Tickets can purchased from the Ennis Bookshop or at the door, €15, €10 concessions. The concert is in aid of Bushy Park treatment centre.

TOASTMASTERS Ennis Toastmasters will celebrate their Christmas and final meeting of the year at 8pm on Tuesday 17th December at the Temple Gate Hotel.

Past Present and future Toastmasters are invited for this special evening.

MILFORD LIGHT UP A MEMORY CEREMONY Milford Hospice Light Up A Memory Ceremony is re-scheduled to take place on Sunday 15th December at 6.00p.m. on the grounds of Milford Hospice. We hope you can join us on the evening.

l SHOWTIME: On Monday 16th and Tuesday 17th December at 7:00 pm almost 320 of the girls

and boys of Holy Family Senior School will take to the stage to present their Christmas musical, The Twelve Days of Christmas. Tickets are available from the school office at 065 6828893 and pre-purchasing is strongly advised. All proceeds will go towards the updating of their stage and P.A. system to enable them to continue their long tradition of producing wonderful musicals at Holy Family Senior School.

Community

COMMUNITY 23

THURSDAY, DEC 12 2019

ENNIS

CONTACT NEWSDESK

065 671 9021 news@clareecho.ie

SOUTH GALWAY CHRISTMAS SWIM The Kinvara Swimming and Life Saving Club’s Christmas Swim Fundraiser returns to Traught Beach at 1pm on 25 December to help raise much needed funds for the Galway Hospice. The 2018 fundraiser raised €2000 for the Galway Hospice. The hospice relies heavily on the generosity of the public to help fund its Home Care service, Day Care service, Bereavement Support service and educational facility. The annual Christmas Day dip will reward swimmers, paddlers and onlookers with festive hot chocolate and mulled wine, (people are encouraged to bring along their own reusable cups in keeping with the goals of Plastic Free Kinvara). The Christmas Swim Fundraiser will start at 1pm on 25 December at Traught.

COUNTYWIDE

l TAKE A BOW: The Caitríona Moloney School of Music performed at the Clare County Council ‘Music in the

Market’ event last Saturday in the Ennis market building

EAST CLARE GAA CELEBRATION Tulla GAA club is hosting a night of celebration in ‘Minogues’ Bar Tulla on Saturday Dec 14th to honour the 1979 Intermediate Championship winning team. Music by Danny Hunt and his band starting at 9 p.m. ALL ARE WELCOME. GUN CLUB DANCE O Callaghan’s Mills gun club will hold its annual Christmas social in the Mills Tavern on Saturday night December 21.

Music by Larry McEvoy. Tickets available from Gun club members and on door. All funds raised go towards the reservation of pheasant and duck in gun club area.

CHRISTMAS FAIR The first Christmas fair in O’Callaghan’s Mills community centre on December 1 was a great success. There were 15 stands in attendance from the local area.

Patricia Collins who organised the event was delighted with the turnout. Scariff Bay Community radio was in attendance and station manager Jim Collins interviewed the stall holders.

HANDBALL Renovation works on the O’Callaghan’s Mills and Kilkishen courts is now complete. A new floor was installed in the Mills court with insulation and cladding fixed to the outer walls. The Kilkishen court was also insulated on outer walls.

The courts are up and running for the winter. The Munster national schools team finals were played recently. Clare defeated Cork in the A and B finals. Players from O Callaghan’s Mills and Kilkishen were on the Clare A team that won on a scoreline of 90 to 41, Liam Murphy (Mills) and Jack Madden and Martin Bon from Kilkishen school.

WEST CLARE KILMURRY IBRICKANE CONCERT This will be on Sunday 15th December at 8pm in The Quilty Tavern featuring PJ Murrihy & Seamus Shannon and a host of local talent! Finger food served and Raffle on the night! Admission €10. Tickets at Quilty Parish Office, Quilty Tavern, Beatrice O’Dwyers & Mullagh Parish Office!

HOME ECONOMICS AWARD Congratulations to Yvonne Collins, former student from St. Michaels Community College, Kilmihil, who was awarded the highest result in Ireland in Leaving Certificate Home Economics (Higher Level Paper). Yvonne achieved first place out of a cohort of 9,370 students who took the examination. She was presented with her award at the Association of Home Economics Teachers Conference in Athlone.

Yvonne is currently a student of Mary Immaculate College where she is studying Primary School Teaching and Psychology.

Yvonne and her twin sister Michelle are the youngest children of Ann Marie (RIP) and Michael from Lissycasey, Co.Clare.

Yvonne’s twin sister Michelle is continuing her studies in NUI, Galway.

l PROUD: Yvonne Collins congratulated by her Home Ec teacher Ms. Kate Hehir.

CLARE COUNTY LIBRARY OPEN DAYS There will be a series of Library Open days over the next few weeks in Clare. There will be an Open Day in Scariff Library on Wednesday December 18 from 10am. Invitations have been extended to local community groups and members of the public are also invited to attend the library that day. There will be a series of talks on the different services available including talks on e books, local history and children’s events. Staff will be on hand to help people join the library service which is now free to all and to answer any questions that people might have. Please contact De Valera Library on 065-6846353 or Scariff library on 061-922893 for further information.

24

FEATURES

THURSDAY, DEC 12 2019

REELING IN THE YEARS

BY CIAN O’BROIN

Should farmers seriously consider forestry grants?

T

REES have been fundamental in our growth as a species. They represent nature, nurture and diversity. They allow us to connect with mother nature.

We see them in our gardens, depicted on our walls in artwork and in our families. Forests cover more than 30 per cent of the Earth’s land surface, according to the World Wildlife Fund. These numbers are dwindling, and the consequences are very serious. Inconsiderate and avaricious industries are slowly eating their way through the Amazon rainforest in Brazil, in pursuit of marginal profits.

Recent bushfires in New South Wales in Australia have decimated 20 per cent of the Blue Mountains World Heritage Area. As trees disappear, so too does a part of our history and indeed our livelihood.

Clare native and environmentalist Jim Spellissy knows that these issues are not just part of an international epidemic. Local deforestation and urban planning have altered the striking green landscape that we have recently learned to live without in Ireland. In an effort repopulate the suburbs of Ennis, Mr Spellissy decided to plant his own forestry in Cappahard, Ennis during the 1990s. Over 80 acres were planted by Mr Spellissy following an application to the government to turn his farm into an eclectic mix of hardwood trees. Visible from Google Maps and an Urban Map of Ennis, Jim’s forestry can be seen clearly with its blend of predominantly oak as well as ash, beach, alder, birch and walnut trees.

On his motivation for planting a personal forestry, Jim explains, “It’s very important that farmers and landowners plant new trees. Not just for financial gain but to take care of the environment. I planted my own forestry in the 1990s. Even back then we were aware that the ozone layer was in trouble and we knew that the answer was trees.

Financially, I cut my own throat when I did it, but I knew then what I still know now, the future is trees.”

Teagasc, the Agriculture and Food Development Authority run by the government, offers an afforestation grant scheme to landowners whereby an annual premium is paid for a total of 15 years to anyone who is looking to establish a forestry. The minimum requirement comes to 0.1 hectare for broadleaves, equivalent to one-tenth the size of a football pitch. The scheme is an incentive for farmers to adopt a more sustainable income, whilst also contributing to the environment. The establishment of agroforestry would allow farmers to culminate silage cutting or sheep grazing with the production of timber. Despite its potential for yearly sustenance and the attraction for retiring farmers, the afforestation grant does not appeal to those farmers thriving in the dairy and beef industries in Ireland, with over 18,000 dairy farmers and 80,000 beef farmers in the State alone today.

On the future of landowners and farmers switching to the establishment of natural woodland whether for profit or ethical reasons, Mr Spellissy contends, “If the subsidies were increased, then we would see more farmers willing to plant forestries. There needs to be more of an emphasis put on the price of dry timber in this country. Seasoned and dry timber would encourage people to plant.”

The rise of vegetarian and vegan diets has seen a kickback against beef and dairy farming internationally. The full effect of these adaptations in lifestyles hasn’t really affected Irish farmers and their agricultural practices.

Perhaps an upward spiral in plant-based diets could push farmers in decline to opt for afforestation as a more sustainable measure. Despite converting his farm into a diverse forestry on the cusp of urban life, Jim still maintains a close relationship with the animal kingdom, “I don’t eat meat, so I come from another side of the whole agricultural debate, the vegetarian side. We keep animals for welfare at the moment. We have four boars now; they are beautiful creatures. We can’t keep them here for much longer, they’ll be going to Craggaunowen soon and inevitably they’ll make their way down to the slaughterhouse. It’s the sad reality of it all. We don’t need to kill animals.”

It’s essential that farmers and landowners with idle land and little financial success from various other agricultural practices, rethink their land use and look at both the economic and environmental benefits of tree planting and afforestation. As vegetarian and vegan diets steadily increase in Ireland and abroad, hopefully through conscientious and intelligible decision making, we can see our beloved green return in urban Ireland and abroad.

1996

with Cian O’Broin

YOUNG SCIENTISTS OF CLARE The future was looking bright for the youth of Clare in 1996, when secondary school students from St. Michael’s Vocational School in Kildysart took home a prestigious award at the Aer Lingus Young Scientist Competition in January. The award was claimed by two thirteen-year-old first year students, for their study on the effects of the All-Ireland win on the people of Clare. Robert Muleanry and Flan Ginnane were awarded first prize under the category of Social and Behavioural Sciences. Their victory came just two years after another Kildysart student, Kevin Malone picked up the very same prize for his analysis of parental discipline. Three Ennis community school students were awarded third place for their invention of an energy efficient house which won a special Forbairt/Irish Energy Council Award the previous year. In 1996, the Young Scientist Competition was considered one of the forerunners for enthusiastic young Science Students in Europe, with almost 800 students entering over 370 projects from thirty-one different counties.

CUBAN ASYLUM SEEKERS COME TO CLARE

On January 5th 1996, Minister Joan Bruton travelled to Ennis in order to open a new Refugee Council Office. In the aftermath of the visit, serious contentions and worries began to arise concerning the suitability of Ennis in supporting a network of asylum seekers. At the time, the town of Ennis was housing a total of fifty-seven asylum seekers.

One of those was Miriam Perez, who had come from Cuba and felt severely curtailed by a system that forbade her from working or travelling. Tania Verzanova also a Cuban refugee, arrived in Shannon in 1994, admitting that she had never heard of Ireland and presumed she had landed in the United States. Miriam Perez left Cuba after she wrote a book concerning political struggles in Cuba and in doing so, endangered her life. Tania Verzanova left Cuba due to the violence of the government at such a trying time in her nation’s history. One Gambian man seeking asylum in Ennis admitted that he longer attended disco’s in town due to an onslaught of racial abuse. Although the majority of asylum seekers coming into Ennis between 1994 and 1996 were delighted with the magnanimity shown by the Refugee Council and the Ennis Refugee Office, the majority of them wanted to return home at some point.

THE RIGHT TO REFUSE “Protect pubs against thugs”, was the headline that smattered the newspapers in Clare during the first half of 1996, whereby publicans were dissatisfied by the Equal Status Legislation and its adverse effect on pub owners. The concern arose from the fact that after refusing entry to troublesome individuals without a valid reason, publicans did not want to be standing up in court several months later and explain the reason for their actions.

President of the Vintners Federation of Ireland Michael Moloney, exclaimed to over 600 audience members at the West County Hotel that, “pub owners be permitted to protect their business from thugs, undesirables who have only one thing in mind – to cause annoyance and disturbance.” Mr. Moloney, from Ruan, governs over 6,000 people in twenty-five counties, remarked that publicans have a duty to run an orderly house and that this legislation works against them and their respective businesses. In a subsequent survey, 90 per-cent of Irish people agreed with the fact that publicans should have a right to refuse someone on the basis of rowdiness or being too drunk. To conclude, Mr. Moloney addressed the crowd saying that the new Equal Status Bill was one of the most important issues in relation to the drink trade in Clare and Ireland.

Check back next week as we look at what went down in County Clare in the year 1997, until then, take care!

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR THE BATTLE FOR BREXITGATE, 2016-19 Dear Editor, Like many people around the world, throughout Europe and in particular those in what the Roman’s christened ‘The British Isles’ after listening to three years of interminable rhetoric I am absolutely fed up to the ‘back teeth’ with Brixitgate and all the B words that accompany it, especially Brussels, Barinier, Belfast, Border, Backstop and now to top everything the spectre of Bumbling Boris acting as if he has the answers; the Brutus who stabbed poor Theresa May in the back more times than any other of her so-called colleagues, including those providing ‘support’ from across the Irish Sea. I would remind all the UK’s ‘friends in Europe’ that only 80 years ago most of them were feeling the size eleven boots of the Bosch stomping over them, or in some cases were either an active part of Hitler’s axis of evil, were cooperating under duress or claiming neutrality while Britain fought on with her back to the wall, until gradually with her commonwealth troops and other allies around the world, peace and democracy were once again stabilized after six long years. If the Battle of Britain proved her determination to survive those hellish years then I am sure the people of the UK still possess that resilience to survive after even a hard Brexit, but that is neither here nor there; my

point is that if after three long years of tedious and acrimonious discussion, these supposedly intelligent leaders in Brussels, London, Belfast and Dublin cannot agree on a reasonable workable compromise, then what chance do we have of these same people and other world leaders taking the much more urgent action necessary to tackle the issue of climate change which is threatening us all? Absolutely no chance, it would appear.

As much of the Brexit problem centres around the proposed Backstop, and as the politician in the major parties in Northern Ireland (especially those ‘women of intransience’) have so far failed to return to power sharing in Stormont for three years, while the population difference between the protestants and catholics shrinks towards an eventual and inevitable majority of the latter, after 100 years of troubles of one variety or another, then surely it is time for the UK to grasp the thorny problem and hand over (possibly with United Nations guaranteed safeguards) the final piece of the Irish jigsaw puzzle to the Republic? This will instantly get rid of the border backstop problem once and for all even if it does give ‘Lovely Leo Varadker’ a big pain in the butt for many years to com. ‘SIMPLES’!

John Abbott, Lissycasey, Co. Clare

Santa Claus praised for generosity & determination during Ennis visit PÁRAIC MCMAHON news@clareecho.ie

S

ANTA Claus received special praise from Ennis councillors for his ‘generosity and determination’ during a recent visit to the county town.

For the November 29th switching on of the Christmas lights in Ennis, Santa Claus was one of the main attractions and left a strong impression on many of the personnel that packed onto O’Connell St. Staff within the Ennis Municipal District began planning the festive schedule of events in March with Cllr Ann Norton (IND) paying tribute to their efforts, she acknowledged that the programme is “growing every year”.

“I want to thank Santa, he arrived on the Friday night and stayed on the street for hours on end, he didn’t leave till all of the children got to see him, he didn’t have to do that but he showed his determination,” Cllr Norton said at Tuesday’s meeting of the Ennis Municipal District. “I would encourage as many people to stay local and if they have a few pound to spend it in our local shops”.

According to Cllr Mary Howard (FG),

“Our Santa Claus is definitely on the nice list”. She described the event as “a great success” and observed that Santa has been seen collecting letters at Bambinos from children all over Co Clare. Howard encouraged Christmas shoppers to buy local over the coming weeks, “Amazon won’t sponsor the Christmas musical or the bus bringing the team to a hurling match”.

lSanta in Ennis Photograph: John O’Neill

2019 Broadford Christmas Market

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UNDAY 8th December saw Broadford’s Christmas Market, organised by Karen O’Connor from the Country Store, return to the newly re-opened community hall. ​With stalls from local businesses, independent traders and seasonal entrepreneurs, the market was a great success and extremely well supported; despite the wet weather. ​​Thanks to everyone who came down and supported the market.

Enjoy a cracking Christmas at glór

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lór has pulled together an incredible line-up of acts to keep one and all entertained this winter, with the very best local, national and international acts.

Lots of events are nearly sold out, so get your skates on!

With its fairy tale magic, Tchaikovsky’s majestic score, beautiful costumes, and romantic themes, Ballet Ireland’s Swan Lake combines to form one of the most delectable Christmas confections imaginable and glór has two nights of this seasonal family favourite on December 12th and 13th.

Music greats include the likes of the Clare Youth Trad Orchestra putting their unique stamp on some trad favourites, joined on stage by legendary Galway singer Seán Keane. Trad Sessions in the Studio, combining music and stories continue in December, featuring the lovely pairing of Charlie Piggot and Eugene Lambe.

Christmas only begins in Clare once you’ve booked your panto tickets and of course, glór welcomes back the mad-cap Pantaloons presenting Mother Goose with the talented students of Sparks Hip Hop School of Dance.

In the new-year, glór has the usual stalwarts like Tommy Fleming, The Kilfenora Céilí Band, Reeling in the Showband Years, Hermitage Green, George Murphy, Mike Denver and Stockton’s Wing – all gigs that would make a perfect present for music lovers, and if it’s a good old belly laugh you’re after, then Danny O’Brien, Neil Delamere

and Keith Barry return to cheer everyone up.

Award-winning Clarecastle playwright John O’Donovan returns home to Clare to premier his new play Flights in glór in mid-January, and this haunting, hilarious new play about bereavement, brotherhood and breaking away from your past is not to be missed. glór is putting new events on sale weekly, including a Christy Moore Solo concert, Paul Brady, Bell X1, Blindboy, Aslan, Ed Byrne and the ever-popular Johnny Cash Roadshow.

The exhibition currently running in glór’s gallery, Small Town Decline: Rural Patterns of Decay is a group exhibition that includes print, drawing, sculpture, ceramics and textiles as well as photography and painting, and a piece from this exhibition could make a very unique gift for a loved one.

Clare Arts will feature prominently as always and there’s a raft of talented mu-

sicians singers, dancers and actors hitting the stage in the coming months, including Sparks Hip Hop School of Dance and Rice College annual concert. glór’s café is open daily from 10am-4pm, serving coffee, hot chocolate, home baked seasonal treats, mulled wine and what must be the ultimate mince-pie.

A cracking Christmas in store at glór and plenty of great ideas for Christmas gifts!

lBell X1 Acoustic-ish w_Dowry

Strings (Mulography)

Win Shannon flights by shopping local this Christmas

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NSPIRED by the launch of three exciting new routes from Shannon Airport to Vienna, Paris and Barcelona, Ennis Chamber has teamed up with Shannon Group to offer three short break holidays, one to each of those destinations, to be won over three successive weekends leading up to Christmas.

SIMPLE CAMPAIGN TO SUPPORT LOCAL

Ennis Chamber CEO, Margaret O’Brien said, “The idea for the campaign is simple, we are asking businesses and consumers in the region to support the local economy, to attract new business and to help ensure our towns survive. Obvious ways for people in Clare to do that are to use Shannon Airport and to support local businesses, especially in the run up to Christmas.”

Gwen Culligan, President Ennis Chamber added, “Research shows every €10 spent in Clare generates €24 of business to the local economy. It’s that straightforward. This is a great campaign with a simple, clear message that highlights the need to buy local and fly local.”

TRACTION

The campaign has gained great traction amongst businesses in Ennis, with forty businesses signed up, representing both the daytime and night time economy (i.e. a range of shops, cafes, restaurants and bars).

The draws will be video recorded, and shared on social media.

HOW DOES IT WORK?

Spend €30 or more on a single transaction in participating businesses (see list attached) on the dates below. T o enter a draw for a short break to include return flights and accommodation for two (€600 per winner for accommodation), to one of the exciting new routes from Shannon Airport.

Once you make your purchase fill in the coupon at the till with your name and contact number to automatically be entered in the weekend draw.

Weekend No. 2: Saturday Dec. 14 /Sunday Dec. 15 Prize: Short Break to Paris (from Shannon Airport) Draw takes place Tuesday Dec 17 Weekend No. 3: Saturday Dec. 21/Sunday Dec. 22 Prize: Short Break to Barcelona (from Shannon Airport) Draw takes place Tuesday Dec 24 Best of Luck!

Remember to use the hashtag: #BuyLocalFlyLocal to support our local economy.

List of Participating Business in #BuyLocalFlyLocal campaign 1. Ennis Gold Gift Vouchers 2. (available Ennis Chamber offices) 3. Bambino’s 4. Bridget Haren Hair & Beauty 5. Brogans Bar & Restaurant 6. Collins Jewellers 7. Carmody Shoes 8. Considine’s Bar 9. Cornucopia 10. County Boutique 11. Cruises Bar 12. Duffy’s Pharmacy 13. Educogym 14. Ennis Bookshop 15. Ennis Cash Company 16. Ennis Gourmet Store 17. Eye Candy Opticians 18. Fawl’s Off Licence 19. Fuji Films/Wonder Photo Shop 20. Hotel Woodstock 21. Kilkenny Shop 22. Knox’s 23. La Jolie Femme 24. Maddens Furniture

25. Manix 26. McDonald’s 27. McHugh’s 28. NC Paint & Décor 29. No 41 30. Nora Culligan’s 31. Nozomi 32. O’Connell’s Medical Hall 33. O’Connor’s Newsagents 34. O’Connor’s Bakeries 35. O’Sullivan pharmacy 36. Old Ground Hotel 37. Rochford’s 38. Shanahan’s Paints 39. Seoidin 40. Sweet n Green 41. Taylor’s Bar 42. Temple Gate Hotel 43. The Rowan Tree Cafe/Bistro 44. Tracey’s West County 45. Willow 46. Wine Buff 47. YOLO/Josie O’Shea’s 48. Zest Café

61st Annual Christmas Day Basketball Game in Ennistymon

I

N 1958 emigration and migration were the reality in rural small town Ireland.

Ennistymon was no different with the main employers being the local shops and the North Clare Creamery.

Against this background the St Michaels basketball Club was formed in 1955. Lahinch had given the lead with the Dough Dodgers under the stewardship of the late Mick Leigh.When some of the founding members of the newly formed Ennistymon club returned home for Christmas holidays, having secured employment further afield the first Home V Exiles game was initiated and played in the Market House in 1958 Many of the players continued to come back for major competitions. Those who had emigrated abroad were rarer visitors but made occasional appearances.

No year has been missed and the location of the games helps to illustrate some of the history of basketball in the area and its survival: the game has been played at the Market House(The Madison Square Garden of basketball in its day!) The Town Hall, The Sluagh Hall Lahinch (now demolished) The

Community Centre Ennistymon The Centre Lahinch, outdoors at the old Scout Hall court and the Vocational School and once at the Pavilion Lisdoonvarna. In recent years the Inagh Community Centre has hosted the game as it does this year tipping off at 12 noon Christmas Day…..getting everyone home for dinner.

The club had some ups and downs over those years but whatever the state of the club the Christmas Day game was always played!

Sustaining a National league team was to become too difficult and the team had to withdraw in the late 80’s. The Clare Cascaders now fly the banner with distinction and as in the past club members have provided leadership and involvement at county, regional and national level.

The line- up is always in doubt and invariably turns up some surprises and all are welcome Male and Female. In a way it is a small celebration of the connections formed through the game and a recognition of past members who gifted the game to all that followed.

Last June the club took their Annual

Frank Gallery tournament(27th) to Breezy Point New York at the invitation of their first American player,Dan Leary. It was a two day event and included many of the Americans who played for the club down the years as well as a good mix of players who travelled from Ireland as well as the local Breezy Point hoopers.

Pictured are the Dough Dodgers: the first civilian team of the area under the guidance of Mick Leigh (1954)

Santa calls to Liddys Eurospar l Excitment: Kids at Liddys Eurospar in Ros-

l Surprises from Santa: Santa giving out

levan excited to see the Man in Red

lots of treats to children on his visit to Liddy’s Roslevan

l Christmas cheer: Chloe & Tessa Cosgrove

enjoying Santa at Liddys Eurospar Roslevan

Christmas Sport best sellers

Ordinary Joe Joe Schmidt

In Ordinary Joe, Schmidt tells the story of his life and influences: the experiences and management ideas that made him the coach, and the man, that he is today.

Pride and Passion Warren Gatland

Warren Gatland is one of the world’s most renowned and intriguing rugby coaches of the modern era, leading Wales to four Six Nations titles, three Grand Slams and two World Cup semi-finals, and masterminding two history-making tours as Head Coach of the British and Irish Lions.

Recovering

All In

About that Goal

When a career-ending injury saw former Ireland and Millwall striker Richie Sadlier retire from football at age 24, his life spiralled out of control. He spent years running from the dark memories and feelings that had haunted him since childhood. Until one day he hit rock bottom and decided to confront his demons.

All In is the story of Heaslip’s thirteen years at rugby’s frontline. From the euphoria and disappointment of life on the field to the major relationships that helped shape the team – for better or worse – it’s the most vivid portrait yet of life behind the scenes at Leinster and Ireland.

Inside this official autobiography, former Offaly star Seamus Darby talks about the sense of destiny he felt in the run-up to scoring arguably the most famous goal in the history of Gaelic football.

Richie Sadlier

Jamie Heaslip

Seamus Darby

All books supplied by

Clarecastle lights up for Christmas Mason McCarthy and Santa

Grace and Bonnie O’Dwyer play a tune for Santa

Caoimhín Geraghty switches on the lights.

Assisted by Siobhan Purcell and Santa

Top 5 gifts for the golfer

Padraig McGrath of P&M Golf Superstore in Ennis makes Christmas shopping for the golfer of the family a simple hole in one this year

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STOCKING FILLERS My favourite stocking filler is a neck warmer or better known as a snood.

They are extremely comfortable to wear and they really trap the heat on your body. They are a must accessory for every golfers golf bag on these cold winter days. (Value €15 - €30).

Other clever stocking fillers include woolen fleecelined hats, golf balls, a shoe bag, storm umbrella, ball retriever, putting cup or chipping net.

LINED SWEATERS / WINTER TROUSERS Lined sweaters and winter fleece lined trousers are a must pur-

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chase for every golfer or even a non-golfer.

They are windproof and completely block any wind chill. On top of that they are also water repellent and everyone should have both of these clothing items in their wardrobe for these cold winter months whether your a golfer or not. Last Sunday I golfed in both of these items and although it was only 5°C - I was extremely warm out on the course. (Price range from €59 €99)

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GOLF SHOES Every golfer should have at least two pairs of golf shoes especially with the Irish climate. They should have a winter waterproof pair of shoes or boots for the wet days and a second comfortable lighter spikeless pair for those dry summer days.

When you alternate golf shoes they last for years.

(Prices range €49 - €249) GPS / RANGEFINDER GPS units and Rangefinders give invaluable information to a golfer about how far they are away from the front, centre and back of the green as

4

well as to any hazards that may well be within reach from the tee box. These devices help save a lot of shots, as well as telling the golfer how far exactly they actually hit the golf ball with each individual club.

If you don’t have one of these in your bag, your certainly at a huge disadvantage against the golfers who do. A must have device for every golfer. (Prices range €99 - €299) HAMPER OR VOUCHER At P&M Golf Superstore we can produce a hamper for that golfer in your life. Just pop in store and together we can make up a hamper for your loved one this Christmas. Our expert team of professionals are on hand

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lTECH SAVVY A GPS / Rangefinder gives the golfer invaluable information

lROLLING IN: Will Santa bring golf goodies to your loved one?

to help you choose the latest golf attire that will best suit the golfer in your life.

You can never go too far wrong with a voucher. At P&M Golf Superstore you can use that voucher for a golf lesson or custom fitting with our in store PGA Golf Professional or you

can simply choose to use it to purchase something in store.

Spoil that loved one in your life this Christmas and purchase them a P&M Golf Superstore voucher to put towards that golf club they have been dreaming about all year.

THE PERFECT GIFT THIS CHRISTMAS

A FLYNN HOTELS GIFT VOUCHER Simply purchase online at www.FlynnHotels.com or via reception at any of our four hotel locations:

Spend am of €25 0 and inimum rec GIFT eive your

O 1 NIGH F A at any T STAY Flynn Hotel

Christmas Open Weekends at the

CLIFFS OF MOHER VISITOR CENTRE First, second & third weekends of December

7th & 8th, 14th & 15th and 21st & 22nd December

Join us for festive fun

Merry Christmas to all our friends & visitors FREE ADMISSION FOR CLARE RESIDENTS

Great discounts in our shop & seasonal treats in our cafés Finish Christmas shopping, savour a café delight and enjoy a healthy walk around the Cliffs.

Open daily 9am – 5pm | Closed 24th, 25th & 26th December Co. Clare, Ireland T +353 65 7086141 E info@cliffsofmoher.ie www.cliffsofmoher.ie

Christmas events in

Kilrush

CHRISTMAS CAROL SERVICE Sunday 22nd December @ 8pm.

Admission is free, donations welcome to the Church Organ Fund at St Senan’s Church Kilrush FLOWER DEMONSTRATION By Phil at Vandeleur Walled Garden on Wednesday 18th December at 7.30p.m. Non-alcoholic Mulled Wine Reception. All arrangements raffled on the night.

COFFEE MORNING in the Galleon inn Sunday 15th Dec 11-1pm in aid of St Vincent de Paul West Clare.... non perishable food or food well in date please like pasta, tinned foods, sweet boxes, festive napkins Christmas swim in Cappa at 11.15am at Aylevarroo.

Walk in Labasheeda on Dec 29th at 2pm.

lELFS HARD AT WORK: Elfs, Santie Mrs Clause and hard working committee (missing Maria Hartmann). Back left- Tara Bradley, Caroline Bradley, Santie, Anna Gleeson, Ginny Forbes, Mrs Clause, and Irene Hamilton. Front Ger Kelly, Shawna Johnson, CJ O’Donnell, Rebecca Brew, Pauline Dunleavy and Paul Gleeson Photo by Gene Clohessy

Kilrush success at Bank of Ireland National Enterprise Awards The Bank of Ireland sponsored awards, now in its 3rd year, aims to recognise the efforts of local business and community leaders working together to grow and develop the economic success of their towns for the benefit of all its citizens.

The judging took place in early September where both towns had the opportunity to showcase what their towns had to offer through presentations from a variety of enterprises, large and small, plus visits to representative enterprises highlighting the benefits and opportunities arising from their location and the support of the local community.

At a gala awards night in Lyrath Estate, Kilkenny on Thursday 5th December, Kilrush received special recognition in the category “Town Initiative of the Year� reflecting the work been done locally to promote Kilrush and enhance the local economic environment to sustain Kilrush into the future. This builds on the success Kilrush achieved in 2017 when they were runner-ups in Munster for their population category 2,000-5,000.

Bank of Ireland Enterprise Awards last week.

Kilrush was awarded a Town Initiative of the Year award for 2019 at this event. (L-R) Noel Crowe, Ian Lynch, Charlie Glynn, Padraig Neylon, Irene Hamilton

Why should I shop in Kilrush this Christmas?

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e have now entered the most important time of the year for not just family and community, but also businesses and the local economy.

A Retail Ireland report predicts that the Irish households will spend an average of €2,690 in shops in December, approximately €866 more than any other month.

With many Irish shoppers now choosing to shop on foreign websites, there is a huge challenge for Irish retailers to ensure that they benefit from this anticipated additional spending.

With the big day quickly coming upon us, get started now so you can really enjoy the festive season. If every shopper spent some of their allocated Christmas spend in Kilrush, or indeed across West Clare, we could help to make a real difference to our local communities. Local businesses are the life-blood of the economy. Buying local helps to support business owners who either produce their own artisan products or employ members of your family, neighbours and friends. They in turn, will spend money locally hence improving the cycle

of the local economy. When a business thrives it can create jobs for your friends, neighbours and members of your family.

These new jobs provide more money to spend in the local economy. When more money is spent locally, more jobs are created, and that means, there’s more money to support local fundraising drives for local charities, sporting events/clubs and festivals. So not only do local businesses benefit, but our communities can continue to be vibrant places where we want to live, work and bring up our kids.

Choosing a gift can sometimes be a difficult and laborious task, check out the numerous advertisers in our feature who offer products and gift vouchers to help make your choice easier this year.... The number of top quality local shops includes The Family Store, Patrick Bourkes, Malone’s Pharmacy, Anchor Crafts, Central Shoes, Central Sports, O’Halloran and Griffins the list is endless...

So this Christmas think before your buy.

If every shopper spent some of their allocated Christmas spend in Kilrush — we could help to make a real difference to our local communities. Happy shopping!

Eyecare | Eyewear | West Clare Give the gift of sight this Christmas, Gift vouchers now available.

Wild Atlantic Opticians, Kilrush

0659051832 | wildatlanticopticians.ie | No.2 Frances Street, Kilrush

Scattery Island Tours named Best Tourism Experience in Clare

Overall Winners at the Clare Business Excellence Awards Winners 2019 Pat Dowling, CEO Clare county council, Darin McGibney, Irene Hamilton, Martina Kenyon Hamilton, Christian Mc Gibney, John Mulqueen and Cathal Crowe, mayor of Clare.

This Christmas give the gift of an unforgettable memory with a Scattery Island Gift Voucher

T’was the lights before Christmas Top tips to keep your festive display dazzling in the safest and most energy efficient way

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ID December was traditionally the time to deck the halls with boughs of holly but now we seem to be yearning for the twinkly lights earlier and earlier each year. Our fondness for letting our festive spirit soar carries through to some pretty amazing décor and lighting displays all over the country. Christmas lights range from modest displays to show good cheer to gazillion-bulb light-appaloosas that draw attention from near and far.

Irish lighting experts Solus have some top tips to help your festive display dazzle in the safest and most energy efficient way..

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SAFETY FIRST. A&E departments are filled with homeowners who lose fights with their Christmas lights, suffer electric shocks or cause fire hazzards. To avoid the Christmas black and blues, take extra care over the Christmas period with any festive light displays.

DON’T TURN ON THE CHRISTMAS LIGHTS DURING THE DAY it is a waste of energy and electricity and no one can really enjoy looking at the lights during the day.

3 4 5 6

TREE LIGHTS ON - ROOM LIGHTS OFF When the tree is lit, there is no need to have other lights on. Save energy & enhance the festive atmosphere.

USE TIMERS You can buy timers now for electric lights. They simply plug into a socket and then you plug your lights into them and set the timer to come on and off.

DON’T OVERLOAD Never overload an extension lead by plugging in appliances that together will exceed the maximum current rating stated for the extension lead. This could cause the plug in the wall socket to overheat and possibly cause a fire..

NEVER LEAVE LIGHTS TURNED ON WHILE UNATTENDED Always turn off the lights before you leave the house and when going to bed. Leaving them on over night could cause the plug in the wall socket to overheat and possibly cause a fire.

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STORE CHRISTMAS LIGHTS IN A BALL It sounds counterintuitive, but the best way to store lights is to ball them up. Wrap five times in one direction, then turn the ball 90 degrees and repeat. Store your light balls in cardboard boxes, rather than in plastic bags: Cardboard absorbs residual moisture and extends the life of your lights.

Solus is an Irish owned company that has been established for over eighty years and now supports 63 jobs in Ireland. Nominated for three national awards this year, the company is constantly investing in new product development, pioneering ‘Retail Experience’ displays and the manufacturing and application of innovative lighting solutions including next generation LEDs. Solus is committed to providing a complete range of energy saving lighting products for all applications possible.

This has enabled consumers to be confident in knowing that they can rely on Solus to supply their lighting needs well into the future at competitive prices.

The Family Store, Serving Clare since 1988

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HIS year marked the start of the fourth decade that the Family Store has been trading in Moore Street, Kilrush since opening in 1988. Throughout good and tough trading periods it has always retained its core policy of retailing quality casual wear and drapery for all the family, at very competitive prices. To provide an exciting and varied range of children’s and babywear it now imports from suppliers all over Europe. It has now grown into one of the largest independent, schoolwear stockists in Clare, supplying a comprehensive range of uniforms, all-year round. The shop also specialises in children’s occasional wear and on Saturday 28th December it will launch its wide selection of 2020 Communion dresses, from the ‘Little People’, Celebrations and ‘Sarah Louise’ ranges, together with a full range of accessories and shoes.

Santa rides into Kilrush

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ANTA arrived in style last weekend to Kilrush. After the wrap up of Santa’s Den 2019 the organisers have moved to thank a few special people.

Mary & Tommy Fitzpatrick graciously allowed the use of their premises on Henry St to facilitate Santa Claus.

Organisers continued, “A big thank you to Santa & Mrs Claus, safe journey back to the North Pole.”

Rob Hopkins carried out the duties of Kilrush town crier for the street entertainment, while DJ Brian C provided the music .

A big thank you also goes to the lights committee, Kilrush chamber of commerce, and to the amazing crew Kilrush Lifeboat Station.

Santa’s visit would not have been possible without the assistance of the local Garda in Kilrush, who escorted Santa into town, while train driver Vincent ferried locals around town in the most festive of manners.

Organisers also thanked Nuala Hayes from Doonbeg, Sandra Gleeson for making sure the windows at the den were clean & sparkly, and “a very big thank you to the business people of Kilrush who support & encourage us each year. And finally to each and every one of you that visited Santa’s Den a big thank you for your continued support. Here’s to Santa’s Den 2020.”

46 BUSINESS

THURSDAY, DEC 12 2019

BUSINESS

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

GOING PLACES

Tourism Ireland launch 3 year plan

T l DUTY FREE: Kate McMahon (16) from Lahinch has been crowned joint champion of the Shannon Airport Young Entrepreneurs competition. Kate, along with Richie Lillis from Cork, beat stiff competition in the inaugural year of the competition which is casting out net to support young entrepreneurs and give them a platform to launch their businesses. The duo get to stock their product at the Shannon Duty Free store as part of Shannon Airport’s commitment to support young entrepreneurs. Pictured L-R Alan Reynolds, Retail Manager Shannon Airport, Kate McMahon (16) from Lahinch and Andrew Murphy, Managing Director Shannon Airport Photo by Arthur Ellis

€25,000 to projects from dormant fund

THE South Clare Meals on Wheels service operated by Obair Newmarket on Fergus and the East Clare Community Co-operative have benefitted from the latest allocations from the Dormant Accounts Fund.

According to Clare Fine Gael TD Joe Carey, €15,000 was allocated to the Meals on Wheels service with the community co-operative receiving €10,242 from the fund which is operated by the Depart-

ment of Rural and Community Development.

A total of €1 million in funding was allocated to 124 social enterprise projects across the country with the Clare funding being administered by the Clare Local Development Company.

"As Chairman of the Oireachtas Committee on Rural and Community Development, I am delighted that two very deserving Clare projects were successful in their

applications on this occasion.

"While it wasn't possible to fund more of the social enterprises that applied for funding this year, Minister Michael Ring has told me that he is reviewing the possibility of making further allocations next year.

"He will also be making an announcement very shortly on funding for Training and Mentoring for Social Enterprises," Deputy Carey added.

O U R I S M Ireland has launched details of its new three-year strategy for 2020-2022 and its marketing plans to promote the island of Ireland overseas next year, at an event attended by Tourism Minister Brendan Griffin and around 500 tourism industry leaders from around the country – including Doolin2Aran Ferries.

The aim is to grow overseas tourism revenue to €6.54 billion (+13%) and visitor numbers to 12 million (+7%), by 2022.

The 2020-2022 strategy has been designed to be both flexible and sustainable – while delivering further growth in overseas tourism and supporting the industry across Ireland.

Tourism Ireland aims to spread the benefits of tourism more broadly across Ireland and to address the issues of capacity. The new strategy is built on a set of sustainable destination marketing principles.

Phase two of Tourism

l TOURISM: Eugene Garrihy, Doolin2Aran Ferries and Orla Carey, Tourism Ireland, at the Dublin launch of Tourism Ireland’s 2020 marketing plans.

Ireland's global campaign – 'Fill Your Heart With Ireland' – was revealed at the launch. From January 2020, the 'Fill Your Heart With Ireland' campaign will be rolled out in over 20 markets globally.

The period 2020-2022 will see Tourism Ireland transform its digital platforms and redevelop its

entire suite of Ireland.com websites – which attracted more than 23 million visits this year – to ensure its digital marketing continues to be 'best in class' in the 2020s.

2019 has been a very mixed experience for Irish tourism, with weaker demand and the continued uncertainty around Brexit.

Niall Gibbons, CEO of Tourism Ireland said that while recognising the various risks and challenges, Tourism Ireland believes that growth in overseas tourism can be achieved.

By 2022, the aim is to grow overseas tourism revenue to €6.54 billion (+13%) and visitor numbers to 12 million (+7%).

BUSINESS 47

THURSDAY, DEC 12 2019

BUSINESS

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

Holy Island will be ‘world class’ PÁRAIC McMAHON

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news@clareecho.ie

OPES remain high that Holy Island will be "a game-changer" in developing East Clare's tourism offering but elected representatives have acknowledged the timeline for the project's delivery is "dragging on a bit".

Elected members of the Killaloe Municipal District were recently updated by Acting Head of Tourism with Clare County Council, Deirdre O’Shea and Tourism Officer, Joan Tarmey on how plans are progressing for the uninhabited island which was once a monastic settlement.

Conserving Holy Island as a significant historic and cultural site plus expanding its attractiveness as a tourism destination have been listed as long-term objectives of the project.

Thus far, €900,000 has been received in rural regeneration funding with match funding of €307,000 provided by the Council giving a total of €1.2m.

Tarmey outlined that they were hopeful to appoint a consultancy design team “this side of Christmas” for what she described as “one of the most significant ecclesiastical sites in Ireland”. This appointment would then be followed by the commissioning of surveys and technical reports subject to Ministerial consents for geophysical and archaeological surveys plus ecological studies. Subsequently, preliminary designs and a sketch design will be carried out leading to the design to planning submission by the first quarter of 2021.

This will become a high quality world class tourism destination,” she declared but cautioned “It is a very complex project, there will

be works on the mainland, the visitor centre and significant public realms work” with the possibility of a park and ride scheme. Engagement is ongoing with partners such as National Monument Service (NMS), Office of Public Works (OPW), Waterways Ireland, National Parks and Wildlife Service, Fáilte Ireland plus various sections of Clare County Council.

Addressing councillors, Tarmey said, “We’re at a point where it is really important to engage with the local community, we’re looking for your assistance in making sure we work well with the local community and set up meetings.

This is not just Mountshannon but much wider than that, there are a number of groups from Whitegate to Tuamgraney and Scariff ”.

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MOTORING

MOTORING EXPERT NEIL BRISCOE GIVES HIS VIEWS

MERC’S WARRING FOUR-DOORS

WHICH WOULD YOU GO FOR? THE A-CLASS SALOON OR THE SLIGHTLY MORE STYLISH CLA?

I

MERCEDESBENZ CLA

know it makes me sound like such an old fart, but when I got started in the game of reviewing cars, Mercedes only made five models — C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, SL, and G-Wagen. That was it.

That was your lot. Five models, take or leave them. Happy days…

Now though, Mercedes is expanding its model range, reaching out into niches, almost faster than we can count, and much of that is thanks to the NGCC (New Generation Compact Class) front-wheel drive platform. It’s basically the chassis that sits under the A-Class hatchback, but which also underpins the A-Class saloon, the B-Class MPV, the new GLB 4x4, and next year’s new GLA crossover. It also underpins this, the CLA, which is theoretically a sleek, four-

door, coupe but which is really very similar to the A-Class saloon.

In fact, at a quick glance, the only difference seems to be that the CLA has frameless door glass and that it costs around €1,000 extra, model for model.

Actually, the CLA is 100mm longer than the A-Class saloon, and has wider frontand-rear tracks. That’s not just a matter of having wider tyres or suspension spacers, either. The whole suspension setup has been altered for the CLA, and the extra width appears to make the car a little lower and sleeker.

It is definitely sleeker than the old CLA, which always had the appearance of a hatchback with a big droopy boot slung out the back. This new one is far smoother in its appearance, with a rear end that appears much better integrated and coherent. It also has headlights and tail lights that are subtly different to the A-Class Sedan’s. I suspect it will prove to be the case that they look more different when placed

next to each other, rather than looked at individually.

The one area where the two cars are identical is in the cabin layout and design, but for once this is a good thing — the MBUX ‘digital plank’ dashboard is one of the best recent car interior designs, maybe the best of all, and it works exceptionally well here. There’s a lot of tech on offer — the ‘hey, Mercedes’ digital voice control assistant; the augmented reality sat-nav, a heads-up display, and a huge suite of safety gear (including a slightly-too gung-ho lane keeping steering setup). New to the CLA is an ‘energiser’ system that can alter the ambient light, air conditioning, seat heating, and driving position either to help keep you more alert if you’re starting to feel drowsy, or calm you down if you’re feeling stressed. It can even be paired with a smartwatch so that the car can monitor your heart rate in real time and offer suggestions on how best to use the system. A bit of a gimmick? Doubtless, but an illustration of how we now can integrate our digital lives into our driving.

It somehow does manage to feel a little different inside the CLA than it does in an A-Class saloon. Perhaps it’s more a case of expectation than actuality, but you do seem to sit a little lower and more laid-back, even if the fixtures and fittings are essentially identical.

It also feels a little different to drive. Again, the gap is narrow, and again it may be down to me expecting, trying, to find differences, but the CLA does feel a touch smoother and more refined, in spite of the frameless doors which are usually a nightmare when it comes to wind noise at a motorway cruise.

Actually, cruising is precisely what the CLA does best — its refinement and the excellent levels of comfort inside the cabin mean that as a long-haul, point-to-point car, it’s very hard to beat for the money. You’d have to spend significantly more on the likes of an Audi A4 or BMW 3 Series to get as good as this.

The engine must also come in for some serious praise. In the A-Class, this 1.3 turbo can occasionally be

FACTS & FIGURES

Model tested: Mercedes-Benz CLA 180 7G-DCT AMG-Line Pricing: €44,986 as tested; CLA starts at circa €34,110 Engine: 1.3-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol Transmission: seven-speed automatic, front-wheel drive Body style: four-door compact coupe CO2 emissions: 123g/km (Band B1 €270 per annum) Combined economy: 52.3mpg (5.4 litres/100km) Top speed: 216km/h 0-100km/h: 9.0 seconds Power: 136hp at 5,000rpm Torque: 200Nm at 1,750rpm Boot space: 460 litres Safety: Euro NCAP rating for Mercedes CLA: five-stars; 96 per cent adult; 91 per cent child; 91 per cent pedestrian; 75 per cent safety assist

a bit too noisy, but here in the CLA it seems much better suppressed. 136hp doesn’t sound like all that much, but actually the CLA rarely feels anything less than lively to drive, a fact that might seem surprising given that it has a mere 200Nm of torque. Doubtless, the slick-shifting seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox helps in that regard, and we still love the fact that Mercerdes has brought back the column-stalk gear shifter, not least because it frees up useful extra storage space in the centre console. It also has excellent economy, easily breaking through the 50mpg barrier on a long journey, which is hugely impressive for a petrol turbo engine.

The CLA’s steering is responsive, and has relatively good levels of feel and feedback, and grip and traction at the front are solid, so you can make good progress on a twisty road, and have not a little fun into the bargain.

Bargain? Oh yes, that brings us back to the A-Class saloon doesn’t it? Well, is the CLA worth the extra expenditure? In a serious, objective way, probably not — the two cars are very close in terms of performance, and all-but identical in interior comfort and quality. That said, the CLA does two things to convince us that, yes, it actually is worth the extra. First, it’s a little more refined than the A-Class, which pays big dividends on a longer journey, and it’s also that crucial bit more fun to drive, if such things matter to you, feeling more agile and responsive through the corners. Worth €1,000 to you? It might well be…

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50 SPORT

THURSDAY, DEC 12 2019

Hazel breaks down the bodybuilder stereotype with PÁRAIC McMAHON

This week, as part of our 20x20 series we meet Clare bodybuilder Hazel McMahon, who after health concerns showed huge mental courage to go on to represent her country

P

UBLIC stereotypes of bodybuilders are incorrect as they do not take into account the mental and physical battles endured by athletes. That’s according to Hazel McMahon, who has represented her country in the sport she fell in love with after health scares.

Hazel, a nurse who hails from Newmarket-on-Fergus, flew the Irish flag in the Bikini Fitness World Championships with NABBA in June. Her rise through the sport has been impressive having only ventured into it properly last year. “The misconception out there is that everybody bodybuilding is juicing on steroids and drugs, this is all natural so it’s a more feminine look, I want to look fit and strong but not masculine, that’s where the bikini fitness comes in”.

Speaking to The Clare Echo as part of the 20x20 #CantSeeCantBe series, she recalls, “Being rewarded at national level and representing Ireland was a massive self achievement for me, the years it took to get to those rewarding moments and enjoying the process, the self growth and recognition of how mentally strong I am and how bodybuilding provided an outlet for me to become physically strong after my health was jeopardised in my twenties. The challenges you endure throughout through training regimes empowers you in other aspects of your life”.

A knee injury put a premature end to both her camogie and kickboxing career at the age of 22. This led the former Miss Clare to become a regular at the gym. “I had to make the decision that I had to end it, so I decided to go to the gym to stabilise my joints to prevent any more knee injuries happening. With 12hour shifts in the wards, I couldn’t go around dragging my legs which I ended up doing or missing work. I said that can’t happen anymore so I went to the gym, that was from 22 until now. It transpired that I got more into it, my training got more serious and structured, that’s how I started”.

During her twenties McMahon also dealt with serious health issues. “I got really sick physically and I was in hospital, I had an open surgery to my stomach and my intestine, I was so sick after that and was fairly adamant that I would make myself so physically strong that please God I’d be able to prevent anything from happening again. When I was recovered, I slowly started getting myself back into the gym, two years after again I had another operation; I had a perforated bowel which caused me to get adhesions so I had another stomach intestinal operation and was very sick after that”.

Such setbacks did cause upset but she gets a sense of control through bodybuilding, “It’s unbelievable for your head”. “Competing represents a lot more for me physically and

l POSITIVE INFLUENCE: Newmarket-on-Fergus native Hazel says bodybuilding provided an outlet for her to become physically and mentally stronger

mentally because of those struggles I had to go through, it’s after bringing me to a stage where it’s not purely aesthetics that I’m doing it for, it’s how I have transformed myself physically and mentally, I’m so resilient from my experiences in life now. I grew such a love for that because I had control being so capable and strong.”

When at the peak of her training, the weights she is lifting at Hustle Fitness are not just making her body stronger but also her mind which is something the Clinical Nurse Manager at the mental health centre in Ennistymon is particularly aware of.

“That psychological aspect of it is massive for me because of my career. The science be-

hind how you can transform yourself mentally and physically is massive for me because of the interest I have in it. I was coached initially for my first competition but then I wanted to challenge myself further to see how strong I had become and how educated I had become, you have to know your nutrition inside out and know what you’re doing in the gym.

“You’re up at 5.30am to train before work and then again after work so you need to know what you’re at. You have to have discipline and accountability to be able to compete at that level, that has an awful lot to do with your mind and how strong you are. It’s more psychological than it is physical, you know you have your set amount of calories

and if you go over that you either go to bed or you go for a walk; you can’t touch another thing, you have to have a really strong relationship with food, relations with food is emotions, that’s psychological as well.”

Currently the Ennis resident is dealing with another injury which means she may miss out on competing in January, and ultimately getting to the World Champioships.

She admits to being afraid of not returning to the same levels of competing that warranted a national call-up. “Every month please God I’ll be a bit closer to getting back to where I was, it’s long and has been six months now but you just hope for the best”.

Her comments on not conforming to stereotypes are worth paying to attention to when one assesses her sporting career. On the camogie field, Hazel is believed to be one of the first to wear a pink helmet, “I definitely set that trend, I’m sure of it,” she laughs.

In the moments before entering the ring for kickboxing, rather than choosing Eminem’s Lose Yourself as her walkout song, the Ballygirreen athlete would go for more uptempo songs such as Low by Flo Rida. “This is what I do in life, it was the same with the camogie I used to have the pink helmet, white socks, tanned up, long hair looking girly girly, in retrospect I see what I was doing but at the time I didn’t know, it was definitely mind games. I’d come out to this pop song and people would judge thinking ‘this bimbo doesn’t know what she’s at’ and next thing you leather into them, it was the same on the camogie field”.

A winner of an All-Ireland Féile title in camogie plus a stack of underage county championships as well as being on the Clare minor panel, camaraderie from the camogie dressing room is missed by Hazel but in her new sport she has made many new friends, several of whom from connecting on Instagram. It is in bodybuilding that she proudly displays the scars she was once afraid to bear.

“People’s opinion of bodybuilding and that it’s just for aesthetic purposes, that’s just one per cent, the actual sport itself and getting to that stage is the toughest journey you could take. When I first had to wear a bikini it was going on stage after my operation for Miss Ireland and I remember my mindset at that time, I was so uncomfortable and I remember getting the make-up artist to cover the scar on my tummy so that it couldn’t be seen because I was embarrassed I had an operation and it wasn’t beautiful in my opinion.

Now I wear my scar with pride, it is like my war wound, that is my own personal achievement. Getting through camogie injuries, the resilience I built in kickboxing has all stood to me”.

SPORT

THURSDAY, DEC 12 2019

51

Chairman role ‘very rewarding’ for Joe AIMING to secure increased funding for Clare Camogie’s county grounds is the goal for Joe O’Donnell as he enters his second year as Chairperson, writes Páraic McMahon.

O’Donnell was unopposed in his bid to remain on and was nominated by Clooney/Quin, Éire Óg, Newmarket-on-Fergus and Tulla. Speaking at Monday’s AGM at Hotel Woodstock, he admitted “I have found it to be a very rewarding experience.

The outstanding feature for me during the year was to witness the absolute dedication, integrity and competence of the executive team.”

He praised all sub-committees for their efforts throughout the year plus the clubs whose “excellent attendance at County Board meetings is clear evidence

of the commitment of all clubs to the continued development of Clare camogie”.

Congratulations was extended to Scariff/ Ogonnelloe on their success in following a first ever senior championship with the provincial equivalent.

Contributions of all county mentors was acknowledged by the Cratloe club-

man. Building on the work already carried out by his predecessor Joe Robbins at Fr McNamara Park has been listed as an aim of the club referee. He felt very lucky to take on the post, not long after the opening of the county grounds.

“As you will appreciate, we are not finished and plans are in place to deliver further

l APPOINTMENT: Joe O’Donnell

Photo by Burren Eye Photography

facilities in the spare ground that we have.

Unfortunately, the recent application for Sports Capital Funding has been unsuccessful, but we will take stock and consider re-applying in 2020 to secure the finances that will enable us to continue development.”

Joe paid tribute to the local media with special mention given to Scariff Bay Radio for consistently broadcasting camogie games.

Ex Chairman, Joe Robbins confirmed he would not be staying on in the role of Vice Chairman as did Marie-Louise Kaiser regarding the secretary’s position. Martin Kaiser stepped down as Registrar with Denise Brookes leaving the roles of Munster Delegate and Delegate to Munster Convention.

Make your practice count Padraig McGrath

T

HESE shorter winter days are perfect to catch up on some practice at your local driving range and to get yourself ready for your 2020 golfing season.

The key to good practice is to make your time at the range count, so you will begin to see the benefits when you next play.

It is very easy to just turn up at the range, hit a basket or two of range balls and go home. What have you really achieved? Don’t get me wrong, it is better than not hitting any golf balls over the winter, however if you want to begin to see an improvement, start by improving your practice time. I always maintain if your practice is tougher than when you play, then you will always cope better under pressure when you really need to play well. Before your next practice session work out a plan and write down a list of areas of your game you are struggling with and begin to work on those areas at your next practice session.

Make up a plan of how you would like to see your session going, while adding in some games that will also help you to enjoy your practice session as well as helping you to improve your game. A game I often play is choose a course in your head and play all 18 holes while at the range. Try to remember a course that you know well and then play it on the range. So say the first hole is a 425 yard par 4. Take out whatever club you would hit on the first tee and hit the ball, then take out the club for the approach shot and so on. Obviously you won’t be putting, but say you miss your target, then you can take out a wedge and chip or pitch it back on the green.

I like this game because it feels like I am actually doing something on the range. You never sit on a real golf course and hit a 7 iron until your hands start to callus, so why do it on the range? This will also help get you prepared better for a round of golf because you will already be used to switching clubs and the body gets loose easier. Are you the type of golfer who finds you hit the ball extremely

PGA Golf Professional

well at the driving range but on the course you don’t hit the ball nearly as consistent ? One of the reasons for this is your target at the range is much bigger than the tighter fairways we face on the golf course, so you should start choosing smaller targets to aim for at the range. Then when you get to the golf course don’t just aim at the fairway but look for a smaller target like a tree or a house or something small in the distance that is in line with the centre of the fairway. Your only focus is to strike your golf ball towards this target. In the attached image you can see a scenario where you have a tough shot over water and bunkers. To help take your focus off these hazards choose a tree in the background. This tree is now your only focus, choose a club that will comfortably get you to the centre of the green and then just hit your shot towards the tree you have chosen. This type of tunnel vision will help you to ensure you will find a lot more fairways once you get comfortable focussing on a smaller target.

Make up your own practice session plan and write it down and start to make those hours count towards improving your game. Also there are over six hundred PGA Golf Professionals in this country so if you are struggling to improve, then call one of us and we would love to help you to bring your game to the next level.

#PadraigKnowsGolf

GOLF ANALYSIS

The Scorecard in association with

EAST CLARE GOLF CLUB Friday Scramble 1ST Tony McNulty,Mary Farrell,Mary Jo Minogue 2ND Teddy Murphy, Liam Husband 3RD Pat McNamara, Willie Hayes ENNIS GOLF CLUB Ladies November Spirits Week 4 1ST Della Burns 29pts 2ND Flor Coffey 29pts 3RD Mary Woulfe 28pts 4TH Ann Casey 27pts 5TH Suzanne Deane 26pts

STARTERS AND CARD CHECKING KEVIN MURRAY AND JOHNNY MC NAMARA *REMINDER: SENION MEN’S CHRISTMAS DINNER THURSDAY 12TH DEC. AT 5.30.

RACE NIGHT SATURDAY 14TH DEC . TIME TO BUY A HORSE OR MORE HORSES AND COME ALONG FOR A FUN NIGHT. KILRUSH GOLF CLUB Dec 02 / Dec 08 KGC Weekly Turkey Men’s Singles 1 Brendan Carey (20) 29 2 Sean Moran (21) 27 Back 9 3 Pat Mulcahy (24) 27

Senior Ladies 1ST Kathleen Pyne, Margaret Flanagan & Ann White 2ND Helen Brooks, Pat Leacy, Ann O’Loughlin & Rita O’Brien 3RD Loretto Torpey, Deirdre Molyneaux, Patricia O’Donnell & Mary McMahon

Dec 04 Senior Ladies 1 Marie Bartlett, Ann McMahon, Lucy Blake, Carmel Lillis, 34.44 2 Margaret Clancy, Freda Moran, Mary Young, Loretta Browne, 35.33 3 Marion Brennan, Loret Maher, Margaret Hehir, 42.22.

Senior men’s social group Dec 5 Team of three mod scramble with 2 to score each hole. 12 players 1ST FINBARR LYSAGHT, TOMMY HEITH, JOHNNY KIERCE 65 PTS 2ND TERRY HUGHES, KEN O’FARRELL, RICHARD O’CONNELL 62 3RD PAT RUTHERFORD, MARTIN COFFEY, PAT O’REILLY 62 4TH TIM SCANLON, WILLIE DONNELLAN, PARAIC LARKIN 53

Dec 04 Senior Men 1 John Robinson, John Saunders, Sean Moran 65 2 Gerry Duffy, Tom Coffey, Tom McGrath 62 3 Brendan Carrig, Denis Nagle, Michael Hogan 61

Classifieds 52 CLASSIFIEDS

ACCOUNTANCY

THURSDAY, DEC 12 2019

CONTACT SALES

065 671 9021 sales@clareecho.ie

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RUBBISH REMOVAL

THURSDAY, DEC 12 2019

PLANNING CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL BALLYHEHAN, BELLHARBOUR, CO. CLARE Further Information/ Revised Plans Planning Ref: P19/733 The development consists of the construction of a new two storey dwelling house and garage, with proprietary effluent treatment system and soil polishing filter along with all associated site works and services at Ballyhehan, Bellharbour, Co. Clare.

Take notice that John Linnane has lodged significant further information in respect of planning application P19/733. 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 an Chlair, New Road, Ennis, Co.

Clare during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the further information or revised plans may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee, not later than 2 weeks after the receipt of the newspaper notice and site notice by the planning authority or in the case of a planning application accompanied by an EIS within 5 weeks of receipt of such notices by the planning authority.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL CRAGBRIEN DARRAGH ENNIS Take notice that Jack Markham intends to apply to planning authority for permission to replace existing gate lodge in ruins with new 2 bedroom gate lodge construct treatment system, connect to mains water supply and carry out anchillary site works at above address. The 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 during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payement 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 BEALAHA, KILKEE Take notice that C. Downes intends to apply to the Planning Authority for permission for change of use of licenced bar area to private living area at the above address.

The Planning Application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours.

A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee, â‚Ź20, within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application and such submissions or observations will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions or may refuse to grant permission.

The Clare Echo Classifieds

Contact 065 671 9021

TARMACADAM

STORAGE

PLANNING 53 CONTACT SALES

065 671 9021 sales@clareecho.ie

› Word › Best Daily Word Se… (http://puzzles.bestforpuzzles.com/category/word/)

Game (http://puzzles.bestforpuzzles.com)

54 PUZZLEPAGE

THURSDAY, DEC 12 2019

Best Daily Word Search

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QUIZ 55

THURSDAY, DEC 12 2019

The Clare Echo Quiz COASTAL TOWNS IN CLARE developed as a town in 1Lahinch the late 19th c. due to…

sport is played against the 7Which high sandstone walls in Kilkee?

2

Those who escaped from the 8 Shipwrecks of the Spanish Armada at Spanish Point were…

a. b. c. there

Opening of West Clare Railway The availability of holiday homes International surfing competitions

a. b. c.

The O’ Brien Clan Fishermen in the middle ages Danish Vikings

The forts located at ‘Doctor’s Hill’ in Lahinch were built by…

a. Racquetball b. Squash c. Handball

a.

Accommodated in local lodgings b. Executed c.

Returned to Spain by ship months later

1920, the town of Lahinch was Which small village was classified 3Inburned by which group?

9 as being in the Gaeltacht until 1956?

Which Bus Eireann service links Lahinch to Ennis and Galway.

a. 343 b. 305 c. 350

2006 a statue of which famous 5Inactor was unveiled in Kilkee? a. b. c.

Russel Crowe Ian McKellen Richard Harris

a. b. c.

Fireside Festival Kilkee Arts Festival Cois Fharraige

6

Which festival was held in Kilkee during the years 2007, 2008 and 2009?

a. Carrigaholt b.

Spanish Point c. Fanore

10

l QUESTION 1: Lahinch developed as a town in the late 19th c. due to…

Doolin Cave is infamous for?

a. Longest Stalactite in Northern Hemisphere b.

Longest Stalagmite in the Northern Hemisphere c.

Deepest Cave in Munster region

by Cian O’ Broin

Spot the Difference Can you spot the difference? Spot the 7 differences.

The answers will be revealed in next weeks edition.

Ger Naughton and Niall O’Connor of the Clare Echo

Photo by John Mangan

6. Cois Fharraige 7. Racquetball 8. Executed 9. Fanore 10. Longest Stalactite in Northern Hemisphere

4

The Irish Republican Brotherhood The Royal Irish Constabulary The Ulster Volunteer Force

ANSWERS

1. Opening of West Clare Railway 2. Danish Vikings 3. The Royal Irish Constabulary 4. 305 5. Richard Harris

a. b. c.

Last weeks Answers . Bobble on Santas hat missing . Child(left) Green band on arm is missing . Woman in background camera is missing

. Trees on Santas bag are missing . Furr on girl with pink jacket is missing . Colour is different on poster (centre) . Branch missing in background (apologies as this was not noticable once printed)