The Clare Echo 13/06/19

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13 June 2019

ESB REFUTES MONEYPOINT REDUNDANCY PLANS PÁRAIC McMAHON

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news@clareecho.ie

URTHER staff reductions are expected to come at Moneypoint in the coming weeks and months, The Clare Echo has learned.

The Clare Echo understands that on Wednesday morning, long-serving and older members of staff were contacted regarding voluntary redundancies with negotiations expected to progress over the coming weeks. Such claims were directly refuted by ESB’s Head Office when contacted by The Clare Echo.

When asked if an announcement would be made in the coming days regarding possible job losses, the claims were rejected and refuted. “ESB will be making no announcement on the future of Moneypoint”. The spokesperson insisted there was “nothing at all” that would force them to make such a statement as talk of redundancies were dismissed.

Full story PAGE 7

lTASTE OF DEFEAT: Sarah Shally from Quin with her two children James and Partick watching Clare and Limerick on Sunday last in the Gaelic Grounds

Photo by Martin Connolly

2 NEWS

THURSDAY, JUN 13 2019

Index NEWS

GMIT FORMS ALLIANCE WITH LCETB

2-11

AOIBHÍN GARRIHY

12-13

ENTERTAINMENT

16-17

RONAN SCULLY

18

FATHER’S DAY

25-27

PROPERTY

31-32

SPORT

33-35

PUZZLE PAGE

38-39

The Square, Ennis, County Clare Telephone: 065 671 9021

NEWSDESK

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

SALES

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

l FORMING FRIENDSHIPS: The President of GMIT, Dr Michael Hannon, and the Chief Executive of Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board, Mr George O’Callaghan, formed a new partnership aimed at enhancing access and new opportunities to higher and further education provision in the West and Mid-West region. The pair are pictured here with Lahinch woman Lorraine Cunningham, Schools Liaison Officer, GMIT. The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was formally signed by the heads of the two organisations at a reception in the offices of Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board in Ennis, County Clare, on Monday

Photo by Brian Arthur

Norwegian Air won’t resume USA flights PÁRAIC McMAHON

paraic@clareecho.ie

S

HANNON Airport has been dealt a setback as Norwegian Air have decided not to resume it’s transatlantic flights later this

year.

In November, the budget airline announced it was scaling back on services from Shannon and Dublin Airport, halving flights from Dublin and stopping them from Shannon for the winter season.

Norwegian had intended to maintain the route as a summer only service from 2019 onwards but such a move has not materialised.

Since Norwegian began their service from Shannon with four weekly direct flights to New York Stewart International Airport and Providence International Airport, 100,000 passengers had flown with the airline.

Flights from Cork Airport have also been terminated by Norwegian Air. In April, Norwegian Air said that all passengers booked on transatlantic flights from Cork and Shannon would

be re-routed via Dublin until the end of June due to the suspension of Boeing Max 737 planes by European aviation authorities.

Such an arrangement now looks set to continue, while Europe’s third-largest low-cost carrier is assessing it’s plans for 2020.

Commenting on the disappointing news for the midwest’s international airport, a spokesperson for the airline said in a statement, “Customers travelling to and from Cork and Shannon are being re-accommodated on to different aircraft types between Dublin, New York and Providence to ensure travel plans can continue with minimal disruption.

“Customers with existing bookings have been advised to arrange bus or rail travel to Dublin to meet their flight and they can claim for their expenses with proof of receipt,” the spokesperson added.

4

NEWS

THURSDAY, JUN 13 2019

Nothing Else Batters: Rockers Metallica visit Clare restaurant PÁRAIC McMAHON

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news@clareecho.ie

NE of the world’s biggest music bands paid a visit to a Liscannor eatery and visited the county’s most popular tourist attraction this week.

Metallica, who have sold more than 125 million records worldwide, wowed fans at Slane Castle in a sell-out gig on Saturday night and on Monday evening flew by helicopter to West Clare. James Hetfield, Lars Ulrich, Kirk Hammett and Robert Trujillo were chauffeur driven to the Cliffs of Moher and then tucked into some oysters and lobster at Vaughans Anchor Inn. Staff at the Liscannor pub and restaurant were unaware they would be joined by the rock band but were more than happy to see them arrive through the doors. “We saw the helicopter going over yesterday afternoon, then a second helicopter landed so we knew it was somebody special,” Lisa Vaughan told The Clare Echo.

Days earlier, West Clare welcomed another high profile guest via helicopter, that being US President Donald Trump. Lisa admitted providing hospitality for Metallica was “just as good” as having Mr Trump and felt it was

“a brilliant” start to what will be a busy few months for Vaughans with the DDF Irish Open taking place in Lahinch this July.

Big names are nothing new to the restaurant according to the owner with Bob Geldof, Michael Flatley and Westlife among the most high profile guests to dine there.

What was unusual for this visit was the congregation of fans outside the premises, some of which attended their sell-out concert.

“They were hounded for photographs, with social media everyone knew they were there and the place was heaving outside. It’s the joys of social media, people probably knew they were in Liscannor before we did.

It was unreal, the power of social media is unbelievable. The Irish people in fairness didn’t encroach on them while they were eating, one or two came up and looked for photographs, some die-hard fans that were up in Slane, the majority of people waited outside to get a photograph and to get a look”.

Describing the band members as “gentlemen and lovely down to earth people,” Lisa spoke of how lead singer James Hetfield went out of his way to thank chef Gary Davis who is a big fan of the band.

In what was Metallica’s first visit to Ireland in ten years, they also donated €35,000 to Capuchin Day Centre.

l ENTER CLAM-MAN: Metalicca front man James Hetfield meets the kitchen staff at Vaughan's Anchor Inn in Liscannor earlier this week after his group dined there ADVERTORIAL

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6

NEWS

Tributes to ‘dignified’ Peter Considine PÁRAIC McMAHON

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paraic@clareecho.ie

ETER Considine was remembered as a fair and dignified man as well as a adoring family man who played a central role in the hotel development at Doonbeg.

In 1974, Peter was co-opted to Ennis Town Council and Clare County Council following the death of his father, Michael. He held his position on the County Council until 2009 and retired from Ennis Town Council five years later.

From ‘95 to ‘97, the Fianna Fáil representative was Cathaoirleach of the local authority, he served as Chairman of the Town Council on three occasions and Mayor of Ennis in 2002, 2008

THURSDAY, JUN 13 2019

and 2012. Monday’s meeting of Clare Co Council was adjourned as a mark of respect to Considine on the proposal of Pat Daly, “He was an outstanding councillor, very popular and a successful publican”.

Clare’s most senior councillor, PJ Kelly who was first elected in 1974 recalled, “Above all he had a mighty sense of fairness”. The Lissycasey man revealed that several follow-up Council meetings occurred at Considine’s pub on Abbey St. Fine Gael’s Johnny Flynn stated, “Peter was a very dedicated and knowledgeable councillor.

He represented the town and county with excellent ability. I learnt a lot from the ten years serving with him on Ennis Town Council. His belief in fairness for the town’s people and county people was immense”.

According to Pat McMahon,

Official Cliffs of Moher Shuttle Bus Serving Ennistymon, Lahinch, Liscannor, Doolin, Lisdoonvarna and the coastal walk

Considine had strong contacts in the US whom he encouraged to invest in West Clare, “Doonbeg’s hotel would never have come about only for him”.

A customer in her youth of the family’s pub, Mary Howard commented, “He was a lovely gentleman who you always got sage advice from and was adored by all of his girls.”

In September 2016 at the opening of the Market Building Peter was presented with a trophy in recognition of his role in Ennis’ development. Large crowds attended his funeral on May 28. He is survived by his loving wife Nora, daughters Michelle, Auriol and Joanne, granddaughter Abby, sons in law Brian, Paul and David, brothers Brendan and Brian, sister Phyl, brothers in law, sisters in law, nephews, nieces, relatives, neighbours and friends.

OUTWARD 1A Ennistymon to Cliffs

1A

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Ennistymon Church Lahinch Bus Stop Liscannor Main Street Hags Head Kilconnel Cliffs of Moher Visitor Exp

8.15 8.25 8.30 8.35 8.45

9.45 9.55 10.00 10.05 10.15

11.40 11.50 12.00 12.05 12.15

13.30 13.35 13.45 13.50 14.00

15.00 15.05 15.15 15.20 15.30

16.50 16.55 17.05 17.10 17.20

18.05 18.10 18.20 18.25 18.35

19.35 19.40 19.50 19.55 20.05

RETURN TIMETABLE 1B Cliffs to Ennistymon

1B

1B

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Cliffs of Moher Visitor Exp Hags Head Kilconnel Liscannor Main Street Lahinch Bus Stop Ennistymon Church

8.45 8.50 9.00 9.10 9.15

10.15 10.20 10.30 10.40 10.45

12.15 12.20 12.30 12.40 12.45

14.00 14.05 14.15 14.25 14.30

16.15 16.20 16.30 16.40 16.50

17.30 17.40 17.45 17.55 18.05

19.00 19.10 19.15 19.25 19.35

21.05 21.15 21.25 21.40

Lisdoonvarna to Cliffs

2A

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Lisdoonvarna Failte Car Park Doolin Hotel Fisher Street House Cliffs of Moher Visitor Exp

8.10 8.20 8.25 8.35

9.50 10.00 10.05 10.15

11.50 12.00 12.05 12.15

13.30 13.40 13.45 13.55

15.00 15.10 15.15 15.25

16.40 16.50 16.55 17.05

18.10 18.20 18.25 18.35

19.35 19.45 19.50 20.00

RETURN TIMETABLE 2B Cliffs to Lisdoonvarna 2B

2B

2B

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Cliffs of Moher Visitor Exp Fisher Street House Doolin Hotel Lisdoonvarna Failte Car Park

10.15 10.25 10.30 10.40

12.15 12.25 12.30 12.40

13.55 14.05 14.10 14.20

16.15 16.25 16.30 16.40

17.30 17.40 17.45 17.55

19.00 19.10 19.15 19.25

21.05

OUTWARD2A

Tickets available ONLINE ONLY at

www.cliffsofmoher.ie

l FONDLY REMEMBERED: Peter Considine pictured with Mary Coote Ryan at the final meeting of the Ennis Town Council in May 2014

Photo by Paschal Brooks

8.35 8.45 8.50 9.00

Go green, stay local, enjoy for longer, walk more and leave no trace

21.15 21.25

THURSDAY, JUN 13 2019

ESB denies plans for redundancies PÁRAIC McMAHON

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paraic@clareecho.ie

URTHER staff reductions are expected to come at Moneypoint in the coming weeks and months, The Clare Echo has learned.

Moneypoint is Ireland’s biggest electricity generator and currently employs 194 staff. On top of this figure, a number of contractors had been employed at the West Clare plant, however as of Friday last all of these personnel have ceased work there with an ESB spokesperson confirming, “less contractor resources are required”.

The Clare Echo understands that on Wednesday morning, long-serving and older members of staff were contacted regarding voluntary redundancies with negotiations expected to progress over the coming weeks. Such claims were directly refuted by ESB’s Head Office when contacted by The Clare Echo.

When asked if an announcement would be made in the coming days regarding possible job losses, the claims were rejected and refuted. “ESB will be making no announcement on the future of Moneypoint”. The spokesperson insisted there was “nothing at all” that would force them to make such a statement as talk of redundancies were dismissed.

Rita McInerney told The Clare Echo of her “increasing worry” of the situation at Moneypoint. “I understand that at a recent meeting staff were told that the

ESB are trying to keep the plant open until 2025 but failed to give any concrete guarantees on that. In addition, it announced that it will now only be running winter operations. This is a very worrying development for people living in Kilrush and the wider west Clare area. The loss of the traditional overhauls in the summer time, will have a huge impact on local seasonal workers”.

“Moneypoint has been a major employer in West Clare providing high value, skilled jobs. It is a vital driver of the economy and there are very real fears that direct and indirect jobs will be lost unless an alternative use for the facility is found. Moneypoint is the only independent state-owned source of energy that Ireland has outside of wind energy. It is imperative that a development plan for the facility is found, which will not only secure employment for workers, but will also provide a secure energy source for the country,” the Fianna Fáil General Election candidate stated.

“We need to examine all of the options available to protect jobs and develop a new purpose for Moneypoint. Areas such as renewable energy production need to be seriously considered, particularly given its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean. While I understand that the ESB and government have been engaging on this issue we need to see a concrete plan for the future of the plant put in place so that it can continue operations”, the Doonbeg businesswoman added.

NEWS

7

l HEAVE HO: Bronagh Brennan, Ruth Hurley and Kate McGuinness in action in Cork Photo by Declan Forest

Clare rowers fare well at An Rás Mór in Cork

CLARE rowing teams headed for Cork on June Bank Holiday Saturday to take part in the Cork Harbour festival rowing boat race An Rás Mor. Run on similar rules to the Great River Race London, the Ocean to City race involves over 250 boats and 600 rowers from all over Europe and is ran over 4 category distances Ocean course - 28km, City course 22km, Monkstown course -14km and an 8km junior race. It is the longest endurance rowing race in Ireland.

This year the West Clare Currach Club was strongly supported with entries from Fergus (Clarecastle), Kilkee, Kilrush and Kiladysart. Boat types included the traditional Clare currach which completed the course rowed by teams Kieran Garry, Noel Cusack, Louise Garry and Stephen Kearney, Susan Meaney and Brid Moynihan. The St Mary naomh óg from Dingle completed the course with Mary Stanford as captain guiding Stephen O'Brien, Sineád Cusack and Mairead O Brien over the Ocean Course of 28km. The Kildysart team of Eilish Cusack, Ronan Casey and Pa McMahon their Connemara racing currach on the long course.

The Clare rowers had great success overall with Fergus ladies team of Bronagh Brennan, Kate Mc Guinness and Ruth Hurley placing first in the ladies Ocean Course over 28km and also the first racing currach home. John Shannon and Ray O'Leary took first place for the club in three categories, first boat in the City course over 22km, first two man boat and first over 40s team. Up and coming talent was strongly displayed with Conor Cusack, Eve Garry and Jack Garry completing the junior course in style to take first place.

8 NEWS

THURSDAY, JUN 13 2019

Flynn back for second Mayor stint JOHNNY Flynn has been elected Mayor of Ennis for the second time in his political career.Now a member of Clare County Council for ten years, the Fine Gael representative was unanimously backed by fellow elected members of the Ennis Municipal District at their AGM on Tuesday.

Cllr Flynn became the first ever Mayor of the Ennis Municipal District in 2014 off the back of the local elections five years ago. The father of four had previously served on Ennis Town Council and admitted he is honoured to get the nod.

“It’s an important year, the Ennis 2040 Plan is coming out, we’re about to start early next year the review of the Ennis Municipal Development Plan, there are loads of issues ahead of us including housing, the hospital is a huge issue but for me this year one of the key issue I’ll be trying to make sure the critical dangerous road junctions such as Corrovorrin, Ballymachill and Shanaway that they are progressed fairly urgently, I know I will have the full support of my six elected members in driving this on, these are issues that have been going on for the last number of years”.

Last month, Johnny was the third candidate elected in the Ennis MD, he now succeeds Fianna Fáil’s Clare Colleran Molloy in the post of Mayor. He will be assisted by Ann Norton (IND) who was voted in as Deputy Mayor.

Cathal Crowe becomes second youngest ever Mayor of Clare PÁRAIC McMAHON

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paraic@clareecho.ie

ATHAL Crowe has been elected the Mayor of Clare following Friday’s Annual General Meeting of Clare County Council.

In what was the first local authority meeting for newly elected councillors including Shane Talty (FF), Joe Killeen (FF), Joe Garrihy (FG), Roisin Garvey (GP), Cillian Murphy (FF) and Mark Nestor (FF), the elected representatives unanimously proposed Crowe be elected as the first citizen of the county.

Crowe’s party colleague Pat McMahon proposed he take the Mayoral chain and predicted he would have “an outstanding year”. “It is my great pleasure to nominate him. I have worked with him since he was first elected. He has is an outstanding young councillor who has made huge contributions to the Shannon Municipal District and Co Clare. Cathal has a huge work

ethic and he deserves this position." Fine Gael’s Joe Cooney seconded the nomination and highlighted how the “county has benefited a lot over the past 15 years” from the power sharing agreement at local authority.

A crowded public gallery along with councillors rose to their feet to give Crowe a standing ovation as he succeeded Michael Begley. “For me there is no greater honour than to be First Citizen and represent the people of Clare,” he said.

As the eldest of his three children Sam began crying in the gallery, Cathal announced, “From now on it’s chains and nappies in our house”. He paid tribute to his wife, Maeve and their three children, Sam, Charlie and Eva. “Our house knows a lot about Mayors, we watch Paw Patrol, the central character Mayor Goodway goes around with a huge chicken under her arm, there is huge nepotism in it. When we mentioned Mayor the children were very interested but there will be no chicken coming home to the Crowe

lELECTED: Mayor Crowe and Deputy Mayor Colleran Molloy

house”. His parents, sisters, uncles and aunts, extended family, and supporters were acknowledged.

Prior to Crowe, Michael Brennan was the only individual from Meelick to hold the post of Mayor and he was also the youngest person to ever wear the chains. Cathal becomes the second youngest to be in the role.

The primary school teacher

added, “Villages like Broadford have no sewerage schemes, Roche is closing in Clarecastle and there is huge uncertainty in Moneypoint. Ennis General needs to be upgraded to Model 3 hospital status, I take the written pledge that I signed very seriously. The people of Clare need to get behind Shannon Airport, no more Green Buses to Dublin, fly Shannon.

Collectively we will be your team, we will strive for excellence. Like the Dalcassians of Clare, we will be the first into battle and last out”.

On the proposal of Alan O’Callaghan (FF) and seconding of Johnny Flynn (FG), Fianna Fáil’s Clare Colleran Molloy was elected Deputy Mayor (Leas-Cathaoirleach) of Clare County Council.

“The word thankful kept coming to mind as I thought of my words of acceptance as being elected Deputy Mayor. I’m thankful for my health and well-being, my family, my husband Tony, my friends and supporters, thankful for being elected a member of this body, thankful for being elected by you the members as Deputy Mayor of Clare."

Upset over Kerry Co Op shares proposal

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CONTRASTING views have been put forward ahead of Tuesday’s AGM of Kerry Co-op with several Clare shareholders to be affected from a vote on the creameries redemption scheme, writes Páraic McMahon.

There 13,500 shareholders in Kerry Co Op with hundreds of Clare farmers amongst them. It is estimated that the Co Op owns €2.5 billion of shares in Kerry Group PLC. The Brandon Hotel in Tralee hosts Tuesday’s AGM, shareholders have been advised to obtain independent tax advice before voting at the meeting.

A proposed cash for shares initiative is to be voted on. Directors of Kerry Co Op have criticised the “irresponsible level of scare mongering and confusion by elements opposing the scheme”. However one shareholder has told The Clare Echo, older shareholders are being led “like lambs to the slaughter” to approve the scheme.

Mundy Hayes, chairman of Kerry Co Op admitted that they are proposing the share redemption scheme to “bring liquidity to our shares which our shareholders have been demanding”. “The present scheme that we are bringing forward is a totally voluntary initiative, it’s a cash for shares scheme. There are great opportunities in this for people”.

He insisted the aim is to allow people secure the full value of their shares.

On how the scheme relates to shareholders, Mundy explained, “These shares are very valuable. Ten of these shares represent €6,000 in holding. For people from 120 to 150 shares that represents 50 per cent of our shareholders base, if you move that up to 200 or 300, then you’re looking at a total of 70 percent of our shareholders, from 400 to 500 is 83 percent of our shareholders base”.

He denied claims that Kerry Co Op would bring in the scheme regardless of the outcome from Tuesday’s vote. "The Board of Kerry Co Op is very responsible, it is democratically elected by the shareholders on a system in place since 1974 when it was founded, they take their responsibility very serious.”

Public meetings have taken place in Ennis, Limerick and Kerry in recent weeks as shareholders voiced their concerns to the Board. Dairy farmer, Dave Scannell was present at all three gatherings and insisted there was very little backing for the proposals.

“Those directors were the only people at the meeting that spoke out in favour of this scheme, nobody else that was there had anything positive to say about it. An elderly man in his seventies said that under the scheme it would take 20 years for him to get all shares out of it and he said ‘I know where I will be in 20 years time’. There wasn’t one person only the Board of Directors that spoke positively about it."

His grandfather was a founding shareholder in Kerry Co Op and Scannell was shocked with how little knowledge people had of the possible changes. “People are very upset about it, shareholders don’t have a clue what is going which is what would worry me, the simple facts are that if people understood this scheme, none of them would vote for it.

The vast majority of people there had no understanding about it and that is dangerous”.

Scariff dairy farmer and former Kerry Co Op Director, Sean Bugler, called on the board to withdraw the proposal. “Accountants are telling their clients that the proposed Share Redemption Scheme is not suitable for most shareholders. The shares are not being redeemed at their full rate, the selling price won’t be set until after the applications are submitted, the purchase or transfer price or other capital losses can’t be deducted."

THURSDAY, JUN 13 2019

NEWS 9

In quotes: the Donald's visit Donald Trump (45th President of the United States of America) - "You are certainly one of the leading countries in terms of people moving and living in the United States. We have millions of Irish and I think I know most of them because they're my friends. It's an honour to be here”.

Eric Trump (Executive Vice President of Trump Organisation) - "You see the support it is incredible.

It is simply incredible. The whole town showed up and we’ve done a lot for Doonbeg. We love Doonbeg.

We saved a great hotel. We love the people in this town and they love us. It is amazing. I have being watching news all over the world and we have people from Doonbeg on TV saying Trumps are great they’re the best. We have the best neighbours in the world and we love them. We appreciate them."

Tommy Tubridy (Owner of Tubridy’s Bar & Restaurant) - “It reminded me of 92 when we beat Kerry in the Munster Final, that was the atmosphere that we had in the village last night”.

Joe Russell (General Manager Trump Doonbeg) - “At the end of December this year, those rounds of drinks will be paid for by this business here. It was one of the biggest rounds of drinks bought since Clare won the All Ireland”.

Edward Horgan (Shannon Watch Peace Activist) - “I would make the analogy with Germany in the 1930s, the people of Germany, decent people I’m sure, most of them supported Hitler because he was creating jobs, improving the German economy, building autobahns, they deliberately ignored or chose to ignore what was happening to the Jews, Kristallnacht, the torturing and imprisonment. By ignoring what was going on, they were actively complicit in the Holocaust. The people of Shannon Airport, its employees and the people of Doonbeg I’m pleased to see people having jobs but jobs at the expense of people in the Middle East being killed or ignoring it, just remaining silent on the people in the Middle East being killed is in itself morally wrong. I was appalled to see a priest from Doonbeg, extolling Donald Trump saying he loves his neigbours.”

“That’s fake news” - punters in Comerford’s Pub respond to a query from The Clare Echo on whether reports of bingo being cancelled in Doonbeg were true.

Brian Shaw (Doonbeg Pro Golfer) - "When we last played he wasn't president but this time he was still able to...have the needle with us so we were teasing each other when anyone hit a bad shot."

Lucy Shanahan (13 year old who met Donald Trump in Doonbeg) - “He was very nice. He was asking was there going to be any future presidents there, or did we like golf and all that”.

Abbi Shanahan (local who met Trump) - “I debated whether or not to get out of bed this morning. It was unreal, so surreal. He was so sound like, he came down and asked where we interested in golf.”

Caroline Kennedy (Co-owner of The Igoe Inn) - “The pub was packed to capacity and we need more nights like that. It was absolutely a once in a lifetime experience and it’s great publicity for Doonbeg.

They’re the biggest employer in West Clare and there’s no-one from Ireland that’s doing the same so we’re not going to knock their brand."

Donald Trump Jnr (Executive Vice President of Trump Organisation) - “You can see the reception that we get. It is incredible. The town has been so good to us. We, obviously, invested here a long time ago. We took a real chance when Ireland wasn’t exactly ... and it has just turned out to be great. The warmth and the reception is just amazing."

l HISTORIC: President Donald Trump visitng Co Clare last week

Photo by Arthur Ellis

10 OPINION

THURSDAY, JUN 13 2019

EDITOR’S OPINION Stuart Holly

Disgusting lack of respect for Clare set-up

Those baying for blood should get a grip

W

EEKLY readers of The Clare Echo will have noted by now that the editor’s opinion gets a very rare outing. Truth be told, I’m not a fan - better to let the news speak for itself.

However this week I’m making an exception for the Clare hurlers and management, who have been thrown under a big, stinking double decker bus. It’s very easy to kick someone while they’re down and unfortunately, sections of the public and – maybe less predictably - of the local media have been good at it this week.

Behaving like a vengeful, scorned ex-wife.

For Donal Moloney, Gerry O’Connor and the Clare players collectively, this is undoubtedly their lowest point since October 2016 when they took the reins, full of hope that they might bring Clare to the promised land just as they had done with the U21s three times in a row. They almost did it last year and to a man, we all observed with pride the journey that the Clare senior hurlers brought us on. I’m sure, I’m not the only one who heard the expression “them lads owe us nothing” thrown about outside Croke Park and Semple Stadium during the heat wave of last year. But talk is cheap and 2019 is a new year.

Following two heavy defeats in two weeks in which Clare were steamrolled, the Banner has been lowered to the ground and stamping on it has become a blood sport. Much like the destiny of a losing Roman gladiator being decided by the baying crowds and the thumbs-down of their emperor, a septic element has crept into a small minority of supporters who have a misguided sense of flippant lordship over the Clare hurling set-up.

The editor of a long-running local newspaper in Clare – I’m talking about Peter O’Connell of The Clare Champion – had his say in last week’s edition of that newspaper following a poor showing by the Banner against Tipperary at Cusack Park. Under the headline, ‘Managers and players let their county down’, he wrote, “For Clare to redeem themselves, the players need to take control. If by now they haven’t forcibly had it out with each other as a group, they will embarrass themselves and their county again on Sunday.”

Not hard to read between the lines here – he believes these young men are an embarrassment to themselves and our county. A panel of young athletes, and a backroom team, who put in hours and hours of commitment for the cause of representing their family, neighbours, friends, and GAA people across the county. They put themselves and their reputations on the line to serve as summer entertainment for many people they do not know personally, who they happen to share a geographic location with. All of this for nothing but a love of the game and no pay cheque.

Peter followed that article up with a tweet on Sunday before the dust had settled on another walloping, this time at the hands of Limerick,

suggesting that the management step down with immediate effect. He has since deleted that tweet but left up another one saying he would “ideally” like them to be replaced by former Clare captain and manager Anthony Daly. A colleague of Peter’s referred to Clare’s display as “farcical”. To giddily call for the immediate resignation of the management team who have given up so much of their lives – unpaid, believe it or not – to coach an amateur sporting team?

Get a grip, lads. Notably, balanced analysis came from Anthony Daly himself in his article with The Irish Examiner on Monday.

While I’m a huge Clare hurling supporter, rugby is my game and another O’Connell, with the first name Paul, is a man of great balance.

More than once he has spoken about reacting to public criticism (and equally hype). His view on it is that a team is never as good as they’re hyped up to be and never as bad as they’re made out to be when they fall under the public microscope.

To state the obvious here; nobody is hurting more than the Clare hurlers and backroom team. Clare senior hurling’s communications officer, Mark Dunphy addressed recent online commentary about the Clare players and management as “way over the top” while Mark O’Donnell, a former GDA in Clare, labelled the personal abuse thrown at amateur sports people who commit 30+ hours per week for Clare hurling as “disgusting”, adding that our local media and broadcasters “should be ashamed of themselves”. And they should.

What I personally find most unfair is the lack of integrity shown by those baying for blood.

They could take a leaf out of Dónal Moloney and Gerry O’Connor’s book, perfectly illustrated by an article by Malachy Clerkin which recounted the “mid-winter frenzy” that followed Clare’s 2013 All-Ireland win.

“Shane O’Donnell’s life was everyone’s but his own…Everyone and his mother wanted a piece of O’Donnell at the time, to the point where he didn’t want to leave the house and couldn’t face the thought of having to deal with people. But the one voice that pierced the babel belonged to Donal Moloney. They huddled in the corner of a hotel in Cork away from the noise and talked about life and hurling and everything and nothing.

“The process of re-engaging with life as he knew it started there and then. ‘He’s more than just a hurling manager,’ O’Donnell told The Irish Times when he recounted the story. Moloney and Gerry O’Connor have had countless conversations like that with the Clare players over the past decade. Some of them, like Conor McGrath, Conor Ryan, Pat O’Connor, they’ve had under their wing since they were 13. They’ve watched them grow into men, decide on where their lives would go outside of hurling and find their way in the game all the while.”

It appears, here are two men who care about the fortunes of their players and truly

l A TALE OF TWO MANAGERS: Clare joint manager Donal Moloney (left) feels the pressure on the sideline last Sunday. Moloney and Gerry O’Connor have come in for a barrage of criticism following their side’s second heavy defeat in a row; (below) frustration spills over on the field as John Conlon gets to grips with Limerick’s Mike Casey Photo by Martin Connolly understand the pressures of inter-county hurling. So why now, is it socially acceptable for supporters and commentators to publicly belittle them? Because of two heavy defeats?

Dónal Moloney said this week, “Genuine fans will recognise it when players have been through a tough time, they’ll respond by providing them with good support.”

If Clare fall short this weekend, fine, but let the management team fall with the grace and respect they deserve. But until then, don’t cut them down. They have a battle on their hands at Cusack Park and I believe they utterly deserve that chance to show what fight is left.

FLYNN RE-ELECTED CATHAOIRLEACH OF SHANNON MD

Eilish retires after three decades of service CIAN O’BROIN news@clareecho.ie

F COUNCILLOR FLYNN ELECTED CATHAOIRLEACH OF SHANNON MD: L-R Councillor John Crowe; Councillor Cathal Crowe; Councillor Pat McMahon, Leas Cathaoirleach of Shannon MD; Siobhan O’Reilly, Administrative Officer; Councillor Gerry Flynn, Cathaoirleach of the Municipal District of Shannon, Liam Conneally, Director of Economic Development; Councillor Michael Begley and Councillor PJ Ryan.

PÁRAIC McMAHON news@clareecho.ie

G

ERRY Flynn has been re-elected as the Cathaoirleach of the Shannon Municipal District.

Elected to the final seat in the MD following a tense battle with Garret McPhillips (FG) less than a month ago, the Independent councillor will continue in the role of Cathaoirleach which was unanimously passed by fellow elected representatives on Tuesday. Fianna Fáil’s Pat McMahon continues as Leas-Cathaoirleach.

“We have a good team around the table. I welcome Michael Begley, he will be a great addition,” Cllr Cathal Crowe stated. According to Cllr Pat McMahon it was “a sign of hard work” that all elected representatives in the Shannon MD were

returned. “We work as a team, that reflects what we try to achieve and our aspirations. We have challenges but that is for another day,” the Newmarket-on-Fergus native said.

Attending his first meeting as a Shannon Municipal District councillor having previously represented the Killaloe Municipal District, Cllr Michael Begley observed of Cathal Crowe succeeding him as Mayor of Clare, “it is rare one Municipal District has two Mayors on the trot”.

Director of Service, Liam Conneally was optimistic for this Council term, “We’ll work together in the coming 12 months. We have a very good working relationship here, it is professional. We have lots of challenges not least work happening on Town Centre Plan and Streetscape, I will be updating the next meeting as to where that is at”.

Cllr Flynn was disappointed the District was not offered an invite to attend Donald Trump’s arrival to Shannon Airport last week. “There was no recognition of this District for the visit of Donald Trump, an opportunity should have been given to this Municipal District at a level of courtesy”.

RANCIS Maloney’s presence in Shannon rings loudly through the last three decades. Locals and those within the wider Clare region come from all over to purchase garden machinery and hardware equipment from both his business’ in Shannon. After thirty years of service, employee Eilish Ward has decided to hang up her boots from Maloney’s Hardware.

Francis acknowledged her substantial contribution to the company, right through its evolution as a modest hardware store to a resplendent retail outlet for high quality garden machinery. “She worked with us for over thirty years. She started with us the day we opened.” Locals gave her a warm send off on social media, recounting their many happy experiences with Eilish at Maloney’s Hardware store.

Francis opened up his garden machinery outlet after spotting a gap

in the market. “I decided to go for it after seeing a demand as well as the availability of space within the shopping centre.” Maloney Garden Machinery opened its doors to the public in 2005 and now bolsters a large open plan showroom displaying a large range of high-quality stock.

On the garden machinery industry itself Francis outlined that, “there isn’t that many similar outlets in Clare but at the same time you are competing with the B&Q’s and the Woody’s. We try not to compete with them. They have cheap versions of lawnmowers; they don’t have the aftersales service that we would have. I try to keep the better brands.”

Francis’ clientele hail from all over the county itself. One particular product that grabs customers attention is the highly convenient ‘Automower’.

“They are fantastic. I’ve been selling them for about twelve years. They are outselling the tractors now. All you have to do is set up a charging station and a boundary wire, so they won’t go past it. Then you set them on a timer and let them off themselves.

They are used for smaller urban gardens all the way up to an acre and a half.”

EXPERTS IN HARDWARE: Francis Maloney, Darren Dougan, Eilish Ward, Geraldine Maloney and Kevin Rowland.

COLUMNIST 13

THURSDAY, JUNE 13 2019

Top 5 Camping Locations in Clare

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After a week of the van life camping in Kerry I’ve been inspired to compile a list of the best spots to tour and see Co Clare. Most are reputable, safe campsites but (off the record!) sometimes the best spots are the ones you spontaneously stumble upon when roadtripping

MCCORMACK’S CARAVAN AND CAMPING PARK, FANORE:

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Some of my fondest memories growing up is that of time spent at the Fanore Beach.

There is something epic about those sand dunnes and the endless hours of fun to be had. Camping out here is the idea family seaside getaway with lots to do locally including fishing and horse riding and the campsite’s proximity to the sandy beach make this site a firm family favourite. The best of memories guaranteed.

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KILLALOE CAMPING:

Killaloe Camping is situated on the shores of the picturesque Lough Derg making this campsite a water lovers paradise.

There is lots of choice for great places to eat in Killaloe with great restaurants, bars and cafes along with plenty convenience stores locally for those looking to cook on site. With lots of local activities and amenities this lakeside getaway can be as action packed or as relaxed as you wish!

PURE CAMPING, KILKEE:

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This campsite offers a unique experience in it’s eco camping and glamping nature retreat. Complete with Bell Tents, Eco Wooden Cabins, tent and camper pitches, woodland trails, nearby pier and more it’s a true getaway, letting you unwind as you wake to the sounds of a country simple life!

NAGLE’S CAMPING, DOOLIN:

Situated on the verge of the Atlantic between the Cliffs of Moher and the Burren you simply couldn’t ask for a more picturesque setting. Just 100m from Doolin Pier, why not hop on board a Cliffs of Moher cruise or day trip to the Aran Islands. Complete with shop, services and cooking facilities this campsite has it all.

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THE COAST ROAD:

This one is a little controversial as some would argue it as unsafe but from experience the best camp spots are the spontaneous ones, when you discover a view you simply can’t leave behind! Clare is full of those spots and if it was me, the coast road between Doolin and Fanore with the Burren to your right and the Atlantic on your left, the opportunity to catch a glimpse of a pod of dolphins or whales amongst the beautiful karst landscape...this provides a “room with a view” like no other!

ADVERTORIAL 15

THURSDAY, JUN 13 2019

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First impressions last a life time; hence the beautifully ornate new front gardens as well as the courtyard complete with water feature, perfect for summer weddings or even as the space to host your civil ceremony. Once inside you will find a bespoke design entailing luscious carpets, striking colours and intricate wood panelling, combining to create distinct elements of sophistication and modern chic, all superbly complemented by the essential warm welcome and excellent cuisine and service delivered to every guest.

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guests can be hosted overnight too so they can relax and enjoy the celebrations all night.

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The dedicated wedding team work closely with the bride and groom through every step of the way to ensure their day is exactly as they imagined and more.

The team at Castletroy Park Hotel would be delighted to meet with you, show you around the venue and walk you through the wedding planning process. The next Wedding Showcase takes place from 5.00pm on Thursday June 27th.

To book an appointment to meet the team and take a look around, call 061 335566 or email sales@castletroypark.ie.

l STUNNING SETTING: Castletroy Park Hotel in Limerick is the perfect venue for your big day, with beautifully ornate new front gardens equipped to host a summer wedding and a 300-seater ballroom (below)

THURSDAY, JUNE 13 2019

ENTERTAINMENT

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REELING IN THE YEARS

with Cian O’Broin

1985 T

HIS year we look at the visit of Japan’s Emperor Prince Akihito and Princess Michiko to a number of historical sites across County Clare. 1985 also marked the year that the historical Dromroe Wood was ordained as a statutory nature reserve and we see the sanctity of Shannon airport and Ireland’s cherished neutrality on the line amidst US and Israeli tensions. Shall we begin…

Brid Mc Kenna and Mary Kirby enjoying the atmosphere at glór.

Pic by Mike Mulcaire

PATRICK HILLERY & JAPAN Political courtesies between nations extend deep into the history books.

Ireland and Japan seem like an unlikely pair. With stark contrasts in culture, president Patrick Hillery sought to bridge this gap in what was deemed as the first high-level exchange between the two in the year 1983. Clareman Patrick Hillery visited Izumo Taisha, a Shinto Temple during his state visit to Japan. The sacred site is comprised of a number of shrines dedicated to the Shinto gods. Rounding up the trip, the Hillery’s visited Mount Fuji, Tokyo and Nagasaki. Honouring the context of an ‘exchange’, Japan’s Crown Prince and Princess landed in Shannon on 1st March 1985, in an effort to familiarise themselves with traditional Irish culture in an extensive tour of County Clare. Board Failte archaeologist Dr. Brendan Harbison divulged his guests in the particulars of the early hunter turned farmer at Craggaunowen historical site. Princess Michiko expressed her deep interest in archaeology and didn’t take any of the exhibitions lightly. Her inquisitive nature led her to several exchanges with traditional craftsmen and women on the evolution of tool making. The pair visited Bunratty folk park to learn about village life in rural Ireland. Bean an Ti, Mrs. Brenda Murphy conducted a brown bread making lesson to the royals in her modest, straw top cottage. The Prince and Princess finished off their trip with a quick visit to J. J. Corry’s, the local pub. Reports exclaimed that neither of the pair were willing to sample any of the local brew, much to the disappointment of hopeful onlookers.

DROMROE WOOD INAUGURATED AS A NATURAL RESERVE Dromroe Wood is located in Ruan, County Clare. Originally the estate was privately owned by the Crowe Family. Thomas Crowe sold Dromroe in 1936. Up until the 1980’s the site was operating as a commercial woodland until the National Parks and Wildlife Services looked at protecting the plethora of natural species found within the areas wood, rivers, turloughs and callows. In 1985, Dromroe Wood was inaugurated as a Natural Reserve. Covering over one thousand acres the reserve is laden with natural flora and fauna as well as remnants of historical human settlement. A 17th century castle originally belonging to the O’ Brien’s can be seen by the lakes edge. Religious sentiments are still present in Kilakee Church and a chapel. The elusive Pine Marten are said to inhabit the area in force, despite their rare sightings. Their nocturnal habits lend to their tendency to bunk off in the presence of photographers. The thriving population of Red Squirrels within the reserve is seen as a huge disparity between their dwindling presence nationwide. In addition, there are a large number of badgers, stoats, fox and hares present within the reserve. Only one of the nine species of bats inhabiting Ireland is missing from the confines of Dromroe Wood. The River Fergus runs beside the Reserve and is home to otters, coots, moorhen, water rail and heron. Such a rich collection of wildlife only bolsters the natural beauty of County Clare.

ISRAELI STOPOVER FLIGHTS IN SHANNON In 1985 religious unrest masked itself in a very different guise to that which we are all familiar with up north. A report issued by the department of foreign affairs dated March 11th, 1985 warned of the repercussions of withdrawing military support from Lebanon which fell under our contractual peacekeeping agreement with the united nations. At the time, the Irish government was worried about Israeli stopover flights in Shannon, Ireland where they felt that military materials were being transported to and from the United States. Israeli Air Force planes were granted permission to fly over Irish airspace and stop at Shannon, under one condition only, that there were no military weapons of any kind on board. The secrecy of these routine stopovers caused great concern to the Irish government, who felt that the country’s neutrality was under threat. Requests from Israeli Air Force carriers to utilise the airspace in Shannon were often rejected.

Kirsty Warren and Rena Bryson.

Pic by Mike Mulcaire

That’s all for today folks, check back next week for what’s in store for 1986 in County Clare!

P.S. On a side note our editor Stuart was born in 1985, so definitely a great year.

18

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK

THURSDAY, JUNE 13 2019

Ronan Scully

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK Author spreading the word of positivity

I

A PRAYER OF LOVE FOR MY DAD ON FATHER’S DAY

N case you don’t know, it’s Father’s Day this coming Sunday (June 16th). In many countries, Father’s Day is celebrated on the third Sunday of June, and Ireland is no exception. For this year’s Father’s Day, I thought I should do something special about my Daddy . As all of you know, Father’s Day is a day to honor fathers and father figures alike. It is a day to celebrate fatherhood, paternal bonds, and the influence of the many good fathers in society today. As such, I’d like to dedicate this thought for the week to all fathers around Ireland and the world this weekend, as a tribute to them for all they have given to us and the joy they have brought to our lives and especially to my own amazing Daddy. I was so lucky and blessed to have my daddy who is thankfully still with us, organise my youngest daughter’s birthday celebrations recently in the company of other family members and grandchildren as I was away in Africa with my work with the Irish charity Self Help Africa. A great time of blessing to experience in anyone’s book. It got me thinking with Father’s day just upon us that the occasion of Father’s Day is special for all of us.

It’s a time to love, kiss and hug one of the most precious creations of God - our Daddy! Especially for those of us lucky enough to still have them with us. For him, we will always remain the small child, but this is the day to visit our Daddy, spend time with him, hold his hands and reassure him of our love and care. Father’s Day holds great significance for most of us. It’s that time of the year to let your father know that no one loves him more than his own children and grandchildren. It’s a time to be grateful to your father who in most cases can be one of the most loving, kind-hearted, understanding and caring person in your life. So this weekend celebrate Father’s Day with non-stop surprises. Father’s Day poses as a great opportunity to pamper your father for all that

he has done for you over the years.

You can never repay the debts, but on Father’s Day, you can create a magical place for your father to be delighted and fly high on love and life. In writing about Fathers’ Day, it has given me the opportunity to reflect on what has inspired me to become the type of father that I am. It’s only natural to think of my own Daddy, Ricey. I do not think I have been a perfect son at times for my daddy, but I know for certain that he has never stopped loving me, he has always forgiven me and he has alway given me another chance, indeed many chances if truth be told! You see my Daddy takes great pride in being a guide to all of his children. He gave us the greatest gift ever in that he believed in us! He is a hard working man who has found some success in different aspects of his life. He made a gigantic effort to teach us everything that he knew; and he encouraged us to learn even more about real life as we set-out on our own unique journey’s. You see being a father means that you are one of the most important guides to your children. They will follow your lead, consider your opinions and learn from your example. Knowing this, I must be an example today that will help prepare my children for tomorrow. I might not always get it right but I must try for their sake’s.

Father Figures I also believe that the father-figures in my life, like uncles, teachers, colleagues, neighbours, friends and sport trainers have helped me to understand that one of the most important things that I must strive to be is a good role model and put selfish interests aside and make a sincere effort to do the right thing. To make intelligent and thoughtful decisions that will benefit all who may be affected. Being a father has helped me to learn how to care for the less fortunate and those who need assistance at times. And I have learned that fathers unconditionally love those who need

the strong support of someone who sincerely cares. You see, just as many of the men in my family have been an example for me, I see my job as a father to be a strong role model for my two daughters, Mia and Sophie. As usual a story might help us better to understand the love between a father and his child.

A Father’s Love This teenager lived alone with his father due to the sudden loss of their most favourite person in the world their wife and mother, and the two of them had a very special relationship. Even though the son was always on the subs bench for the school hurling team, this father was always at the games. This young man was still the smallest of the class when he entered secondary school. But his father continued to encourage him but also made it very clear that he did not have to play hurling if he didn’t want to. But the young man loved hurling and decided to hang in there. He was determined to try his best at every training session.

All through secondary school he never missed training or a game, but always remained a sub. When the young man went to university in Maynooth, he decided to try out for the Fitzgibbon hurling team. Everyone was sure he could never make the panel, but he did.

The manager at the time was the great retired Limerick Hurler, Fr. Liam Ryan who admitted that he kept him on the panel because he always puts his heart and soul into every training session, and at the same time, provided the other members with the spirit and hustle they badly needed. The news that he had made the panel thrilled him so much that he rushed to the nearest phone and called his father. His father shared his excitement and said he would go to all the games. This persistent young hurler never missed practice during his four years at university, but he never got to play in any of the championship games. It was the end of his senior hurling

season, and as he trotted onto the practice field shortly before the big championship game, the manager Fr. Liam Ryan met him with a text message. The young man read the text message and he became deathly silent. Swallowing hard, he mumbled to Fr. Liam, “My father died this morning. Is it alright if I miss training today?” The manager Fr. Liam Ryan put his arm gently around his shoulder and said, “Take the rest of the week off. And don’t even plan to come back for the game on Saturday.

A Father’s Day Prayer A lovely prayer by Kirk Loadman that I like to pray now and then goes as follows, “Let us praise those fathers who have striven to balance the demands of work, marriage, and children with an honest awareness of both joy and sacrifice. Let us praise those fathers who, lacking a good model for a father, have worked to become a good father. Let us praise those fathers who by their own account were not always there for their children, but who continue to offer those children, now grown, their love and support. Let us pray for those fathers who have been wounded by the neglect and hostility of their children. Let us praise those fathers who, despite divorce, have remained in their children’s lives. Let us praise those fathers whose children are adopted, and whose love and support has offered healing. Let us praise those fathers who, as stepfathers, freely choose the obligation of fatherhood and earned their step children’s love and respect. Let us praise those fathers who have lost a child to death, and continue to hold the child with even greater love in their heart and soul. Let us praise those men who have no children, but cherish the next generation as if they were their own.

Let us praise those men who have “fathered” us in their role as mentors, teachers and guides. Let us praise those men who are about to become fathers; may they openly delight in their children. And let

us praise those fathers who have died, but live on in our memory and whose love continues to nurture us.”

Thought for the week As your thought for the week make your Father feel the most special man in the world by showing your care, love and affection.

To care for those who once cared for us is one of the highest honors.

We all know, how our parents cared for us over the years and gave us every little thing that we ever needed. Love them, respect them, and care for them. Most of all let your Father know how much you love him not just for Fathers Day but for all time. In been a Father to Mia and Sophie I have learned how to be a better listener, to be more compassionate, tender and patient. However, the most important thing that I may have learned from being a father is to be respectful. I believe being a father has helped me to better respect the gift of life, the people and friends in my life and the people around me whom I come into contact with. Writing this thought for the week has helped me to realize that Fathers’ Day is so much more than a celebration of fathers. It’s a celebration of all of the people in our lives like our parents, our wives, our friends, and the father figures who help father’s carry out their important role each and everyday. So be truly grateful for your father and for the other father-like figures that have selflessly supported you in your life. Finally to my Dad, Ricey, for all the things you’ve led me and my siblings through and taught us and continue to do. And for promising me that you will never leave me. Through and through you’ve shown me the ropes, Helping me in anything and everything I face, Everyday you’re there for me by simply calling your name. Rarely do I get to thank you enough. So on this special day, I do exactly that. Thank you Ricey for being my Daddy!

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24 COMMUNITY

Community ENNIS

THURSDAY, JUN 13 2019

CONTACT NEWSDESK

065 671 9021 news@clareecho.ie

ENNIS

FLEADH CHEOIL AN CHLAIR Fleadh Cheoil an Chlair dancing competitions take place in Tracey’s West County Inn on this coming weekend. Sean nOs dancing commences at 6pm on Friday June 14th with set dancing competitions from U9 to Senior taking place at the same venue on Saturday 15th from 10am. On June 22nd/23th the music, singing and Comhra competitions take place in St Flannan’s college with group and band competitions in Tracey’s West County. Fleadh Cheoil an Chlair is being organised by Doora Barefield & Cr. na Coradh branches of Comhaltas. On Saturday June 22nd a visiting group of 70 Italian dancers will attend at Cois na hAbhna at 8p.m. for a night of Music & dance.

NIGERIA THROUGH OUR LENS The association of Nigerian community in Clare launched a book for primary school students in Clare Education Centre, Kilrush Road, Ennis on Thursday titled Nigeria Through our Lens. In attendance were the school principals, councillors and members of the general public.

TESTING FOR HEP C Following the success of their rapid testing for Hepatitis C session in March, NCCWN Clare Women’s Network and GOSHH will run another event in Ennis. The free rapid Hepatitis C testing morning will take place on Monday, June 17th from 10am – 1pm at the Clare Women’s Network premises in the Clonroad Business Park, Ennis. People do not need to book in advance, they can just drop in on the day. Rapid HIV tests are also available. Results for both are immediate.

GOSHH have been providing Hepatitis C tests to people since 2015.

The testing service has been steadily growing and is contributing to finding unknown cases within communities as well as linking people back in with medical care, so they can access treatment. Hepatitis C is now completely curable, it comes in the form of one tablet a day for 12 weeks with little or no side effects.

ENNIS GAELSCOIL FOOTBALLERS VICTORIOUS AT GAEL LINN FÉILE PEILE The young footballers of Gaelscoil Mhichíl Chíosóig, Ennis, won the Munster title at the recent Féile Peile Gael Linn 2019 held in the Waterford Gaeltacht area of An Rinn last week.

In an action-packed and sporting final, there was no stopping the hungry Gaelscoil Mhichíl Chíosóig team who come out tops against opponents Scoil na nÓg, Glanmire, Cork with a scoreline of 3-9 to 3-7. School Principal Dónal Ó hAiniféin, along with teachers Sharon Uí Riain and Ruairí Chesser, were delighted with their young charges’ victory, as they were narrowly beaten in last year’s final. Team captain Marco Ó Cléirigh accepted the Gael Linn Cup on behalf of the winning team from special guest, Waterford Senior County Footballer, Tadhg Ó hUallacháin.

Organized annually by Gael Linn as a ‘get together as Gaeilge’ for students from Gaelscoileanna and Gaeltacht national schools, with funding from Foras na Gaeilge, this year’s tournament was another resounding success. Almost 150 students, along with their teachers took part in the two-day festival at Coláiste na Rinne in Waterford. Teams of nine players per side were comprised of boys and girls from the senior classes in the schools. Each of the eight teams played at least three matches during that time, and those with the highest points progressed to the semi-finals and then on to the final.

The visitors were accommodated in the historical Coláiste na Rinne, and many of them availed of the opportunity to visit places of interest in the area during their stay. Aside from the football, there was also great sport at the tablequiz, concert and céilí, organized in the evening for the young people.

This provincial tournament was the last of five such events held in Gaeltacht areas in Counties Meath, Donegal, Kerry, Galway and Waterford during the months of May and June. Commending all the participants, Tomás Ó Cadhla, Gael Linn, said: ‘Our aim is to provide enjoyable events such as this for young people, to enourage and enhance their use of Irish. We are very grateful to all at Coláiste na Rinne for their welcome and for affording us every facility for the event.’

The jubilant Gaelscoil Mhichíl Chíosóig team were given a great welcome back to their school in Ennis and will no doubt be celebrating their great win for some time to come.

Top 40 ‘dad jokes’ this Father’s Day

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N MOST houses, the lack of quality from dad’s comedy material is often the running joke of the house - but deep down we all love a good ‘dad joke’.

With that in mind, The Clare Echo brings you our favourite dad jokes of all time to help you keep the family entertained this Sunday.

1. Did you hear about the restaurant on the moon?

Great food, no atmosphere.

2. What do you call a fake noodle? An Impasta.

3. How many apples grow on a tree? All of them.

4. Want to hear a joke about paper? Nevermind it’s tearable.

5. I just watched a program about beavers. It was the best dam program I’ve ever seen.

6. Why did the coffee file a police report? It got mugged.

7. How does a penguin build it’s house? Igloos it together.

8. Dad, did you get a haircut? No I got them all cut.

9. What do you call a Mexican who has lost his car?

Carlos.

10. Dad, can you put my shoes on? No, I don’t think they’ll fit me.

11. Why did the scarecrow win an award? Because he was outstanding in his field.

12. Why don’t skeletons ever go trick or treating? Because they have no body to go with.

13. I’ll call you later. Don’t call me later, call me Dad. 14. What do you call an elephant that doesn’t matter? An irrelephant 15. Want to hear a joke about construction? I’m still working on it.

16. What do you call cheese that isn’t yours? Nacho Cheese.

17. Why couldn’t the bicycle stand up by itself? It was two tired.

18. What did the grape do when he got stepped on? He let out a little wine.

19. I wouldn’t buy anything with velcro.

It’s a total rip-off.

20.

The shovel was a ground-breaking invention.

21. Dad, can you put the cat out? I didn’t know it was on fire.

22. This graveyard looks overcrowded. People must be dying to get in there.

23. Whenever the cashier at the grocery store asks my dad if he would like the milk in a bag he replies, “No, just leave it in the carton!”

24. Five out of four of people admit that they’re bad with fractions.

25. Two goldfish are in a tank. One says to the other, “do you know how to drive this thing?”

26. What do you call a man with a rubber toe? Roberto.

27. What do you call a fat psychic?

A four-chin teller.

28. I would avoid the sushi if I was you. It’s a little fishy.

29. To the man in the wheelchair that stole my camouflage jacket... You can hide but you can’t run.

30. The rotation of earth really makes my day.

31. I thought about going on an all-almond diet. But that’s just nuts 32. What’s brown and sticky? A stick.

33. I’ve never gone to a gun range before. I decided to give it a shot!

34. Why do you never see elephants hiding in trees? Because they’re so good at it.

35. Did you hear about the kidnapping at school? It’s fine, he woke up.

36. A furniture store keeps calling me. All I wanted was one night stand.

37. I used to work in a shoe recycling shop. It was sole destroying.

38. Did I tell you the time I fell in love during a backflip? I was heels over head.

39. I don’t play soccer because I enjoy the sport. I’m just doing it for kicks.

40. People don’t like having to bend over to get their drinks. We really need to raise the bar.

28 ADVICE / OPINION

THURSDAY, JUN 13 2019

Eoin Neylon

An inside look at Clare’s political spectrum 065 6828 383

www.cahirsolicitors.com

36 Abbey Street, Ennis

Cycling accidents

“NOTHING COMPARES TO THE SIMPLE PLEASURE OF RIDING A BIKE” – JOHN F KENNEDY

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YCLING as a hobby on the increase.

Accidents do happen however. It is reported that in excess of 2,600 cyclists were hospitalised in road accidents in 2015 and 2016, writes Sharon Cahir of Cahir & Co Solicitors.

In 2008, 13 cyclists were fatally injured on Ireland’s roads. In the same year, 27 cyclists sustained serious injury and 308 were lucky enough to walk away with relatively minor bumps and scrapes. 299 bicycle accidents occurred in Ireland’s cities and towns in 2008 compared to only 50 accidents overall in rural areas in the same year. Sadly, of these 50, seven accidents were fatal compared to only six cyclist deaths in the towns. The Irish Times reported half of fatal cyclist accidents in 2017 occured on a Sunday, and most of them were during daylight hours.

Cycling accidents occur frequently on our roads with collisions occurring between motorists, pedestrians and other cyclists.

The most common types of cyclist and motorists accidents occur when; l Drivers make a right in front of a bicycle coming towards it l Motorists collide with a bicycle when changing lanes or overtaking often resulting in ‘side-swiping’ l Car doors are opened in front of cyclists as they approach l Drivers hit cyclists when turning left where the cyclist is on the inside l Drivers can be distracted by mobile phones and in-car technology The common types of injuries to occur to cyclists range from head injuries, whiplash, collarbone and arm/leg injuries including devastating fatal injuries.

The following non-exhaustive list sets out the matters which you should attend to when you have a bicycle accident; l Immediately obtain details of the other drivers to the accident, their vehicles and their insurance details. Exchange your details for future communication. You may need to consider if you have contributed to the accident. l If either of the parties has been injured at the scene contact the Gardai immediately and ask them to attend the scene of the accident - their presence will be necessary if there is a dispute at the scene. l It may be appropriate to take photos at the scene and the location of the vehicle and bicycle to assist insurance companies clarify liability. The liable party is the person(s) or entity responsible for the injury or damage. Even if you are not certain as to who is at fault, follow the procedures.

In some cases you still may be entitled to partial reimbursement even if contributory negligence is apportioned on your part – for example where you contributed to your own accident with the vehicle. l If there are any independent witnesses to the accident you should take details of those witnesses. l You should immediately seek medical attention and retain all records of doctors that you attend, the dates you first attend them. Going to your GP or A&E department, depending on the severity of the accident,

will ensure you get the correct treatment.

It will help provide documented medical evidence of the injuries you have suffered in the event you are requested to produce evidence on your injuries at a later date. l Record the information of the incident and keep a date log of your medical progress, attendances at doctors, consultants and hospital. l Retain all receipts in respect of medical attendances and prescription and medication so the insurance company can restore the cost to you.

In the case of hit-and-run cycling incidents or any circumstance where the other party leaves the scene early, you may still be able to make a claim provided there is evidence of some sort that the cycle accident did happen and that injuries were incurred. The Motor Insurance Bureau of Ireland may deal with your claim if the offending party was driving without insurance. l Report the accident Gardaí and insurance company. This is an important step to take if you are injured in a road traffic cycling accident. In some cases the Gardaí may not attend at the scene right away unless there are serious injuries or there is a danger to others at the scene but you should still report the incident to the local Garda station as soon as you are able.

Ireland, it is also reported, has the second worst record for fatal and serious motorbike accidents in Europe. The Road Safety Authority states in its annual Road Collision Factbook that, “For a motorcyclist, the risk of dying in a traffic crash per vehicle kilometres travelled is about 21 times higher than that for a car occupant,” and, as motorbikes do not offer riders and pillion passengers the same back and head injury protection as a car would in a similar collision, there is a greater risk of serious injury in any motorbike accident. The necessity to think safety first cannot be over stated.

According to the RSA, the most common types of incidents and collisions occurred between two vehicles (63.4%), 34.4% of incidents were single-vehicle collisions, 1.1% involved a motorcyclist and a cyclist and 1.1% involved a collision between a motorcyclist and a pedestrian. In two-vehicle collisions, 70% were between a motorcyclist and a private car with the remaining 30% involving, trucks, jeeps, tractors or pickup truck towing a trailer. l Injuries resulting from motorbike accidents tend to be far more serious than those from bicycle and even car accidents.

If you have been involved in a motorcycle accident that was not your fault, then you may be entitled to be reimbursed in respect of the out-of-pocket expenses and medical or consultant fees you have sustained and time off work where your employer may not cover your loss of earnings.

If you have suffered a bicycle loss or sustained injuries in an accident, come in and speak to us so we can get you reimbursed and put back in pocket.

Visit www.cahirsolcitors.com, phone 065 6828383 or call in by appointment to Cahir & Co Solicitors at 36 Abbey Street, Ennis.

Mission accomplished, Mr President...

"T

HE Donald has left the building”, is how one friend marked the departure of the US President from our shores (in a terrible American accent). The visit of Trump, though not a state visit, was always going to stir up debate. A historic visit? Of course. A monumental one? Definitely not.

There wasn’t the same pomp in welcoming him as five years ago when he was greeted with music, a red carpet and then Finance Minister Michael Noonan in Shannon. This was a much more muted affair which is strange given the fact that five years ago he arrived as a private citizen. His record as the 45th President has not won him many friends this side of the Atlantic, some notable exceptions aside. With no itinerary outside Clare, the country’s media was firmly pointed in our direction.

Opinions of locals sought for almost every talk radio show and newspaper that exists on this island. If boosting the brand of Trump International Golf Links Ireland was the main purpose of Trump’s visit, then it must be said; “Mission Accomplished Mr. President.”

There’s hardly a person in Ireland who doesn’t now know exactly where Doonbeg is. What’s more, there’s not a single person who doesn’t know how happy the locals were to see the Trump family.

Pictures of badly pulled pints and smiling school children have beamed across the globe.

With 62% of Trump Doonbeg visitors coming from the US, that certainly isn’t going to do business at the village any harm. However, the debate since he left has centred on protest. Was it right to give Trump the céad mile fáilte?

Were protesters right to voice their opinion of his policies as President and comments on women, migrants and LGBTQ people? Yes is the answer to both… and so is, no. One thing we’ve proven when it comes to international diplomacy is our uncanny ability to be on both sides of the fence.

Let’s start with those who were pro-the Trump visit.

Their argument is that Trump made a significant investment in the West Clare resort that brings unprecedented levels of employment to the locality.

True, however, he’s far from

the knight in shining armour some people make out. For starters, Trump wasn’t the sole person looking to rescue a forgotten west Clare at the time. In fact, Ernest and Young, acting as receivers for the property, noted that there was huge domestic and international interest in acquiring the business. If it wasn’t to be Trump to step up and take ownership, there was a long list of others heavily competing to step in. At €15m, it was a steal for the Trump organisation. The Donald wasn’t the only show in town so can we please stop venerating him as if he were? Secondly, Trump’s acquisition at the time was also bad news for many people who initially lost jobs at the resort as Trump brought in his own people. However, a lot of this history has already been forgotten and rewritten.

I even heard one local on national radio giving thanks for Trump building the golf course! This of course didn’t happen. The resort opened a full 12 years before Trump ever heard of County Clare.

Then there’s the protesters.

I’m always in awe of those who make it their mission to protest US presidents in Ireland. Usually it’s only Republican presidents they reserve this for, even though Clinton and Obama were every bit as invested in geo-political engineering as any other US president in my lifetime. But US presidents aside, where were these protestors when then Chinese Vice-President and heir apparent to the Communist party of China leadership, Xi Jinping came to Clare in 2012? Surely China, among the worst countries for human rights abuses, global polluters

and geo-political engineers would warrant similar if not stronger protest and shunning by politicians? Not so. Jinping was dined in Bunratty, visited farms in Sixmilebridge, kicked a bit of ball in Croke Park. The only dissenting voice I recall was then Socialist TD Joe Higgins. Yet there was the national media positively salivating over the sight of the Chinese “Premier-elect” in a pair of wellies in East Clare. This being the same national media that accused residents of West Clare of being an embarrassment last week. At least the people of Doonbeg can safely say they aren’t hypocrites!

Yes, a visiting US President will always cause that bit more of a stir considering our close links. It’s also true to say we expect better of the US. However, Donal J. Trump is the US President and should be welcomed as such. He should also listen to the complaints of some of his country’s closest allies when they tell him just how wrong he has things.

Likewise, the people of Doonbeg are right to welcome the man who invested so much in their village, but they can’t separate him from the policies he’s implementing. It doesn’t work that way. If he used his position to aid the battle against climate change rather than deny it, maybe he’d not need his sea wall in Doonbeg!

At the end of the day, it’s not up to me to tell people how to think about Trump. All I’d like to see is consistency. My last thought on the whole affair is reserved for Leo Varadkar. I find it apt that he refused to travel to West Clare to hold a meeting. It seems the man and his policies are similar in ignoring our Atlantic shore.

ALL PALS: Varadkar, Trump and Melania in Clare last week

Photo by Julien Behal

MOTORING

MOTORING EXPERT NEIL BRISCOE GIVES HIS VIEWS

NISSAN LAUNCHES NEW NV250 VAN

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NEW COMPACT VAN CAN HAUL UP TO 800KG ISSAN has today unveiled the latest addition to its Light Commercial Vehicle line-up: the new NV250 compact van.

Featuring enhanced safety and reliability thanks to on-board Nissan Intelligent Mobility technologies and an industry-leading five year / 160,000km warranty, the NV250 ensures today’s business owners are ready for anything.

Customers will benefit from multiple engine and interior configurations and two body lengths and a comprehensive range of conversions. for optimum practicality and functionality.

The NV250 will be on sale across Europe from September 2019.

Additional key features include: an 800kg payload and two body lengths, enhancing cargo-carrying capabilities for seamless deliveries; Euro6D-Temp compliant for reduced CO2 emissions and optimised fuel efficiency translating into lower overall running costs; Numerous on-board Nissan Intelligent Mobility technologies, including

Hill Start Assist and Extended Grip; Nissan’s industry-leading five-year or 160,000 km warranty comes as standard.

Paolo D’Ettore, Light Commercial Vechicles Director for Nissan Europe, said “The new Nissan NV250 is the perfect compact van for small businesses with big aspirations. By enabling customers to choose the version that is just right for them, the NV250 encourages more agile business deliveries and greater leisure freedom.”

The panel version is offered in two body lengths (L1 / L2) and comes with several seating configurations, These features mean the NV250 can handle everything from quick urban deliveries to transporting larger materials for construction sites.

The NV250 incorporates a proven and efficient 1.5-litre diesel engine, with three different powertrain options available.

The NV250 will also be offered alongside the e-NV200, Nissan’s pioneering and class-leading zero emissions compact van which has sold more than 20,000 units across Europe since launch.

We’re 7 years old and you’re invited to our party At your local Dacia dealer from 13th-15th June Come and celebrate with us and enjoy all the fun, treats and birthday frolics.

We’re also gifting you with...

ZERO Deposit & 1 Years Free Road Tax HOGAN MOTORS ENNIS Gort Road, Ennis, Co. Clare Tel 065 6821704 www.hoganmotorsennis.ie Model Shown: Dacia Duster Prestige Sce 115. RRP €21,290. Finance example Duster ESSENTIAL SCe 115. RRP €17,390. Deposit €0. Term 36 monthly payments of €318, weekly payments of €73. Payments are drawn monthly. APR 4.9%. Total cost of credit €1,819 inc fees of €150. Optional final payment €7,617. Excess mileage plus excess wear and tear charges may apply upon return of Vehicle. Offer is made under a hire purchase agreement. Subject to lending criteria. Terms and conditions apply. Offer exclusive to Dacia Bank. See Dacia.ie [Warning: You will not own these goods until the final payment is made]. Dacia Bank is a trading name of RCI Banque Branch Ireland and is authorised and regulated by the French banking authority and supervised by the Central Bank for conduct of business purposes. Offer available at Dacia participating dealers.

Property

Beautiful homes all over the County

5

3

15 CREGAUN, TOBERTEASCAIN, ENNIS, CO. CLARE

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€269,000

3 €225,000

CAHERBARNA, LISCANNOR, CO. CLARE

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OSITIONED on a corner site, this newly constructed 5 bedroomed detached house is located in the heart of the popular residential area of Tobarteascain just a short stroll to all town amenities, including secondary schools, recreational facilities, transport links and the retail and social scene of Ennis town centre. The quality that is featured from the moment you approach this property with the brick paved driveway leading to the bright entrance hallway which features glass panelled doors to the main reception and kitchen/diner.

From the spacious reception double French doors lead to the dining area which further leads to the rear gardens, which are not overlooked, via the sliding patio door. Also at Ground Floor level is the fully fitted utility and downstairs shower room. PSL No. 002295

HREE bedroom detached bungalow set on an elevated 0.5 acre site, with fantastic site overlooking Liscannor Bay with views of the Atlantic Ocean, located in a quiet rural setting within a 5 minute drive of the villages of Liscanor, Lahinch and Ennistymon with views of the surrounding countryside and views of the coastline of Kerry which can be seen on a fine day. Viewing is strictly by prior appointment with Sole Selling Agents. L-shaped Hallway 3.08m (10’1”) x 1.08m (3’7”) Steps up to main door and teak stained panel glass door giving access into L-shaped hallway, other side of hallway giving access to bedrooms (8.8m x 1.0m) note this part of the hallway has a stira stairs giving access to first floor storage space. PSL No. 002295

Contact: Cormac O’Sullivan, DNG O’Sullivan Hurley, 74 O’Connell Street, Ennis Tel: (065)6840200 PSL 002295

Contact: Douglas Hurley , DNG O’Sullivan Hurley, 74 O’Connell Street, Ennis Tel: (065)6840200 PSL 002295

10 BURREN COURT, BALLYVAUGHAN, CO. CLARE

1 PARNELL COURT, ENNIS, CO. CLARE

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OCATED in the small town centre gated development of Parnell Court, No. 1 is a bright and spacious 3 bedroomed town house, an Ideal purchase for the first time buyer or investor. The property is very well configured with a spacious and bright open plan Kitchen/Living/Dining which features the sliding patio door onto a private paved patio which also has separate access from the side of the building. Also at ground floor level is the fully fitted utility and downstairs WC with a Cloakroom and an additional storage press. To the first floor are 3 bedrooms all of which have built in wardrobes with integrated drawer sets and the main bathroom which is fully tiled ceiling to floor. This is an excellent town centre property with all conveniences on your doorstep and viewing is strictly by prior appointment. PSL No. 002295 Contact: Cormac O’Sullivan, DNG O’Sullivan Hurley, 74 O’Connell Street, Ennis Tel: (065)6840200 PSL 002295

6 OFFERS IN EXCESS OF:

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€800,000

URREN Court is a beautiful scheme of 8 x 2-bedroomed units, 4 ground floor and 4 first floor in 2 separate blocks with an old traditional thatch cottage unit to the front that can be made into a 1/2 bedroom separate unit or can also be integrated as part of the larger service area. Excellent potential as retreat/art studios, potential restaurant with a separate 1 bedroomed unit overhead the rear of the service area.

Nestled in the rear of the beautiful Burren area, within striking distance of many amenities, village of Ballyvaughan, Burren, Aillwee Caves, Cliffs of Moher, famous matchmaking town of Lisdoonvarna.

The overall site is approximately 2 acres with beautifully manicured garden. PSL No. 002295

Contact: Douglas Hurley , DNG O’Sullivan Hurley, 74 O’Connell Street, Ennis Tel: (065)6840200 PSL 002295

CHURCH STREET, KILMIHIL, CO. CLARE

€110,000

4 OFFERS IN EXCESS OF:

6

€349,500

KILNABOY ROAD, COROFIN, ENNIS, CO. CLARE

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€390,000

DOUBLE Bedrooms (all En-suites), 3 Reception Rooms, Large Kitchen/Dining, Formal Dining, Sun Room, Utility, Family Room, Main Bathroom.

Exquisite detached executive home over 3,500 sq.ft. in size finished to the highest standard throughout, with 3 reception rooms, large kitchen/dining, formal dining, 6 double bedrooms (all en-suite), detached block garage with overhead storage all set on a beautifully landscaped site with raised beds, cut stone wall front boundary, patio area and raised decking area to mention a few of the attributes to this elite property.

VIEWING IS STRICTLY BY PRIOR APPOINTMENT WITH SOLE SELLING AGENT. PSL No. 002295

HIS is a truly exquisite executive home offers 3,000 square feet of bright spacious and well proportioned living accommodation all finished to an exceptional standard. Raised area to front giving access to painted and glazed front door via raised granite steps. Four large double bedrooms, all en-suite, with the master suite also boasting a walk-in wardrobe. The current owner have ensured the best in top quality finishes are expressed throughout with Solid Walnut Kitchen, High quality Trevertine tiles and solid oak flooring throughout with a bespoke hand crafted oak staircase andTrevertine Fireplace also of note. Set on a landscaped site on the edge of the village of Corofin known as the Gateway to the Burren, within walking distance of all amenities and just 15 minutes from Ennis. PSL No. 002295

Contact: Douglas Hurley , DNG O’Sullivan Hurley, 74 O’Connell Street, Ennis Tel: (065)6840200 PSL 002295

Contact: Douglas Hurley, DNG O’Sullivan Hurley, 74 O’Connell Street, Ennis Tel: (065)6840200 PSL 002295

EchoSport

Forgettable day for Clare Munster Championship Round 4 Limerick 1-28 Clare 0-13

Clare: Aaron Shanahan (Tulla), Storm Devanney (Sixmilebridge), Adam Hogan (Feakle), Cillian McGroary (Corofin), Jarleth Collins (Eire Og), Colm O’Meara (Clonlara), Tony Butler (St Joseph’s Doora Barefield), Oisin Clune (Feakle), Cormac Murphy (O’Callaghans Mills) (0-2), Shane Meehan (The Banner) (0-4), Cian Galvin (Clarecastle), (0-1), Oisin O’Donnell (Crusheen), Conor Hegarty (Inagh/Kilnamona), (0-1), Diarmuid Cahill (Corofin), Keith Smyth (Killanena) (0-4fs). Subs: Killian O’Connor (Corofin) for Murphy, Dylan Downes (Sixmilebridge), (0-1) for O’Donnell, Shane Punch (Ruan) for Smyth.

JAMES MULVIHILL @ LIT Gaelic Grounds

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LARE were a very flat force on Sunday and their Championship prospects look to be in serious trouble following a heavy defeat at the hands of Limerick. The Banner men were outplayed throughout and will need to improve when Cork come to Cusack Park this weekend.

The Treaty men took a strong grip of this contest early on after Clare failed to convert two goal chances, and that set a tone which would continue to the finish. Limerick led by 0-09 to 0-04 after 18 minutes, with all of Clare’s scores coming through Peter Duggan frees. The Clooney-Quin man would get Clare’s first and only point from play in the first half but Limerick scored the last four points before the break to lead by 0-15 to 0-07 at the interval.

Things went from bad to worse for Clare who struggled to win any primary possession in scoring positions in the second half. A Tony Kelly point from play would provide a glimmer of false hope as Limerick marched on with var-

ious scorers, including Graeme Mulcahy, Aaron Gillane, Diarmuid Byrnes, Tom Morrisey and Peter Caseyearly in the second half. A stunning Peter Duggan side-line cut left the score at 0-22 to 0-11 after 55 minutes. Limerick scored the only goal of this contest when a long delivery from Kyle Hayes was won by Gillane and he made no mistake in rifling the ball past Donal Tuohy and Limerick were out of sight.

Limerick scored the next three points through Peter Casey (two) and Aaron Gillane (free). Clare responded through Colm Galvin.

The next two points were shared through a long-range free from Shane Dowling and Duggan from play. Limerick scored the last two points through Darragh O’Donovan and Gillane (65) to end a forgettable game for Clare. The attendance was 29,611.

Limerick: Nickie Quaid; Sean Finn, Mike Casey, Richie English; Diarmuid Byrnes (0-1), Declan Hannon (0-1), Paddy O’Loughlin; Cian Lynch, William O’Donoghue (0-1); Gearoid Hegarty (0-2), Kyle Hayes (0-1), Tom Morrisey (0-3); Aaron Gillane (1-11,7fs,1 ‘65’), Graeme Mulcahy (0-2), Peter Casey (0-4).

Subs: Darragh O’Donovan (0-1) for O’Dono-

Minors suffer first defeat

The Clare minors suffered their opening defeat of this campaign at the hands of Limerick on a score of 0-16 to 0-13 at the LIT Gaelie Grounds on Sunday. Shane Meehan produced an outstanding performance scoring four points from play. Clare take on Cork in Cusack Park this weekend and need a win to secure a place in the Munster Final.

Leitrim for footballers

C l ALMIGHTY STRUGGLE: Jack Browne and Peter Casey jockey for position Photo by Martin Connolly ghue (55 mins), Shane Dowling (0-1f) for Hegarty (56 mins), Dan Morrisey for Hannon (62 mins), Seamus Flanagan for P. Casey (62 mins), Pat Ryan for Mulcahy (68 mins).

Clare: Donal Tuohy; Patrick O’Connor, David McInerney, David Fitzgerald; Cathal Malone, Jack Browne, Conor Cleary; Shane Golden, Colm Galvin (0-1); Peter Duggan (0-11,8fs,1 side-line), Tony Kelly (0-1), Aron Shanagher; Shane O’Donnell, John Conlon, Podge Collins.

Subs: Aidan McCarthy for Golden (H/T), Diarmuid Ryan for Shanagher (49 mins), Seadna Morey for Fitzgerald (51 mins), Jason McCarthy for Collins (58 mins), Niall Deasy for O’Donnell (65 mins).

Referee: James Owens (Wexford).

LARE’S senior footballers have been drawn to play Leitrim away in their first qualifier outing of the year.

Leitrim’s two-point win over Wicklow at the weekend was only their fourth ever qualifier win and having been promoted from Division 4 of the Allianz National Football League. Terry Hyland’s side will be aiming to utilise home advantage when they meet Clare on the weekend of June 22/23 at Páirc Seán Mac Diarmada .

To date in this year’s championship, Clare recorded a one-point win over Waterford and lost by six to Kerry in the Munster semi-final.

Corner back Kevin Harnett will miss the qualifier clash, the Meelick man sustained a broken

bone in his cheek and concussion in the loss to Kerry.

Speaking at the weekend, Hyland was hopeful the extra games would improve Leitrim as the summer progresses. “I’m a realist. These lads need a lot more work in them to compete against the Roscommons of the world, from both a physical point of view and a football point of view. That’s something that we’re going to work on and these games will give us more time to work as a unit. And they will get better on that back of that.

“Qualifiers mean more games, it’ll bring lads on, and it gets them against better opposition, it gets to think faster. It’s summertime football which is something these lads haven’t experienced in the last number of years.”

The Scorecard A ‘difficult week’ for Clare admits Moloney in association with

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ACK to back drubbings for the Clare senior hurlers as it all comes down to next weekend and needing a win over Cork - plus Limerick to draw with or beat Tipperary for joint manager Donal Moloney lifting the spirit of his players is a hurdle they must overcome, writes Páraic McMahon.

As he emerged from a downbeat dressing room, Moloney admitted to reporters he had come from a very disappointed environment. “It’s been a difficult week and a difficult day today, fair play to Limerick they brought a really top class performance today and they were a good bit ahead of us”.

Last Sunday’s 13 point loss to Tipperary has still left its mark on them, he felt. “Guys wanted to react, Limerick wanted to react as well, they brought the best performance today through the field, I think we have to recognise that. No matter what we tried they seemed to close us down and have more energy than us, maybe last week’s defeat had an impact on us in terms of the energy we brought to the table.”

Clare needed to take the game to Limerick from the off, goal chances presented themselves but vital blocks from Sean Finn and a Declan Hannon interception prevented any inroads. “Limerick scrambled well to close them down but we had opportunities there and we expected them to come, we had planned for those but Limerick closed them down very well. Unfortunately they were slicker than us throughout the field,” he reflected.

Their immediate future and possible progression relies on other outcomes which Moloney felt was as

much as they deserved. “It’s out of our hands and we probably don’t deserve much more from the last two weekends in other words. We want to turn into a performance that we’re proud of, that would be our primary focus rather than thinking about results.”

This defeat was Clare’s heaviest since managed

by Ger ‘Sparrow’ O’Loughlin in 2011 when Galway provided a hammering. Undoubtedly the result has hurt Moloney, his fellow members of management and the panel but he apologised to the county supporters for their display at the LIT Gaelic Grounds.

“We’re always level headed enough to know we’ve had some fantastic days with Clare, today is low and we’re sorry for the fans we let down. Universally we’ve had great support from the Clare public and I think that we recognise we didn’t make them proud today and that’s something we have to look at and see can we address it for next weekend”.

Although the mood is low, he pleaded with supporters to stay behind the team as they attempt to secure their passage through the province. “The fans will be downbeat and we would appeal to the public to come and support the team, we see the effort and time these boys put in and maybe it’s not working out for them at the moment but I can tell you assuredly they put in one hell of a tough week since the Tipperary game. Genuine fans will recognise it when players have been through a tough time, they’ll respond by providing them with good support. We would hope that their families, friends and clubmates would come out and support them next weekend”.

EAST CLARE GOLF CLUB Men’s Singles 1ST Brendan McInerney (19) 43 2ND John G Doyle (19) 40pts 3RD Aaron O Brien (12) 38pts

Ladies Modified Scramble 1ST Brid Hayes, Breda Reid, Mary Brennan 98pts 2ND Siobhan Shanahan, Margaret Lynch ,Marie Kelly 94pts ENNIS GOLF CLUB Friday Open Singles June 7 1ST Killian McDermott(22) 43pts 2ND Pat Murphy(10) 41pts GROSS Sean Myatt (2) 32pts 3RD David Considine(12) 37pts Lady Captain Patrice Ryan Prize to Gent’s Sat.8th/Sun.9th June 1ST Andrew Hester (15) 67nett 2ND Gary Collins (5) 67nett GROSS: Sean Myatt (2) 74gross 3RD Aaron Greene (19) 67nett Captains Prize to the Ladies 2019 Sat 1st & Sun 2nd June 1ST Rose Enright (35) 40pts 2ND Kate Keohane (34) 39pts GROSS Elaine Kelly (18) 21pts 3RD Jean Moloney (21) 35pts (B3:7v4)

4TH Kathleen Frehill 35pts 5TH Eileen Holly (33)34pts 9 Hole S/Ford 1ST Jacinta Nicholas (35) 15pts

KILRUSH GOLF CLUB Thu 06 June 2019 West Clare Cleaners Ladies’ Singles 1ST Ailish Lorigan (17) 37 pts 2ND Niamh Whelan (9) 37 pts 3RD Margaret Hehir (20) 35 pts Fri 07 June Mixed Foursome 1ST Murt Collins, Ann Brennan & Declan O’Donovan 36.69 pts 2ND Joan O’Malley, Shane Lillis & Alan Howard 38.11 pts 3RD Tom Clancy, Pat Shannon, Clair Pyne & Muriel Kiely 40 pts Sat 08 June Captains Prize 2019 1ST Declan O Donovan (9) 104.00 2ND Pat Shannon (16) 107.11 BEST GROSS Shane Lillis (3) 114 3RD Tom Clancy (10) 107.44 4TH Cyril Kelly (18) 108.00 5TH Donncadh Nagle (6) 108.67 Sun 09 June 2019 KGC Open Men’s Singles 1ST Joe Linnane (14) 39 pts 2ND Sean Moran (21) 38 pts

Nowhere to hide for Banner men Tactically and physically Clare were second best

T

HE wheels have come off for Clare in dramatic fashion over the last two weeks.

After Tipperary, the Clare public had hoped that this was a one-off, a bad day at the office that we could put behind us and move on. However, the problems are deeper rooted than that. I had hoped that facing off against our arch-rivals in what has become a real grudge match would help us rediscover our form of last year. That this was the challenge that we needed to focus the minds and put in a big performance. Unfortunately, it only served to highlight how we are second best to Limerick in absolutely every aspect of the game right now.

Limerick are physically stronger, fitter with higher work rate and skill level than Clare. They also were far better organised.

After Tipperary, a real worry for me was that we did not establish a presence in the half forward line. We were playing too deep which allowed Maher to drop in front of our full forward line and eliminate any threat we had inside. This needed to be corrected in order to stand a chance against Limerick. It was clear from the off that we had not learned our lesson. Declan Hannon mopped up the world of ball in the first half and was under no pressure as he picked off passes that led to Limerick scoring at their ease.

The dominance of the Limerick half backline was particularly evident when comparing both teams puckout strategy. Limerick and Clare set up very differently for their puckouts and it was evident early which was the successful tactic. When Nicky Quaid was surveying his options, Limerick held 5 forwards within 40 metres of the Clare goal. The space was left in front and to the wings for their forwards to run

l TOUGH DAY AT THE OFFICE: The likes of Aron Shanagher, seen here battling Sean Finn for possession, had very little clean ball to work with against Limerick Photo by Martin Connolly

onto and contest 1 v 1 with their markers. It was then a 20-yard sprint out to the wings and it made life incredibly hard for the Clare backs.

Compare that to the static nature of our own puckouts.

Clare lined up with one, at times two, forwards inside Limerick 40 metre line. They then had 4 or 5 forwards across the Limerick 65. This allowed the Limerick midfield and half forward line to cover the space in front of our forwards while their backs took a step back to cover any ball that went long. Donal Tuohy was then facing an incredibly crowded landscape when surveying his

options. When he went long he was pucking it down on top of four and five Limerick backs in the half back line. He then had to force short options which Limerick loved as they worked hard to close the man receiving the ball under savage pressure. The platform of not winning our own puckouts and being exposed 1 v 1 on theirs was what set Limerick up to go on and dominate the game.

However, we were outfought and outmatched in open play as well. It took until the 25th minute to get our first point from play. This came from an error by one of the Limerick backs that

Peter capitalised on rather than free flowing play from Clare. We have been limited to an average of six points from play over our last two games. Clare did have two early goal chances that we failed to take. Peter and Aaron were put through but could not take advantage as Limerick defenders made excellent last-ditch interventions. If we had taken these goals it could have put the game on a different trajectory.

To be blunt, it may have just papered over the cracks though.

Limerick are operating on a different level from Clare. They play an outstanding brand of hurling and have really bought

into what they are doing as a group. Paul Kinnerk deserves a lot of the credit for this. He has gotten the most out of the group and this style of play is exactly the vision that he has for any team he is involved with. In Clare, we had Paul and found him to be an excellent trainer.

At that time though, he was hindered by the use of a sweeper that we stuck to stubbornly. This impeded on his vision for the team as he had to operate within those constraints. What we are seeing in Limerick now is what we had the chance to do after our All-Ireland win in 2013.

Clare must face Cork this weekend in our last game and in theory are still in with a chance to qualify. You’ll find it hard to convince any of the fans who streamed out of the Gaelic Grounds that this chance is any more than theoretical though.

What most will hope is that we can put in a performance that will put a little bit of pride back into the jersey. I’d like to see management be brave in their team selection, after the defeat to Tipperary it was evident that things were not working and that the team needed a shake-up.

This is still the case. Listening to Limerick players after the game they stressed how competition for places within the squad is so strong that it drives performance.

Conversely, in Clare it is harder to lose your place than it is to get a game off the bench.

What would be stopping Donal and Gerry from starting with a team that included Niall Deasy, Ian Galvin, Jason McCarthy, Cathal McInerny or Paul Flanagan. I’d even be tempted to get on the blower to Cian Dillon and Conor McGrath to come back and play.

For the lads who are playing and not in good form it could even come as a relief.

SPORT 35

THURSDAY, JUN 13 2019

Striving for greatness in the heart of East Clare with PÁRAIC McMAHON

F

EW names are more synonymous with Clare handball than the Nash family. The love of the game runs deep in their veins, it’s part of the reason why they continue to give their all in the alley and give back by helping to coach the next generation.

Twenty-one year old Clodagh has All-Ireland titles at schools, Féile and Community Games to her name as well as adding national minor and intermediate doubles competitions. World success at U17 and U23 doubles are also part of her collection.

Trips to Tuamgraney Handball Club were common in her youth, as the youngest of the five she would often travel from home with either her father Jim or mother Mary to collect any of the siblings, Cathal, Dervla, Diarmaid and Barry. “We’ve all maybe spent an evening in the alley here and there. My sister Dervla and brother Cathal played in primary school but chose to give it up after that, Cathal focusing more on hurling for a couple of years, Dervla went away to school and started playing hockey. Other than that, Barry and Diarmaid played the whole way up. Diarmaid is still playing in the senior ranks and is getting on well, I’ve been lucky to follow in their footsteps”.

Those footsteps were first taken back in 2005, as she competed in the U11 Cumann na mBunscoil competition aged seven. “I was sent from Scariff NS as the girls representative and walking into the Tulla handball alley it finally dawned on me that I’ve to compete and play a game, it was a great learning experience and I love going back now watching the Cumann na mBunscoil if I’m around because for most boys and girls, it’s their first bit of competitive handball being thrown in at the deep end”.

An economics and finance student at UCD, Clodagh often trains with her brother Diarmaid when their schedules allow for it, something which she revealed has helped improve both of their games. “My performance can be a bit sub-par compared to his. When I was that bit younger, we look a bit alike so if he turned up to a competition people might know your name but wouldn’t know you were Diarmaid Nash’s sister, that put a little bit of pressure on. He’s a left handed player, I’m right handed, we’d have quite different styles of play, I like to play a slower game and wear the other person down whereas he has a more attacking style and would depend a lot on his sidearm whereas I like playing the roof and making my opponent work for it.

“It is good in a way because we end up complimenting each other in ways because we’re always pushing the other person to do exactly what they don’t want to do when we’re training.”

Diarmaid has carved his own reputation

This week, as part of our 20x20 series we speak to Clodagh Nash, an All Ireland champion from Scariff who says that her passion for handball helped in dealing with the tragic passing of her brother Barry in 2014

l HANDY OPERATOR: Clodagh Nash (also inset) in action on the handball court

as one of the best handballers in the country, such a rise in the ranks appeared to be on the horizon for Barry until his tragic death in January 2014 aged 18 following a car crash.

An all-rounder, Barry was held in high regard by all who knew him. At the time, Clodagh was a boarder at Ursuline Secondary School in Thurles and had to bring to life the scene as depicted in Seamus Heaney’s poem ‘MidTerm Break’.

“When it happened we were all in huge shock, we wouldn’t have expected something like that to happen any family, when it lands at your own doorstep you try deal with it as best as possible. He passed away on a Sunday night and for me, not only was I going back to school the week after the funeral but I was also heading back to boarding school so I was moving away from home, away from all the memories, it had its pros and its cons, maybe it was great to be around friends and have that support system at the time. Life rolls on and you realise that very quickly.

“I know the week he passed away I was supposed to play Munster championship for

the schools and obviously it got postponed to the following week but it was kind of nice the following week, Dad came up to Thurles, took me out of school. I went and played the handball match on the Wednesday and it broke the week up, every week then we just got on with as good as possible but it was nice to play and keep myself involved in something I know he thoroughly enjoyed and we both got great days out of it.

“Dad has enjoyed watching us play. It has been a nice link, it’s nice to meet friends of his that he would have played with throughout the years especially in college, you would meet them at a lot of tournaments. It is a nice link but sport is great in that sense, it gives you a real lease of life and makes you realise there is winning and losing but at the end of the day there are obviously more important things too”.

Currently on a six to seven week break having had no recess for the last 16 months, the Scariff student is hopeful of playing some more camogie but outlined what keeps enticing her back to the alleys year after year.

“You’re looking to get back into the alley because you have fond memories of playing in there. There is something about that just draws me back if I’m having a bad day in work, school or college, the best thing I can do is grab the gear, go down to the alley on my own, it’s a real thinking space, it shuts you off from the rest of the world and it’s nice to get a bit of exercise. Somebody said recently they couldn’t run a lap if you paid them but throw a hurley into their hand or throw a pair of goggles on them it’s very easy to follow a ball around the place, we’re a bit like dogs that way, we like chasing things”.

Such hard work has been rewarded, her All-Ireland intermediate doubles success with Doireann Murphy in April the most recent example. “It was a huge achievement, we had been trying for the past two years to break into the senior ranks after coming up from minor. You think after being a minor it will be no bother but it takes you that bit longer because you realise there are girls there the last six or seven years still looking to push up, it ended up being more challenging than we thought.”

She is of the view that Clare “goes against the norm” when it comes to retaining female players with the likes of Murphy, Bridín Dinan, Ella Donnellan and Caitríona Millane all of the same age to Nash still playing the sport.

For this, she credits the strong club scene in the county plus the methods of training with mix fun and competition. When time allows, Clodagh attempts to implement such styles of coaching with Tuamgraney, the club now has over 100 juvenile members.

“Of all the sports it is probably one of the best ones for promoting females on the same level as males, ladies handball is pretty much seen as the same level as the males within media and that is brilliant to see it get the same promotion, any media outlet that is at that is obviously doing their job very well, there is room for improvement in all of us and myself personally I would like to see a bit more promotion on TV”.

Tuamgraney’s Handball Club is one of iconic settings of East Clare and as Nash points out it forms a link with several parishes in the area. “The handball alley is a really nice thing in Tuamgraney, where it is set is in the heart of East Clare and it doesn’t matter what hurling club you belong to, what school you went to or where you live, you’re always welcome inside the doors of Tuamgraney Handball Club... we have nine primary schools, two secondary schools, three colleges all feeding in and I think ten different hurling clubs, it does bring the community together in that sense. While you might be rivals on the hurling field, you’ll end up playing alongside them in the handball alley, it’s nice that way and it creates friendships down the line”.

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THURSDAY, JUNE 13 2019

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QUIZ 39

THURSDAY, JUNE 13 2019

The Clare Echo Quiz COASTAL TOWNS IN CLARE

The forts located at ‘Doctor’s Hill’ 2 in Lahinch were built by…

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

3

In 1920, the town of Lahinch was burned by which group?

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

Which Bus Eireann service links 4 Lahinch to Ennis and Galway.

343, 305, 350 In 2006 a statue of which famous 5 actor was unveiled in Kilkee?

Russel Crowe, Ian McKellen, Richard Harris

Which festival was held in Kilkee 6 during the years 2007, 2008 and 2009?

Fireside Festival, Kilkee Arts Festival, Cois Fharraige

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

Accommodated in local lodgings, Executed, Returned to Spain by ship months later

Which small village was classified 9 as being in the Gaeltacht until 1956?

Carrigaholt, Spanish Point, Fanore

Doolin Cave is infamous for??

10 Longest Stalactite in Northern Hemisphere, Longest Stalagmite in the Northern Hemisphere, Deepest Cave in Munster region

l QUESTION 10: Doolin Cave is infamous for??

by Cian O’Broin 6. Cois Fharraige 7. Racquetball 8. Executed 9. Carrigaholt 10. Longest Stalactite in Northern Hemisphere

The availability of holiday homes, International surfing competitions there

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

Racquetball, Squash, Handball

ANSWERS 1. Opening of West Clare Railway 2. Danish Vikings 3. The Royal Irish Constabulary 4. 350 5. Richard Harris

Lahinch developed as a town in 1Opening the late 19th c. due to… of West Clare Railway,

OLD IMAGES OF COUNTY CLARE

Cahircon on the Shannon, Cahircon, Co. Clare

Image NLI.ie / Collection: The Lawrence Photograph Collection