The Clare Echo 12/12/24 by The Clare Echo

Make or break weekend for Ennis retailers

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

CLARE SHOPPERS have been urged to “shop local and shop in Ennis” in what is understood to be a make or break period for businesses in the county town.

Several initiatives are in place as part of the Christmas in Ennis programme to incentivise greater retail activity in the county town for the festive period. This includes free daily parking from 2pm in all public car parks up until New Year’s Day.

Ennis’ streets have reo-

pened since the end of November with the €11.5m public realm works paused until January 6th to facilitate and encourage Christmas trading in the county town.

The reopening of the streets have created a more positive atmosphere in the town.

relatives from outside the county to come and shop in Ennis this Christmas”. She paid tribute to all staff within the Ennis MD involved in the Christmas in Ennis programme.

CEO of Ennis Chamber, Margaret O’Brien told The Clare Echo that Storm Darragh was “a hammer blow” to businesses. She said, “Hopefully the businesses will be compensated with strong footfall this weekend”.

SEASONS EATINGS

l 100 year old Jackie Hayes from Bunratty receiving his Christmas dinner from Garda Colette Acton and Garda Carrie Creagh

Photo by Joe Buckley Full Story p4

Christmas in Shannon

Council Threat to Palestine Mural “Incomprehensible

A DECISION by Clare County Council to order the removal of a mural honouring Palestine has been condemned by the groups which commissioned it.

elected members and council officials, have been very supportive of the people of Gaza since the current genocide be-

Clare was the fourth council to propose an EPP but was the first one to complete the whole process, that is testament to

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The mural, which depicts children running barefoot among the ruins of Gaza, is in Market Street carpark in Ennis, and was completed earlier this year. It is understood that the council have written to the owner of the building it is on, demanding its removal citing a lack of planning permission, and complaints it says it received about it.

The mural was commissioned by the People of Clare Against Genocide (POCAG) and the Clare branch of the Ireland-Palestine Solidarity Campaign (IPSC).

land overwhelmingly support Palestine so they undoubtedly would want the council to reach a sensible resolution. An online petition by POCAG was signed by hundreds of people in just a couple of days. Make no mistake, we will fight any decision to remove our mural”, Zoe concluded.

Clare County Council told The Clare Echo in a statement,

“The Planning Authority of Clare County Council received complaints relating to an alleged unauthorised mural development at the Market Street Car Park. Following an investigation a letter was issued in respect of same in accordance with the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended. The file is now active so the local authority cannot comment on the specifics of same.

Dowling to retire as Chief Executive

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

CHIEF EXECUTIVE of Clare County Council, Pat Dowling is to retire from the role next month.

The national chairperson of the IPSC Zoe Lawlor, reacted to the threat saying, “who would complain about this mural? It is a monument to human rights and resilience, and against the genocide happening in Gaza. The mural has been widely praised and tourists have sought it out to get photos with it. Senator Frances Black visited it just recently.”

“This decision is incomprehensible. The council, both

Dowling’s exit had been expected but was confirmed in correspondence issued to the Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council, Cllr Alan O’Callaghan (FF) on Monday morning. His retirement will become effective from December 31. Appointed to post in June 2016 on a seven year term, the Knockaderry native arrived in Áras Contae an Chláir in Sep tember 2016 as Chief Exec utive and has since Novem ber 2016 lived in Kilkee with his wife Rose. The 61 year old is a father of six.

gan. The council passed motions calling for a ceasefire, supporting the boycott divestment and sanctions movement, calling for the Palestinian flag to be flown outside the council offices and for the introduction of an Ethical Procurement Policy (EPP) to exclude companies profiting from the illegal settlements on Palestinian land. Council officials implemented those decisions promptly and efficiently.

Youth Worker with Clare Diocesan Youth Service, now Clare Youth Service and concluding it as Chief Executive of Clare County Council.

their dedication and empathy.”

“That makes this decision all the more baffling. They could have asked the building’s owner to apply retrospectively for planning permission, or for retention permission in the meantime. I understand Cllr Tommy Guilfoyle and other councillors are liaising with officials on this and I hope the officials will see sense and resolve this without interfering with the mural. The people of Ire-

“It has been my privilege to serve the Council and the county for almost eight and a half years and it is my earnest hope that I have made a positive contribution to the reputation and standing of the organisation and the county. Working with Clare County Council has rep

“It is worth noting that once a complaint of unauthorised development is received by the council it must be investigated and procedure followed as set out in legislation. In line with the provisions of the Planning and Development Act the recipient of such a warning letter has a period within which they can respond to the Council. The council at the end of this response period will then consider the most appropriate action to be taken, if any, having regard to what is required under legislation.”

Feirme and rural development with Kildare

In March 2023, he in formed the Department of Local Gov ernment and the Public Ap pointments Service that he wished to avail of the op tion of a three year extension to his seven year appoint ment. Twenty months on, he has announced he is to retire from the role. It means his first and last jobs were based in Co Clare, having started his career as a

euro redevelopment of the Vandeleur Walled

Garden in Kilrush; and the most significant tourism project to be undertaken in East Clare with the development Inis Cealtra visitor centre. On two occasions during his tenure, Clare County Council was named local authority of

He was also to the fore in Lahinch’s hosting of the 2019 Dubai Duty Free Irish Open serving

Also under Dowling’s watch, the County Council has voted to implement the highest charge of local property tax on a consistent basis. He has always stressed the importance of the Council maintaining a balanced budget and noted his pride at the local authority never recording a deficit during his tenure. He previously issued promises that issues at Blake’s Corner would be solved during his term as Chief Executive and has been a central figure in the creation of the Ennis 2040 Designated Active Company (DAC).

National Youth Council of Ireland, Macra na

lion

LEARNING

COMFORT: Matheo Boghi and Mark Sexton, Holy Family School, Ennis trying out the newly opened DeValera Library in Ennis. The brand new DeValera County Library opened its doors to the public on Monday morning. The 2,321sqm building on Causeway Link, Ennis comprises a public library over two floors which includes the local studies centre, a 100sqm art gallery and the County Library headquarters

Photo by Eamon Ward

Sen. Frances Black visiting the mural recently, with members of POCAG and the IPSC

Tony Grifﬁn with Ivan and Zara Kilbane pictured at The Ennis Bookshop for the signing of his books The Teenage Book of Life and Screaming at the Sky

Portraits of Pride exhibition to showcase images of LGBTQ+ community in Clare

PORTRAITS of Pride, a photography exhibition showcasing images LGBTQ+ community members from across Co Clare launches in de Valera Library in Ennis next Thursday (December 19th).

Captured over a single day during Clare’s Pride celebrations earlier this year, the photographs will humanise the LGBTQ+ experience.

Quare Clare, the Banner County’s LGBTQIA+ group, is launching this exhibition to shine a light on the LGBTQ+ community in Clare and increase visibility and

understanding. The portraits celebrate individuality and demonstrate the diversity within the county. The exhibition launch will take place at 6.30pm on Thursday December 19th in De Valera Library in Ennis. All are welcome to join Quare Clare and their allies for Christmas treats and chats at the launch. Tea, coffee and alcohol free mulled wine will also be served. The portraits will remain on display upstairs in the library until close of business on Saturday January 04th 2025. Karina Murray of QuareClare commented, “As a Clare native who struggled

to come out in my teens and twenties being part of this exhibition was an empowering experience for me. It’s not just about visibility, it’s about showing the county who we are and breaking down barriers of misunderstanding and prejudice which I think need to be addressed in this county. I’m looking forward to the launch and hope that other community members and our allies will come out to join us on the day”.

This exhibition is supported by the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth.

Where style meets the season

Ennis is open for business this Christmas

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

SHOP LOCAL this Christmas was the message issued from the Interim Chief Executive of Clare County Council this week.

Ennis’ streets have reopened since the end of November with the €11.5m public realm works paused until January 6th to facilitate and encourage Christmas trading in the county town.

Speaking at Tuesday’s sitting of the Ennis Municipal District, Carmel Kirby, the interim Chief Executive of Clare County Council stated, “please shop local and shop in Ennis, there is a fantastic atmosphere in the town so please ask your friends and relatives from outside the county to come and shop in Ennis this Christmas”. She paid tribute to all staff within the Ennis MD involved in the Christmas in Ennis programme.

Speaking to The Clare Echo, CEO of Ennis Chamber Margaret O’Brien admitted businesses are ﬁnding it hard to gauge activity at present. “The weather has had a negative impact on business, the red alert was a hammer blow. Generally people start shopping for Christmas at the beginning of December, this year the 1st of December fell on a Sunday so most of the business was expected to run from last weekend until the ﬁnal weekend of December, we were expecting it would ratchet up but that has been impacted by Storm Darragh. Hopefully the businesses will be compensated with strong footfall this weekend”.

There is widespread agreement among businesses that the reopening of the streets has improved the feeling around Ennis. “They are deﬁnitely saying there is a great atmosphere on the street but they are ﬁnding it hard to predict how busy things are”.

Christmas Artisan Markets take place every Saturday from 10:30am to 3:00pm at the Templegate Plaza every Saturday from 30th November to 21st December from 10.30am to 3.00pm. The

complimentary ‘Santa train’ will operate through the town this weekend and again from December 20th-22nd.

Free parking for shoppers from 2pm is in place at all public car parks exclusing onstreet parking in the town up until New Year’s Day in Ennis.

Deputy Mayor of the Ennis MD, Cllr Antoinette Baker Bashua (FF) commended the local authority for the Christmas in Ennis programme. “It is fantastic to go up the town and see the lights, it wasn’t just one person, it was collective, we should be really proud of what we have achieved in such a short period of time”. She added, “Ennis is open for

mistakes, Senator Daly said don’t do what we did in Killarney that the place is choked with cars but doesn’t have the parking within the town. There has been a lot of work done on free parking but we need to push that”.

“The old Ennis Town vibe was back,” remarked Cllr Mary Howard (FG) when reﬂecting on the turning of the lights in Abbey Street car park.

Apologies for missing the lights ceremony were voiced by Cllr Paul Murphy (FG), “I was out canvassing and trying my best to get my good friend Leonora Carey elected, we didn’t get there but we

business, we need to keep positive and keep the magic, children can see magic in anything”.

Efforts to date must be matched by strong messaging for Ennis to capitalise, Cllr Tom O’Callaghan (FF) insisted, “It is wonderful when we have everyone working in the same direction. We can have differences of opinion, there is nothing wrong with that but when it works it works, retailers feel like they have been listened to a bit. We’re getting the message across that Ennis is open for business, I made it my business to get Senator Mark Daly (FF) to walk through the town and he said Ennis is taking shape. There is nothing wrong with having a relook for Ennis 2040, we can learn from

had a good campaign”. He added, “I was genuinely mortiﬁed for missing it, I generally don’t miss these things”. Senior engineer, Seán Lenihan told the meeting that the Christmas in Ennis programme has been “very well received” to date and will be strengthened this weekend by the addition of the free Santa train which will accept donations to support Ennis Voices for Autism, Ábalta Special School, Sláinte an Chláir and Clare Crusaders”. He advised that additional parking has been granted approval for the Gort Rd Industrial Estate and that progress was being made on Shanaway Rd.

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

Moira and Madeline Kelly pose for a selﬁe with Santa Claus

Photo by Arthur Ellis

Photo by Kit Harty

Four candidates in the frame for Cooney’s Council seat in ‘Mills Civil War’

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

JOE COONEY’s TD (FG) election to Dáil Éireann has ignited plenty of competition within the Fine Gael ranks to take his seat on Clare County Council.

Cnoc na Gaoithe in Tulla is to host the selection convention on Sunday evening as party members in East Clare determine who will fill the void on the local authority left following Cooney’s election to the Dáil. The O’Callaghans Mills man was first elected to Clare County Council in 2004 and delivered poll-topping performances in 2009, 2014, 2019 and 2024.

As of Wednesday evening, there are four candidates going forward for the selection convention, three of which have strong connections to Cooney’s native Mills. This has prompted one political observer to remark to The Clare Echo, “it is looking like a Mills Civil War”.

The successful candidate will join Cllr Pat Burke (FG) as the party’s represent ative in the Killaloe Municipal District and will also assume Cooney’s post on the Physical Development Strategic Policy Committee which is chaired by Burke.

The Clare Echo stands that Edmund Jen nings, Robbie Madden, Frances O’Mara and Conor Ryan are among the candidates that will go be fore the party membership

this weekend.

Two-time local election candidate Ger O’Halloran (FG) had been touted as a potential candidate while Bodyke based Sinead Carey who was campaign manager for Leonora Carey (FG) in the General Election was also linked as a runner.

Tulla based Edmund Jennings has held numerous roles as an officer with Fine Gael at a local level in Clare and was one of their key figures behind the scenes during the local elections in 2014 and 2019. He is the managing director and founder of the Shannon based recruitment company, CREGG.

Scariff native Robbie Madden who was heavily involved in the General Election campaign of Cooney is understood to have the backing of the newly elected TD. Madden now resides in O’Callaghans Mills and runs his own construction company.

Now living in Bodyke, Frances O’Mara is a native of O’Callaghans Mills. She formerly ran O’Mara’s Bookmakers in

Of the four, Conor Ryan is the youngest candidate. Aged in his thirties, he has qualified as an engineer and now works full-time as a farmer. He is Chairman of the O’Callaghans Mills cumann of Fine Gael. He is a son of Michael Ryan and Phil St Ledger who formerly taught at O’Callaghans Mills NS. Recently elected T.D Joe Cooney

Election fever sees Clare candidates eye up Seanad

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

ELECTION fever appears to have taken effect in Clare with a number of county councillors now entering the fray for the upcoming Seanad Elections.

To date there are two conﬁrmed Clare candidates for the Seanad elections which will take place next month but the ﬁgure is likely to rise.

Senator Martin Conway (FG) has secured a nomination from Vision Ireland to try retain his seat on the Administrative Panel. The Ennistymon man has been on the Administrative Panel since 2011, he was an unsuccessful General Election candidate in 2020 and opted not to go forward for a Dáil Éireann bid this year.

Conway told The Clare Echo following the General Election outcome, “one can only be disappointed from a county point of view that there is no TD from North Clare, West Clare or Ennis elected. I’m hoping to address that by retaining my Seanad seat and serving as a voice for North Clare”.

Cllr Tony Mulcahy (FG) is running for a seat on the Industrial and Commercial Panel and he has secured a nomination from the Irish Road Hauliers Association. Last October, he made his return to politics when he was selected as a

€549k vehicle added to Clare Fire & Rescue Service flee

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

A NEW vehicle worth half a million euro has been added to the ﬂeet of Clare Fire Services.

On Monday, the new Class B Fire Appliance arrived at Ennis Fire Station. At a cost of €549,000, the state-of-the-art vehicle was fully funded by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage under their Fire Appliance Procurement Programme 2023 – 2025.

There are presently 81 operational personnel working for the Fire and Rescue Service in Co Clare. The new vehicle represents a signiﬁcant investment and will further enhance the response capabilities of Ennis Fire Brigade to emergencies in the Ennis area and surrounds.

Built by HPMP Ltd in Carlow, the new vehicle contains a full range of ﬁreﬁghting equipment, including portable pump, generator, ladders and crash rescue equipment.

It is built on a Scania P360 18 Tonne Chassis supplied by Westward Scania, Strokestown. The coachwork is a copolymer plastic construction, with an integrated 1,800 litre water tank.

Clare’s Chief Fire Ofﬁcer Adrian Kelly said, “This new vehicle will be based at Ennis Fire Station as part of Clare’s Fire and Rescue Services emergency response, along with an additional Class B Fire Appliance, Emergency Tender, ‘Bronto’ Aerial Rescue, water tanker and four-wheel drive van. 2024 has seen several upgrades to the county ﬂeet with two Incident Support Units provided for Killaloe and Kilrush Fire Brigades earlier this year”.

Further enhancements to infrastructure are planned for next year, he advised, “with the refurbishment of the Ennis Emergency Tender improving the ﬂeet of 33 vehicles and upgrading equipment. We also continue our recruitment drive to ensure that we have

Fine Gael candidate in the Shannon Municipal District for the local elections, he took the seventh and ﬁnal seat in the Shannon MD in June and was one of three candidates not to reach the quota.

Mulcahy has previous experience in the Seanad and served as a Senator from 2011 to 2016. He is a former Mayor of Clare and ran for the General Election in 2007 and 2011.

Ennistymon woman Ann Marie Flanagan (IND) a former Green Party member has received a nomination from Independent Living Movement Ireland for the Administrative Panel. The disability rights campaigner is bidding to become the ﬁrst disabled female Senator. She holds an MSc in Partnership and Public Administration and has studied an LLM in International Disability policy & Human Rights Policy and Law.

In a statement to The Clare Echo, Ann Marie said, “The Care Referendum in March exposed the lack of understanding of a rights-based approach in policy, funding and legislation about disabled children, adults and families. Disabled people and Families feel ignored when political parties discuss key issues and do not mention them, such as the housing crisis. There are thousands of young Disabled people

trapped in nursing homes and outdated congregated buildings”.

The Clare Echo understands that Cllr Pat Hayes (FF), Cllr John Crowe (FG) and Cllr Rita McInerney (FF) are all interested in running for the Seanad and may yet appear as candidates. Leonora Carey (FG) has been linked as a potential candidate efforts to contact the Clarecastle woman on Tuesday and Wednesday were unsuccessful. Deputy Leader of the Green Party, Roisin Garvey (GP) who was nominated to the Seanad for the last term has yet to declare her intentions.

Proposals for nominations to the vocational panels by nominating bodies must be submitted by December 18th while the deadline for nominations by Oireachtas members is December 31st. The Seanad Returning Ofﬁcer will complete the panels of candidates on January 8th.

appropriate numbers of personnel in each of our seven Fire Stations”.

Chief Executive of Clare County Council, Pat Dowling stated, “We have clearly seen a progression in ﬁre service investment here in Clare in the last ten years. This vehicle and other new vehicles are very important, but it is the people in our ﬁre service that make the real difference. It is important therefore that we continue to support our personnel with the proper equipment and vehicles, as they work day and night to support the people of Clare in times of crisis, natural disasters and emergency events”.

Members of the Fire Service were praised by Cathaoirleahc of Clare County Council, Cllr Alan O’Callaghan (FF) for their work during Storm Darragh. He added, “This vehicle will be used a lot in County Clare, by a crew that provides a huge service to the county. Just this weekend we saw ﬁre service personnel out clear-

ing roads from before dawn, making the county safe again for everyone. I would like to express my gratitude for their tireless efforts.” Echoing that sense of ap-

preciation, Clare County Council Director of Service Alan Farrell paid tribute to the management and membership of

also thanked the design

ers and builders of the new Class B Fire Appliance which will support the ﬁre crews for years to come.

At the Class B Fire Appliance Handover at Ennis Firestation were from left Eric Treacy, Westward Scania , Pat Dowling, CEO Clare County Council, Mayor of Clare Alan O’Callaghan , JP McGrath, Station Ofﬁcer Ennis Firestation, Michael Howard, High Precision Motor Products (HPMP) and Adrian Kelly , Chief Fire Ofﬁcer Photograph by Eamon Ward

Westbury based James Ryan chosen to take McGettigan’s seat on Clare County Council

WESTBURY based, James Ryan (SF) has been selected by Sinn Féin members in Shannon to be co-opted to Clare County Council following Donna McGettigan’s TD (SF) election to Dáil Éireann.

A candidate in the local elections in June, James was the only name put before members of Sinn Féin’s Shannon Cumann at Tuesday’s selection convention which was held in Treacy’s Oakwood Arms Hotel.

From Shannon Banks, James is married to Jiale and they have two sons. He met his wife while living in China for close to thirteen years where they ran an art gallery while he worked full-time in logistics.

In 2015, he returned to Ireland, over the past nine years he worked in Shannon but subsequently retrained and now works as a parttime teacher, primarily in DEIS schools. He has also been involved with the youth diversion programme in St Mary’s, with Corpus Christi and Direct Provision centres. He became a member of

Sinn Féin in 2018. He will join Cllr Tommy Guilfoyle (SF) as the party’s representatives on Clare County Council. It is expected that Ryan will also sit on the Tourism Development Strategic Policy Committee (SPC) and the Regional Health Forum in posts held by McGettigan.

Since contesting the local elections where he polled 455 first preference votes and was the fifth of fifteen candidates eliminated, he has established a Tidy Towns committee in Shannon Banks.

Both Sinn Féin and Fine Gael were informed by Clare County Council following the elections of McGettigan and Joe Cooney TD (FG) that they would have to fill the vacancies by December 15th to allow a special meeting take place to facilitate the co-options.

Speaking following his selection, James stated, “I also volunteer with community groups teaching woodwork and art, for instance with the men’s and women’s sheds and I established the tidy towns group in the area of Shannon Banks, Westbury and Carraig Midhe. I enjoy being active on the ground

and recently founded a youth club for the area”.

Housing is the big issues in the county, he stated. “I think people sometimes forget that the local council have significant powers around housing, so I want to use those powers to maximum effect for people. I also want to improve public amenities and facilities and ensure better maintenance of them. I would also advocate for specialist units in primary schools for children with ASD. Crime prevention measures also need to be improved”.

Six months on from the local election, he admitted to The Clare Echo that he didn’t think he would be in line to take a seat on the Council. “The Council elections were only six months ago, I only got 450 or so first preference vote so I was well behind the field, I didn’t expect it. Coming from the local elections for quite a long time we weren’t expecting Donna to become a TD but in saying that four weeks ago I was unsure but two weeks ago I had a different mindsight because I could see the reception Donna was getting on the doors”. From his time canvassing

for both elections, he is aware of a strong desire among the people in the Shannon Municipal District to have better amenities in their locality. “I started doing the Tidy Towns in Shannnon Banks because there was a need for it, I want to see better amenities in as much as places as we can have them, it isn’t always that the Council can do it but I can help lead a team, I do Tidy Towns with ten to fifteen people every Saturday and we’re here since late June”.

Pressure must continue to come from local representatives on the Government to improve health services in the region. “We have to keep pressure on trying to get a better health ser vice for this side of the country, even the figures we’ve seen this week on cancer treatment in the Mid-West is quite shocking. In the Council we can work on the small things like help ing community groups but

also the bigger things like keeping pressure on the Government to act on setting up an A&E to alleviate the pressure on Limerick, I’ve been there and spent eleven hours on a trolley so I know how bad it is”.

McGettigan prevailed in the 2024 local election having been co-opted at the beginning of 2020 following the death of Mike McKee. James will be the first Sinn Féin councillor in South Clare but he maintained the people of Shannon Town would continue to be well represented by the party. “They are going to get more represenation in some ways because we are adding a TD to the area, Donna will have a good presence in Shannon and Ennis, she will have other people like Tommy Guilfoyle in different areas, we will work together”. He added, “I think we’re

stretched the right amount, it is not going to be easy especially with someone like myself, it is brand new to me, I’ll find my feet in next few weeks but I think we can deliver more for people in Shannon as a result of Donna’s election”.

His addition will see South Clare well represented as he joins Parteen based, Cllr Rachel Hartigan (FF) plus Cllr Michael Begley (IND) in Clonlara and Cratloe’s Cllr Pat O’Gorman (FF). “I’m in Westbury and not too far away from Cathal (Crowe) TD (FF) so the more representation in the area the better. I still want to be in Shannon with Donna and to push for both areas, Donna will be a TD in Shannon which is a very good thing, this is the first time Shannon has a TD and she is someone extremely capable and competent”.

He concluded, “I’m brand new, it’s a few hours since my co-option, I’ll try my best for public in Shannon MD whether it is Shannon Town, Shannon Banks or anywhere else in between”.

James Ryan (SF)

Photo by John Mangan

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

‘We need to step up our online performance’ Cllrs urge Council to be more proactive online during extreme weather events

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL can “step up” its communications during extreme weather events according to elected representatives.

In a proposal before Monday’s meeting of the local authority, Cllr Joe Garrihy (FG) asked the Council “to outline emergency communications policy to the public, community groups and elected representatives during emergency situations, and adverse weather events and to review this with a view to any possible improvements to ensure best possible information, advice and updates are available through a central and trusted forum”.

Acting Director of Service for Rural Development, Ann Reynolds detailed that the Council “has a Severe Weather Plan which is a sub plan of the Clare County Council Major Emergency Plan. The Council’s Severe Weather Assessment Team (SWAT) takes direction from the National Crisis Management Team of the National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management (NDFEM), this includes Met Éireann, Government Departments and all affected Local Authorities in terms of appropriate actions and guidance on communications to ensure national consistency of public messaging across the affected areas in times of severe weather events”.

She said, “Effective communication with the public and the media is vital to the successful handling of Severe weather Incidents. The key objective is to deliver accurate, clear and timely advice to the public and

the media at speed so that the public can feel conﬁdent, safe and well informed during an incident”. She added, “The Council continues to review its procedures with regard to severe weather events”.

During the course of Storm Darragh this weekend, Clare County Council did not issue a single press release to the media despite Reynolds’ comment that the local authority deliver advise via the media “at speed”. Four social media posts were shared on Instagram and X/Twitter, seven on Facebook some of which were duplicated.

Speaking at Monday’s meeting, Cllr Garrihy admitted, “I didn’t realise the weather would turn so bad when I tabled the motion”. He heralded the contribution of all frontline workers who were out during “serious inclement and dangerous weather conditions” to try help the wider general public. “My motion is about education for ourselves, there seems to be a recognition that we deal with this on an ongoing basis and more often,” he said.

Lisdoonvarna based Garrihy referenced the “top class minute by minute coverage of the elections by our media and how that got out to the public” as an example that could be followed for communications during extreme weather events. He suggested there was merit in councillors “getting a bit more training on the communications, maybe there is value for us having a workshop and in the days we live in with really connected forums of communication”. He acknowledged, “it is a very live event so you can be wrong in an hour’s time, it might be worth us

all getting together. We have a lot of text alerts and how to pull them all together is key, to get a trusted forum in the world we live in”.

Seconding the proposal, Cllr Ian Lynch (IND) acknowledged the contributions of response of the emergency services in Clare for Storm Darragh. “I get Joe’s point but the priority is to get to the scene and sort it out”. He felt it was worth exploring ways to improve communications.

Cllr Pat O’Gorman (FF) noted that local farmers also played a key role in making roads passable.

Recalling that he was preparing to begin a night shift with An Post during Storm Darragh, Cllr Tommy Guilfoyle (SF) said, “I’m on nights for Christmas, I was driving down the Clonroad and I swerved to avoid a tree at 01:55, I rang 999 and the ﬁre brigade came, chopped up the tree and took it off the road”. He said he was without power for two days and pointed out that “a lot of younger people get their information on social media, the interaction is massive, I kept looking for Clare County Council’s posts on social media with the emergency numbers and I didn’t ﬁnd it, we can step up our online performance in the event of an emergency”.

Nobody should have been out on the road during the Storm, Cllr Michael Shannon (FF) stated in response. “I left my house after it was relaxed, we are not insured to drive during red warning. I’ve never driven in a red warning in my life,” Cllr Guilfoyle retorted. “A red warning means stay inside and be safe, there should be very few people out during red warnings only the emergency ser-

vices,” Cllr Shannon replied.

Often the public will forget to report incidents after ﬂagging the matters with politicians on social media, Cllr Antoinette Baker Bashua (FF) noted, “sometimes social media is used for people to report to and not the proper authorities”. “I thought this weekend I was an hour behind everyone else, Mary (Howard) seemed to be an hour ahead of me and I was wondering where she was getting her information from”. Social media should be treated like a ‘loaded gun’, Mayor of Clare, Cllr Alan O’Callaghan (FF) maintained, “we need to treat every road and situation as dangerous during a red warning”.

Chief Executive of Clare County Council, Pat Dowling remarked, “Whatever about the public engaging in major emergencies and weath-

er events, we’ve to be cognisant, we’ve a tried and tested major emergency plan in this country”. He said a multi-agency approach is already in place. “We have our own protocols on the ground, they kick into action any time there is a major hazard or danger, there is no system that will take care of that”. The current system is “broadly successful,” he believed, “the protection of life is paramount”. Councillors “should be the ﬁrst port of call so that we have our social media to get the same message to everyone,” suggested Cllr Tom O’Callaghan (FF). “It is very important that it comes to us all so that we can pass on the message to our constituents,” Cllr John Crowe (FG) commented.

‘We’re lucky we didn’t lose anyone’ - Storm Darragh makes its mark in Co Clare

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

CLOSE TO 10,000 homes and businesses were left without power in the aftermath of Storm Darragh Storm Darragh brought with it gusts of 120km/h in Shannon and higher in coastal parts of the county from 9:30pm on Friday until 2am on Saturday morning, Met Éireann had Co Clare under a Status Red weather warning during this time alongside Galway, Mayo, Sligo, Leitrim and Donegal. Fallen trees and debris were successfully cleared by Clare County Council’s crews across the couinty’s road network on Saturday 9,919 homes and businesses were without power on Saturday morning but by Sunday evening this figure had been reduced to 803. Power is expected to be restored to 38 premises in Glendree in East Clare by 8pm on Thursday.

On Sunday, power was

restored to the pumping station for the Kilmaley Inagh Group Water Scheme, with water supply expected to return to all customers within the next 24 to 36 hours. The scheme is the largest of its kind in the country, it supplies Kilmaley, Inagh and Kilnamona plus parts of Lahinch, Miltown Malbay and Ennistymon.

Water supply interruptions persisted in Cratloe and Parteen impacting on households and businesses in both villages along with Meelick and surrounding areas but this was restored on Monday.

ESB Networks have said the impact experienced from Storm Darragh is similar to that of Storm Ophelia in 2017. Crews from French counterparts, Enedis sailed overnight on Sunday and arrived in Ireland on Monday to assist with power restoration in the worst impacted areas.

Speaking at Monday’s meeting of Clare County

Council, Cllr Mary Howard (FG) expressed her frustration with the failure of some members of the public and their failure to pay heed to the status red warning. “On Friday night when the storm kicked off the amount of traffic on the road, I live on the N85 and I couldn’t believe it, it was like it was a regular Friday night and I couldn’t believe the absolute stupidity, we were lucky we didn’t lose anyone or that a tree fell on someone, usually when a storm kicks in that people stay home, we need to reiterate that when it is red that people stay home and that red means danger”.

A fallen tree in McNamara Park, Ennis following Storm Darragh.

The Arc Cinema Ennis announce exciting offers

THIS weekend, The Arc Cinema in Ennis is bringing holiday cheer to the community with an exclusive Gift Card Offer, a special Charity Poster Sale, and a lineup of beloved Christmas classics on the big screen.

From Friday, 13th December to Sunday, 15th December, movie lovers can take advantage of an incredible deal: 2 x €25 gift cards for just €40. These versatile gift cards can be used for tickets, snacks, drinks, merchandise, and even 3D glasses, making them the perfect stocking stuffer or thoughtful gift for friends, family, or teachers. With no expiry date, they’re a gift that keeps on giving! The offer is available both online and in the cinema, so it’s easy for everyone to grab this festive bargain.

Adding to the excitement, The Arc Cinema will host a Charity Poster Sale on Saturday, 14th December, from 12 noon to 2 PM. Movie buffs can pick up their favorite film posters, with all proceeds going to Clare Crusaders, a local

charity dedicated to providing therapy and support to children with special needs.

As part of the festive celebrations, The Arc Cinema has been screening Christmas classics throughout December. This weekend, audiences can enjoy a Home Alone Double Bill and a special screening of Miracle on 34th Street to celebrate its 30th anniversary. Next weekend, the festivities continue with Arthur Christmas and an exclusive showing of National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation to mark its 35th anniversary. The Arc Cinema is proud to be the only cinema in Ireland that we’re aware of at the time of going to print, screening this holiday favourite!

Don’t miss out on this weekend of festive fun, great deals, and community spirit at The Arc Cinema in Ennis.

For more information on the poster sale, visit the cinemas Facebook pagesearch ‘Arc Cinema Ennis’ For more information on what’s playing, visit ArcCinema.ie or check local listings

‘Plight

of criminality getting out of control in Ennis & surrounds’ warns Sinn Féin councillor

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

A “PLIGHT” of criminality is spreading across Ennis and its environs while senior ofﬁcials in Clare County Council held “a very productive meeting” An Garda Síochána this week where anti-social behaviour were among the issues discussed.

In a proposal before Tuesday’s meeting of the Ennis Municipal District, Cllr Tommy Guilfoyle (SF) referenced “ongoing issues of antisocial behaviour and criminality affecting several areas in our town”. He called on Ennis MD to deal with relevant stakeholders to ensure all CCTV systems in housing estates across the MD “are fully operational, recording, and correctly oriented throughout the Christmas holidays”.

He explained that this would enhance the safety and security of residents during the festive season by “conducting a comprehensive audit of existing CCTV systems to identify and address any technical faults or misalignments. Collaborating with law enforcement and technical experts to verify the operational status of all cameras. Implementing any necessary updates or repairs to ensure all cameras are func-

tioning effectively. Engaging with community representatives to raise awareness about the presence and beneﬁts of CCTV surveillance in mitigating criminal activity”.

Senior engineer, Seán Lenihan outlined that this week staff within the Ennis MD “had a very productive meeting with senior members of An Garda Síochána and an outcome of same was for the relevant personnel in both organisations to engage further on what can be done at the earliest juncture. I will keep members informed of developments and am happy to meet/discuss with any community representatives that may have an interest or concern in this regard”.

Lenihan stated, “It is agreed that the presence of CCTV cameras serve as a signiﬁcant deterrent to criminality and/ or antisocial behaviour and provide a level of comfort to Communities and the public where they are in place and in operation. Members will be aware however, that there are strict GDPR issues relating to the use and location of CCRV cameras in the community”.

Ennis MD have also been engaging with colleagues in ICT, Data Protection and Finance regarding “a condition survey of existing CCTV cameras, what upgrades, re-

placements, additions that may be required/possible, a legal basis for having them to ensure compliance with Data Protection Regulations and securing the necessary funding for whatever changes and upgrades are required”.

Speaking at the meeting, Cllr Guilfoyle commented, “Our community has a plight of ASB and criminality spread across the whole MD, if I had a week longer to put the motion in there would be a paragraph asking for CCTV in Clarecastle because there was cars parked overnight damaged in Clarecastle in recent days”.

Clarecastle based Guilfoyle added, “It is getting out of control and out of hand, anything we can do to push back against it needs to be done and to be done as soon as possible”. He said “areas are ﬁnding themselves in battle against criminality”. CCTV which can be accessed by the Council and An Garda Síochána can help tackle the issue, he believed. “I travel to Madrid once a year the last couple of years, every twist and turn there is CCTV and TV programmes when there is criminal apprehended there is CCTV”.

He continued, “there is ten times more CCTV at the Queens Disco than in the town

of Ennis, the Queens can have X amount of cameras but the town of Ennis has way less, we need to get real about making this the best town in Ireland, the best town for conferences and tourism, we need to get serious about CCTV in the New Year”.

Seconding the proposal, Cllr Paul Murphy (FG) stated, “the motion is worded about Ennis but there are issues in Clarecastle, it is awful to have to bring this up in a public forum but it has to be aired”.

Requests to utilise CCTV to tackle illegal activities have been raised “numerous times,” Cllr Tom O’Callaghan (FF) ﬂagged. “We need to be focusing on anti-social behaviour in the interest of retailers and customers, the public realm is open and the street never looked better, more people on the street makes it safer”.

Discrepancies where Gardaí appeal for dash cam footage to investigate accidents but are prohibited from utilising CCTV in other instances remained a bone of contention, Cllr Mary Howard (FG) acknowledged. “I as a woman think when CCTV is around I feel much safer, I have no problem being watched because it instils a sense of safety in myself when going about my daily business,” she admitted.

Clare Association launch 2025 Journal

by Tony Mulvey news@clareecho.ie

CLARE’s senior hurlers who stamped 2024 as one of the most exciting in the long and proud tradition of Clare GAA are given due prominence in the latest edition of the Clare Association Dublin Journal which is now on sale in book shops.

Miltown Malbay native Tom Hillery now residing in Greystones performed the Dublin launch of the 2025 journal on Friday last and Fanore native Joe Queally conducts the Clare launch at The Falls Hotel from 7pm this Friday.

Sports journalist Seamus Hayes records the unqiue double of Clare’s hurlers winning the All-Ireland SHC and Allianz National Hurling League in the one year in his contribution titled ‘The Banner Raised – A Year To Remember’.

Memories of the 2024 All-Ireland final are also captured in an article by Joe Queally and Ennis historian

Ollie Byrnes writes that the National League was a catalyst for the later championship success. Ollie also features with the publication of his book ‘On the Boards’ which chronicles the music of Ennis and Clare from 1950 to 2023.

Roles played by former Clare hurling greats including Cratloe’s Jackie O’Gorman, Donal O’Grady from Tubber and Tom McNamara of Crusheen a noted character, all of whom passed to their eternal reward in 2024 are recalled in the Journal.

Sticking with the strong GAA theme is details on the launch of Seamus O’Reilly’s book ‘Clare GAA In the Championship 1887-2024’, a publication spanning 1,220 pages which involved six years of research by O’Reilly.

An article is also devoted to Torpey Hurlers in Belvoir while the GAA’s founder, Michael Cusack is also remembered in a story by Sheila Keane, Education Of-

ficer at the Michael Cusack Centre.

Elsewhere the 140-page publication includes messages from Clare Association Dublin- Muintir an Chlair- from association officers, Tom Conway (Chairman), Pat O’ Donnell (President) and the Bishop of Killaloe, Fintan Monahan (association patron).

Tributes to association members who died during 2024 are in the Journal along with stories about the Colleen Bawn, Quin Abbey, the Burren, Clare Crusaders Clinic, the Clare Person of the Year in New York, Tommy Mulvihill, , the Breen family, musicians of Ennis and Ruan, over a Century of Co. Clare Agricultural Shows, Doolin, farming for nature, de Valera’s motor car and the tribute by Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann to Padraig Mac Mathúna who is the last surviving member of the committee that brought Fleadh Nua to Ennis in 1974.

Fiction writer, Helen Blackhurst is profiled in the journal which includes a history of the Murphy Shoe Repairs by Johnny Murphy, Painting the Soul of the Burren, a history of local government-, Clare’s Western Loop and the RNLI.

Space is also devoted to sculptor Seamus Connolly and Jim Meade, the Cooraclare native who is CEO of Irish Rail.

Designed and printed by RealPrint, Ennis, this is another attractive, well researched and interesting publication from the Clare Association Dublin- Muintir an Chlair- and would make an ideal Christmas present.

Pictured at the Dublin launch of the Clare Association 2025 Journal in Dublin last Friday night were Tom Hillery (left) who performed the launch and Tom Conway, Chairman of the Association.

New direct flight from Shannon to Madeira for summer 2025

Shannon Airport has announced a nw ote to it’s schedule for 2025

Holiday goers from Shannon Airport can now fly direct to the “Pearl of the Atlantic” after a new service to Madeira has just been added to its schedule.

The twice weekly service with Ryanair will commence on 30th March to 22nd of October 2025 and take off from the Wild Atlantic Way’s gateway hub every Wednesday and Sunday.

The new route reaffirms Shannon’s commitment to expanding travel options for passengers and will offer easy and hassle-free access to one of Europe’s most stunning sun-destinations.

Commenting on the new service, Head of Aviation Development, Declan Power said: “The addition of Madeira with Ryanair to our summer schedule for next year is exciting news for our passengers and a further boost to connectivity within the region. We look forward to welcome passengers as they set off on this new and

exciting destination from Shannon Airport.”

Known as the “Pearl of the Atlantic”, Madeira is famed for its breath-taking scenery of dramatic cliffs and lush botanical gardens as well as mild temperatures all yearround.

Holidaymakers can explore charming towns like Funchal, enjoy delicious local cuisine and hike the island’s iconic Levada trails. Madeira provides unforgettable experiences for everyone.

Seats for the new route from Shannon Airport to Madeira are now available to book at ryanair.com

ENNIS GIRL AWARDED UCC SCHOLARSHIP

QUERCUS CREATIVE & PERFORMING ARTS’ SCHOLARSHIP: Riona Hely being presented with her silver acorn pin by UCC President Professor John O’Halloran and Maria McKnight from BOI at the Quercus Talented Students Awards night in the Aula Maxima in UCC

l NEW ROUTE: Shannon Airport announces direct route to Madeira

Doora/Barefield duo sign AFLW deal with Carlton

DOORA/BAREFIELD duo Aisling Reidy and Siofra Ní Chonaill are making the move to Australia after signing for AFLW side Carlton.

Both Aisling and Siofra have been two of Clare’s standout players in the past two seasons as the county reached the All-Ireland intermediate ﬁnal in 2023 and claimed National League honours this season in what was Wayne Freeman’s ﬁnal campaign as manager.

At club level, the pair were also to the fore for St Joseph’s Doora/Barefield as they reached a first-ever senior championship final where they lost to Kilmurry Ibrickane, they also came up short in the league decider against the same opposition when it took sudden death in a free-taking competition to decide the winners. They caught the eye of Carlton’s recruiters who then travelled to Ireland conducting multiple skills sessions and interviews.

After their new deal, Aisling and Siofra will join Carlton’s four other AFL and AFLW Irish players in calling IKON Park home.

Twenty two year old Aisling had excelled at midfield for club and county. Away from the field, she has a love for numbers, majoring in risk and insurance and minoring in finance, also working as a lifeguard. Siofra’s height and strength have seen her slot seamlessly into central roles of the Clare defence, she also has graduated from UL but as a mental health nurse.

Head of AFLW Ash Naulty said Carlton was excited to welcome the Clare duo. “Síofra and Aisling have been impressive over their Gaelic season, and we think they will ﬁt into the elite nature of our Club. Both work incredibly hard at their games.” She hailed Síofra as a “ﬁerce defender and an agile athlete” and labelled Aisling “a composed athlete who performs well in big moments”.

Their departure next year will come as a big blow to new Clare manager Graham Shine and of course St Joseph’s Doora/Bareﬁeld.

Alleged asylum seeker protest assault in court

by Gordon Deegan news@clareecho.ie

A judge has ruled that a 19 year old Ennis man’s assault case against a man in his 60s at a protest against a rumoured new accommodation centre for asylum seekers in Co Clare last year can remain in the district court.

At Ennis District Court, Ross Culligan of Connolly Villas, Ennis appeared in connection with being charged with the assault causing harm of local man, Michael Neylon at Scool, Coroﬁn contrary to Section 3 of the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act on May 22nd 2023.

After viewing video footage of a stand-off between Mr Neylon and an unidentiﬁed man with a Northern Ireland accent in the build up to the alleged assault, Judge Alec Gabbett ruled that the case could be heard in the district court on a plea of guilty only.

The video footage did not feature Mr Culligan and Judge Alec Gabbett commented “the clip doesn’t show the actual incident resulting in the dent to the eye”.

Judge Gabbett said that the footage “sets the scene quite nicely”.

Solicitor for Mr Culligan, Tara Godfrey said that she would now be required to consult with her client before indicating to court if there is a plea of guilty or not guilty.

Ms Godfrey described the Garda disclosure in the case as ‘meaty enough’.

If Mr Culligan enters a not guilty plea to the alleged offence, the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has directed that the case be heard in the circuit court where more serious penalties apply on conviction.

Previously outlining the State case against Mr Culligan, Sgt John Burke stated that a blockade was mounted against a rumoured centre for asylum seekers and Mr Culligan

EMERGENCY ROAD CLOSURE ROADS ACT 1993

ARTICLE 12 (6) OF THE ROAD REGULATIONS 1994

Notice is hereby given in accordance with Section 75 of the Roads Act 1993 and Article 12 (6) of the Roads Regulations 1994 of Clare County Council’s decision to apply an emergency road closure to facilitate site investigation and road improvement works.

Road to be closed:

was one of those protesting

Sgt Burke said that the alleged injured party, Mr Neylon, engaged with people in the blockade at the location "and there were verbals back and forth".

Sgt Burke said that during the course of this, Mr Neylon was allegedly assaulted by Mr Culligan, who will turn 20 in January.

Mr Neylon suffered a facial injury as a result of the alleged assault.

Sgt Burke stated that the blockade was mounted over false reports and there were no plans to establish accommodation for asylum seekers at that location.

The protest in Scool, Coroﬁn, Co Clare took place after it was organised via social media, in response to, as it turned out, false claims asylum seekers were going to be housed in the area.

These came about after a video was circulated online in which men toured a house containing multiple beds in each bedroom, claiming that it was going to house asylum seekers in the locality.

At the time, the Minister for Integration, Roderic O’Gorman (Green Party) ruled out the use of the Scool property for asylum seekers.

On RTE radio, Minister O’Gorman said at the time there had been “detailed misinformation” about the property being put into use.

He said: “This is entirely as the result of misinformation that’s been circulated on social media – detailed misinformation, setting out indicative numbers, indicative genders.”

He added: “We are not using the site that has been identiﬁed in Coroﬁn. It’s never been offered to us and I suppose I can’t be clearer than that.”

Judge Gabbett adjourned the case to January 15th for a guilty plea or an indication of not guilty.

L8096 Derrainy to Ash Tree Cross, Whitegate (24 hour closure) - Local access will be maintained at all times.

Alternative Route/Diversion:

L-8094 to Whitegate village and the L-4044 to Ash Tree Cross. A diversion route map is available on our website at www.clarecoco.ie

Date of Closure: 9th December 2024 to 9th December 2025.

PROPOSED PEDESTRIANISATION AND ENHANCEMENT OF EXISTING KILLALOE-BALLINA BRIDGE INFORMATION EVENING, WEDNESDAY 18TH DECEMBER 2024

The Killaloe Bypass, Shannon Bridge Crossing and R494 Improvement Scheme is anticipated to be completed in Spring 2025.

On completion of the new Shannon Bridge Crossing and on the date of its operation to traffic, Clare County Council and Tipperary County Council intend to pedestrianise the existing Killaloe-Ballina Bridge.

A formal process, including community consultation, to close the existing bridge to vehicular traffic and provide pedestrian and cycle access will commence in January 2025, under Section 38 of the Roads Act.

In advance of the formal Section 38 process in January, it is intended to hold an informal public information session for the communities of Ballina and Killaloe and all stakeholders, on Wednesday 18th December 2024 in the Kincora Lodge Hotel, Killaloe between 5pm and 7pm.

Communities and residents are invited to drop in at any time between 5pm and 7pm to view the proposals for the closure to vehicular traffic of the existing R496 Ballina-Killaloe bridge. Proposals to provide pedestrian and cyclist access and planned enhancements of the existing bridge in accordance with the Killaloe-Ballina Town Enhancement and Mobility Strategy will also be on display.

The information session will be hosted jointly by Clare County Council and Tipperary County Council, and staff from both Councils will be available to discuss the proposals.

l Siofra Ni Chonaill, left, and Aisling Reidy

Photo by Tom Beary/Sportsﬁle

85 year old retired farmer died from choking at breakfast at nursing home

by Gordon Deegan news@clareecho.ie

AN 85-YEAR old retired north Clare farmer choked to death during breakfast at a nursing home in Liscannor in March of this year, an inquest has heard.

At the Clare Coroner’s Court in Kilrush, County Coroner, Isobel O'Dea returned a narrative verdict in line with medical evidence that PJ O'Leary (pictured) died from asphyxiation following aspiration at

the St Dominic Savio nursing home in Liscannor on the morning of March 6 this year.

Aspiration occurs when food is breathed into the lungs and can occur during a choking episode.

Mr O'Leary was a resident in the nursing home for around two years and on the morning of March 6 his breakfast consisted of tea and toast, orange juice and cereal.

Ms O’Dea said that it

would not be appropriate to give a verdict of accidental death or or death by misadventure in the case.

Mr O’Leary of Ballymacraven West, Ennistymon was not on a specialised diet and Ms

O’Dea said she was very taken with the ‘very fair” evidence by staff showing their efforts to assist Mr O’Leary.

At the inquest, solicitor for the O’Leary family, Louise Merrigan questioned staff on the length of time it took to call an ambulance.

NOTICE PURSUANT TO SECTION 175(3) AND SECTION 177AE OF THE PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT ACT 2000 (AS AMENDED) AND THE PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS 2001 (AS AMENDED). APPLICATION TO AN BORD PLEANÁLA FOR APPROVAL: PROPOSED UPGRADE AND ENHANCED VISITOR FACILITIES AT INIS CEALTRA

(HOLY ISLAND) AND MOUNTSHANNON VILLAGE, CO. CLARE.

Notice is hereby given that Clare County Council intends to seek the approval of An Bord Pleanála under Section 175(3) and Section 177AE of the Planning and Development Act, 2000 (as amended) for the ‘Inis Cealtra Visitor Experience’. The proposed development provides for upgrade and enhanced visitor facilities on lands measuring approximately 20.3 hectares located at Inis Cealtra (Holy Island) in Lough Derg, and at two locations in Mountshannon Village, in the Townland of Mountshannon. The two sites in Mountshannon Village include: (1) lands within the curtilage of the ’Old Rectory’ (a Protected Structure, RPS No. 464) and extending south to encompass a section of Harbour Road (L-4034) and Mountshannon Harbour car park, and (2) lands to the north of Aistear Park on the north side of Main Street (R352).

The proposed upgrade and enhanced visitor facilities development will consist of:

(a) Demolition of an existing concrete shelter (16sq.m) at Inis Cealtra adjacent to the existing pier at the north-west of the island;

(b) Installation of a new L-shaped floating access jetty and walkway at the north-west of Inis Cealtra Island at the location of the existing pier, consisting of a floating breakwater jetty, a stone and concrete causeway connected by a steel access ramp and a canoe launch jetty with access ramp;

(c) A series of new mown grass pedestrian paths on Inis Cealtra facilitating enhanced access to the island’s main monuments and natural landscape;

(d) Provision of three staff and public welfare facility ‘pods’ including a weather shelter (20sq.m), WCs (15sq.m) and a staff rest room (25sq.m), principally made up of prefabricated timber components;

(e) Removal of foul waste from a holding container forming part of a proposed dry toilet system on Inis Cealtra Island, and its transportation by tanker to an off-site licenced wastewater treatment facility;

(f) Construction of a public car park on the north side of Main Street, incorporating 169 total car parking spaces including 105 standard car parking spaces, 11 accessible car parking spaces and 53 overflow car parking spaces on reinforced grass in the northern part of the site, together with 6 coach parking spaces and 40 secure bicycle parking spaces;

(g) To facilitate the new car park in Main Street, it is proposed to remove two sections of an existing mound/wall (approx. 155m combined length) extending south to north through the site, together with the access gate and a 7.8m section of the existing masonry wall at the site’s frontage to Main Street on the southern boundary;

(h) Construction of a new part one-storey, part two-storey Visitor Centre with a gross floor area of 1,594sq.m to the south of the existing ‘Old Rectory’ building (RPS No. 464), incorporating a series of interpretation, exhibition, and education spaces, together with a café and ancillary supporting spaces;

(i) Removal of two sections of the existing stone wall (approx. length 45m combined total) at the south and south-west boundary of the ‘Old Rectory’ site at its frontage to Harbour Road, to enhance access from Harbour Road and provide a visual connection between the new Visitor Centre and Lough Derg;

(j) Reconfiguration of the existing Mountshannon Harbour car park, providing for 49 total car parking spaces, including 46 standard spaces and 3 accessible spaces, together with public realm enhancements;

(k) All ancillary infrastructure and site development works above and below ground level including undergrounding of an existing ESB overhead line at the site of the new car park in Mountshannon Village, public lighting, drainage, connections to public services, site access, traffic calming, hard and soft landscaping, public realm works and boundary treatments.

An Environmental Impact Assessment Report and Natura Impact Statement have been prepared in respect of the proposed development and are included in the application for approval.

An Bord Pleanála may give approval to the application for development with or without conditions or may refuse the application for development. Any submissions and observations on the proposed development may be made in writing to An Bord Pleanála, 64 Marlborough Street, Dublin 1, D01 V902.

A copy of the Environmental Impact Assessment Report and Natura Impact Statement and the Plans and Particulars of the proposed development will be available for inspection on Clare County Council’s website at https://yoursay.clarecoco.ie/holy-island-application free of charge or purchase at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, from Thursday,12 December 2024, up to and including Monday, 3 February 2025, at the following locations:

• The of fices of Clare County Council, Áras Chontae an Chláir, New Road, Ennis, Co. Clare, V95 DXP2, during its public opening hours;

• The of fices of Clare County Council Killaloe Municipal District, Mountshannon Road, Scariff, Co. Clare, V94 NY33, during its public opening hours; and

• The of fices of An Bord Pleanála, 64 Marlborough Street, Dublin 1, D01 V902, between the hours of 9:15 am and 5:30 pm Monday to Friday (excluding public Holidays).

Submissions or observations may be made in writing to An Bord Pleanála, 64 Marlborough Street, Dublin 1, D01 V902, from Thursday,12 December 2024, and must be received no later than 5:30pm on Monday, 3 February 2025, relating to:

i. the implications of the proposed development for proper planning and sustainable development in the area concerned, ii. the likely effects on the environment of the proposed development, and iii. the likely significant effects of the proposed development on a European Site, if carried out,

A person may question the validity of any such decision by An Bord Pleanála by way of an application for judicial review under Order 84 of the Rules of the Superior Courts (S.I. No. 15 of 1986) in accordance with section 50 of the Planning and Development Act, 2000 (as amended). Practical information in respect of the judicial review process can be accessed on the Board’s website www.pleanala.ie or on the Citizens Information website www.citizensinformation.ie

Siobhán Mc Nulty, Director of Tourism Development. Thursday, 12th December 2024.

Ms Merrigan told the hearing that the paramedic in the case confirmed that the ambulance service received a call at 9.40am and she said that this was around 20 minutes after staff first noticed that Mr O'Leary was in difficulty.

Ms Merrigan told the inquest: “Minutes matter.”

Clinical Nurse Manager, Faith Galvin told the hearing at around 9.20am she went to the dining room after assistance was called.

On arrival, Nurse Galvin saw that Mr O’Leary’s face was “dead purple”.

Nurse Galvin said that she slapped Mr O’Leary’s back and did chests thrusts to clear his airway.

She believed that Mr O'Leary was either choking or undergoing a cardiac arrest. The Heimlich manoeuvre and chest compressions were also performed on Mr O'Leary.

Nurse Galvin said that she also carried out CPR on Mr O'Leary as he soon had no pulse and worked on him for a period of time.

She said that she directed that an ambulance be called for.

Under cross-examination from Ms Merrigan on the length of time it took to call am ambulance, Nurse Galvin said that she couldn’t remember the exact time she entered the dining room saying it could have been 9.30am or 9.35am.

Ms Merrigan said that Mr O’Leary’s chair was dragged out of the dining room to an adjoining room to carry out further efforts to revive him. Nurse Galvin said Mr O'Leary was moved for the safety of residents as it would have been very difficult to carry out CPR in the small dining room.

Paramedics arrived at the nursing home at 9.49am and performed advanced life saving protocols for 23 minutes before Mr O'Leary was pronounced dead at 10.15am.

lDEMAND: Knappogue Castle

Knappogue on course for 5-star spring opening

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

“TEETHING

problems” have been encountered but Knappogue Castle is on course to open to the public for bookings as a five-star residence in the spring while lack of investment at the Shannon Heritage sites was prevalent ‘for years if not decades’.

Activity has increased at Bunratty Castle & Folk Park, Craggaunowen and Knappogue since the inception of Clare Tourism East. In May 2023, Clare County Council and the Shannon Airport Group signed a historic agreement marking the official handover of Shannon Heritage’s Clare assets to the council.

Eighteen months on from his appointment as General Manager of Clare Tourism East, Stephen Hanley detailed the increase in visitors and activity at the sites. Clare Tourism is responsible for Bunratty Castle & Folk Park, Craggaunowen Bronze Age Park, Knappogue Castle & Gardens, and the Inis Cealtra /Holy Island Experience.

Speaking at the first meeting of the Tourism Development SPC, he outlined, “Bunratty is essentially the parent of the sites, booking, visitor management and revenues are typically generated there”. He admitted, “Over the last few years if not decades, it has not had investment”. Light entertainment has been added at Bunratty in the guise of jaunting cars while a medieval quarter is another new touch.

“Lack of investment meant key areas were reduced in terms of employees which meant it was difficult to bring everything up to a five star service but we’ve reacted very positively to that so we’re on track,” he said.

Over the past 12 months, a relaunch of Bunratty Castle & Folk Park has incorporated a focus on Craggaunowen which according to Hanley

Visitors to Cliffs of Moher jump 8%

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

“was seen as the poor relation in the county. We’ve added in an animation team and new projects are due, visitor numbers are up thirty six percent on last year, we opened slightly earlier this year but we’ve had a great bounce on previous years. We had our 50th anniversary with two events which went down extremely well”.

According to Stephen “Craggaunowen has had little exposure over the last (few) decades, all of the selling and marketing of Craggaunowen is under the Bunratty parent, it is much more proactive, we didn’t have resources to go selling to schools and groups but that is up and running.”

The castle has reopened with further works planned, a playground and park are in the pre-planning stage. Signage will also increase while transporting some animals from Bunratty to Craggaunowen

“has gone down very well”.

Knappogue has been hosting more banquets than would ordinarily have been held at Dunguaire Castle but that is now under the ownership of Galway Co Council. He forecasted 1000 additional guests for Knappogue between now and the end of 2026.

Five-star accommodation will open in Knappogue in spring, he said, “it will be a high end touch to accommodation” when it operates as a private residence. “It has gone through a number of hands in the last few years but we’re confident of opening a five-star residence, there have been some teething problems but we’re confident of having everything completed by March to open to the public in April or May”.

Demand is already strong from overseas to stay in Knappogue, he stated. “We’ve done a number of overseas trip for Inis Cealtra but Knappogue is generating the most interest, I’m confident it will be an important jewel in the crown”. The design of the walled garden and formal gardens are to be replicated with a contractor already appointed.

VISITOR numbers at the Cliffs of Moher are up eight percent while plans to run a shuttle bus from surrounding villages to the tourist attraction in 2025 represent “an exciting and big project” and a draft of the new strategy for the walking trail is “due imminently”.

Director of the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Experience, Geraldine Enright addressing the ﬁrst-ever meeting of the Tourism Development Strategic Policy Committee of Clare County Council described the eight percent increase in visitor numbers as “positive”.

Figures released in June showed that revenues at the Cliffs increased in 2023 by €3m to €13.8m.

She said, “it is key to ensure people that come to the Cliffs of Moher have a safe visit, that they come and leave with grounds that are well kept and maintained and leave with a good experience”.

Ms Enright outlined, “A key part of what we do is visitor management, an adequate distribution across the day, month and year”.

Opening hours have been increased with the introduction of “dynamic pricing” to encourage more visitors during off-peak times.

Currently, the country’s most visited outdoor attraction is “operating under dai-

ly capacity, we’ve capacity for coaches and cars, we’ve a role in marketing, retaining and distributing visitors in Clare, we put together packages that get people to stay locally”.

Delivering on the sustainable tourism strategy forms part of all “key projects,” Geraldine said. Adapting digitally is important to keeping pace with movement in the online and tourism markets, she maintained.

Delivering for the local economy and community, local transport and optimising visitor experience are among the pillars that the Cliffs of Moher strategy has to adhere to, she said.

Work on this strategy has been ongoing since November 2019 with several rounds of public consultation completed, a strategic environmental assessment was carried out as part of this in 2024 while further documents are to be ﬁnalised.

“One of the key focuses of strategy is to deliver sustainable transport in North Clare to take pressure off the access route to the Cliffs and the roads”.

Geraldine continued, “In North Clare in 2025 visitors coming to the area or staying in the area will be able to take a shuttle between the villages and onto the Cliffs of Moher it is going to be an exciting and big project for 2025”.

She acknowledged that the coastal walk management plan is “to the forefront of people’s minds”. She added, “we are working with other agencies to deliver that plan in consultation with stakeholders with landowners central to that”. A draft on this place is “expected imminently either in December or January 2025,” she conﬁrmed. In August, the Clare Local Development Company announced the temporary closure of part of the Cliffs of Moher Walk to undertake safety work on several sections which remained closed.

Last December the

Council appointed TOBIN engineers to develop a Management Plan for the Coastal Walk. Cllr Joe Garrihy (FG) said creating “sustainable communities” must be at the heart of the Cliffs of Moher strategy. “It is all about getting to a starting line, getting hold of the assets and being leading player in critical sphere for Clare,” he stated. He added, “Tourism is much more important for a couple of perspectives, it was under rural directorate that most of these were agreed on, tourism is much more impactful because of the impact it has but the opportunity it

Two-pronged approach for opening of

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

INIS CEALTRA’s long awaited opening as a visitor attraction will be done in a “two-pronged approach”.

General Manager of Clare Tourism East, Stephen Hanley said, “the project is almost there for the Rectory”. It is planned that the Old Rectory will open as a visitor and interpretative centre in March 2025 while the island aspect of the project will follow in 2026.

Current works in front of the Old Rectory are focused on the 3.3 acre lawn. “It gives security that there is

great demand,” Hanley told a sitting of the Tourism Development SPC.

“Once the island is opened in 2026, we will have the completion of the attraction”. He explained, “Inis Cealtra will be opened on a two-pronged approach”. Director of Tourism Development with Clare County Council, Siobhán McNulty said, “the rectory rerfubishment project is nearing completion”. She advised that a part ten planning application would be lodged with An Bord

brings, managing that to ensure our vision goes behind supporting that”.

Within North Clare “the impact is huge on traffic management” from the Cliffs of Moher, Cllr Garrihy flagged. The opportunity for towns and villages along with small and medium enterprises to benefit as a result of the Cliffs’ success needs to be grasped, he stressed.

“Now work our assets and our footfall and also develop products in towns and villages, the ﬁve star project is commendable, we want to focus to have a complimentary project in our towns and villages

which doesn’t have to be ﬁve star.

“It carries an opportunity but also a threat if we don’t do it because it will bypass them. I see enormous opportunity, we’re at the starting line, the culture we embed into this is vital”.

Clare IFA Chair, Tom Lane noted the importance of bringing landowners along as part of the development of the coastal trail at the Cliffs.

“The impact of developing something on those lines is that you don’t take from the quality of life of the people.

Members of IFA not just in Doolin but throughout the Burren say the

impact of tourism which has gone out of control has a negative impact”. Sustainable trafﬁc management must be a key component of the strategies, he believed.

Kilfenora based Andy Lambert who is the Clare PPN’s representative on the SPC noted that the local attitude to tourism “is quite ambivalent if not negative on the impact to them”.

He added, “Clare County Council does produce a wonderful array of strategies but the methodology of interacting with communities does need to be looked at”.

Inis Cealtra visitor centre

Pleanála for a car park, island works and future proofing.

Clare County Council acquired the Old Rectory Buildiung in Mountshannon in October 2021. In January 2022, a meeting of the Killaloe Municipal District was told that it was intended to have the visitor centre operational by the second or third quarter of 2023.

Under the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund (RRDF), €3,906,252 was allocated to transform the Old

Rectory in Mountshannon into the gateway to one of the most significant ecclesiastical sites in Ireland. Clare County Council were to match the allocation with a €1m investment from its own resources.

Last October, the Council signed a contract with M. Fitzgibbon Contractors Ltd for the redevelopment of the visitor centre building, which was then due to be completed in 2024, and will comprise of a revitalised exhibition area that interpret local stories and the island of Inis Cealtra, a reception area, an upstairs café and rectory garden.

KELLY

Getting your garden ino the festive spirit

DECEMBER brings lovely crispy cold weather and the gives a unique look to the garden.

The birds are out on the lookout for food and water so a reminder to break the ice, so they have access to water. If you’re an early riser like me, I love the free concert from the birds in the morning.

So, December is really a month just to check see if everything is secure in the garden from the wind, check plants after the storms and pots. The wind can dislodge plant and pots easily I usually cluster them around a hedge or close to a shed.

A Christmas tree is such a lovely addition to our homes this time of year and the range available are fab from small 4 foot ones to 8 foot depending on the size of the room available. The smell alone is just lovely.

With Christmas around the corner, it is nice to do up the pots at the front door. And most love to hang Christmas wreath the smell of it is fabulous. There are so many types of wreaths to choose from.

It’s a busy time for people looking for gift and a lovely colourful ﬁlled planter is a favourite gift to receive we have fresh ones made up. Hampers of bird’s food available as well as lovely Christmas arrangements. We have something to suit everyone and love to help personalise them.

We continue to ﬁll pots for graves of loved ones this time of year and ad a touch of the upcoming spring to them with daffodil bulbs and hyacinth bulbs.

Lovely heathers and red berry skimma with some colourful cyclamen and primroses. So, if you need any help choosing that perfect gift for someone call in and let us see how we can help you choose that perfect gift.

We are also taking orders for graves wreath so feel free to pre order. Hope you are all starting to feel the festive spirit.

Adapting Fitness to Every Stage of Life: A Personal Trainer’s Guide

AS A personal trainer, I’ve had the privilege of helping people across all stages of life.

Fitness isn’t one-size-ﬁts-all, it evolves as we age. At Ferns Fitness, we tailor our programs to meet the unique needs of people of all ages. Here’s a guide on how ﬁtness changes and how you can stay active at any age.

Childhood: Building the Foundation of Movement

For children, ﬁtness is about exploring movement through play in a fun, natural way. Getting outside is key. Activities like nature walks, running, playing sports, or climbing help develop motor skills, ﬂexibility, and coordination.

Play based exercises help kids develop a love for movement, builds conﬁdence, and improves balance as well as helping to form positive ﬁtness foundations early on.

Advice for Parents: Encourage daily activity, whether through

sports or outdoor play. Limit screen time and create opportunities to spend time together outside.

Adolescence: Strength, Conﬁdence, and Consistency

During adolescence, kids experience rapid growth. This is the perfect time to introduce strength training, ﬂexibility, and cardiovascular exercises.

For teens, ﬁtness can be empowering and boost self-esteem, especially as they develop muscle mass and improve bone health.

Ferns Fitness offers age-appropriate strength andconditioning classes, focusing on proper form and technique.

Advice for Teens: Experiment with different activities, hiking, surfing, circuits, lifting weights, swimming, or yoga. Consistency is key, but remember to balance workouts with rest to allow your body to grow and recover.

Adulthood: Maintaining Health, Strength, and Longevity In adulthood, ﬁtness shifts towards maintaining strength and preventing injury. As we age, muscle

mass and metabolism naturally decline, so it’s important to focus on strength training, cardiovascular health, and injury prevention.

Ferns Fitness provides high-intensity interval training (HIIT), functional ﬁtness, and strength classes, designed for efﬁciency and results. We also incorporate recovery strategies like stretching and foam rolling.

Advice for Adults: Build strength, improve cardiovascular health, and incorporate ﬂexibility exercises. Listen to your body, incorporate meditation and mindfulness into your ﬁtness routine.

Older Adults: Vitality, Independence, and Stability In later years, ﬁtness becomes crucial for maintaining independence and overall quality of life. Functional training that mimics daily movements, like sitting and standing, helps improve strength and balance. Focus on gentle strength training, balance exercis-

es, and ﬂexibility to prevent falls and maintain stability.

Advice for Older Adults: Gentle weight training, stretching, chair exercises, walking, and swimming can help with mobility and energy. Social engagement is extremely important for us as we get older. Why not join a class like James Eire Og Fitness for Seniors or Clare COPD Support Group? You will meet some wonderful people and get ﬁtter in the process! The Power of Age-Appropriate Fitness

You can achieve long-lasting health beneﬁts and improve your quality of life by embracing the unique needs and goals of each life stage. Whether you’re a child learning to move, a teen building strength, an adult maintaining vitality, or a senior focusing on independence, ﬁtness has the power to enhance every phase of your life bringing you closer to a healthier, happier future.

Thought for the week: Invitation to “Come and See.”

RONAN SCULLY

WE LIVE in a world where people live highly independent and very busy lives. We don’t know our neighbors. We are over-worked, over-scheduled and many of us don’t have social lives outside of the various social media apps. If we do socialise, we tend to keep religion and spirituality out of the conversation. So even if we felt inclined to invite someone to church, we often don’t know who we might invite or feel we have a relationship that gives us the right to invite them to church. The idea for this event simply started by Jesus, with these three words “Come and See”.

These three little words are a beautiful invitation. “Come and See” means to come, think, reflect, pray, meditate and examine the evidence. For Christians “Come and See” means to come and be a

Spreading the word of positivity Amhráin

disciple of Jesus. We often think we are following Jesus, but we are really just following our own hearts. We must always strive to see Jesus as He is, not as we would have Him be. Finally, “Come and See” means processing everything with friends. It means being part of a church where people encourage one another to “Come and See” Jesus.

There’s a good chance that if you do decide to, “Come and See”, some part of you wants to be a part of that journey with Jesus leading us and guiding us. Some part of you wants to be a part of love made real, of God being active in our world, of a world that can change. That can change hate into love, war into peace, injustice into justice, abandoned into acceptance, illness into good health, orphaned into family, homeless into housed and cared for, unforgivable into forgiven. Some part of you wants to be a part of some type of Christmas story. Maybe not the one that’s written in the Gospels with the shepherds and the manger and the wise men, but a part of the Christmas story, nonetheless.

I believe that God is still active in this world, and God is still writing the Christmas story and God is asking each of us to continually ‘Come and See”. God is still writing the story of what happened when Christ came into this world as the Prince of Peace, and what happened next. And you can be a part of that story. The question is, do you want to be the inn that closed its doors? Or do you want to be something else? I want to be the one who doesn’t close the doors to my heart when God is about to do something new, but the one who hears about it, and comes running to see.

When God works in this world, I want to be a part of that story. I want to be the everyday thing that becomes holy, not because of who I am, but because of who Christ is. I want to be a part of the story. I believe I can be. And I also believe so can you. And so can we all if we just put our faith out there and believe in the goodness of one another and try to treat one another the way you yourself would like to be treated and loved. As usual a story from my Nana Scully’s prayer

book might help.

Thought for the week

As your thought for the week, accept the invitation to “Come and See” Jesus this Advent and Christmas season and remember to “give” in a Christ-like manner. After all, he is the reason for the season and the true “Christmas spirit”. Have a very blessed, peaceful and loving Advent and Christmas celebrations and know that at this special time, I am praying for everyone who reads my column and asking God for the gift of peace and love for each and every one of you and all your family and friends. I ask for this gift for everyone in the world, especially in our most troubled parts and most troubled heart’s.

It’s a gift that only takes a moment and cannot be bought. No money in the world can buy this gift. It’s a gift we can give freely to everyone. Many blessings to everyone in this paper and to you the reader, your loved ones and your family this Christmas and always. Let me leave you with this ‘Come and See”, Prayer which goes

as follows, “The Lord invites us to come in quiet prayer this Advent and Christmas season to listen to his invitations. He says, “Come to me when your burdens are heavy and I will give you rest. Come to me in your loneliness and I will be your friend, your forever friend. Come to me with your sins and I will grant you merciful forgiveness. Come to me when you feel confused and let me be your way, your truth and your life. Come to me when you feel lost, for I am the Shepherd who searches for the lost. Come to me in your spiritual hunger for, in the Eucharist, I am the Bread of Life. Yes, Lord, I answer, I hear your words and rejoice to accept your invitation to “Come and See”, this day and every day. Lord, help us to love your people, help us to love one another well. Make us people who are inviting, who are building bigger tables and not bigger walls or burning bridges. We want to be examples of your love to those around us. Amen.”

Bíonn RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta thar cionn an t-am seo den bhliain mar go gcasann siad neart amhráin Nollag i nGaeilge. Agus is féidir iarratais a sheoladh chucub freisin le do rogha fhéin. Nó más maith libh éisteacht le CD nó le Spotify, iTunes, BandCamp agus tá neart ansin freisin. Tá amhráin an-deas ar an albam “Amhráin na Nollag” eisigh Róisín Elsafty agus Rónán Browne roinnt blianta ó choin. Agus má théann sibh go BandCamp, deirim fhéin leagan de “Jingle Bells” i nGaeilge, “Bualadh Bos” Agus ag caint ar sin é, buailigí isteach ag Conradh na Gaeilge i Luimneach, Dé Céadaoin an 18ú de mhí na Nollag ag 6.30pm, nuair a bheas mé fhéin agus ceoltóirí eile ag casadh ceoil agus ag rá roinnt amhráin Nol- lag. Ócáid saor in aisce a bheas ann!

Imeachtaí/Events: n LUIMNEACH – CÓISIR NA NOLLAG LE MACDARA- Conradh na Gaeilge, Dé Céadaoin, 18ú Nollaig, ó 6.30pm go 8pm, SAOR IN AISCE n LUIMNEACH – AIFREANN GAEILGE, chuile Dé Domhnaigh, 10.30am, Mainistir an tSlánaitheora, Sráid San Doiminic, Luimneach n Clare FM - Cúl-chaint le Domhnall Ó Loingsigh chuile Dé Sathairn, ag 9am ar Clare FM n CILL INÍNE BAOITHE - Ciorcal Comhrá san XPO, chuile Dé Céadaoin ag 7.30pm n INIS – CAINT AGUS COMHRÁ, chuile Dé Luain ag 11am sa gCopper Jug, Dé Céadaoin ag 11am in O’Brien’s, oíche Déardaoin sa Temple Gate (8pm), agus Dé Sathairn i nGlór, 11am-12pm. Déan teagmháil leo ag: caintaguscomhra@outlook.com

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

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

AN BHFUIL SCÉAL LE ROINNT AGAIBH ?!

Bígí i dteagmháil linn agus leanaigí ar Facebook agus Twitter muid ag: @macallaanchlair R-phost: macallaanchlair@gmail.com

LE MACDARA Ó CONAOLA

Macalla an Chláir

Amhráin Nollag le Róisín Elsafty ar “Favourite Christmas Songs in Irish”

Foilsíonn Gael Linn cartlann de 5,000 grianghraf

TÁ CARTLANN ghrianghrafadóireachta dochreidte seolta a thugann léargas ar stair Gael Linn - bailiúchán de 5,000 pictiúr atá ann lena n-áirítear go leor de mhuintir an Chláir.

Seoladh cartlann Gael Linn ag Oireachtas na Samhna in Óstán an Brehon, Cill Áirne. Seán Ó Ceallaigh, iar-bhainisteoir ar Scéimeanna Náisiúnta Gael Linn, atá ar scor anois, a chuir stair os cionn 60 bliain de obair Gael Linn le chéile go pearsanta.

Dúirt Wayne Mac Feilimí, Cathaoirleach Bhord Gael Linn, “Tá muid go mór faoi chomaoin ag an am, an saineolas, an tuiscint agus an dícheall atá curtha isteach sa togra seo ag Seán agus iad siúd ó fhoireann Gael Linn a thacaigh leis an teicneolaíocht go léir..”

Sinéad Ní Uallacháin, an craoltóir aitheanta a bhí ina bhean an tí do Sheoladh Cartlann Grianghraf Gael Linn.

Tugann na gailearaithe éagsúla léargas ar obair na heagraíochta thar na blianta agus tá a lán daoine

ann a bhfuil clú bainte amach acu i réimsí éagsúla den saol, a thosaigh amach le scéimeanna Gael Linn ar nós Slógadh, Scoláireachtaí Trí Mhí, Siansa agus comórtais díospóireachta.

Bunaíodh Gael Linn i 1953 agus tá liosta fada de na tionscnaimh atá ar bun ag an eagraíocht ó shin i leith chun an Ghaeilge agus ár gcultúr a chur chun cinn go ginearálta.

Chaith Seán Ó Ceallaigh, gurb as Uíbh Fhailí dó ó dhúchas, 47 bliain ag obair le Gael Linn.

Dúirt sé leis an Clare Echo gur saothar ‘atá i ndeas dá chroí’ é an bailiúchán. Díríonn gailearaí amháin dar teideal Daoine Aitheanta ar dhaoine mór le rá a raibh baint acu le Gael Linn, ina measc Mary Hanafin, Clannad, Dolores O’Riordan, an fear grinn Dara O Briain, agus fear an Chláir John O’Donoghue, an scríbhneoir agus sagart cáiliúil.

“Go stairiúil, tá sé an-tábhachtach. Tá go leor grianghraif spéisiula ann de dhaoine a aith-

nítear go forleathan iad agus a bhfuil baint acu go fóill leis an nGaeilge,” a mhíníonn Seán. “Tá roinnt mhaith daoine ó Chontae an Chláir sa chartlann. Bhí an Clár an-láidir in Slógadh go háirithe, le ceol agus damhsa. Thosaigh Slógadh i 1970 agus lean sé ar aghaidh go dtí 2000.

Tá na comórtais díospóireachta ar siúl ó 1960 go dtí an lá inniu agus tá grianghraif againn i rith na tréimhse sin go léir.”

Tá Seán ag iarraidh ar an bpobal cur leis na cartlanna luachmhara. “Is í an fhadhb is mó ná go bhfuil go leor grianghraif againn ach le go leor acu, níl ainmneacha ná dátaí cearta againn. Tá eolas in easnamh ar go leor acu, ba bhreá liom eolas a fháil ar chuid acu agus táimid ag tabhairt cuireadh don phobal ríomhphost a chur chugainn le tuilleadh eolais.”

Chun breathnú ar an gcartlann, tabhair cuairt ar https://gaellinn.zenfoliosite.com/. Chun do ghrianghraif féinasheoladharaghaidh,seolríomhphost chuig cartlann@gael-linn.ie.

Photos from the Gael Linn archives

n Curator of the collection, Seán ÓCeallaigh, at the launch with a photo of comedian Dara O Briain taking part in the 1994 debating competition

AN INCREDIBLE photographic archive documenting the history of Gael Linn has been launched, a collection of 5,000 pictures including numerous Clare natives.

Gael Linn’s archive was launched at the Oireachtas na Samhna in the Brehon hotel, Killarney. The archive is a result of the work of Seán Ó Ceallaigh, retired manager of Gael Linn’s National Schemes, who personally assembled the history of over 60 years of Gael Linn’s schemes work . Wayne Mac Feilimí, Cathaoirleach Bhord Gael Linn, said, “We are very much indebted to Seán for the time, expertise, understanding and diligence which contributed to this venture, and indeed to the Gael Linn staff who have supported him technologically.”

The Gael Linn Photo Archive was launched with broadcaster Sinéad Ní Uallacháin as hostess for the occasion.

The various galleries give an insight into the work of the organisation over the years and also show many people who have achieved fame in different areas of life, who started out with Gael Linn schemes including Slógadh, Scoláireachtaí Trí Mhí, Siansa and debating competitions.

Gael Linn was founded in 1953 and there is a long list of initiatives that the organisation has undertaken since then to promote the Irish language and our culture in general.

Offaly native Seán Ó Ceallaigh

spent 47 years working with Gael Linn. He told The Clare Echo that the collection has been a “labour of love”. One gallery in the collection called Daoine Aitheanta focuses on well-known faces who have been involved with Gael Linn, including Mary Hanaﬁn, Clannad, Dolores O’Riordan, comedian Dara O Briain, and Clare man John O’Donoghue, the famous writer and priest.

“Historically, it’s very important. There’s a lot of interesting photos of people who would be well known and still involved in the Irish language,” Seán explains. “A good few people from County Clare are in the archives. Clare was very strong in Slógadh especially, with music and dancing. Slógadh started in 1970 and continued to 2000. The debating competitions have been going since 1960 until this day and we have photos from throughout this period.”

Seán is appealing for the public to contribute to the valuable archives. “The biggest problem is we have a lot of photos and many of them, we don’t have names for or the correct dates. A lot of them are missing information, I would love to get information on some of them and we are inviting the public to email us with further information.”

To visit the archives, visit https://gaellinn.zenfoliosite.com/.

To send your own photos to the archives, email cartlann@gael-linn.ie.

n Maria Morrissey, Cooraclare, i gConamara a d’fhreastail ar chúrsa 3-mhí Gael Linn i 1985

n 1986, Caroline Carmody, Kilkee, a chaith 3 mhí i Leitir Móir, Conamara

n Jack Wall, Dermot Kelly, Anne Wall agus John Madden, ag Slóga in Inis i 1984

n Dolores O’Riordan (second from right) was part of the team that won Slogadh ‘89 variety section with Laurel Hill

An Teach Bia Mhaith Roast Turkey

Ingredients

l30ml rapeseed oil or vegetable oil

l1 x 5kg/11lb good-quality turkey

l40g butter, softened to room temperature

l1 onion, roughly chopped

l1 carrot, roughly chopped

l2 sticks of celery, roughly chopped

l3 Bay Leaves

lBunch of thyme

l3 sprigs of rosemary

l1 bulb of garlic, broken not peeled

l2 pinches sea salt

l2 pinches freshly ground white pepper

l300ml water

lsalt and freshly ground black pepper

l1-2 tsp ground arrowroot or cornlflour(depending on how thick you like your gravy), dissolved in 1 tbsp cold water

Method

Step 1: Remove the turkey from the fridge and bring to room temperature - this will take at least an hour. When you are ready to cook, preheat the oven to 230C

Step 2: In a large, heavy based roasting tray,

sweat off all vegetables, onion, carrot, celery, bay leaves, thyme, rosemary and garlic. This will be your base to place the turkey on.

Step 3: Soften the butter, then season with the salt and freshly ground white pepper.

Step 4: Using a pastry brush or your hands, smear the seasoned butter all over the turkey. Try and get butter up in between the skin and flesh of the turkey, you do this by pulling back the skin.

Step 5: Put some of the vegetables and herbs inside the cavity of the turkey.

Step 6: Place the turkey on top of the remaining vegetables, then roast in the oven for 30 minutes. Baste turkey intermittingly.

Step 7: Reduce the oven temperature to 160C.

Step 8: Pour the water into the roasting tray, then return the turkey to the oven and continue to cook for a further 1 hour, keep basting intermittingly.

Step 9: At the end of the cooking time, test that the turkey is cooked through by inserting a probe into the thickest part of its thigh. The temperature should be 75C. Remove the tur-

key from the oven and transfer the bird to a large, deep-sided tray, reserving the roasting juices. Set the turkey aside to rest for a minimum of 30 minutes

Step 10: Now your gravy, return the roasting tray used to cook the turkey to the stove top. Bring the cooking juices to the boil over a medium heat, scraping up any burned bits from the bottom of the tray using a wooden spoon

Step 11: Collect the juices released by the turkey as it was resting and add them to the gravy. Season, to taste, with salt and freshly ground black pepper, if needed.

Step 12: Reduce the heat until the gravy is simmering, then stir in the dissolved arrowroot or cornflour and cook until the gravy has thickened to your preference.

Sep 13: Strain the gravy through a fine sieve into a warmed jug. Keep warm.

To serve: bring the turkey to the table and carve into slices. Pour over the gravy. Enjoy.

Lahinch based HRLocker acquired by ISH Group

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

LAHINCH-based software company, HRLocker has been acquired by the UK’s Invincible Software Holdings (ISH) Group.

Founded in 2014 by Adam Coleman and John Dennehy, HRLocker offers a digital HR information system that manages the employee life cycle, including GDPR-compliant employee databases, time management, performance management, and HR and payroll reporting.

Exact figures on the acquisition have not been disclosed but the deal is understood to be a seven-figure sum.

Following on from the negotiations, CEO Adam will leave the business he created and current Chief Operating Officer Crystel Robbins Rynne will now be responsible for the leadership of the company.

In a statement, Adam said, “We are thrilled to announce that HRLocker has been acquired by Invincible Software Holdings (ISH). My journey with HRLocker finishes here but I am delighted that Crystel Robbins Rynne will be taking on the role of CEO. It’s been a great journey but the HRLocker journey is only still in its early stages, and I wish the team and ISH the best for the future in fun and achievement”.

Galway born Adam moved to Lahinch after leaving a role in London where he worked as Head of HR with 02. He took the Irish operation of O2 from 20 to 800 people before

having a reverse role in Britain, reducing staff from 3,500 to 1,500.

He co-founded HRLocker with John Dennehy and bought out his partner in 2013. The cloud-based company went from 60 customers to more than 500, with 60 per cent in Ireland, 30 per cent in Britain, and the rest spread around the world

Coleman had previously expressed the view that HRLocker will reach a valuation of €64m. He had set himself a deadline of 21st September 2025 to begin the process of exiting his role by 21st September 2027, a target which he achieved.

Crystal pointed to the background of ISH’s founders in software as a service (SaaS) businesses, which will allow companies to cut costs by effectively renting such software rather than buying applications which can quickly become obsolete. “It’s giving us an opportunity to learn from the other companies in the group. We are at a growth phase. “The ISH company founders have come from growing SaaS companies. So as well as being part of a bigger group and learning from the other companies in the group, it’s also having the ISH leadership, to bring that to the next stage, because they’ve kind of been there and done it before”.

Initial focus is on growth and HR Locker becoming a leader within the Irish market, she outlined. ISH’s portfolio already includes Jobtoolz, Homerun, Hirehive and Staff Squared. Co-founder and managing partner of ISH,

Adam Reynolds stated, “HRLocker’s commitment to supporting SMEs and its robust HRIS platform make it an excellent addition to our portfolio. With Crystel stepping into the CEO role, we’re confident in HRLocker’s continued success and in our shared vision for empowering businesses to attract, manage, and develop their talent”. ISH is backed by Mr Reynolds, Michael Richards and Strada Partners. It was founded to build a portfolio of SaaS companies, investing early and providing support to teams.

In January 2021, HRLocker announced plans to double its workforce with the creation of fifty jobs, a major turnaround on recession times when it was reduced to just two employees.

Lisdoonvarna carol service to raise funds for Slattery family

Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

CURRENT and former pupils from Mary Immaculate Secondary School in Lisdoonvarna will be performing a range of Christmas carols next week in a fundraiser for Joe Slattery.

On Thursday December 19 at 7pm, Mary Immaculate Secondary School will hold their annual Christmas carol service in Corpus Christi Church, Lisdoonvarna. A range of traditional carols will be performed by current and former pupils.

Tickets are available to purchase at the school ofﬁce and are priced at €10 for adults and €5 for students and OAPs.

A rafﬂe draw will be held on Friday (December 20th). Tickets will be on sale on the night also and from the school and attached QR rafﬂe code.

School principal, Mona Hynes conﬁrmed, All proceeds will go towards the future care of Joe Slattery.

Joe from Corroﬁn suffered a life-changing accident on November 21st. An online fundraiser by his family has so far raised over €645,000.

Navigating Safely Through the Festive Season: Road Safety Tips for Christmas

THE holiday season is here. Throughout the busy-ness make sure to make road safety a top priority to ensure everyone gets home to County Clare safely this Christmas.

Here are some crucial tips to keep in mind during this festive period, brought to you by Martin Daly Autos:

Weather Awareness:

Stay informed about weather forecasts, especially in Ireland’s unpredictable winter conditions. Adjust driving habits to accommodate rain, snow, or icy roads.

Avoid Drinking and Driving: Never consume alcohol before getting behind the wheel.

Plan ahead with alternatives like designated drivers, public transportation, or rideshare services.

Vehicle Maintenance:

Regularly check tire pressure, ensuring proper tread depth for better traction. Verify that all lights, including brake lights and indicators, are functioning correctly. Examine brakes to prevent breakdowns and ensure optimal safety.

Combat Fatigue:

Prioritize well-rested drivers for long journeys to combat fatigue. Schedule breaks during extended trips to stay alert and focused.

Law Adherence:

Strictly adhere to speed limits, seatbelt usage, and other trafﬁc regulations. Be aware of increased Garda presence during the festive season.

By incorporating these practical tips into your holiday travel plans, you contribute to a safer road environment for yourself and others. This Christmas, let responsible driving be the gift that ensures everyone arrives home safely to enjoy the warmth and joy of the season.

l HRLOCKER: Adam Coleman

Nash to feature in TG4 documentary

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

DIARMAID NASH of Tuamgraney is to feature in a new TG4 documentary.

‘Hit the Wall’ is described as “a compelling new documentary” which will explore the world of GAA Handball.

Once a cornerstone of Irish sporting life, with alleys in almost every town and village, the sport now faces the challenge of survival.

While handball’s popularity has dwindled to just 10,000 active players and many alleys lie silent or abandoned, the passion and ded-

ication of its top players burn as brightly as ever. Hit the Wall follows these elite athletes through the highs and lows of their season, showcasing their unrelenting pursuit of excellence and the unique mental resilience required to compete at the highest level.

Stories of six individuals are examined in the documentary and their inner drive is explored. Hit the Wall was a self-produced project by Ailill Martin and was filmed over the course of the past two years, with support from Creative Ireland and GAA Handball. The first episode airs on TG4 on Sun-

Broadford’s Laura motoring towards major sporting development in Dubai

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

BROADFORD’s Laura O’Connell will make history this week when she takes to the starting grid of the ﬁrst-ever Formula Woman Nations Cup qualiﬁers.

Laura will be among a select group of 50 female racing drivers drawn from 25 countries across the world to compete at the inaugural event in Dubai, she is one of two Irish competitors. The race is regarded as one of the most exciting developments for female motorsports racing drivers globally.

Stakes are high for Laura for Thursday’s race. Qualifiers will proceed to the Formula Woman Nations Cup Finals, part of the Formula Woman Festival in May 2025. The event will broadcast to over 120 countries with an expected attendance of over 60,000. As part of a behind-the-scenes look at the first-ever group of racers in Formula Woman, renowned director Jessica Phillips has been following the drivers and filming a docuseries with O’Connell set to star along with her counterparts.

A multi-talented sports woman, Laura lined out with Clare at underage level for camogie along with competing in horse-riding, gymnastics and badminton.

Her father Patrick introduced her to motorsport and she has followed the fortunes of Formula One icons Ayrton Senna and Michael Schumacher from a young age. Laura’s mother Caroline comes from a family well regarded in sporting circles, the Chaplins of Sixmilebridge.

Dubai’s race represents a major opportunity for the twenty ﬁve year old to build towards attaining a life-long ambition of becoming a full-time professional motor-racing driver, with a dream of driving at Le Mans in the future.

She has already competed in numerous races in the UK, including the MSVR all-comers in Brands Hatch and Donnington Park; the Miata Trophy in Brands Hatch, and drove the Jaguar Project 8 in the

Sprint Series in Blyton Park, all of which contributed to her attaining a place in the Formula Woman qualiﬁers.

“From a young age I have been a huge fan of motorsport and karting and grew up watching Formula One legends. That has been instrumental in inﬂuencing my own ambitions. It’s a huge honour to represent Ireland at this event, and achieving this, is the culmination of many months of hard work. Traditionally, motorsport has been a male dominated sport, but with major events like Formula Woman, it now means that dreams can become a reality,” Laura said.

Speaking of preparation for the Formula Woman Nations Cup qualiﬁers, she added, “Juggling the demands of a full-time career in the science industry, preparing physically and technically to compete in Formula Woman as well as the signiﬁcant expense associated with competing in motorsport have all proved.

“However, despite the signiﬁcant challenge, I am determined to make it work and to seize the opportunities. Growing up, there were few female role models in this industry, something which is changing now, albeit slowly. Opportunities like Formula Woman provide an amazing chance for female racing drivers and for them to then inspire the next generation to pursue their sporting goals”.

day January 5th at 17:40.

Tuamgraney’s Nash is among those profiled alongside Conor McElduff (Tyrone), Paul Brady (Cavan), Ollie Cassidy (Mayo), Caitríona Casey (Cork) and Paul Fitzpatrick (Cavan).

An investment analyst, Diarmaid has won some of the major honours in singles and doubles within the sport, winning the All-Ireland singles title in 2022 becoming the first Tuamgraney clubman to win the prestigious championship since the iconic Pat Kirby in 1980.

Unlocking the Value and Securing Our Future NOTICE

OF SPECIAL GENERAL MEETING

12pm on Monday 16th of December 2024

A and B shareholders of Kerry Co-op are requested to attend a Special General Meeting (SGM) at the INEC Gleneagle, Killarney at 12pm on Monday 16th of December 2024, to vote on the proposed release of Kerry Group plc shares to Co-op members and the acquisition of Kerry Dairy Ireland by Kerry Co-op.

IMPORTANT

Voting members are required to bring:

n SGM Invitation received in the post

n Registration opens at 10 am

lMAKING HISTORY: Laura O’Connell

l HIT THE WALL: Diarmaid Nash

Ennis: Talk of the Town

Clarecastle tenor to lead Christmas service at St Flannan’s College

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

CLARECASTLE tenor Dean Power returns to his alma mater of St. Flannan’s College in Ennis next Tuesday (December 17th) at 7pm to perform Christmas carols in a special candlelit service in the school chapel.

Members of the public are invited to the event which also will commemorate the life and contributions of the late Rev. Fr Joseph McMahon, a former Principal of the school and Parish Priest of Scariff and Moynoe, Feakle, and Killanena and Flagmount.

Donations received on the evening will go toward Milford Care Hospice where Fr. McMahon passed away last month.

Fr. Ignatius McCormack, Principal of St. Flannan’s College

said, “We are looking forward to welcoming past and present students, their families and the wider community to our annual Christmas Carol Service, which celebrates the true spirit of the Christmas season through joyful music”.

“We are also excited to welcome former student Dean Power who will be performing carols with musical accompaniment provided via our newly commissioned chapel organ.

Throughout the service, our thoughts will be with the friends and family of our former colleague Fr. Joe who passed away in November,” he added.

A native of Clarecastle, Dean Power has firmly established himself as a solo guest artist on the international stage having performed at some of the world’s most prestigious ven-

ues including the Teatro Real in Madrid, National Concert Hall in Dublin, Opéra de Lille, Theater St Gallen, NHK Tokyo, Gärtnerplatz Staatstheater in Munich, Teatro Nacional de Sao Carlos in Lisbon and the National Opera House in Wexford.

On the concert platform, Dean has sung Handel’s Messiah in Limerick, performed a solo recital at the Castleconnell Autumn Concert Series, and joined the RTÉ Concert Orchestra at the National Concert Hall in Dublin for the premiere of Civil War Oratorio, a new work by Irish composer Anne-Marie O’Farrell, written to commemorate the 100th year anniversary of the Irish Civil War.

Speaking ahead of his return to St. Flannan’s College, Dean

commented, “It is hard to believe that it’s over 20 years since I was a student there. The 5 years I spent in Flannan’s ended up being an incredibly formative time in my life. I’m honoured to be asked to come back and sing at the mass”.

Clare PPN’s Winter Plenary

CLARE Public Participation Network (PPN) will hold a meeting for membersw on December 17 at the new De Valera Library.

There’s a promise of tea, coffee and Christmassy treats, singing by the Eisteacht choir and an opportunity to network and socialise. Clare PPN co-ordinator Sarah Clancy said: “Our Plenary meetings have always been a great way for community groups to meet and network and to hear about matters of interest to them.

“It’s also a chance for people to raise local issues that are important to them, to hear about the PPN’s activities and to discuss our plans and strategy for 2025.

“The Plenary is the ultimate decision-making body of Clare PPN. All members have an equal say in the running of the network. The staff and secretariat (board) of Clare PPN will give an update on the work, ﬁnances and activities of the PPN and present their work plan for 2025 for discussion and input from member groups.

To reserve your free place, please RSVP to admin@clareppn.ie

Ennis Lions Club organises Rememberance Tree for Christmas

ENNIS Lions Club once again are hosting the Remembrance Tree in the Market, in collaboration with Clare County Council, to raise funds and awareness of two charities associated with sick and dying loved ones. Milford Hospice and The Children’s ARK at University Hospital Limerick.

Anne-Marie Hayes of Milford Care Centre said, “Milford Care Centre is not just a Hospice in patient unit, it provides multiple services to our community”. She continued “The base in Ennis underwent a major infrastructural re-development programme and this now allows Milford to see certain patients in Ennis, in a one stop multidisciplinary clinic rather than commuting to Limerick”

Dr Orla Neylon, an Ennis native, said ‘The Children’s Ark delivers cancer care to children of the Mid West region to keep their care as close to home as possible - as a shared care system with CHI Crumlin oncology. They oversee the treatment and judge what and where the treatment is given. The care is of international standard but disrupts the family’s life as little as possible. As well as coping with a devastating diagnosis, families also incur an

average ﬁnancial burden of €15,300, on top of other added unpredictable expenses such as cost of fuel for regular trips to Dublin, accommodation and food” Funds raised for ARK’s Paediatric Oncology Fund go directly to families as soon as they get a cancer diagnosis in a child under 16, to help relieve that ﬁnancial burden.

Both charities serve the people of Clare and offer supports to the families of the sick and dying.

The Remembrance Tree Hut is situated beside Zest in the market, It is open from December 8 th until Christmas Eve from 10:00 until 16:00 each day. Anybody who wishes to pay a sea-

sonal tribute to a friend or family member is invited to drop by and make a donation in exchange for a yellow ribbon to name their loved one. The ribbons are attached to the tree each day culminating in a spectacle of remembrance for the days of Christmas itself. Tom Carey and Michael Neylon have project managed this event for many years. They expressed thanks to Clare County Council and to the many volunteers who help to man the hut for the weeks coming up to Christmas. According to Tom “It’s a cold place to be but their hearts are surely warmed by the acts of remembrance they witness.”

lCLARECASTLE TENOR: Dean Power

lREMEMBERANCE TREE: Anne-Marie Hayes of Milford Care Centre and Michael Neylong of Ennis Lions Club

Sexton’s have the best selection of fresh ﬁsh in Co. Clare

‘It’s time to highlight need for A&E in Clare’ - says West Clare Chair Rita

by Páraic McMahon

PARTICIPATION from the people of Clare in the public engagement of HIQA’s review of emergency care in the Mid-West “is a critical chance” to highlight the message on the need for more services, a Doonbeg representative has said.

Cathaoirleach of the West Clare Municipal District, Cllr Rita McInerney (FF) said the people of Clare must actively participate in HIQA’s review of urgent and emergency care in the Mid-West.

She told The Clare Echo, “This is a critical chance for the people of Clare, especially those in North, West, and rural Clare—to have their voices heard on the realities of accessing urgent and emergency care. It’s time to highlight the need for a second fully-functioning A&E in the Mid-West region to be located in Ennis and advocate for vital upgrades to local infrastructure to ensure timely access

to life-saving services”.

McInerney added, “I urge everyone in Clare to take this opportunity to share their experiences and ideas. This is about ensuring safe, equitable, and accessible healthcare for everyone in the Mid-West region”.

Former Minister for Health, Stephen Donnelly (FF) initiated the HIQA review which will consider the need for a second emergency department in the Mid-West. This comes in light of significant population growth and the ongoing strain on University Hospital Limerick, which has been under immense pressure to meet emergency care needs.

Doonbeg native Rita noted that upgrading critical road networks is essential to bringing all parts of Clare within the golden hour for stroke and heart attack patients and she referenced the N68 (Ennis to Kilrush Road), N67 (Kilrush to Kilkee Road) and N85 (Ennis to Lahinch). “These upgrades are not

just about connectivity; they are about saving lives. Efficient road networks will ensure that patients from even the most remote parts of Clare can access emergency care

within the crucial golden hour, improving outcomes for heart attack, stroke, and trauma cases”.

An unsuccessful candidate in the General Election, Cllr McInerney

advocated for a fully-functioning Accident and Emergency Department in Ennis. She believes that a second A&E in the Mid-West in the heart of Clare with a population of 132,000, is critical for addressing the current gaps in emergency care and alleviating pressure on UHL. “Ennis has the capacity to become a cornerstone of emergency care in the Mid-West, providing accessible and high-quality healthcare for our community”.

HIQA is now seeking input from patients, family members, healthcare professionals, and the general public to inform this review. Submissions are open until 15 January 2025 and can be made at www. hiqa.ie.

Submissions can also be sent directly via email to urgentcarereview@hiqa.ie, or by post to: HIQA Urgent Care Review Team, Health Information and Quality Authority, Unit 1301, City Gate, Mahon, Cork, T12 Y2X

Lissycasey’s Anne Griffin lauded as she moves onto new role

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

LISSYCASEY’s Anne Grifﬁn has been lauded by elected members of the Shannon Municipal District.

Anne concluded her term as senior executive officer in the Shannon MD to take up a new role in the last month within the project management office of Clare County Council. Clare County Council’s project management office manage the design and construction of the Council’s capital programme for the county.

Cathaoirleach of the Shannon MD, Cllr Pat O’Gorman (FF) said Anne “did a great job” when serving as SEO. “You can see by the monthly management report the amount of jobs she had done, we’ll be very sorry to see her go but we wish the best of luck in her new position”. He added, “we had a good rapport in Shannon with Anne”.

Director of Services in the Shannon MD, Alan Farrell said of Anne, “she has been an absolutely fantastic public servant and has served this Municipal District extremely well over the last two years. Since I joined in January it was very clear she was very embedded in the role, she strove to get the best for the Municipal District.

Farrell conﬁrmed that Suzie Clifford has joined the Shannon MD as meetings ad-

ministrator, he welcomed her to the role and noted, “you have big shoes to ﬁll but I look forward to working with you”.

According to Cllr Michael Begley (IND), “Anne Grifﬁn put in a tremendous amount of work and got really involved in the all of the projects”. He said he has already met Suzie, “she has already been briefed on what is in front of her”.

Recalling his return to the Council in June, Cllr Tony Mulcahy (FG) recounted, “the welcome I got was second to none, the help and the advice. I got a great brieﬁng, I great support on the way down and built up a great relationship with Anne”.

Donna McGettigan TD (SF) noted, “Anne worked very well with us, the door was always open, she was always on the other end of the phone, I’ll miss her smiley face”. Cllr John Crowe (FG) commented, “Anne was outstanding, you could contact her anytime and she would come back to you, she would sit down no matter what the problem was, she was exceptional really”.

Speaking at a meeting of Clare County Council, Cllr Mary Howard (FG) remarked, “I know Anne has been a delight to deal with, I wish her well in her new role”.

lA&E IN CLARE: Cllr Rita McInerney (FF) at Ennis Hospital.

Photo by: Eugene McCafferty

l Cllr John Crowe (FG) and Anne Grifﬁn.

Photo by: Eamon Ward

Galway County Council pass €193.6m Budget

by Páraic McMahon

ELECTED Members of Galway County Council have approved an expansionary budget for 2025 that will see expenditure in core public services throughout County Galway increase to €193.6m next year, which is a 12%, or €20.5m, increase on 2024 spending.

The rise in projected income for 2025 will allow for increases in spending on Housing and Building (€32m, up €5.6m), Road Transport & Safety (€62m, up €3.6m), Development Management (€21m, up €4m), Environmental Services (€28m, up €2.8m) and Recreation and Amenity (€13m, up €2m).

At Monday’s Annual Budget Meeting of Galway County Council, county councillors approved a proposed Rates Payment Incentive Scheme for local businesses. As a result, Commercial Rates will increase by €2 per week only for 90% of the rate customers across the county. An additional €2.4m will be delivered subsequently for public projects and services across County Galway.

Cllr Ollie Turner (FG), Leas-Cathaoirleach of Galway County Council said, “I welcome the adoption of the expansionary budget of Galway County Council for 2025 and agree with the priority funding in areas such as housing delivery, roads maintenance and economic development. I also wel-

come the creation of the Project Management Office”.

Liam Conneally, Chief Executive of Galway County Council commented, “In recent years, Galway County Council has been significantly underfunded matched by a rise in operational costs and expenditure inflation, has negated our capacity to invest in capital projects, existing infrastructure

and day-to-day core services. The approved expansionary budget will strengthen our financial position and ability to make these necessary investments.”

“Investment in housing is a key focus for Galway County Council in 2025 as we continue to work with the Government on initiatives under the remit of Housing for All, continue to help individu-

als and families meet their housing needs, and invest in the maintenance and improvement of our housing stock,” explained the Ennistymon native.

He continued, “In the area of Road Infrastructure, an increased budget to a spend of over €62m will allow us to make additional investments in the maintenance and improvement of the national primary

and secondary roads, works on the public lighting and traffic management improvement. The Budget also facilitates the advancement of our Project Management Office, which will oversee various projects under the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund (RRDF) and Urban Regeneration Development Fund (URDF), and the future development of our more Strategic Economic Corridors.”

Conneally said, “I want to thank the Elected Members for their support and foresight in approving this ambitious budget for County Galway, as well as acknowledge the contribution of local businesses to enabling the Local Authority to make vital investments in our communities. Galway County Council will also continue to seek additional funding from the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage to further expand our work programme in 2025”.

Katie O’Connor, Head of Finance for Galway County Council said, “The finalising and adoption of the Budget follows extensive and ongoing engagement with Elected Members. Galway County Council has also adopted a Rates Payment Incentive Scheme to support compliant rate payers with a rates liability of less than €50,000. We are now focused on the delivery of these important public services”.

Gort based musician brings Christmas concert to nursing homes

by Lisa Mullaly lisa@clareecho.ie

CRUSHEEN musician Tom Chernel is bringing Christmas cheer to Clare Nursing homes this Christmas.

Tom from Creative Keys Piano Studio in Gort will be bringing his magical 2-hour Piano Christmas Concert to nursing homes across Clare, Gort and Limerick this December.

The concert will be ﬁlled with with Christmas Classics, Hymns, and some fun arrangements of well-known Christmas tunes.

Christmas Piano Concerts 2024 are speciﬁcally aimed at hard-to-reach audiences. Living in nursing homes can make it difﬁcult, if not impossible for people to attend concerts and other Christmas events.

Creative Keys Piano Studio is delighted

to have the opportunity to bring professional concerts to nursing homes making magical musical experiences accessible for audiences.

Such concerts also provide an opportunity for those in care to socialise with friends, staff, and relatives in what can sometimes be an isolating environment.

“Events like this take the residents out of their everyday routine and leave a lasting, positive impression” said Tom.

The Christmas Piano Concert is a non-proﬁt initiative that helps people living in long-term health settings and nursing homes experience the Christmas Spirit.

paraic@clareecho.ie

Shannon Airport surpasses two million passengers for first time since 2009

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

CHRISTMAS celebrations were in full flow at Shannon Airport this week as it celebrated surpassing two million passengers for the first time since 2009.

Shannon Airport caps off its busiest year in ﬁfteen years following a strong summer which saw the addition of 200,000 seats across select routes.

Passenger numbers at Dublin Airport are down 90,000 for the festive season due to the passenger cap but it will still welcome 1.4 million passengers over the Christmas period alone.

CEO of the Shannon Airport Group, Mary Considine stated, “We are delighted to announce that over 2 million passengers have travelled through Shannon Airport in 2024. It’s been 15 years since we last reached this milestone. It’s a testament to our dedicated team and our unwavering commitment to delivering seamless and memorable travel experiences. We look forward to continuing to drive growth and to provide world class services to our passengers in 2025”.

To commemorate this milestone, Shannon Airport is giving away a pair of return tickets to JFK New York. The competition will be launched on the airport’s Facebook and Instagram pages, with the winner announced just in time for Christmas.

Strategic route expansions and increased capacity have been credited with the increase in passenger numbers at Shannon. During the summer season, the airport added 200,000 seats across select routes and boosted frequencies on nine popular services, including Alicante, Faro, Malaga, and Lanzarote.

Growth continued for Shannon’s winter schedule with Ryanair adding 30,000 extra seats across ﬁve services. Shannon Airport offers 33 routes connecting 11 countries in the EU, UK, and US.

A key highlight of 2024 was the resumption of Delta Airlines’ New York/ JFK daily seasonal service in May, meeting strong demand for direct ﬂights between the West of Ireland and the

United States.

Earlier this year, the airport introduced an innovative Mobile Passport Control app (MPC). MPC is a free mobile app, designed to streamline the traveller’s entry process into the United States by allowing them to complete part of the pre-clearance process prior to their arrival at the airport. This new technology, in addition to Shannon’s time-saving US

Preclearance facility and combined EU/ TSA checkpoint system, ensure an efﬁcient and comfortable transatlantic travel experience for passengers.

While the airport’s hi-tech security screening technology ensures passengers experience less dwell time going through security, meaning they have more time to relax and browse the world’s ﬁrst airport duty free.

Shannon Airport remains a global leader in accessibility. The airport’s dedication extends to age-friendly services, recognized as one of the world’s first Age Friendly airports by the World Health Organization, with features such as accessible parking, clear signage, and covered walkways to enhance the travel experience for older passengers. The airport’s facilities offer support to the over half a million people in Ireland living with non-visible disabilities. Initiatives include, Europe’s first airport sensory room, Autism awareness programs, Participation in the global Hidden Disabilities Sunflower initiative and Award-Winning Customer Service.

Meanwhile, the advice for passengers at Dublin Airport continues to be to arrive two hours in advance of a short-haul ﬂight and three hours in advance of a long-haul ﬂight. The airport is expecting to welcome an average of 80,000 passengers every day between Wednesday, December 18 and Sunday, January 5. The busiest day in the run up to Christmas will be Friday, December 20, with Friday when around 93,000 passengers will move through the airport’s two terminals, December 27 set to be the busiest day post-Christmas when around 97,000 passengers are set to pass through.

Customer focus achievement award for Shannon Airport

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

SHANNON AIRPORT has won the Aviation Customer Focus Achievement Award at the Aviation Industry Awards. Organisations that have made a significant improvement or enhancement in relation to customer services in either the B2C or B2B segments in the last eighteen months are recognised in the category. This recent win builds on The Shannon Airport Group’s success at the Customer Experience Awards, where the team took home the Best CX Team Award in

the Transport category for a second year running.

Additionally, Shannon Airport ranked number one in the travel category of the recently published Ireland Customer Experience Insights (CXi) Report, while it ranked fourth overall for its excellent customer experience out of 150 top brands nationwide, scored by customers.

The Aviation Customer Focus Achievement Award saw Shannon Airport emerge victorious in a highly competitive field, shortlisted alongside industry heavyweights including AerLingus, AerClub and Killick Aerospace.

Airport Director Niall Kearns said, “This award is a reflection of the passion and tireless efforts of our team, who put passengers at the center of everything we do. Winning at both the Aviation Industry Awards and the Customer Experience Awards speaks volumes about the dedication of our people and the strength of our customer-centric strategy. We are proud to provide a seamless, welcoming travel experience that sets Shannon apart in the industry”.

l2M PASSENGERS: Pictured with Santa Claus at Shannon Airport Arrivals are L-R Aung Marma, Airport Screening Unit, Katie Black, Assistant Brand Manager Shannon Airport, Julia Shortt, Airport Screening Unit, Mary Considine, CEO The Shannon Airport Group, and Niall Kearns, Airport Director.

Photo by:Arthur Ellis

lWINNER: Shannon airport wins at aviation awards

CHRISTMAS IN SHANNON

Tones ‘taches raise €5k for Movember

by Lisa Mullaly lisa@clareecho.ie

WOLFTONES na Sionna topped off a successful 2024 season by raising over €5000 for Men’s health charity; Movember. With championship wins from both the hurling and football teams, Wolftones na Sionna have plenty to celebrate from the 2024 season.

What better way for the Shannon club to round out the year than by running a prosperous Movember campaign.

Movember is an annual worldwide event, established by the Movember charity, which helps to raise awareness and funds to help combat men’s health issues.

Fionn McInerny, sub goalie for the All-Ireland Intermediate Football Championship winners, spoke to The Clare Echo about the recent campaign: “We all kind of decided to get involved to raise some money and awareness. I suppose particularly mental health and prostate cancer, it’s an important cause for us to support, for the men on the team, not just on the pitch but off the pitch as well. Not only for the club but also to give back to the community as well.”

The campaign involved a variety of creative and fun fundraising efforts. Players and management from both the men’s hurling and football teams came together to take part in the campaign. Some took part in the classic “auld mustache challenge,” as described by Fionn, while others ran a combined total of 200 km in a show of dedication to the cause. With the starting goal

of €30 the Shannon GAA club’s Movember campaign exceeded this goal raising over €5000 for men’s health. However the benefits of the campaign go beyond the essential funds raised.

“It was great to raise awareness and money for a good cause but it’s actually been great for the team. It has kind of made the lads come together and work together. We have seen a big change in the attitude in the team since doing the fundraiser,” Fionn noted. “It has brought the football and the hurling teams together, and even the younger lads have been brought in. It has brought us closer. It has brought us into one team, one club, as the Wolfe Tones

motto goes.”

The Movember campaign has also strengthened the connection between the club and the local community and Fionn hopes that this support will continue into the 2025 season;

“The club does a lot for the community between fundraisers and hosting parties and events.

“We hope that by giving to the community, they will come out and support us, whether it’s sharing our fundraisers or coming to support our matches. We just need the community to get behind us ahead of the 2025 season.”

Aviation Museum: fun for all the family

FROM the moment you step inside the Shannon Aviation Museum, prepare to be immersed into the fascinating world of aviation.

In the company of your guide, or by self-guided tour, you can travel through the development of aviation engineering and technology.

See historic and modern aircraft jet engines and cockpits, sit into a Cessna aircraft, and observe a lifevest demonstration. Get up close to Irish Air Corps aircraft and see displays of Irish Air Corps badges, patches and uniforms.

There’s an aircraft carrier jet with folded wings, a spitﬁre replica section, gliders, microlights, and the smallest jet aircraft in the world, the Bede BD5. There are even pedal planes and a mini runway for the little ones!

The Aviation Discovery Tour offers the opportunity to learn more about aviation and have a virtual ﬂying lesson! Start by dressing for the occasion in your ﬂight suit or captain’s jacket. Learn how to fly with a pre-

ﬂight lesson followed by a demonstration on the ﬂight simulators.

The fun begins as you take to the virtual skies in an Air Race around New York.

Following your flight expe-

rience, you will be guided through the collection of aircraft, jet engines, cockpits and memorabilia in the aviation museum – ideal for taking fun photographs!

l Wolfetones men Craig Riordan and Fionn McInerney

CHRISTMAS IN SHANNON

‘Most people wouldn’t know there’s any history’ - Duchas fosters heritage of Shannon

by Lisa Mullaly lisa@clareecho.ie

DUCHAS na Sionna hopes to create a lasting legacy for Shannon by connecting the industrial town to its historical foundations through the restoration of what is now fondly known as Hastings House.

Located 2km from the town centre is an 18th century cottage. Since its recovery in 2012, Dúchas na Sionna has been working together with the Shannon Archaeological and Historical Society, to restore the once forgotten farmhouse to its former state using traditional building techniques.

The aim of this project is to preserve an integral element of Shannon’s pre-airport history and to cultivate a stronger sense of community within the town.

Dúchas na Sionna hopes to open Hastings house to the community as a cultural centre of excellence and heritage site by the end of 2025.

The journey of this ambitious restoration began with a shared belief in the importance of fostering the heritage and little known history of Shannon.

John O’Brien, chairperson of Dúchas, explained that Shannon came to be as a purpose built town which evolved from the establishment of Shannon airport in the 1940s.

“Most people wouldn’t know there’s any history. Shannon is a new town built on an old rural landscape. And unlike virtually every town in the country, it didn’t evolve the usual way. Towns are centred on river crossings or castles or ports.”

John explains that due to its un conventional evolution, it is impor tant to preserve the scarce historical artifacts found in Shannon.

“This is the last connection with that old landscape and it’s actually within the town pretty much. So it’s to provide a connection. We want to foster that whole heritage and conservation aspect of Shannon, not just an industrial town, not just a residential town, not just an airport town.”

The project is a community driven initiative and the involvement of key organizations, such as the Heritage Council, Shannon Development, and the Shannon Archaeological and Historical Society, has been invaluable to the success of Hastings House. “The Heritage Council has enabled the whole thing really... they kept us going when others were doubtful,” Ron Kirwan, communications officer for Dúchas na Sionna said.

One of the most striking elements of the project is its hands-on ap-

proach to heritage conservation. As part of the restoration efforts, volunteers are using traditional methods to rebuild the house’s original features, such as the mud walls, which are a key part of its historic charm. “We did a demonstration mud wall building during heritage week. It was the first time we tried rebuilding one of the walls,” said Olive Carey, Dúchas na Sionna secretary.

The project also aims to preserve the house’s historical narrative, connecting it to the broader history of Shannon. “We’re trying to tell the story of the people who lived here, the people who built it, and how it all fits into the bigger picture of the town,” said Olive. This is why the project includes features that highlight local history, like the barn restoration and the connections to

General Lucas, a figure whose legacy still impacts the community.

While the project celebrates the past, it also firmly looks toward the future. Incorporating modern sustainable building practices is at the forefront of the restoration efforts.

Plans include adding solar panels and an air-to-water heating system, making it not only a historic space but an environmentally responsible one. “It’ll be kind of self-sustaining. You know, in a way it’ll reflect the Shannon community, where old meets the new,” said Ron Kirwan.

Looking forward, the project represents a new chapter for Shannon. Volunteers pour their energy into this restoration, knowing that they are not just rebuilding a house, but a sense of connection for the community. “Shannon is a place you have to build everything from the ground up. And this is part of building it. It’s about creating something that will last, something that will stand the test of time,” said Olive.

The story of Shannon’s heritage is being written by those who care about its future, their efforts paving the way for a community that can look back with pride and forward with hope.”I think that’s really what Dúchas is about,” said Ron, “it’s about building that community and connection to the heritage.”

l Hastings Farmhouse and (inset) volunteers who cleared the site in 2012

CHRISTMAS IN SHANNON

Christmas comes early at Shannon Airport

Christmas has come early for Shannon Airport this year as it surpasses 2 million passengers for the ﬁrst time since 2009. This milestone underscores the airport’s ongoing growth and its pivotal role as an international gateway along the Wild Atlantic Way.

This achievement comes after a dynamic year, marked by a strong summer season that solidiﬁed Shannon Airport’s position as a key player in connectivity.

Pictured with Santa Claus at Shannon Airport Arrivals are (L-R) Aung Marma, Airport Screening Unit, Katie Black, Assistant Brand Manager Shannon Airport, Julia Shortt, Airport Screening Unit, Mary Considine, CEO The Shannon Airport Group and Niall Kearns, Airport Director.

Photo by Arthur Ellis

CHRISTMAS IN SHANNON

Christmas delights available from Carrygerry House

by Stuart Holly editor@clareecho.ie

THE award-winning Carrygerry Range offers a selection of delectable, home made foods to help Clare families celebrate the festive period in style.

Since winning two awards at the Blas na hEireann National food awards 2023 for their renowned Carrygerry range, owners of Carrygerry Country House Gillian and Niall Ennis have continued to supply Co Clare with delicious home-made products.

To mark the Christmas season Niall and Gillian are again inviting customers to visit their shop for the month of December where you can discover the range and purchase from a range of homemade jams and chutneys, while hampers can be made to order. Carrygerry’s Chowder was awarded gold at the Blas na hEireann awards while their three-fruit marmalade took home bronze in 2023.

Gillian tells The Clare Echo that Carrygerry House has been busy preparing for the Christmas rush, with Niall and his kitchen staff preparing Christmas puddings, cranberry sauce, jams and chutneys for the hampers.

Made-to-order hampers make a perfect gift for a work colleague, family member or friend and range in price from €25 upwards. The range includes a selection of Carrygerry’s own products including chicken liver pate, pestos, dressings, jams and chutneys along with goodies from County Clare producers such as Wilde Irish Chocolates.

The team at Carrygerry are also on hand to produce food for individuals and families which can be ordered for collection on Christmas Eve, including a range of soups

and chowders, stuffing, red cabbage, gravy, along with sweet items and deserts including homemade cheesecakes and apple crumble. The entire line will be available online at https://www.carrygerryhouse. com/ in the coming days and customers can email or call Carrygerry with their order.

It comes as Carrygerry House celebrates 21 years in business. The family-run business is headed up by Gillian and Niall, with support from their two boys Jack (21) and Paddy (16) who have grown up in the business. “I don’t know where the last 21 years have gone to” remarks Gillian, “it seems like only yesterday we were sitting here with Jack in our arms after coming home from hospital.”

Reflecting on a strong year for the business, Gillian notes that Shannon Airport’s return to strength has had a knock-on effect on tourism businesses in the area with a strong American market along with growing numbers of European visitors to the Newmarket-on-Fergus establishment. The local market also remains strong and Carrygerry’s restaurant is open to local diners from Thursday-Saturday 6-8:30pm and for Sunday lunch from 1-3:30pm. The Carrygerry range is also available from local retailers including Coote’s Shop on the Kilrush Rd in Ennis, Ryan’s Centra, Lynch’s Centra on the Gort Rd, Liddy in Roslevan, the Fruit & Veg store in Shannon, Crowe’s at Minsters Cross and Crowe’s in Quin, along with the MarketHouse in Ennistymon.

To purchase from the Carrygerry House shop for the month of December call (061) 360 500.

l Homemade offerings made by Niall Ennis and his kitchen staff

Shannon Athletics club back on track

by Lisa Mullaly lisa@clareecho.ie

AFTER a long hiatus due to Covid-19 restrictions, Shannon Athletic Club (AC) has made a remarkable return, welcoming 220 new members since reopening in January.

In 2020, the club was forced to suspend its activities due to the pandemic. Despite the removal of restrictions in the years that followed, the club did not resume operations. However, in late 2023, a meeting was organised to assess the level of interest within the community, and the response was overwhelming. Former athletes, athletics enthusiasts, and parents of children eager to join the club gathered, and a new committee was formed to bring Shannon AC back to life.

Eamon Cleary, chairperson and coach of Shannon Athletics Club, told the Clare Echo that the community’s response has been overwhelmingly positive. “The reaction from the community has been extremely positive. Shannon AC went from zero members to 220 and is still growing, making us one of the largest athletics clubs in Clare,” Cleary said.

According to the annual Teneo Sport and Sponsorship Index; in Ireland, there has been a significant rise in running as a hobby, which has greatly benefited Shannon AC with adult participation growing substantially.

Cleary noted, “The recent Olympics has shone a light on athletics and motivated many people of all ages to give it a go.” In June 2024, the club introduced adult sprints and throwing groups, and by August, a group of adult members competed in the All-Ireland Masters Track and Field Championships in Tullamore, winning nine national medals.

Building on this success, Shannon AC is planning to launch a Couch to 5K program in January. This initiative is designed for novice and beginner runners, offering a supportive environment for those starting their fitness journey.

“We hope that people will start their running journey through the Couch to 5K program and continue it with Shannon AC,” Cleary added.

The year 2024 has been full of milestones for the club. Cleary highlighted the growth of Shannon AC, both in terms of membership and in fostering a sense of community. “The biggest achievement has been getting people within the community active and socialising,” he said. The club has also seen athletes win medals at the county, provincial, and national levels, showcasing the talent and hard work of the members.

The site of the club, which had been unused for several years, had become overgrown and in need of development. Volunteers from the local community, including groups such as Shannon Community Partnership, The Park Run, and Shannon Tidy Towns, helped with the initial clean-up. Additionally, former Councillor Gerry Flynn assisted in securing funding to develop a car park that can accommodate

around 40 cars, easing traffic concerns in the busy area. The Shannon Municipal District also provided funding through the Community Recognition Fund for the development of a 720-metre jogging track, which will host its first event, the Goal Mile, on December 26th, raising funds for the charity Goal.

Shannon AC has received generous donations from local companies to support further on-site developments, including the creation of a Hammer and Discus area, which is set to be ready by early 2025.

The club also plans to build a full 8-lane, 400-metre track. Cleary emphasised the importance of infrastructure in growing the sport. “Shannon is a town of over 10,000 people, with many more in the surrounding areas who use the resources here. This development is essential for the future of athletics in the region,” he explained. The club has already secured planning permission for the track, but funding remains a major hurdle. “This will require a lot of work and a lot of funding,” Cleary said. “We are actively fundraising for this development and would be very grateful for any assistance in terms of guidance, assistance, or financial support.”

l A group of junior athletes warming up at the Munster Athletics Cross Country Championships

CHRISTMAS IN SHANNON

Engineering for the future at Ei Electronics

IF YOU’RE a collaborative engineer keen to work in one of Ireland’s most innovative and successful technology companies, Ei Electronics in Shannon wants to hear from you.

The core technology of the company is sensors. Products engineered around these sensors have enabled Ei to become a world leader in development of home life safety devices for the connected home.

After another record year at Ei, one of Shannon’s largest employers, the company continues to grow and expand its R&D function – often described as ‘the lifeblood of its business’.

Earlier this year David Richardson was appointed Ei Group Chief Technology Ofﬁcer (CTO).

A graduate of UL, and the University of Galway he joined Ei Electronics as Chemical and Sensor Technologist in August 2015 and was promoted to the position of Senior Technologist in April 2018.

The year saw many new faces join the team across various engineering disci-

plines including Embedded Software, Automation Controls, Cloud Software and Product Design.

The message from Ei is simple: If you wish to develop your engineering career and live life to the full then consider a career with Ei Electronics.

A key part of Ei’s engineering success is the collaborative way its cross-functional teams work, including mechanical, electronics, process, automation, hardware and software engineers.

The R&D laboratory boasts a suite of high-tech testing facilities, including echo-free or anechoic chambers, 3-D printers for prototype development, smoke tunnel testing equipment, radio mesh network testers and power analysers for testing electronics.

Today Ei employs 1,100 people in Shannon (Global HQ), with a further 150 peo-

ple in its ofﬁces worldwide. The Shannon campus is responsible for the manufacture of 13 million home life safety devices a year, over 95 per cent of which are exported, with an annual turnover exceeding €400 million.

Make a positive difference this Christmas

The keynote speaker at the annual Mid-West Lean Network conference in Dromoland Castle Hotel, Noel Hennessy of Practical Lean Solutions, spoke from the heart and from experience when he said that work shouldn't just be about making a living, it should be about making a positive difference, in the lives of employees, customers, business partners and the community.

Ms Downes listened attentively to these words of wisdom and is now encouraging everyone to use this analogy as we head out on our Christmas shopping sprees and prepare to spend time with our loved ones over the festive season.

Calling on everyone in County Clare to make a difference this Christmas, and with sustainability high on the Chamber’s and many of its member companies’, Ms Downes says: “Stop and ask if what your buying is contributing to climate change. Is it a sustainable purchase? If not, then shop around, seek a product and a supplier whose production process is delivering a positive return to the environment. “Buy wisely, look out for and help others along the way and, be kind to the

vironment,” she adds.

Shannon Chamber encourages Shannon residents, Shannon’s workforce & Chamber members to SHOP & SOURCE LOCAL.

l (above left) Dr David Richardson; (above right) There is a fully-ﬁtted gym on-site for staff members and (below) the R&D lab boasts high-tech testing facilities

Shannon Chamber CEO Helen Downes has taken stock of a key message delivered at a recent conference organised by the Chamber.

l Shannon Chamber CEO Helen Downes

CHRISTMAS IN SHANNON

Tanáiste is in favour of the planned Ennis Data Centre proceeding

SUPPORT for the planned Ennis Data Centre has been voiced by Tanáiste, Micheál Martin (FF).

In April, An Bord Pleanála gave the green light to plans for a new 200MW €1.2 billion data centre campus on the outskirts of Ennis. The data centre campus is to comprise six data halls covering 145 acres or 1.3 million sq ft on lands adjacent to the Tulla Road on the eastern outskirts of Ennis near Junction 13 on the M18 motorway connecting Galway to Limerick.

Applicants, Art Data Centres Ltd confirmed that the project will create between 400- 450 permanent jobs when the data centre campus is fully operational with up to 1,200 jobs in construction. They are hoping to start construction in 2024.

During his recent visit to the county at the Ennis Chamber President’s Lunch, Tanáiste Micheál Martin (FF) in his address spoke of the digital economy and trying to bring more foreign direct investment to the town of Ennis.

When questioned on the matter following his speech, the Minister for Foreign Affairs said he was in favour of the data centre in Ennis proceeding. “I would support that Data Centre and its connection to the grid. We’ve a lot of Data Centres in Ireland but we are living in a digital economy and that is the future, AI is coming and the demand for data will grow exponentially so we have to facilitate all of that, it positions Ireland well for the long-term, we have to expand the grid but this represents an opportunity for here and for this location, that is why for areas outside of Dublin which haven’t had that sort of investment in the past we can’t deny them that investment, I understand the grid capacity is there”.

Of the seven councillors in the Ennis Municipal District, Cllr Clare Colleran Molloy (FF), Cllr Pat Daly (FF), Cllr Mary Howard (FG), Cllr Paul Murphy (FG) and Cllr Tom O’Callaghana (FF) are in favour of the Data Centre, Cllr Antoinette Baker Bashua (FF) said she needed to acquire more information on the plans while Cllr Tommy Guilfoyle (SF) is opposed to the data centre.

In a statement to The Clare Echo on Tues-

day, environmental groups disputing the granting of permission for the En nis Data Centre said they were angry with the CSO’s 2023’s electricity con sumption data showing that data cen tres now use more energy than either urban or rural housing.

Friends if the Irish Environment argued over 80 data centres are already in operation, a further 14 are under construction, and planning applications are approved or pending for 52 more such projects. “All we are get-

ting from the Government is blah blah blah,” a spokesperson stated.

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

lENNIS DATA CENTRE: artists rendering of the centre [inset image: Tanáiste Michael Martin

Clare Secondary Schools take Climate Action Through An Taisce Green Schools Programme

11 secondary schools in Co Clare are actively working towards creating a sustainable future as part of the An Taisce Green Schools Programme.

Now in it’s 27th the Green Schools initiative supports Clare County Council’s Climate Action Plan and plays a vital role in raising awareness and inspiring climate action, both within schools and in the wider community.

The schools involved in the programme are addressing critical environmental themes such as litter and waste, energy, water, travel, biodiversity, and global citizenship. Operated by the Environmental Education Unit of An Taisce in collaboration with Clare County Council, the Green Schools Programme is a long-term, wholeschool initiative fostering environmental awareness and sustainable practices.

Alan Farrell, Director of Physical Development, Clare County Council, said, “This

programme is a testament to the dedication of school communities in Clare. Achieving a Green Schools Flag is a fantastic accomplishment that requires commitment from school management, the Green School Committee, and a Green School Coordinator to implement the comprehensive seven-step framework over two years. I would like to sincerely thank all participating primary and secondary schools for their hard work and dedication.”

Deirdre Convey, Green Schools Co-ordinator at St. John Bosco Community College, Kildysart, said, “Our school principal, the wider school community, and I are incredibly proud of our Green Schools Committee. They are exceptional leaders, and it is a tremendous honour that our school has achieved the most Green Flags in County Clare for a post primary school. The key to our success lies in the fact that our committee is entirely student-led. When a member

graduates after completing their Leaving Certificate, they are replaced by incoming first-year students. This ensures the continuity of experience and helps sustain active participation in the Green Schools Programme, even in a larger school setting.”

By empowering students to lead and in-

volving entire communities, the Green Schools Programme continues to drive positive environmental change, equipping future generations with the tools and inspiration to take meaningful action for a sustainable world.

l GREEN SCHOOLS: St.Johns Bosco CC Kildysart

The facts about reducing cancer risk

1 IN 2 people will have a cancer diagnosis in their lifetime.

Lung, bowel, breast, prostate and skin cancer are the most common cancers. It is estimated that between 30-50% of cancers are preventable. There are things we cannot change, like our age and family history. But the good news is there are things we can do to reduce our risk of cancer. Bernadette Mullins is a Senior Health Promotion and Improvement Officer (Cancer Prevention) with HSE Mid West. Here, Bernadette provides the facts on reducing cancer risk. Reduce your risk of cancer

The National Cancer Registry of Ireland estimated there were about 6,240 cancers related to 11 modifiable risk factors (risk factors we can change) in Ireland in 2016. While we can’t prevent all cancers, there are things we can all do to reduce our risk.

lDon’t start smoking. Tobacco is linked to at least 15 types of cancers. The best defence is don’t start smoking. Quit smoking. If you are already a smoker, it is never too late to try quit. The risk of developing a smoking related cancer decreases the sooner you quit. For free HSE support to quit contact your local stop smoking service Quit Mid West on 065 6865841 or visit www.quit.ie

lBe SunSmart. To reduce your risk of skin cancer, protect your skin from the sun and never use a sunbed. Visit www.hse.ie/ sunmart for informa-

tion.

lMaintain a healthy body weight. Higher body weight can affect hormone levels and your immune system increasing cancer risk. Eating a healthy balanced diet, being physically active, getting enough sleep and taking care of your mental health can all help to maintain a healthy body weight.

lVaccinations can protect against some cancers. The human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine protects against cervical cancer and some other types of cancer. It is offered to 1st year students in secondary school and to high risk groups of people, for example people living with HIV and men who have sex with men. The Hepatitis B vaccine protects against liver cancer and is offered to all babies in Ireland.

lAvoid alcohol. The less you drink, the lower your risk of cancer. Chemicals in alcohol can damage the body’s cells. You can use the drinks calculator on www. askaboutalcohol.ie to find out how your alcohol affects your health and wallet. If you are living in the Mid West you can contact the HSE Mid West Integrated Alcohol Service on 061-492016 if your drinking is becoming a problem. The team can support you or your loved one to make positive changes around alcohol.

lCheck radon levels. Radon is a radioactive gas that can increase risk of lung cancer if exposed to high levels for a long time. Visit www.radon.ie to learn how to check radon levels in your home or workplace, and take action to reduce them.

lTake part in cancer screening programmes. Ireland has screening programmes for bowel cancer (men and women aged 59-69), cervical cancer (women

aged 25-65) and breast cancer (women aged 50-69). Stay informed at: www.screeningservice.ie

lEat a healthy balanced diet. Include plenty of fruit, vegetables and wholegrains in your diet. Eat red meat in moderation and avoid processed meat such as chorizo, bacon or salami as these increase the risk of bowel cancer.

lBe physically active every day. Any activity is better than none. Being active reduces the risk of 7 cancers, including breast and bowel cancer. Adults should aim for at least 30 minutes a day of moderate intensity activity, five days a week (or 150 minutes a week). For more information visit Clare Local Sports Partnership www.claresports.ie

lConsider breastfeeding if you can. Breastfeeding reduces the mother’s risk of breast cancer. Visit www.mychild. ie for support.

lFollow your workplace health and safety measures. These will help to prevent exposure to substances that can cause cancer. If you work outdoors protect your skin from the sun.

If you or your organisation would like written information on this topic please contact bernadettem.mullins@hse.ie or call 087 4065 038

Visit www.hse.ie/preventcancer for more information or scan the QR code below.

GALLOWS HILL, ENNIS, CO. CLARE

47 SYCAMORE DRIVE, LIMERICK ROAD, ENNIS, CO. CLARE

ROSLEVAN, TULLA ROAD, ENNIS, CO. CLARE

2 CHURCH DRIVE, CLARECASTLE, ENNIS, CO. CLARE

FERGUS MANOR, ENNIS, CO. CLARE

2 MEADOW COURT, CLONROAD, ENNIS, CO. CLARE

5 DROMARD, LAHINCH ROAD, ENNIS, CO. CLARE

ACHA BHILE, LAHINCH ROAD, ENNIS, CO. CLARE

43 CATHEDRAL COURT, ENNIS, CO. CLARE

ASHFIELD HOUSE, CUSACK ROAD, ENNIS, CO. CLARE

LARCH HILL, ENNIS, CO. CLARE

OAKWOOD, SIXMILEBRIDGE, CO. CLARE

SYCAMORE DRIVE, LIMERICK ROAD, ENNIS, CO. CLARE

ROSLEVAN, TULLA ROAD, ENNIS, CO. CLARE

2 CHURCH DRIVE, CLARECASTLE, ENNIS, CO. CLARE

16 FERGUS MANOR, ENNIS, CO. CLARE

2 MEADOW COURT, CLONROAD, ENNIS, CO. CLARE

5 DROMARD, LAHINCH ROAD, ENNIS, CO. CLARE

137 ACHA BHILE, LAHINCH ROAD, ENNIS, CO. CLARE

43 CATHEDRAL COURT, ENNIS, CO. CLARE

ASHFIELD HOUSE, CUSACK ROAD, ENNIS, CO. CLARE 42 ASHFIELD PARK, GORT ROAD, ENNIS, CO. CLARE

2 OAKWOOD, SIXMILEBRIDGE, CO. CLARE

LARCH HILL, ENNIS, CO. CLARE

2 OAKWOOD, SIXMILEBRIDGE, CO. CLARE 1 DUN NA MANACH, QUIN, ENNIS, CO. CLARE 12 DUNAILLE, O’CALLAGHAN’S MILLS, CO. CLARE

Dromoland Castle appointments McSorley as new General Manager

by Páraic McMahon

MARK MCSORLEY has been announced as the successor to Mark Nolan as Resort General Manager for Dromoland Castle and The Inn at Dromoland in Newmarket-on-Fergus.

Dromoland Castle confirmed the appointment of McSorley on Monday, he will step into the role in February, replacing Nolan who had been at the helm for thirty five years on the iconic 500 acre historic estate.

An alumnus of the Shannon College of Hotel Management, Cork native McSorley had been living and working in The Algarve since July 2017 where he worked as General Manager, Hotel and Residences at the Quinta do Lago Resort, an award-winning and internationally awarded luxury lifestyle resort renowned for luxury hospitality and a golfing destination.

McSorley’s career also includes senior leadership roles with Celebrity Cruises, Malmaison and Hotel du Vin as well as Hyatt Hotels, underscoring his diverse and seasoned background in premier international hospitality management.

Commenting on his appointment to Dromoland Castle Mark McSorley stated, “I am truly honoured to take up the mantle at one of Ireland’s most esteemed properties - an iconic resort that holds immense significance for both the local community and Ireland as a whole. Having studied at Shannon College, I have always admired the castle’s magnificence and its role as a centerpiece of Irish culture and history. I look forward to working with both Dromoland Castle and The Inn at Dromoland teams.

“After spending over 20 years abroad, I recognise the unique connection that Dromoland Castle has with the Irish diaspora. Returning to Ireland has always been at the

back of my mind, and more a future thought, however when the opportunity came to join Dromoland, it was the one property that could bring me home. Dromoland embodies the spirit of Ireland, and I am thrilled and excited to be back in the county where my journey with hospitality bega”.

Dromoland Castle’s Managing Director Mark Nolan commented, “We are delighted to welcome Mark McSorley to Dromoland Castle Resort – while bittersweet, as it marks the end of my own tenure at the helm, it is also an exciting and positive prospect. To see someone of Mark’s calibre bring his wealth of experience and international insight to the Castle’s future plans – of which there are many, paves the way for an exciting road ahead and I and the Board of Investors look forward to seeing Dromoland Resort flourish under Mark’s stewardship”.

Dromoland Castle Resort, Chairman John O Brien stated, “The Board of Directors and I look forward to welcoming Mark McSorley and his family to the Dromoland Castle Resort family when he assumes his new role next February. His drive and enthusiasm for luxury hospitality, coupled with his impressive international experience will greatly enhance and complement the future visionary plans of Dromoland Castle Resort. We greatly look forward to working with Mark. The board of directors also takes the opportunity to thank Mark Nolan for his tenacity, vision, and exemplary stewardship of Dromoland Castle Resort over the past three decades.

His unwavering commitment to Dromoland, his passion and drive for hospitality in all its forms, and his exceptional relationship with all stakeholders across our business has been exemplary. As a Board Member and investor, Mark Nolan will be involved in a strategic developmental role, on a project and consultancy capacity going forward”.

l NEW GENERAL MANAGER: Mark McSorley.

Photo By: Brian Arthur

paraic@clareecho.ie

Shannon building named industrial project of the year

by Páraic McMahon

OCC CONSTRUCTION

has won the industrial project of the year at the Irish Construction Industry Awards (ICIA) for their development in Shannon.

Located in the Shannon Free Zone, Block R won the coveted industrial project of the year award for Galway based OCC Construction.

Block R is a 40,000-squarefoot R&D advanced manufacturing facility designed to support technology-driven industries. It also includes a modern office block, collaborative spaces, and a

beautifully designed feature courtyard.

It also has a Nearly Zero Energy Building (NZEB)

A-rating, LEED Silver certification, photovoltaic solar panels, rainwater harvesting, and green outdoor spaces.

This is the second award for the Shannon Airport Group properties, earlier this year they scooped the prestigious ‘Placemaking Initiative of the Year’ award at the National Property Awards.

Congratulating OCC on the ICIA award win, Gerry Dillon, Property Director at The Shannon Airport Group said: “The Shannon Air-

port Group is proud to have partnered with OCC on this exemplary project. Their exceptional professionalism, attention to detail, and dedication to sustainable practices have delivered a worldclass facility that supports our vision for the Shannon Airport Business Park as Ireland’s leading industrial and technology hub. It has been a pleasure working with OCC Construction on this transformational project”.

Clare County Council is currently inviting applications from suitably qualified persons for the below competition. Clare County Council will, following the interview process, form a panel for the area set out below from which future relevant vacancies may be filled subject to sanction approval from the Department of Housing, Local Government & Heritage. Please complete online application form available on www.clarecoco.ie under Careers Section. Only applications completed online will be accepted.

• Technician Grade I (Civil, Architectural & Building)

Closing date: 12 Noon Friday 10th January 2025.

Clare County Council is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all sectors of the Community.

Scríobh chugainn as Gaeilge más fearr leat.

l INDUSTRIAL PROJECT OF THE YEAR: OCC Construction project in Shannon Free Zone

paraic@clareecho.ie

Avoid a Post-Christmas Party Headache: Intoxication Policy, Boundaries, and Behaviour

THE Christmas party; it’s the highlight of the year for many, where colleagues come together, wind down, and celebrate the festive season. While these events are meant to be fun and memorable, it’s important to remember that they come with certain responsibilities.

Under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005, employers have a duty to protect the health, safety, and welfare of their employees. This extends to all company-organised events. The responsibility to act appropriately doesn’t just lie with the employer but also with the individual employee, who must remain mindful of their actions and behaviour, particularly when alcohol is involved.

With adequate planning, communicating and some ground rules, organisations can make sure everyone has a good time without any of the unwanted consequences.

Setting the Right Tone with an Intoxication Policy

It’s not about banning alcohol; it’s about ensuring that everyone can enjoy the party without putting themselves or others in a difﬁcult situation.

Having a clear and effective intoxication policy in place can set the tone for responsible celebrations. By having a well-crafted, clear and enforced policy, companies ensure that their employees enjoy a safe, memorable, and respectful holiday celebration while safeguarding the company’s reputation and overall work environment.

The role of intoxication policy is to set out clear expectations and rules around intoxication in the workplace and during company events.

It should outline the following:

lWhat the company’s approach to intoxication is

lWhat state, behaviour, substances etc. are prohibited

lWhy it is prohibited

lWhat substances should be used with caution

lWhat are the risks associated with intoxication

lWhat process will be followed in case of a suspected intoxication or other breach of the policy

lWhat are the potential consequences of a breach of the policy.

At ERA Ltd we specialise in drafting and implementing tailored policies to inform and protect everyone in the workplace.

Know the Boundaries: Intoxication & Professionalism

While it’s common for people to enjoy a drink or two at a Christmas party, it’s crucial to stay aware of the ﬁne line between having fun and becoming intoxicated to a level whereby you may not be in control.

Alcohol may be allowed, but intoxication – whether through excessive drinking or other substances – can easily cloud a person’s judgement and impact their behaviour. Whether sipping on a pint or indulging in a glass of wine, managing alcohol consumption and respecting colleagues is key to ensuring the event remains enjoyable for everyone.

Here’s how to stay within the boundaries and avoid any unnecessary headaches (the kind that last longer than the morning after)!

The main thing to keep in mind: don’t let intoxication affect your professionalism. Just because it’s a party doesn’t mean the rules go out the window. Any behaviour that could be perceived as inappropriate, unprofessional, or even harmful is still subject to company policies. This includes things like sexual harassment, misconduct, or aggressive behaviour – something no one wants to deal with during or after the celebrations.

Respecting Others: Creat-

ing a Safe Space

Everyone deserves to enjoy the festive fun, but respecting others and their boundaries is paramount. Not everyone drinks, and some may prefer not to partake in alcohol altogether. When in doubt, employees should always err on the side of caution. If we are unsure if a colleague is comfortable with our behaviour, it is a good idea to step back and reﬂect. Alcohol or intoxication is no excuse for inappropriate behaviour.

Employees concerned about someone else’s conduct should report it to the appropriate person. The company should then make sure it is handled properly. Organisations need to keep in mind they are responsible for maintaining a safe, respectful environment for all employees, even outside of regular work hours.

The Risks: It’s More Than Just a Hangover

A few too many drinks can lead to more than just a fuzzy head the next morning. The potential risks of excessive intoxication can include:

lImpaired judgment and decision-making: Excessive consumption and intoxication may seriously affect our ability to think straight and maintain our usual boundaries.

lSexual Harassment: Alcohol can impair judgment, which can lead to inappropriate behaviour. It’s important to respect others and keep things professional – even during social events.

lAccidents & Injuries: In-

toxication can lead to accidents, either at the venue or on a way home.

lDamage to Reputation: A party is a great time for team bonding, but unprofessional behaviour or overindulgence can leave a lasting negative impression. It could impact your relationships with colleagues, your professional reputation, and the company’s reputation.

lThe day after - absenteeism, decreased performance and loss of productivity: Employees may experience hangovers or lingering effects of alcohol, resulting in disengagement, affecting their ability to attend work or to perform effectively and safely at work the next day.

lDisciplinary Action: The company’s intoxication policy is still in place during the party. Breaches, such as attending while intoxicated with illegal substances, disruptive behaviour, or any form of misconduct, can lead to serious consequences, including disciplinary action or dismissal.

lSubstance abuse: Employees who believe that alcohol or other intoxicants may impair their ability to work or behave appropriately should speak to their manager or HR. Early communication can help prevent any negative consequences. Employers should be prepared to provide necessary support, either via EAP (Employee Assistance Program) or with help of qualiﬁed professionals. At ERA Ltd we have experience in support-

ing both employers and staff in situations of substance abuse.

In this context, it is crucial to remind employees that while Christmas parties are meant to be enjoyable, any behaviour that could negatively impact safety, performance, or the company’s reputation will not be tolerated. It’s vital to remind all attendees about the importance of respect, boundaries, and maintaining professionalism even in a social setting.

Managing Post-Event Issues

Under most intoxication policies, lateness, loss of productivity, or absenteeism may be treated as unprofessional conduct, with appropriate actions taken. Employees should be made aware of the importance of their well-being and expected behaviour following a festive event, including the potential consequences of substance misuse. Employers should ensure members of all levels of management are competent in applying the provisions of the policy as and when required, including:

lReasonable Suspicion

lWith Cause Testing

lSearch

lSuspension

lInvestigation

lDisciplinary Process

lAppeals.

Our contribution to your peace of mind

At ERA Ltd we understand that organising a safe and enjoyable Christmas party is key to creating a positive company culture. Here’s how we can help:

lTailored Intoxication Policies: We can work with

your team to develop a clear, company-speciﬁc policy that outlines expe tations around substance consumption, respectful behaviour, and the importance of personal responsibility.

lTraining & Awareness: We offer training programs that focus on promoting a respectful workplace culture, including how to handle and prevent harassment during social events.

lPolicies on Behaviour outside of work.

lIncident Management: In the unfortunate event that something goes wrong, we help you navigate potential issues, from handling complaints to providing support for employees affected by inappropriate behaviour. Enjoy the Party, But Keep It Safe

The Christmas party should be a highlight of the year, where colleagues come together to celebrate their achievements and enjoy each other’s company. A time to relax and enjoy each other’s company. But it’s also important to maintain a level of professionalism. Moderation is key. Employees should stay aware of their limits, respect their colleagues, and adhere to the company’s intoxication policy to ensure that the event remains a positive experience for all. After all, nobody wants to end up with a headache that’s not just from the booze, but also from the consequences of our actions or omissions. So, here’s to good craic, festive cheer, and a Christmas party to remember (for all the right reasons)!

Truagh/Clonlara ready for biggest day in club's history

by Seamus Hayes

OWEN Fitzgerald is in his second season as a team coach with Truagh/Clonlara.

As they put ﬁnal touches to preparations for the club's biggest day, he acknowledges, “We are up against a hugely experienced side. They have been in nine of the last 11 ﬁnals, they are favourites but look at Ballygunner last week, they were raging hot favourites. The bigger they are the harder they fall”, Owen told The Clare Echo

Reflecting on his side’s march to Sunday’s All-Ireland final, he said, “They have had so many setbacks losing semi-finals and finals. There are a couple of girls out this year, Roisin Powell and Niamh Powell are injured, Michelle Caulfield isn’t available”.

At the start of 2024 the aim was to retain the league and championship titles they won last year. “We were beaten by Inagh/ Kilnamona in the league ﬁnal and that proved to be a great spur for us when we met them in the championship ﬁnal”.

Having retained the Clare title, they were determined going into Munster. “Last year after we beat Clonouty, they were disappointed and I said to them that it’s very hard to get up to the pitch of the game in Munster. Usually the teams that go far in the provincial campaign have two or three consecutive county titles to their credit. It’s more a mental thing”.

Commenting on his side’s win over Gailtir in the Munster final, he said “They are a class team. The first thing I said to Ryan (Morris, a fellow team mentor) was that Gailtir could be back in four or five finals in a row, they are a young team”.

Fitzgerald noted that the players soaked up the celebrations that night, the underage players embracing the atmosphere around the village and being congratulated by future camogie stars, "it was great to see the interaction between them”.

After the Munster win the players were given a couple of days off before returning to training ahead of their All-Ireland semi-ﬁnal against the Dublin and Leinster champions. “That game

against St Vincent’s epitomises the journey we are on, the result, the second half performance.”

He is satisﬁed that Truagh/ Clonlara have “a very settled side. We are riding a wave and we hope to keep that going for as long as we can”.

Asked if the players will be nervous on Sunday he replied “if there aren’t nerves going into an All-Ireland ﬁnal, there will be something wrong”.

Concluding he said, “Clare camogie wouldn’t be at the top table that often so hopefully all followers in the county will be in Croke Park to support us on Sunday”.

'WE CAN'T WAIT TO GET TO CROKE PARK'

by Seamus Hayes news@clareecho.ie

TRUAGH/Clonlara’s progress to a first ever All-Ireland senior club final has been helped by the fact that the team takes learnings from every game.

That’s according to defender Sinead Hogg who has been one of many stars in this season’s memorable campaign.

“We had an ambition at the start of the year to win three trophies. The initial focus was on the county championship, we wanted to do what we did last year.

“Those wins over Scariff/Ogonnelloe and Inagh/Kilnamona made us resilient going into Munster,” she told The Clare Echo

Sinead was happy that the team was well prepared going into Munster this year having "let ourselves down last year in the provincial competition".

After first defeating Clonoulty of Tipperary at home in southeast Clare, Sinead recounts, “The Munster final against Gailtir was a game for the ages, they are a savage team. Waterford camogie is up and coming. We wanted to perform in that final.

"We never panicked in extra time as we knew what we had. What a game”.

The team took a day or two to celebrate the Munster success and then re-focused again. “We know what we are at, we put the heads down and went back training and took our learnings from the Munster campaign. There was a huge high after winning Munster”.

Reflecting on the All-Ireland semi-final with St. Vincent’s, Sinead said “it was a great game but we didn’t really

play as we know how in the first half. We had a quick chat at half time and we came out and played like we wanted to”.

Looking ahead to Sunday’s final in Croke Park Sinead says, “It’s one thing to play there with your county but it's extra special to be there with your club. Getting to play in all those big stadiums is something you dream of and we can’t wait to get there”.

Sinéad says Truagh/Clonlara will stick to their process this Sunday. "We have huge games under our belts now and we take learnings from every game”.

"Croke Park is where we want to be. We expect a big crowd in Croke Park and we are hopeful that support will come from all over the county. To get to Croke Park with your club is extremely special. We want to represent ourselves, our families, our friends, our county and our province”.

news@clareecho.ie

l Truagh/Clonlara celebrate winning their maiden senior championship in 2023

Photo by Gerard O'Neill

l Sinead celebrates qualifying for the All-Ireland ﬁnal

Photo by Gerard O'Neill

Injury-hit Powell still a key ﬁgure

by Seamus Hayes news@clareecho.ie

CRUCIATE knee injuries are sadly a regular occurrence for sportspeople, and for those who suffer such a setback it means a year out.

Thankfully almost all make a full recovery and Truagh/Clonlara camogie player Niamh Powell will be keeping her ﬁngers crossed that she will join the list of those who return to action after such an injury.

In the early stages of her club’s county semi-final clash with Scariff/Ogonnelloe in October, the Truagh/Clonlara midfielder suffered what proved to be a cruciate knee injury which put an end to her playing but not her involvement with the team which will seek to complete a truly memorable journey on Sunday when they take on hot favourites Sarsfields from Galway in the All-Ireland senior club final.

A dental nurse, Niamh’s surgery on the injury is set for January. “They roped me in to do a few jobs and its absolutely brilliant to be involved. They wouldn’t let me walk away and it’s good to keep busy”, she admits.

Niamh attends training, goes to all their meetings and will do the warm-up with the side. “It’s special to be involved and to be still part of the team”, she told The Clare Echo

“Having won the county title for the ﬁrst time last year, we were disappointed not to have progressed in Munster. We had a meeting at the start of this season and the aim was to prove that Truagh/Clonlara is a fantastic outﬁt and everyone has bought into that,” she explained.

“The availability of Michelle Powell, Eimear Kelly, Lisa Moloney and Becky Foley this year was a huge boost and we said we had to push on. Michelle Caulﬁeld hasn’t been available this year as she is due to have a baby and we are delighted for her but she has helped a lot with our progress to the ﬁnal. She has kept us really calm. Everyone has a role to play, whether playing or not”, Niamh stressed.

The Munster ﬁnal win over Gailtir from Waterford “will live long in the memory. It was just surreal. The ﬁrst day Gailtir really stood up to

us and they did the same again the second day. In fairness to Roisin Begley, she really stood up to the test and took that free.”

Reflecting on the team’s All-Ireland semi-ﬁnal victory over St. Vincent’s Niamh said “The girls really excelled in the second half, that is the stubberness in them, they never die, the just crave more, we were back training on the Monday. They want more. We are not done”.

Looking ahead to Sunday’s ﬁnal she said “it’s another huge test. The girls have been getting their bodies right. We are under no illusions as to the task we are facing. Sarsﬁelds are one of the best club sides in Ireland, they have won nine county titles in the last 10 years. We have to prove to everyone that we are one of the top teams in Ireland and we have no doubt but that we are good enough”.

Concluding she said “Everyone in our parish is buzzing and we can’t thank everyone enough for the support. What an occasion this will be for Truagh/Clonlara. My parents had a holiday booked in Spain this week which they have cancelled. Where else would you want to be but in Croke Park on Sunday."

l Powell in action for Truagh/Clonlara

Photo by Ruth Grifﬁn

SECOND-HALF GOALFEST SWINGS HONOURS TO MAGPIES

U21B HURLING CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL

Clarecastle 4-16 KILMALEY 1-20

Venue: Gurteen

Compiled by Eoin Brennan

STORY OF THE GAME

CLARECASTLE

Frees For: 7 (5/2)

Wides: 17 (10/7)

Scores from Play: 4-13

Spread of Scorers: 9

Top Scorer: Paul O’Connell (1-3)

REFEREE: Jim Hickey (Cratloe)

KILMALEY Frees For: 14 (5/9) Wides: 6 (1/5) Scores from Play: 1-13 Spread of Scorers: 6 Top Scorer: Cian Neylon (0-11)

Callinan elected to Clare GAA Executive

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

EX CLARE hurler, John Callinan has joined the Executive of Clare GAA.

In what was the only change to the appearance of the Executive, Callinan succeeded Ennistymon’s John Fawl as Munster Council delegate following the conclusion of Fawl’s ﬁve year term.

An All Star in 1979 and 1981, Callinan claimed two National Hurling League titles with Clare in 1977 and 1978. The Clarecastle man won county championships with his club in 1986 and 1987 along with three Railway Cup medals with Munster. His ﬁrm currently sponsors the U21 club championships in Clare while in 2021 he released his autobiography ‘To Play To Live’.

He was elected to the role at Wednesday’s convention held in Hotel Woodstock where Kieran Keating was returned as Chairman for a fourth term alongside Vice Chairman Michael O’Connor and Assistant Secretary Deirdre Chaplin from Cratloe.

Treasurer Brian Fitzpatrick who has been in the role since July 2023 was returned unopposed. After prevailing in a contest over Caroline O’Connor in 2022, Seán Cham-

East Clare derby sets up mouth-watering U21 decider

by Seamus Hayes

SATURDAY’s U21A hurling championship final will bring down the curtain on the domestic season in Clare and a mouthwatering contest is in store.

East Clare neighbours and rivals, Feakle/Killanena and Scariff/Ogonnelloe will clash in Saturday’s final in a tie expected to attract a large attendance to Dr Daly Park.

Feakle/Killanena go in as county champions and their opponents are Scariff/ Ogonnelloe, their predecessors as title holders having won the crown in 2022.

Feakle/Killanena manager Francie O’Grady accepts the side he managed to the title 12 months ago are carrying the favouries tag but he says “being the holders is a hard tag to carry and we are just focussing on getting a performance. Our approach all year has been one game at a time and we have had two massive battles to get to this final. Finals take on a life of their own and form goes out the window. It’s all on the day”.

While a number of the team were part of the Feakle senior team which won the senior title, Francie stresses, “this is a differ-

ent group of players. They are drawn from Feakle and Killanena and they have been playing together since they were under 12”.

As the champions put the finishing touches to their preparations there are concerns about the fitness of Aaron Moloney, Patrick Daly and Ronan Keane.

Adding to the interest in the game is the fact that many of the players from both teams have hurled together with Scariff Community College sides.

Scariff/Ogonnelloe selector Henry Vaughan told The Clare Echo, “It’s an East Clare derby at an East Clare venue which should attact a big crowd and create a great buzz. East Clare hurling has been in the doldrums for a long time and it’s great to see good times coming around again; Tulla won the Harty Cup and Scariff Community College is going well as well."

Henry holds a similar view to opposition manager Francie O’Grady in that he believes “it will be all on the day... We hope for a free flowing game of hurling on Saturday”.

Dr. Daly Park in Tulla hosts this final on Saturday when the throw in time is 13:30 with Whitegate’s John Bugler in charge.

bers had no competition for the post of Assistant Treasurer.

Robert Frost who prevailed in a vote against fellow former Clare GAA Chairman Michael O’Neill at last year’s Convention after the vote went the way of O’Neill in 2022 was returned as Central Council delegate. First elected in 2022, Joe Garry and Neil O’Brien were elected to continue as Irish & Cultural Ofﬁcer and Coaching Ofﬁcer respectively.

Following Anne Hayes’ exit in August as PRO, Aaron Carroll of Cratloe made the step-up from

Assistant PRO and he was elected to a role on the Clare GAA Executive for the ﬁrst time as the sole nominee for PRO.

Deirdre Murphy’s paid position as Head of Operations is not voted on by the clubs while the roles of Safety & Facilities Officer, Children’s Officer plus Planning & Training Officer are all appointed positions and they will be held by Ambrose Heagney, Joan Crotty and Paddy Smyth respectively.

Clare GAA Executive 2025: Head of Operations: Deirdre

IN A YEAR in which the All-Ireland senior hurling title and the Allianz national league crown rest in Clare, the season has ended on a high with the County Board reporting an excess of income over expenditure in the amount of €1,017,827.

This is a record for Clare GAA in a season in which the total income was €4,320,947,

The main items of income were €1,030,885 (Commercial income), €1,149,130 (income from associated bodies), €807,340 (gate receipts) and €743,360 (fundraising activities).

On the expenditure side team expenses amounted to €1.566,462, coaching and development cost €629,636, the cost of staging games amounted to €478,850, administration expenses came to €311,816 while the upkeep and maintenance of grounds cost €280,259.

In a breakdown of the commercial income ﬁgure of €1,030,885, the report presented to this week’s convention shows €63,500 from advertising/signage, €116,702 (programme income) and €107,600 from streaming and TV income.

Clare’s national league share amounted to €165,343 of which €146, 477 was for hurling. The league share was down from the previous year when the ﬁgure reported was €188,853.

The win a house/car draw realised €692,977 while the Dalcassian Patrons fundraiser brought in €47,616.

Summer camp income of €209,646 was also down on the previous year when the ﬁgure was

Murphy (Clooney/Quin)

Chairperson: Kieran Keating (Naomh Eoin)

Vice Chairman: Michael O’Connor (Crusheen)

Assistant Secretary: Deirdre Chaplin (Cratloe)

Treasurer: Brian Fitzpatrick (Clooney/Quin)

Asst Treasurer: Seán Chambers (Cooraclare)

PRO: Aaron Carroll (Cratloe)

Irish & Cultural Officer: Joe Garry (Cooraclare)

Coaching Officer: Neil O’Brien (O’Callaghans Mills)

Central Council Delegate: Robert Frost (O’Callaghans Mills)

Munster Council Delegate: John Callinan (Clarecastle)

Munster Council Delegate: Bernard Keane (St Joseph’s Doora/Bareﬁeld)

National Congress Delegates: Gabriel Keating (Naomh Eoin), Michael O’Connor (Crusheen), Michael O’Regan (Ruan)

Munster Convention Delegates: Robert Frost (O’Callaghans Mills), Des Farrell (Coolmeen), Neil O’Brien (O’Callaghans Mills)

Safety & Facilities Officer: Ambrose Heagney (Coroﬁn)

Children’s Officer: Joan Crotty (Scariff)

Planning & Training Officer: Paddy Smyth (Éire Óg)

Demographics Officer: TBC

€250,301.

Club levies bought in €59,950 down €50 on the previous year while income from the Cusack Park shop at €76,289 was up from €76,170 in 2023.

Match day costs came to €478,850 and the main items here are €85,236 (referees expenses), €50,079 (pitch hire and security), €86,790 (programme costs), €83,308(gate checkers and ticketing costs) €38,971(medals and trophies) and €39,843 9(streaming costs).

Under the heading team administration, mileage and expenses came to €587,491, catering and overnights came to €292,705, sports gear equipment and laundry cost 235,567, team holiday cost €147,389 while travel and accomodation amounted to €90,853.

Under the heading, upkeep of grounds, maintenance cost €125,676 while the groundsman/ caretaker expenses came to €77,246.

A breakdown of the administration expenses ﬁgure of €311,816 reveals €130,706 for wages and salaries with €23,669 for telephone, website and IT costs.

Meanwhile the income and expenditure accounts for Club Clare reveal an nett income of €200,662 for the year under review while the nett income for the Clare football support fund came to €36,397.

For a full round-up and detailed reports from Clare GAA convention, visit www.clareecho.ie.

by Seamus Hayes news@clareecho.ie

Clarecastle celebrate their win Photo by Gerard O'Neill

l Proud Clarecastle man John Callinan of sponsors Berwick Callinan presenting the U21B trophy to Filip Wiechinski at the weekend Photo by Gerard O'Neill

Cullinan & Cusack return for Clare's must-win match-up

CLARE’s soccer side will trek to Mounthawk Park in Tralee this Sunday to face the Kerry District League champs in the team’s final group game in this season's Oscar Traynor inter-league competition, writes Seamus Hayes.

Clare must win by a two goal margin and hope that Limerick District League beat the Limerick Desmond League, a game that is set to take place at the same time. Should those results come to pass then Clare will be through to the next phase of the competition.

Newmarket Celtic duo, Harvey Cullinan and Shane Cusack who missed Clare’s last outing against the Desmond league, are available for Sunday’s game but Lifford’s David Keenan is ruled out due to injury while Jack Kelly and Liam Buckley are not available this week as they are away as is Tadhg Noonan who missed the last outing due to injury.

One of Clare’s most experienced players, Eoin Hayes, is a doubtful starter due to injury and should he fail to recover in time, he will be a huge loss to the side.

Clare manager Donie Garrihy accepts that his side is facing a difficult assignment but says “that’s what you expect at this level”.

The Clare squad trained on Tuesday night and they will meet again on this Friday to finalise preparations for Sunday’s must win game. They travel to the Kerry venue boosted by wins by both Avenue United and Bridge United in the FAI and Munster Junior Cups in recent weeks.

This is a hugely important outing for the Clare side and they will be looking to Conor Mullen, Scott Kirkland, Jack O’Halloraan, Brian O’Connor and Dean Hegarty to lead their challenge.

The Kerry players know that a win for them will see them progress so they are sure to be fired up for the challenge at home.

IT WAS a great weekend for

with

The

DEIRDRE SHANNON BOWS OUT AS CSSL CHAIR

CLARE’s ﬁrst ever female Chairperson of the CSSL has said she took on “too many roles” which prompted her decision not to seek re-election.

On Monday, Deirdre Shannon Dromey bowed out as Chairperson of the Clare Schoolboys/ Schoolgirls Soccer League (CSSL) after two years in the hotseat. In December 2022 she became the ﬁrst woman to be elected as CSSL Chairperson.

Speaking at the AGM, the Ennis woman expressed her desire that everyone “had a great season and have achieved their goals”. She said player numbers were increasing in the county and the overall quality of work was also rising, “we’re here to support coaches and volunteers to deliver on their requirements”.

She admitted, “the past three months have been exceptionally challenging, I’ve encountered many obstacles which have had a profound effect on me and it has factored my decision”.

On top of the role of Chairperson, she ended up

with many additional duties including ETP co-ordinator, cup shield co-ordinator, girls festival co-ordinator, kit manager, fundraising and sponsorship, ﬁxtures secretary and PRO. Deirdre reﬂected, “I felt I took on too many roles, I tried to delegate but unfortunately it didn’t transpire”.

Securing new sports capital grants and getting additional sponsors on board has left the CSSL in “a very healthy position,” the Hermitage FC member outlined. “Transparency is key to the success of the CSSL and hopefully that will continue,” she stated. She added, “the league remains in a very strong ﬁnancial position, without the generous support from people we would not be in a very strong position”.

Tommy Molloy’s departure from the CSSL Committee was “greatly missed” during the season, Deirdre said while praising the Avenue Utd clubman’s “many years of commitment, presence and guidance”.

She also singled out Conor Twomey, ﬁxtures secretary Brian O’Grady and secretary Emily Bradbury for praise.

With almost 1600 games

played in the season it was “a very challenging year for the league,” Deirdre said. 42 teams are still active in the National Cup “which is a record for the CSSL.”

A commitment to develop players remains within the CSSL, Deirdre maintained while praising the work of Irene Hehir, Denis Hynes and all Emerging Talent Programme coaches.

Kilmihil’s Pat Daly, a former committee member who died in March was remembered by the outgoing Chairperson as a great friend and a great teacher. She also voiced well-wishes to Coroﬁn’s Joe Slattery who is a nephew of committee member Cathal Jones following his recent life-changing accident.

Deirdre was presented with a plaque and a bouquet of flowers in appreciation for her work.

Secretary Emily Bradbury commented, “there is always a place for Deirdre within the CSSL family, she has done us proud as the ﬁrst female Chairperson. She is an asset to the league and people don’t realise the amount of work she has put into the devel-

opment of soccer”. Avenue United's John O’Malley has been elected as the new Chairman, making the step-up from the role of Vice Chairperson.

All nine ofﬁcials were elected unopposed for their positions and were proposed en bloc by Denis Corry of Tulla Utd. Ennis man O’Malley was player/manager of the Avenue Utd side which contested the 1990 FAI Junior Cup ﬁnal.

CSSL COMMITTEE 2025: CHAIRMAN: John O’Malley (Avenue Utd)

TREASURER: Wayne Skerritt (Coroﬁn Harps)

SECRETARY: Emily Bradbury (Coole FC)

COMMITTEE MEMBERS: Cathal Jones (Bunratty Cratloe FC), Brian O’Grady (Avenue Utd), Lorraine Harrington (Coole FC), Conor McFadden (Tulla Utd), Denis Hynes (Sporting Ennistymon), Barry Downes (Bridge Utd)

Seery lands Peamount role

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

ENNIS’ Gary Seery has been announced as part of the new management team for Peamount United. Seery and Emma Donohue were this week conﬁrmed as the new management team of Peamount United where they succeed James O’Callaghan at the helm. The duo will act as a joint manage-

ment team. Emma has been a longtime coach with the club.

Gary is currently the FAI Football Development Ofﬁcer in Offaly. The former Avenue Utd player is a UEFA A Licence Coach.

From 2013 to 2017, he worked under Sue Ronan as a performance analyst with the Irish women’s side and remained in the role when Colin

Bell took on the post of manager. Seery was also part of Stephen Kenny’s backroom team as assistant ana-

lyst when he was in charge of the Republic of Ireland’s U21 squad. He has previously coached St Kevin’s Boys Academy, numerous Clare and Avenue Utd sides.

He has credited newly appointed Clare Schoolboys/ Schoolgirls Soccer League (CSSL) Chairman, John O’Malley for getting him involved in coaching and his

former college lecturer Ger Dunne as a key influence in his coaching career. Last season, Peamount Utd had a mid-table finish when they concluded the SSE Airtricity Women's Premier Division in sixth position. Kilmurry Ibrickane’s Chloe Moloney has been a vital cog in the Peamount defence since making her first appearance for the club in 2019.

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

Ennis Tennis Club

their U14 team winning the Munster Winter League title in a thrilling ﬁnal against Causeway Tennis Club from Waterford.

U12 team were unlucky to be beaten in their ﬁnal by an excellent team from Monkstown Tennis Club in Cork.

Pictured (far left) are James O’Connell, Lonan Feeley, Tommy Ruane, Zoe Speake, Lena Palgan (U14 - not pictured are Aine Crowley and Tiernan Kilroy); (pictured left) Finn Gleeson, Jasper Badenhorst, Emma Gleeson, and Willow Feeley (U12 - not pictured is Maeve Flanagan)

Stocking ﬁllers for the golfer in your life: golf balls

by PÁDRAIG MCGRATH

GOLF balls are always a gift that is appreciated and useful and it makes a great stocking ﬁller.

Golf balls range between €20 - €60 per dozen and here is a simple explanation of the differences between them.

2-PIECE GOLF BALLS / DISTANCE BALL (€15 - €25)

The cheaper golf ball is a two-piece ball, basically it has two layers to the ball, it has an inner layer which is made from rubber and an outer firmer layer.

This golf ball comes usually as a softer compression which means it feels softer and it is the closest golf ball to a ping pong ball compared to a tour ball.

Picture when you drop a ping pong ball off the floor it bounces or springs off the ground. The softer the golf ball the more spring it has similar to a ping pong ball.

This type of golf ball is more suited to a golfer who hits the ball 200 yards or less with their driver.

This type of golf ball is called a distance golf ball and are suited more for golfers who don't have a very fast swing. The disadvantage to these golf balls is for the short

game you won't achieve as much feel or spin for putting and chipping compared to a 3 to 5-piece golf ball.

The ball will trampoline off the face faster on the wedges and the putter at impact which leads to less spin and feel and can make it harder to achieve consistent distance control for the short game.

I recently tried a 2-Piece golf ball myself and compared to the 5-Piece golf ball I usually use; I was over hitting my chips and my putts were also going past the hole because of the trampoline effect you get on a softer compression of a 2-Piece golf ball.

3-PIECE GOLF BALLS (€25 - €40) :

A 3-piece ball is considered the “middle ground” of golf balls.

They offer the same distance benefits as a 2-piece, but have an altogether higher spin rate off the tee.

Though they feature a lower calibre construction than a 4 -

5-piece ball, 3-piece spheres are still an optimal choice for above average players with a moderate swing speed. Ideal for distance, controllability and consistency, these balls will stand up to the pressures of a long day of hard strikes. These golf balls suit golfers who drive the ball up to roughly 230 - 240 yards off the tee and the main benefit to a 3-Piece ball over a 2-Piece ball is the golfer will

get better spin and feel from this ball around the green when chipping or putting. This ball will stay on the face longer giving the golfer more feel which will improve their distance control for their short game.

4 / 5-PIECE TOUR GOLF BALLS (€40 - €60) :

The more expensive tour golf balls then are known to be a 4 - 5-piece golf ball, meaning they have four to

Harrington & Minogue win John Stack Memorial Cup

by Seamus Hayes news@clareecho.ie

EAST CLARE GOLF CLUB:

The John Stack Memorial Cup for senior men, a fourball matchplay competition, at East Clare has been won by Ted Harrington and Danny Minogue who defeated Sean Ahern and Seamus O'Dwyer on the 19th hole. Meanwhile last week’s senior men’s competition was won by Noel Earley, Kieran McNamara and Ted Harrington from Terry Coughlan, Seamus Mason and Jim Fahy with third spot filled by Ger Shortt. Steve Symes and Michael Heffernan.

The winners of the ladies Wednesday competition last week were Hannah Guinnane, Kay Grimes, Margaret. Lynch and Noreen Doyle from Brid Hayes, Maeve Ryan and Mary Stritch with third spot filled by Marie A. Kelly, Phil Burke and Evelyn Skehan.

WOODSTOCK GOLF CLUB:

The Ozone Health & Fitness Witness league continued at Woodstock at the weekend when the format was fourball

betterball with two to score on the par 5s.

The winners were Tom O'Donohue and Hugh McGrath with 45 points and they won on a countback from Kieran Dromey and Seamus Kelly with John Clune and Michael Coughlan a point back on 44.

The league continues this weekend when the format will be Texas scramble.

Meanwhile last week’s club singles was won by Dickie Pyne

(14) with 31 points.

KILRUSH GOLF CLUB: Jim Kelly (13) was the winner of the Christmas turkey competition at Kilrush on Sunday with 27 points. He had one to spare over Aeneas O’Connor (15). Finbar McMahon (13) was third followed by John Stapleton (14), both also returning scores of 26 points.

five layers on the golf ball.

The outer layer of a tour ball always has a urethane cover which is the thin outer layer of the golf ball that you can physically see.

This soft material provides the maximum short-game spin by allowing the clubface to “grab” the ball, while the intermediate layer(s) between the core and exterior allow more spin and control on wellstruck iron shots.

The urethane cover stays on the face of the club longer creating more spin for iron shots but less spin for woods which is the perfect combination for golfers who hit the ball well.

Usually tour golf balls are the complete overall golf balls giving you long distance from the driver but maximum feel and spin for the shorter shots around the green.

These golf balls should be used by all golfers who hit their driver 240+ yards or more from the tee because they are swinging faster than an average golfer and they should be using a ball that won't easily compress, which will give them a lower spin off the tee leading to even longer drives.

CONCLUSION

So, when choosing a golf ball, it mainly comes down to :

1) What distance a player hits their driver off the tee ?

2) What level of golfer they are, what is their handicap ? I you are unsure of what golf ball that will suit the golfer in your life, then ask them these two questions. With this information on board any good golf retailer can assist you in choosing the best golf balls that would best suit the golfer in your life, along with the price point that suits your pocket of course.

Big win for Ennis RFC u14 boys

by Dearbhla Parry news@clareecho.ie

U16 Boys Munster Plate: Ennis

RFC 40 – 22 Dunmanway RFC

Ennis’ U16 team kicked off the first phase of the Munster Plate with a 40 – 22 home win over Dunmanway.

Tries in the first half were scored by Shaun Roche (x2) and Harry O’Donoghue (x1), allowing Ennis to lead 21 – 3 by halftime.

Ennis’ third try was scored in the second half by Roche and was a great demonstration of teamwork and hard running. More tries were then scored by Tadhg Bane, Donnacha Begley, and Shaun Roche, giving Ennis the victory 40 – 22.

The man of the match was Shaun Roche, ably assisted by Cian Earle, Rad Petrich, Harry O’Donoghue, and Donnacha Begley.

U14 National Plate semi ﬁnal: Ennis RFC 19 – 22 Nenagh RFC

A great competitive game took place between Ennis and Nenagh with a result of 19 – 22.

Nenagh were kept at bay initially due to excellent tackles and ruck turnovers until they crossed the line twice. This opened Nenagh to a de-

serving lead. Nenagh again crossed over after a break-away try. Ennis responded with excellent back play finished off by Cian O’Dwyer and converted by Ben McAllister before Nenagh barged over the line. Ennis managed to score tries from Alfie Tracey and Colm O’Gara but ran out of time, leaving Nenagh the winners 19 – 22.

ADDITIONAL RESULTS:

U18 Boys Pan Munster: Ennis 19 – 14 Young Munster Senior Men 1st XV Junior Club Challenge Shield: Ennis 29 – 36 Old Christians Fixtures: U18 Girls Munster League: Ennis v Shannon; Saturday December 14; Kick-off at 11:30am in Ennis Showgrounds

U18 Boys Pan Munster: Old Christians v Ennis; Saturday December 14; Kick-off at 12pm in Rathcooney, Cork U16 Girls Munster League: Mallow v Ennis; Saturday December 14; 1pm in Mallow U14 Girls League: Ennis v Fethard; Saturday December 14; 1pm in Lee’s Road

l Pictured (main) is a 5-piece golf ball and (inset) a 2-piece golf ball. Knowing the difference between them is important when choosing the correct ball for you or a person you are gifting

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL

FURTHER INFORMATION / REVISED PLANS PLANNING REF: P24/60474

Development Description: Permission to alter house types approved under P23-60560 to 20 No. Semi-detached two storey dwellinghouses and 1No. detached bungalow together with all associated site development works and connections to public services

Location: Carrowkeel West, Inagh, Co. Clare

Take notice that John Talty Construction Ltd has lodged significant further information in respect of the planning application P24/60474. This information and planning application can be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the office of the Planning Authority of Clare County Council, Planning Department, Áras Contae an Chláir, New Road, Ennis, Co. Clare during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the further information or revised plans may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee, not later than 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

BEARNAFUNSHIN, BAREFIELD, CO.

CLARE

Take notice that Brian Foudy & Associates Ltd intend to apply to the planning authority for permission to construct a dwellinghouse, detached domestic garage, wastewater treatment system and soil polishing filter together with all associated site development works and services at the above address.

The planning applica-

tion 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 within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL

We, Bridge Celtic FC, are applying to the above authority for permission for the following development on property at Bridgetown National School, Bridgetown, Co Clare, V94 CD83

Permission for the construction of a multi use games area (MUGA), associated side fencing and netting, artificial grass surface, floodlighting and all associated ancillary and incidental works.

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

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL

I, Marc De Courcy, are applying to the above authority for retention permission for the following development on property at Mount Catherine, Clonlara, Co Clare, V94 2N26

Retention Permission for the as constructed detached domestic garage, retention of minor amendments to dwelling as previously granted (Planning Permission 16/681 refers) and all associated ancillary and incidental works.

The planning application may be inspected,

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

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL 2 DUN BHREANDAN, ST BRENDAN’S ROAD, LISDOONVARNA, CO CLARE V95 KN67

Take notice that Edel Harvey intends to apply for permission for the change of use of the dwelling at 2 Dun Bhreandan from holiday home to permanent residential use & all other associated site and ancillary works at the above address.

The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority, during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the authority on payment of the prescribed fee of €20.00, within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL BALLYALLIA, KILSHANNY, CO CLARE, V95 X935.

Take notice that Aileen and Stuart Chester intend to apply for permission to extend the existing Dwelling House to provide a Granny Flat and Boiler House, alter the internal layout of the existing Dwelling & all other associated site and ancillary works at the above address.

The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority,

during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the authority on payment of the prescribed fee of €20.00, within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL

BISHOPSQUARTER, BALLYVAUGHAN, CO CLARE.

Take notice that Jack O’Dea intends to apply for Permission to Retain the building and associated works on site, and for Permission to complete the building works for the provision of a one bedroomed residential unit, install a wastewater treatment system & all other associated site and ancillary works at the above address.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL

7 ATLANTIC DRIVE, KILFENORA ROAD, LISDOONVARNA, CO CLARE V95 T8W5

Take notice that Theresa O’Donohoe intends to apply for permission to extend the existing dwelling, alter the fenestration and elevations to accommodate the changes to the internal layout & all other associated site and ancillary works at the above address.

or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the authority on payment of the prescribed fee of €20.00, within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL

We, East Cork Oil Unlimited Company, intend to apply for planning permission and planning permission for retention of developments at site located at the Existing filling station, Bunratty West, Bunratty, Co. Clare. Planning permission is sought for the proposed works:1) removal from site and decommissioning of existing 3 no. overground fuel tanks and existing underground fuel tanks; 2) removal from site of existing washing machines facility and removal of unauthorised disused manual car wash; 3) removal of existing forecourt canopy and 4 no. fuel pumps; 4) proposed change of use from storage area to customer toilets, on the ground floor of the existing building, to include minor changes to elevations; 5)construction of new 3 no. dispenser pump islands, dispensing fuel on each side, with new canopy over; 6) installation of new underground fuel tanks, and all associated fuel pipework, off-fill points and vents and installation of new truck/ HGV fuelling pump; 7) alterations to existing parking areas to provide new car parking layout, with provision of EV charging spaces and bicycle stands; 8)construction of new ESB sub-station; 9) concrete slab surfacing, asphalt surfacing and associated drainage with the provision of new Class A Petrol interceptor; 10) alterations to existing site entrances, to provide 2 no. vehicular site entrances to & from the site from public road, including alteration/ extension of existing front boundary wall; 11) construction of all associated site features including public light-

ing and all associated ancillary site works. Planning permission for retention is also sought for the existing works as constructed: 12) existing totem sign; 13) existing signage on front and side (east) elevation of amenity building; 14) existing block boundary walls along eastern and western site boundaries; 15) existing single-storey storage rooms to rear of amenity building, as constructed; 16) change of use from tea room use to residential use to provide 1 no. apartment at first floor level, inclusive of access stairs, as constructed;17) change of use from storage areas to retail area at ground floor level of existing amenity building , as constructed; 18) existing outdoor seating areas, as constructed; 19) elevational changes to existing elevations, as constructed.

The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee, €20, within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application and such submissions or observations will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions or may refuse to grant permission.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL

SANDFIELD HOUSE, SANDFIELD PARK, ENNIS, CO. CLARE Take notice that Janet Lynch intends to apply to the Planning Authority for permission to construct a single-story extension to the rear and side of her dwelling house 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, New Road, Ennis, during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the planning authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee of €20.00, within the period of 5 weeks, beginning on the date of receipt by the planning authority of the application.

O’Connor (née Shanahan), Breda Ennistymon

Connole, John Liscannor

Cosgrove (née Kelly), Mary Ennis

Donnellan, Tom Kildysart

HILLERY, Joan Miltown Malbay

Kelleher, Edel Clarecastle

Murphy Jordan (née Fitzgibbon), Mary Ennis

QUINN, Tom Sixmilebridge

Recent Deaths

BROWNE O’MEARA, Michelle Sixmilebridge

Cosgrove (née McGuane), Moira Ennis

Felle (née Barrins), Teresa Ennis

MORAN (née Donoghue), Maura Clonlara

O’Donoghue, Leo Kildysart

MC NALLY, David Ardnacrusha

Crowley, Noel Ennis

TWOMEY, Sean Cratloe

BOLAND, John Miltown Malbay

BOLAND, John Shannon

CASEY(née Liston), Anna Marie Meelick

Guthrie, Patrick Joseph Liscannor

KELLEHER (née Barrett), Mary Kilrush

LIDDY, Frank (Frankie) Newmarket-on-Fergus

LIDDY, Frank (Frankie) Ennis

Lynch, John Doonaha

The Clare Echo Quiz

1Dr. Moosajee Bhamjee came to Clare from which country?

a. India

b. Sri Lanka

c. South Africa

2 Dr. Moosajee Bhamjee later became involved in which political party in Clare?

a. Fianna Fail

b. Labour Party

c. Fine Gael

3 Marty Morrissey lived in which American state before moving to Clare at age 10?

a. New York b. Chicago c. Boston

4For how many years did Marty Morrissey play with the Clare Minor Football Team?

a. One

b. Two

c. Three

5In which country did political leader Daniel O’ Connell die?

a. France

b. Italy

c. England

6What happened between O’ Connell and D’Esterre in County Kildare in 1815?

a. A political debate

b. A gun dual

c. Public trial

7Gene Kelly was a famous American ____ who’s grandparents came from Clare.

a. Baseball player

b. Singer

c. Actor

8Robert McNamara who’s grandfather was from Clare was the U.S ________?

a. Secretary of Defence

b. President

c. Vice President

9He was an architect of which famous war?

a. Korean War

b. The Gulf War

c. Vietnam War

10Which famous Australian Actress grandparents originate from Clare?

a. Margot Robbie

b. Nicole Kidman

c. Kate Blanchett

Spot the Difference

Can you spot the 7 differences

Kilmihil

Photo by Burren Eye Photography

Nicole Kidman

l QUESTION 5 : In which country did political leader Daniel O’ Connell die?

The Clare Echo Crossword

ACROSS 1 Implore (7) 5 Oddly amusing (5)

Primary (5)

Earache (7)

Cases (7)

Fight with swords (5)

Signify (6)

Signal fire (6)

Closes (5) 20 Small crustaceans (7) 22 Shakespeare play (7)

Web-footed bird (5)

Artificial silk (5)

Dignity (anag.) (7)

(slang) (6)

(5)

Naturally grown (7)