The Clare Echo 14/02/19

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Next, priests will be bagged

PĂ RAIC McMAHON

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news@clareecho.ie

EOPLE are being breathalysed coming home from Mass in the morning, it has been claimed by a councillor who insists a priest could be pulled next.

The comments were made by Cllr Alan O’Callaghan who flagged that people are afraid to go to Mass on Sunday morning if they had been out the night before.

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14 Feb 2019

2 NEWS

THURSDAY, FEB 14 2019

Index FRONT PAGE STORY

4

SCHOOL SWIMMERS

9

FOOD REVIEW

12

YOUR MONEY GUIDE 13-20 RELIVING 1972

21

PROPERTY

22-24

SPORT

26-27

CLASSIFIEDS

28-29

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

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

SALES

Email: ciara.farrell@clareecho.ie or ger.naughton@clareecho.ie

lICONIC PLAY: Maeve Plunkett and Amy McEnnis who act the parts of Mena and Nanna Galvin in Sive. They were attending the launch of the upcoming production of Sive by the Ennis Players, which will take place in glór from March 20-23. It marks the 60th anniversary of the first staging of John B Keane’s iconic classic play Photo by Martin Connolly

Ennis cllrs join poster boycott PÁRAIC McMAHON

paraic@clareecho.ie

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ITTING councillors in the Ennis Municipal District have agreed not to put up posters ahead of May’s local elections.

At Tuesday’s meeting, Cllr Paul Murphy put forward the proposal asking elected representatives to sign up to a voluntary charter and abstain from using posters in the upcoming campaign. “This has been going in my head for a long time. I was approached by Clarecastle Tidy Towns in recent months about it. We can’t introduce bylaws to do this, it is a voluntary decision.

We have also had representations from Ennis Tidy Towns in the last few weeks.

At the end of the day they are a scourge, they are a health and safety hazard, they are a distraction for drivers. At a time when we are encouraging people to support the environment, we can do this”.

Fianna Fáil’s Tom McNamara seconded the motion, “Putting up posters on polls is awful. We’re complaining about waste and the environment, these are very unsightly. Tidy Towns commitees want to see their areas tidy and we should help with that. Anybody in the Ennis Municipal District declaring for the election should be sent a letter outlining our decision”.

Cllr Pat Daly wanted the District to follow the example of their West Clare counterparts. “West Clare has done it, there’s no harm for Ennis. We see each other enough, we don’t need to see each other

on the polls”. The Fianna Fáil representative requested that any councillor that signs up to the charter and subsequently breaks it “be exposed by local journalists”.

Independent councillor Ann Norton commented. “For sitting councillors we’re known and out in the public domain, I would be conscious there will be a number of people running in the local elections that might not have had the opportunity of running before. When I first ran five years ago I had ten posters and it worked out very well for me. We have to look at the bigger picture,” she said.

A member of the Ennis Tidy Towns committee, Cllr Mary Howard said she has concerns about new candidates “who have announced their candidacy early and gone to the expense of printing posters when they haven’t the profile. What happens if someone who signs up to the charter and breaks it,” the Fine Gael councillor asked.

Having stood in eight elections, Cllr James Breen was happy to add his support to the proposal.

Regarding possible consequences for breaking the charter, Cllr Murphy confirmed, “There will be no penalties for anyone that breaks it because it is a voluntary charter. I was asked to bring it to the table and I have done it”.

Of the seven councillors present, all were in agreement with the voluntary charter. Mayor of Ennis, Cllr Clare Colleran Molloy was absent for this motion having already excused herself from the meeting.

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NEWS

'People bagged coming from Mass' says Cllr

PÁRAIC McMAHON

C

paraic@clareecho.ie

LARE motorists have been urged to take “personal responsibility” to ensure they have no alcohol in their system before going behind the wheel of a car.

Monday’s meeting of the Clare Joint Policing committee saw members debate the impact drink driving legislation is having on people living in the county. Cllr Pat Daly asked Superintendent John Galvin if an individual “goes to a wedding, has a great night and gets a taxi home, they drive to work in the morning, are breathalysed and are then penalised having done everything right the night before, do you think that is fair”.

“I’m not going to comment on the fairness or otherwise. Science has proved that driving is impaired if there is a level of alcohol in your system, whether it’s the night before or the morning it is immaterial. We’re acting on scientific advice,” Supt Galvin responded.

Independent councillor, Gerry Flynn requested Seanad Spokesperson for Justice Martin Conway to liaise with his department

to discuss the possibility of providing “a proper breathalyser” for “each driver in the country”. “For the nuclear fallout they sent out iodine tablets and I’m not sure what good they would have done,” the Shannon councillor recalled. Chairperson of the JPC, Cllr Mary Howard disagreed with the suggestion. “Personal responsibility comes into that, they can be bought for €20. It’s everyone’s responsibility, we’re old enough to buy alcohol so we’re old enough to buy the breathalyser”.

While stating he had “no problem” with the breathalysers, Cllr PJ Ryan outlined that the bigger issue was the country’s transport system. “I’m operating a business in the village in Sixmilebridge, there

is one taxi there for a population of 6,000."

According to Mary Mather-Leahy, who represents the Clare Older People’s Council, they have contacted Clare Bus to increase their routes throughout the day.

"You shouldn’t drink and drive and if you are going out for a few drinks you need to organise a lift home and have responsibility for the morning after,” Cllr Ann Norton declared, adding "The reason the laws are there are to prevent loss of life”.

Leas Cathaoirleach of Clare Co Council, Cllr Alan O’Callaghan admitted to buying a breathalyser. The Fianna Fáil councillor said people are afraid to go to Mass on Sunday morning if they had been out the night before. “I hear of cases of people being bagged coming from mass in the morning, the people who go to mass their next stop is the gates of heaven. I hope the priest doesn’t have an extra drop of wine or he could be pulled next”.

Cllr Pat McMahon insisted “the problem will not go away”. “The vast majority of people don’t break the law, the Taoiseach said about the people who get up early in the morning and they are the people he looks after because the breathalyser isn’t out too early in the morning”.

THURSDAY, FEB14 2019

Gaelscoil set for new building A NEW building for Gaelscoil Donncha Rua in Shannon has moved a step closer to construction with confirmation that a design team is about to be appointed to start the architectural and planning process.

Clare Fine Gael TD Joe Carey was told by Education Minister Joe McHugh in the Dáil last week that a service level agreement has been issued to the Limerick and Clare Educational and Training Board (LCETB) who are responsible for delivery of the project.

“Once this agreement is finalised, the board can proceed with the appointment of the design team who will then start on the architectural and planning process,” Deputy Carey explained.

“I have been pressing the Department to ensure there are no delays in allowing the project proceed to the construction phase as quickly as possible.

“Gaelscoil Donncha Rua is one of the most successful schools of its kind in the country, despite the fact that classes have been held in prefabs for the past 34 years and the board of management have been paying more than €84,000 a year on rent.

“It is the only Gaelscoil within a 15 mile radius, serving children from the local area as well as Sixmilebridge, Newmarket-on-Fergus and Quin. It is also the only primary school in Shannon that has an ASD unit catering for 12 children with autism,” Deputy Carey added.

IT'S TIME TO SMELL THE ROSES...

l ONE FOR THE ROMANTICS: Ahead of their busiest day of the year, St Valentine's Day, Dorothy Whelan arranges some flowers at Victorian Posy Florist in Abbey Street Car Park yesterday afternoon

Contact Victorian Posy at 065 6828762 or email clodagh.deegan@gmail.com

THURSDAY, FEB 14 2019

LIT unveils location for new Ennis campus STUART HOLLY

L

editor@clareecho.ie

IT has confirmed its plans to open a new campus in Ennis, on foot of a proposed capital investment of €0.75 million by Clare County Council. Located on Bindon Street in the town’s historic core, the new facility will enable a substantial increase in Higher Education activity in the town.

Reflecting LIT’s regional development remit, the LIT Ennis campus will join LIT’s existing campuses at Clonmel and Thurles in Co. Tipperary; Moylish and Clare Street in Limerick City; and a new engineering-focussed campus currently under development at Coonagh in Limerick.

A total of six degree programmes in Social Care, Early Childhood Care and Education, and Marketing and Management are now available through the CAO at LIT in Ennis for September commencement.

Possibilities for evening and professional learning will also be opened up.

Commenting on the news, LIT President, Professor Vincent Cunnane said, “We are delighted to be able to progress our plans in Ennis. We intend to provide an expanded level of daytime undergraduate education through the CAO, as well as opening up the possibility of new evening courses and professional education.

“This is a real vote of confidence in Clare. Crucially, by allowing us to broaden our offering, this new facility adds to the educational options available to people locally, while at the same time enabling us to respond to the needs of business and industry in Clare.”

The announcement has been welcomed by Mayor of Clare Michael Begley and Mayor of Ennis Clare Colleran Molloy who said the delivery of CAO courses in Ennis “heralds a new era for the town, providing it with a real foothold in third level education.”

lEXCITING TIMES: At the site of the new LIT Ennis campus in Bindon Street are (L-R) Prof Vincent Cunnane, President, LIT; Mayor of Ennis Clare Colleran Molloy; Mayor of Clare Michael Begley; and Pat Dowling, Chief Executive, Clare County Council.

Liam Conneally, who is Clare County Council’s Director of Economic Development, commented, “Attracting a Third Level institution to invest in Ennis is a key target of the Ennis 2040 Economic & Spatial Strategy. This investment by LIT, supported by Clare County Council, will deliver a significant social and economic

boost to Munster’s largest town.”

Welcoming the annoucnement, Ennis Cllr Johnny Flynn said the current De Valera library building and adjoining sites should be retained in public ownership. “The announcement by LIT would fit into such a wider campus as the buildings referred to being used

by LIT are adjoining.”

NEWS

5

No plans for Gallows Hill parking TURNPIKE business owners and residents have been reassured a draft proposal which would see the renovation of a green area at Gallows Hill into parking spaces and the introduction of 46 bollards will not happen.

Fourteen people gathered in the public gallery for Tuesday’s meeting of the Ennis Municipal District, the majority of these individuals were residents in Turnpike. Fianna Fáil’s Pat Daly who lives in Gallows Hill admitted “there was a bit of worry” among people living in the area, he stated “there is no point rooting up the green area and all councillors I’ve spoken to are in support of this”.

Daly referred to a disabled individual who has extreme difficulty accessing his house due to the illegal parking of cars outside his home.

“We as local representatives have to listen to people on the ground and their concerns have been listened to over the weekend and discussed in great detail this morning,” Cllr Ann Norton said.

Cllr Johnny Flynn, in support of the residents, said he received a petition with 500 signatures to submit to Clare County Council.

Another petition with 413 signatures was compiled by Cllr Mary Howard.

Acting senior executive engineer, Barry Conway confirmed a meeting would take place between the resident mentioned by Cllr Pat Daly and with business owners in the Turnpike.

6 NEWS

Closure of Roche is deffered by a year PÁRAIC McMAHON

R

pariac@clareecho.ie

OCHE’S closure in Clarecastle has been deferred.

In November 2015, Roche Ireland confirmed it was to exit the Co Clare plant after forty one years. A phase-out of production began in July 2016 when the search for a buyer of the site proved to be unsuccessful. September 2019 was then set as the planned date for its closure.

However Roche’s departure from the area will now take place between the first and second quarter of 2020 once all production and associated cleaning activities have been completed.

Since November 2015, 120 employees of Roche Ireland Ltd at Clarecastle have been made redundant, at present the Swiss owned company has 133 employees in Clare.

A spokesperson for Roche Ireland Ltd confirmed to The Clare Echo, “The phased closure of the manufacturing operations

THURSDAY, FEB 14 2019

HARTY WELCOMES AGREEMENT

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R. MICHAEL Harty, Independent TD for Clare and Chairman of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health has welcomed the suspension of the INMO nurse’s industrial action.

The proposed agreement offered by the government is now to be considered by the nursing union executive and its members who will ballot on acceptance or rejection.

In a statement to The Clare Echo, Dr Harty said, "The strike was starting to have significant effects on the delivery of health services. The nurses’ frustration and anger at the Government’s failure to engage meaningfully with them on issues of pay disparity, recruitment and conditions of service were at the centre of this dispute.

"The hallmark of this Government

and Minister Harris is failure to engage in any meaningful health reform across all professions working in the health service.

"The nurses should never have had to resort to industrial action to have their voice heard. A proactive government would have engaged and worked collaboratively rather than in confrontation with the INMO. Inevitably there will be a resolution of this strike, however the morale of the nursing profession will have been further eroded.

The Kilmihil doctor added, "The government must bear the brunt of the responsibility for creating the conditions that forced the nurses into industrial action and which further damaged the reputation of our ailing health service."

l END OF AN ERA: No decision has yet been made as to what will happen the Roche site after its closure Photo by Martin Connolly

will be during Quarters 1 and 2, 2020 with the site transitioning to a construction site after that”.

No conclusion has been reached in an ongoing review to identify potential future uses of the present Roche site.

This year, the multinational company has become one of the main sponsors of the Munster Fleadh which will be held in Ennis. According to the spokesper-

son, this deal is part of Roche’s “long association with the local community”. The representative added, “The community has always been very appreciative of the support provided by Roche”.

Accounts released in September 2018 show that Roche Ireland Ltd recorded 2017 pre-tax losses of €33.3m and this followed pre-tax losses of €79.3m in 2016.

l NATIONAL CALAMITY: A political satire cartoon describing well the situation with the Children's Hospital in Dublin

by Frank Houghton

THURSDAY, FEB 14 2019

Concern for Clare’s future population PÁRAIC McMAHON

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paraic@clareecho.ie

ISAPPOINTMENT has been expressed with the population allocation for Clare from the Department of the Environment as set out in a draft strategic plan for the southern region of Ireland.

Arising under the Local Government Reform Act 2014 the Southern Regional Assembly assumed a number of new functions. Chief among these responsibilities is the preparation of a Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy (RSES) to cover the period 2019-2031.

According to the draft in the years from 2006 to 2016, “Population decline was seen in 402 Electoral Districts (27%), mostly in rural and peripheral areas, with largest decreases in areas of Clare, Kerry, Limerick and Cork. Population decline is also evident in some areas within the cities of Cork, Limerick and Waterford. The overall age structure for the region is very similar to that of the State, with higher rates in the older working ages and beyond (45 plus)”.

It predicts the largest increases in populationin the 15-24-year cohort (+26%), 45–64-year cohort (+14%) and 65 plus

(+56%). The numbers in both the 0-14year and 25-44-year cohorts are projected to decrease by 14% each.

Population projections estimate between 129,500 – 131,500 will live in Clare by 2026 and 134,000 – 137,000 by 2031.

At present the county has a population of 119,000, between 2006 and 2016 there was an increase of 7,867 in individuals in Clare. The 2031 target for other counties in the Southern Assembly are; Limerick (246,000 – 256,500), Tipperary (180,000 – 184,000), Waterford (137,000 – 144,000), Kerry (166,500 – 170,500), Cork (656,500 – 684,000), Wexford (169,000 – 172,500), Kilkenny (112,000 – 114,500) and Carlow (64,000 – 65,500).

Senior planner with Clare County Council, Brian McCarthy said he was “disappointed with the low allocation for Clare”. The projections were carried out at Government level in conjunction with the ESRI he confirmed. “The allocation does not reflect our ambition,” McCarthy added.

Cllr Pat Hayes stated he was “concerned with the perceived restriction on population”. Cathaoirleach of the local authority Cllr Michael Begley said, “I always thought populations were predictions not restrictions. I don’t understand how you could put mathematical guesses on population”.

l LOVE IS IN THE AIR: Pictured is Ann Marie Doyle, Kenneth Blowers, Dave Hanley and Charlie Killeen who star in Fool for Love. Doonbeg welcomes its former All Ireland Drama Champions back to the local stage with Sam Shepard's Fool for Love this weekend. The play focuses on the complicated love saga of May and Eddie, who cannot live without each other whether they like it or not. The whole story is watched

by The Old Man, offering difficult truths and dark humour aplenty.

Producer Mary Egan, who led the Doonbeg Drama Group to All Ireland glory in 2017, said there is nothing like performing to a West Clare crowd.

Catch Fool for Love at the Doonbeg Community Hall on Saturday, February 16, Sunday, February 17 and Sunday, Febraury 24 at 8pm. Admission €12 / conc €6.

NEWS

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NEWS

THURSDAY, FEB 14 2019

Kilkee native becomes Clare's first openly gay politician

PÁRAIC McMAHON

paraic@clareecho.ie

K

ILKEE’S Mike Taylor is Clare’s first openly gay politician after his place on Fine Gael’s ticket for the 2019 local elections was confirmed.

On Thursday, the 20 year old was selected alongside Cllr Gabriel Keating for Fine Gael in the Kilrush electoral area. He joined the party in 2011 off the back of the General Election, eight years on and his view of Ireland is very different. “We’ve achieved such monumental social change over the past 7 years with marriage equality, gender recognition and repeal of the eighth amendment and all we did with the bondholders and the troika, we’re a different party, we’re better for the influence of young people that we have and I think that you’re going to see more young candidates put themselves forward for Fine Gael in this election than we have ever seen before”.

As it stands, the 20 year old is the youngest Fine Gael declared candidate in the country for May’s local elections. On why he put himself forward, the Kilkee native outlined, “I’ve been to so many events and heard so many ministers tell us that it was young people’s time to lead and time to put young people

forward and then when it came to it, there weren’t necessarily a lot of young people willing to put themselves on tickets, I put myself forward for the future.

"I’m concerned about the future of West Clare, I’m deeply passionate about mental health, young people and really interested in how we can engage young people not just in politics but in general to care about things. I’m not running for a young vote but I made up my mind to run as a result of the referendum last May, I was very strongly campaigning for the referendum and I suppose at that time I wouldn’t feel like I saw myself in the representation that was there and I thought if not me who, if not now when”.

Taylor who actively campaigned during the marriage equality and eighth amendment referendum is the first openly gay politician in Clare. “There always has to be a first in order for people to come after them. I’m happy to have punched through this glass ceiling and I hope this encourages more diverse candidates to come forward not just in this local election but in local, general and European elections going forward. The more diverse the better, we are an incredibly diverse country, we’re a melting pot and we should have people that represent all sectors of society

as elected representatives, I’m enormously proud to be the first openly declared candidate,” he told The Clare Echo.

By defeating Simon Coveney in a Fine Gael leadership contest in June 2017, Leo Varadkar would subsequently become the first gay Taoiseach. His rise to the top has inspired the former Chairperson of Clare Young Fine Gael. “Leo’s main influence as a young gay person is the idea that Leo is not defined as a gay politician and that is always something that I’ve wanted, it’s why I was hesitant but ultimately did come out for the marriage equality referendum. Leo is not defined as a gay politician, it is not the first thing you think about and that’s what I want. I don’t want to be defined as a gay politician, I’m not hiding the fact that I am but I would like to stand for more but at the same time I’m proud to punch through that glass ceiling”.

As well as his final year law studies, Mike works front of house at Bay View Hotel. He will now be knocking on doors in search of votes, those conversations he revealed will request people to put their faith in him. “I’m going to encourage them to give me a chance, I want to represent all of the people of West Clare, I want to represent a future for West Clare and I want to be able to build a plan to go forward”. l CANDIDATE: Fine Gael's Mike Taylor

NEWS

THURSDAY, FEB 14 2019

Wild Atlantic Way rebrand for Shannon won’t take off PÁRAIC McMAHON

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paraic@clareecho.ie

WILD Atlantic Way rebranding of Shannon Airport has failed to make a splash with airport management.

In response to motions raised

by Cllr Paul Murphy and Cllr Pat McMahon at the January meeting of Clare County Council, Shannon Group plc Chief Executive Officer, Matthew Thomas issued a formal reply to the local authority having received details of the resolutions as set out by the elected representatives.

On the back of an editorial in The Clare Echo, Cllr Murphy proposed a rebranding of the Airport to increase passengers and maximise the potential of The Wild Atlantic Way. Mr Thomas noted that “The Wild Atlantic Way encompasses six formal regions covering nine counties down the entire Western seaboard”. He said six airports were located along this route, Donegal, Sligo, Knock,

Shannon, Kerry and Cork, “Shannon Airport therefore cannot be considered the only Wild Atlantic Way airport, nor be branded accordingly”.

“Shannon Airport is an internationally recognised brand in its own right, its brand proposition and images are strong.

Our research concludes that rebranding would be a regressive step for the Airport, diluting our existing strong brand equity. The Shannon brand is trusted and credible; known internationally as the place where Duty Free shopping began and where the first free zone was established.

Furthermore, a rebrand were it to be approved is a very expensive process”.

Matthew who has been in the role since June 2016 acknowledged the “real asset” the Wild Atlantic Way offers. He pointed out that Fáilte Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way website “has an expansive section” on Shannon and Shannon Airport’s website “has a full page dedicated” to the tourism initiative.

Cllr McMahon’s motion requested the Council liaise with

lPOPULAR: Shannon Airport management maintain the Shannon Airport brand is globally recognisable and sufficiently strong

Shannon Group to develop “a more effective strategy” to promote the airport. According to Thomas, they “developed a clear and effective strategy to actively promote the airport locally, nationally and internationally”.

A full marketing communications review was undertaken in the last 18 months which involved over 8,000 respondents both Irish and non-Irish.

“Our marketing strategy is now underpinned by these insights and geo-targeted to give us the best opportunity to attract passengers. Following this review, we recalibrated our media strategy and increased investment in marketing.

“For 2019 and beyond, our marketing strategy will continue to take a customer-centric, research-led approach.”

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Calls for old Cratloe bridge repair CLLR. Cathal Crowe, general election candidate, is calling on Clare County Council to urgently carry out remedial works on an old stone bridge that straddles a mountain stream on the CratloeMeelick Parish boundary.

Heavily laden trucks carrying cut timber from a nearby forestry plantation have struck a portion of the parapet of Barrly-Thomous Bridge. This single-arched stone bridge, constructed in 1837, is now in a perilous state and will most likely require immediate closure on safety grounds.

“The damage sustained to the bridge on Tuesday evening comes less than 24 hours after I highlighted the need for this very bridge to be inspected

by Council engineers at the February monthly meeting of Clare County Council,” said Cllr Crowe.

“There is a deep valley with sheer embankments beneath the bridge. With the structural integrity of the bridge’s parapet compromised there is a risk of vehicles plunging to the valley floor. I estimate the drop to be more than 30ft.

“Bridges like Barrly Thomous were originally designed to carry ass and carts but are these days expected to cater for trucks laden down with loads in excess of 40 tonnes. Legally, in the absence of weight restrictions, these trucks are perfectly entitled to pass over such bridges.” He added, “I want to see repair works carried out on the bridge as soon as possible.”

Clare school swimmers make splash at Nationals n

A NUMBER of Clare pupils came home with titles from the Irish Minor School championships on Sunday, February 10 which were held at the National Aquatic Centre in Blanchardstown in Dublin.

Ennis Swimming Club members were in the medals representing their schools in the day, in particular Gaelscoil Mhichil Ciosog, Ennis and Barefield National School who swept the board.

Gaelscoil’s talented Under-10 girls team including Mia Holly, Claudia Hough, Lauren Brett and Roisin Hogan took gold in the 4x50m freestyle relay and silver in 4x50 medley relay.

Fellow Gaelscoil student Sean Conway also took silver in the Under 9 50m breaststroke.

Meanwhile Darragh Ball won the 50m freestyle representing Barefield National School at u12 level in a thrilling race, while he also won silver in both the u12 relays with the Barefield team in the Freestyle & Medley 4x50.

The Barefield team were represented by Darragh Ball, Graham Ball, Sean O’Connor, Jack Dilleen.

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lSWIMMING SUCCESS: Clockwise from top left; Mia Holly, Claudia Hough, Lauren Brett and Roisin Hogan; Sean Conway; Darragh Ball, Graham Ball, Jack Dilleen and Sean O’Connor; and Darragh Ball Photos by Martin Connolly

10 THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK

THURSDAY, FEB 14 2019

Ronan Scully

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK Author spreading the word of positivity

LOVE FROM AN OPEN HEART

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IKE many of our yearly special events and occasions, St.Valentine’s Day has become so commercialised. The focus on love and romance for couples can leave many people feeling left out and even lost. According to history, St. Valentine’s Day which we celebrate this February was not associated with romantic love until the Middle Ages. If you are waiting for this day to come around so that you can show your love, you are missing a part of life that should be valued for more than once yearly.

So if you haven’t already, instead of the emphasis on expensive displays of affection, why not take a more spiritual approach to St. Valentine’s Day and try and keep real love all the year around? The expression of love to another should not be reserved for a single day or for a special event or occasion.

The celebration of love is more about how you live each day with the one you love and care for. This St. Valentine’s Day you may well have probably either sent or received a valentine from someone. But just like many of our special celebratory days, you don’t have to be held hostage to commercial interests. A true celebration of love can be so much more than an obligatory sharing of chocolate’s, prosecco or if your in the money maybe champagne, or candlelight dinners, and this celebration of love doesn’t require anything more than the depths and richness of your own sweet beautiful heart and soul. There’s a lot more behind it than just cards and gifts.There’s a true-life story.

It’s a story that teaches us a lot about love, sacrifice, care, strength and commitment, the true meaning of St. Valentine’s Day and a meaning that we should aspire to keep all year around! Historians hopefully will be happy with me following these historic facts!!

The Real Valentine In the third century, the Roman Empire was ruled by Emperor Claudius II Gothicus. He was nicknamed Claudius the Cruel because of his harsh leadership and his tendency for getting into wars and abusing his people. In fact, he was getting into so many wars during the third century that he was having a difficult time recruiting enough soldiers. Claudius believed that recruitment for the army was down because Roman men did not want to leave their loved one’s or families behind, so he canceled

all marriages and engagements in Rome.

Thousands of couples saw their hopes of matrimony dashed by the single act of a tyrant. And no one seemed interested in standing up to the emperor. But a simple Christian priest named Valentine did come forward and stood up for love. He began to secretly marry soldiers before they went off to war, despite the emperor’s orders. In 269 A.D., Emperor Claudius found out about the secret ceremonies. He had Valentine thrown into prison and deemed that he would be put to death. As Valentine was awaiting execution, he healed a blind girl who happened to be the jailer’s daughter.

On the eve of his execution, with no writing instruments available, Valentine is said to have written her a sonnet in ink that he squeezed from violets. He supposedly finished the farewell note signed “from your Valentine.” Legend has it that his words made the blind woman see again. The next day Valentine was clubbed to death by Roman executioners. St. Valentine gave his life so that young couples could be bonded together in holy matrimony. They may have killed the man, but not his spirit. Even centuries after his death, the story of Valentine’s self-sacrificing commitment to love was legendary in Rome and spread worldwide. Eventually, he was granted sainthood and the Catholic Church decided to create a feast in his honor. They picked February 14th as the day of celebration because of the ancient belief that birds (particularly lovebirds, but also owls and doves) began to mate on that very day.

Concept of Love So in writing and researching this thought for the week, it’s surprising to know that St. Valentine’s Day is really founded on the concept of love in marriage and in relationships.

On this St. Valentine’s D a y, what are you doing to keep the love in your marr i a g e’s

and your relationship’s burning not just on St. Valentines day but all year around?

While giving a box of chocolates, a bouquet of flowers and cards, having a candlelight dinner, and sharing special words of love are all really important, the true spirit of St. Valentine’s Day needs to last throughout the year. So rather than focus on material gifts and exclusive relationships, why not examine the spiritual side? Remember celebrating St. Valentine’s Day was meant to be shared by everyone without exclusions.

Now is the time to bring real love for everyone especially those most in need in our world back into our life today. Examine your relationships to see if you’ve been excluding anyone lately maybe a loved one, a family member or a friend. If so, this would be a good time to reconnect and express your care and concern. Or perhaps you’ve had a falling out with someone. Let this day be a reminder to let go of past mistakes and resentments. It is the sharing of all things that indicate that love is about a partnership where no one is better than the other, or more respected than the other. It means that you demonstrate caring not just for the eyes of others when they look but that caring is the way you are just because you care and love all the time. This expression of love does not wait for love to be offered in like kind nor does it need a particular incident or circumstance to come bursting forth. A story from my Nana Scully’s prayer book will help explain as follows.....

Thought for the week As your thought for the week, seek out opportunities to think about those people who are often forgotten on these special days. Those who are elderly, alone, abandoned, orphaned, ill, homeless or living on the edges of our society need our love too.

Rememb e r t h e m in your prayers, intentions a n d meditations.

If you have the chance

to volunteer your time, money or resources to help those in need or good charities that help so many worthy causes please make the effort to do so and do so all the year around. Express if you can more than anything for our country and world the love of real selfless charity! I will leave you with one of my favourite love prayers/poems, “Touched By An Angel” by Maya Angelou.

“We, unaccustomed to courage, exiles from delight, live coiled in shells of loneliness until love leaves its high holy temple and comes into our sight to liberate us into life.

Love arrives and in its train come ecstasies old memories of pleasure ancient histories of pain. Yet if we are bold, love strikes away the chains of fear from our souls. We are weaned from our timidity In the flush of love’s light we dare be brave. And suddenly we see that love costs all we are and will ever be. Yet it is only love which sets us free.

Amen” So remember that each day we all can demonstrate what the true meaning of love is. It doesn’t matter whether you are rich or poor, educated or not, where you live whether in a mansion or a tin roofed hut. The capacity to show love sees no bounds; sees no obstacles; and sees no selfishness. It is a love that is expressed even when you don’t feel you are capable. So, remember your relationships will have more meaning if you celebrate Valentines Day each and every day of the year by showing your love every day! Here is a prayer I love to say now and then when love is the only answer needed - THE LOVE PRAYER Today I remove all boundaries and walls, Once used as a means of defence, I forgive those things from the darkened past, That in love’s divine realm make no spiritual sense. Releasing all worries, all burdens and doubt, I bring light to the shadows of fear. By centering myself with a loving thought, Harsh judgments I no longer hear.

The greatest experience that life has to give, Is love from an open heart, For it moves me to appreciate all there is, And I’m one with it all, not apart. It’s love that brings me closer to God, And leads me according to God’s way, Love’s light warms my spirit, it nurtures my soul, And assures me everything is okay. I am one with God and never apart, As I live this day with an open heart. Amen

FOOD & DRINK 11

THURSDAY, FEB 14 2019

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

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Tantalise your tastebuds at Tulsi

TULSI RESTAURANT INDIAN CUISINE SHANE GILLIGAN

design@clareecho.ie

L

ocated just off the Market at Carmody Street, Ennis Tulsi has set the standard for authentic Indian Cuisine.

Tulsi is centrally located so it’s easy to park up at the market and walk over.

Mohashin and two brothers Mamun and Muhammad own Tulsi restaurant along with their restaurant in Galway.

Tulsi offer a terrific dining experience catering for all groups. Mohashin was extremely friendly greeting every person that came through the door with a handshake and showing them to their seats. We arrived at 7.30pm and the restaurant was already busy with takeaway orders and three quarters full. Mohashin regularly called to the table to check that we had everything that we needed. He was very friendly and accommodating.

Tulsi has great décor with a nice modern yet Indian touch to it. The atmosphere there on Saturday was great.

India’s gastronomic fare derives its rich history from a 4,000 year timeline so there is much more to

l MOUTHWATERING

Family friendly Indian cuisine that sets the standard in Clare Indian cuisine than the spicy curries.

People often don’t try Indian cuisine for the reason they think everything will be extremely spicy. This of course is not true. Tulsi has a range of mild, medium and hot dishes. If you aren’t sure what to order be sure to ask the waiter. Also if there is nothing that sparks your interest on the menu then Tulsi’s magnificent chef can cook you up whatever you want. On the other hand if there are too many tasty looking dishes to choose from why not try the Tulsi special and have a tasting of several appetizers and mains.

Waiting times is a huge priority for a lot of diners whether they know it or not, and Tulsi has hit the nail on the head; it’s just long enough to enjoy the atmosphere but not too long to leave you upset. And there is always a staff member available to offer you a fresh drink. You’ll be given a healthy serving of poppadum with a selection of dips on arrival to nibble on while your order is taken.

Mohashin provided us with several appetizers including Chicken and

l GREAT

SERVICE: Brothers Mohashin and Mamun at Tulsi in Ennis

Prawn Pakora and Garlic Mushrooms. Each starter was breaded using Tulsi’s homemade breadcrumbs and cooked to perfection. The chicken was particularly lovely as it was marinated overnight in yogurt, and spices such as cumin, coriander and much more. Included in our appetizer tasting was chicken tikka. A beautifully marinated chicken fried to perfection. The marinade seeped through the chicken to add that extra burst of Indian flavour and also to keep the chicken moist while cooking.

Our mains were paired with a combination of Pilau rice, Garlic naan and sweet naan breads, the perfect accompaniment for our variety of sauces.

If you are not a fan of spicy food I would highly

MAIN COURSES: Tulsi produce an array of delicious meals from mild to spicy

recommend their Tandoori Chicken Tikka dish, golden marinated chicken, served in a rich and creamy flavoursome curry sauce. Most people will be familiar with Chicken Tikka Masala is one of the most popular Indian dishes however Tulsi elevates it to another level. It is definitely a must try for anyone that likes a tasty curry without a large amount of spice.

A vegetarian option and one of my favourites is Chana Palak which is chickpeas and spinach. I know what you’re thinking but trust me this one surprised me. The amount of flavour that the chef managed to pack into the humble spinach and chickpea was magnificent.

DISH OF THE NIGHT: SHAHI PASANDA This creamy sweet and buttery curry is perfect for a Saturday night feast at Tulsi. This is the first time I have eaten this curry and wow was I amazed. It has a surprisingly subtle fruity taste to it that pairs perfect with a garlic naan and Pilau rice. Lean pieces of chicken are marinated for 24 hours in traditional Indian spices and yogurt then placed into a tasty mild and creamy sauce. If someone isn’t into spicy food I would recommend to try this. It is a great first time dish for your trip to Tulsi or if it is your first time experiencing indian cuisine.

Tulsi is a highly recommendable restaurant with food to suit all. The service is on point, the decor is modern and fresh and most of all the food is amazing. You will struggle to find a better price with dishes such as the Chicken Tikka costing under €10. This time of year Tulsi should be considered for a nice romantic night for Valentine’s Day or bring your family to Tulsi for Communion or Confirmation. But all year round it is a go-to for us, whether it’s for an enjoyable dining experience or a Saturday night in front of the television.

12 COLUMNISTS

THURSDAY, FEB 14 2019

Eoin Neylon

Stuart Holly

The morning after

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JOINT Policing committee meeting this week discussed the impact new drink driving legislation is having on people living in Clare. Cllr Pat Daly asked if it’s fair that people are penalised for being over the limit the morning after the night of a wedding, having acted responsibly in getting home the night before. Cllr Alan O’Callaghan said he hoped a priest wouldn’t indulge in an extra drop of wine “or he could be pulled next”.

It’s important to recognise this was a healthy discussion about the quality of life of these councillors’ constituents, many of whom live in rural areas – nobody was suggesting careless behaviour behind the wheel should be advocated.

But (take note Danny Healy-Rae) this talk needs to be nipped in the bud and we should all toe the line when it comes to drink driving regulations. Alcohol consumption is a factor in almost 40 per

cent of all deaths on Irish roads and any amount of alcohol increases the risk of involvement in a road traffic collision. Road Safety Authority stats from 2008 to 2012 show numerous instances of drivers who were below the drink driving limit at the time were involved in fatal collisions.

So we need to ask ourselves, do we need alcohol to socialise with friends? If the answer is yes, have arrangements in place so that you can get home safely. Do we need alcohol to celebrate God? If the answer is yes, have arrangements in place so that you can get home safely.

The councillor in question used the example of the priest to accentuate a point – and it’s doubtful any priest needs to drink more than a sup of sacramental wine to complete the procession of the Eucharistic offertory – however it doesn’t in any way validate a person to get behind the wheel with alcohol in their system.

Nothing does.

Wild idea dies a death

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WROTE an editorial late last year suggesting that Shannon Airport could benefit by aligning itself expressly to the Wild Atlantic Way brand.

Clarecastle Cllr Paul Murphy took this a step further by raising the issue in the form of a motion in January. In a formal reply, Shannon Group’s CEO has outlined a number of legitimate reasons for pouring cold water on the suggestion.

Regardless of whether it was a good or bad idea, it’s heartening to see Shannon Airport management openly engage with elected members of Clare County Council, who in turn represent the people. In their hands passenger numbers have increased since Shannon became an independent operation in 2012 and they should be commended for that.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR THE GULF IS WIDENING

Dear Editor.

According to Forbes magazine there are now 2,208 billionaires in the world, eight of these billionaires are Irish citizens. Not surprised, you say. For me this is mind blowing.

In Ireland we have 125,000 ‘dollar millionaires’ according to The Wealth Report 2017. David McWilliams in an RTE documentary tells us in a report from 2015 that 73% of the country’s wealth is owned by 20% while the poorest 20% own 0.2%.

In 2008/9 the crash happened in Ireland and saw a major collapse in employment and saw the Government bail out the banks with taxpayer’s money. NAMA was set up; a number of major developers were given generous subsidies to stay in position to run their business. A decade later we note that a number of them have rebuilt their business-

es and become millionaires again.

Meanwhile, Fr Sean Healy of Social Justice Ireland tells us in his pre-budget plan that 750,000 people live below the poverty line. That is a long way below a just wage or opportunity to participate in the education system. Research carried out by UCC tells us that over 330,000 people owe on average €566 to moneylenders.

Many of the jobs created in the last seven years are in hospitality and caring areas and the most are relatively low wage and many are part time jobs.

Despite the incredible recovery for the wealthy, there has been little recovery for many hundreds of thousands. We can see this clearly in the Pobal index map for disadvantage and affluence 2017. For example, in one area of Limerick city, 67% of men are unemployed and 40% of women, while other areas

of Co Limerick are marked as very affluent.

This contrast is obvious right across Ireland. So we see there is significant gulf between areas in terms of affluence and opportunity vs areas characterised by poverty and no opportunity. According to TASC “Recent decades have seen a widening gap between the wealthy and the rest of society. We believe that is wrong in itself, extremely damaging for society and, as we have seen recently, the root cause yet again of economic devastation”.

In my opinion, the mindset of local politicians has to change to clearly recognise the impact of inequality in our community and to develop policies and supports to help disadvantaged communities to reach their full potential. Ireland could implement the living wage report immediately.

Dermot Hayes, Ennis, Co. Clare.

An inside look at Clare’s political spectrum

Less than 100 days to local elections

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OTERS in the Kilrush LEA learned of five names that will appear on their ballot paper next May during the weekend.

The Fine Gael selection convention saw just two candidates nominated, sitting Cllr. Gabriel Keating and newcomer Mike Taylor. At the same time, it was confirmed that, of the five nominated to contest the Fianna Fáil selection convention, the two non-sitting councillors are both pulling out, leaving three sitting councillors with a free run to make the Fianna Fáil ticket.

These are Cllrs Bill Chambers, PJ Kelly and Tom McNamara who is transferring along with his native Kilmaley from the Ennis LEA into Kilrush. With Cllr Ian Lynch set to confirm he is to contest re-election, there will be five sitting councillors contesting for the five seats on offer in Kilrush.

Geographically, FG may yet add another candidate seeing as both of their confirmed candidates thus far are based on the Loop Head Peninsula. FF on the other hand have a better spread with Cooraclare, Lissycasey and Kilmaley providing the base for their three candidates. Lynch, coming from Kilrush, gives the West Clare capital direct representation. However, both the estuary area and the Atlantic coast area around Doonbeg would appear to be wide open for new candidates. Somewhere else that’s also wide open since the weekend is the entire Ennistymon LEA from a Fianna Fáil point of view. The long-rumoured retirement of long-serving Councillor Richard Nagle means that there will be no sitting Fianna Fáil Coun-

cillor in the area. With Michael Hillery stepping down on the night of the FF selection convention, it means the party has no candidate in the area with said convention already concluded. This means it’s an ample opportunity for the party to redress its lack of female and youth representation in Clare. There will likely not be another convention in the area, but the party’s National Constituencies Committee will

‘‘

“not let anyone outside of your campaign team know where you’re going or what you’re doing”. Maybe it’s paranoia on their part but I do think there’s some wisdom in that mantra.

As I advised campaigners and TDs in the run up to the 2016 General Election, “social media is a great tool for starting a conversation, but you need to end that conversation on the doorstep, in person”.

Local elections, more so than any other, are about meeting your neighbours face-to-face and showing that you know all about the local issue that affects both you and the person you’re canvassing. I’ve learned this the hard way through the years and it was reinforced once more when I attended a community meeting at the other end of my own LEA where it was made clear that someone “living so far away” simply “couldn’t get what it means for the community”. The distance in question was 5km. In terms of local elections though, that may as well be 100 miles.

And to those who are community activists and voluntary campaigners, I apologise to you. Over the next four months, every meeting, community litter pick and forum you attend will likely descend into a collection of party-political broadcasts and photo opportunities featuring various candidates. It may be frustrating but it’s also the best opportunity you’ll get for the next five years to press home what it is your group is doing and try secure extra funding and support to get it done. Yes, you will be inundated with campaigners and candidates for the next 100 days, but don’t let the chance pass you by and then complain about never seeing your politicians. Every citizen has their part to play in these election times.

‘‘

EDITOR’S OPINION

It’s an ample opportunity for Fianna Fáil to redress its lack of female and youth representation

make the additions to the Ennistymon ticket directly. If there is any young, female community activists looking to represent their community on the Council, there will rarely be a better opportunity to do so.

With less that 100 days now to polling day, the campaigns will be ramping up over the coming month.

If social media posts are any indication, Sinn Féin are going all out to target a seat in the Ennis LEA. Their candidate there, Donna Deirdre McGettigan, is constantly updating her pages with images of her canvassing with a small but dedicated number of followers. However, beware the social media war, it can often paint a false picture.

Many candidates, myself included, will canvass door after door after door without publicizing it.

Most seasoned campaigners have often told me to

Know your employer pension obligations DARACH HONAN

A

S a business owner you’ll already know that your biggest investment of all is in the people who work for you. It is their experience, skills and energy that drives your business forward and every successful business puts its people first.

Part of putting your people first is providing them with the opportunity to plan for their future retirement through a pension. In fact, so important is the provision of retirement planning for employees that the law now obliges all employers to provide their employees with an occupational pension scheme or Personal Retirement Savings Account (PRSA), or to at least enable employees to make contributions directly from their salary into their own pension scheme.

In the past, most occupational pension schemes operated on a defined benefit basis which placed a quite considerable burden on employers. Workers in the scheme were guaranteed a pension which was a percentage of their final salary, depending on the contributions made and their years of service, but irrespective of the performance of the investment fund.

This meant that employers were obliged to make up any shortfall between the fund and the pension payments.

Most occupational pension schemes are now defined-contribution schemes where the worker’s pension is based upon the investment performance of the pension fund and where the employer is not obliged to make up any shortfall in the investment performance. Both defined benefit and defined-contribution schemes involve the employer making at least a small contribution to their employee’s pension funds.

A PRSA is like a defined benefit contribution scheme except that it is personally owned by the employee.

YOU ARE OBLIGED TO ENSURE YOUR EMPLOYEES HAVE ACCESS TO A PRSA SCHEME IF: • You as an employer, do not operate an occupational pension scheme, or • Any of your employees do not qualify to join an occupational pension scheme, or • Any of your employees are excluded from making Additional Voluntary Contributions to and occupational pension scheme.

Despite these broad obligations, the pension’s burden on employers has been lightened by the introduction of PRSAs. These have particularly benefited smaller businesses as there is no requirement for the employer to make any contributions on their employees’ behalf. It’s worth

noting, however, that any pension or PRSA contributions that are made by employers on behalf of employees are fully deductible for Corporation Tax purposes, so such contributions can be a tax efficient form of staff incentivisation.

If you have yet to set up a pension scheme for your employees, it’s very worthwhile engaging the services of a financial adviser with specialised experience in this area. Pension schemes are relatively easy to establish and are offered by a number of the major financial institutions in Ireland, but it’s important to ensure that you pick a scheme that meets both your needs and those of your present and future employees. A financial adviser can talk you through the choices available to you and advise you on choosing the right one. A pension scheme from a well-recognised and respected provider is an attractive staff benefit and can have a role to play in staff recruitment.

Once you have chosen your pension provider, in conjunction with your financial adviser, you should then let your eligible staff know of the availability of the scheme and their right to contribute to it. One of the best ways of doing this is to invite your financial adviser to present the details of the scheme to your employees. This can take place at your premises for convenience and to avoid disruption to the working day.

The adviser can outline the scheme and its benefits and is on hand to answer any queries directly. Eligible employees are entitled to enough paid leave-of-absence to enable them to sign up to a pension scheme, so an in-house presentation makes sense in many ways.

Providing all your employees with access to a pension, either through an occupational pension scheme or PRSA is not just an obligation; it’s a positive statement of belief and investment in your workforce. By providing them with pension options you’re also helping them plan for their retirement and building your employees’ peaceof-mind, enthusiasm and loyalty.

14 YOUR MONEY

Four tricks to speed up your mortgage application

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O matter how old you are, the phrase “mortgage application” can be a bit scary for some. And sure, the mortgage application process involves saving, watching the pennies, and filling in paperwork, but it doesn’t need to be a super stressful experience – especially if you keep on top of things.

In fact, there are ways and means to speed up the mortgage application, so today we’re sharing our insider tips with you via Ann Marie Hartigan, the mortgage master at EBS Ennis.

1) SHOW YOUR SAVINGS

One of the big misconceptions people have around applying for a mortgage is that their savings need to be in absolute tip-top shape. They think that if they’ve had the odd flutter at the Grand National, or are in their overdraft, or gone for drinks at the weekend, their application will fail!

But that’s not the case at all.

“You need to show that you can afford your mortgage repayments,” confirms Ann Marie. “Let’s say you’ve used a mortgage calculator to show your repayments will be €900 per month.

You need to actually prove that you can repay that and a little more, just in case interest rates go up. So, you need to show savings or a combination of rent, savings and loan recently paid off, to prove your repayment capacity.”

Your best bet is to keep a paper trail tracking everything. Get a big folder and track your spending and your savings and keep a hold of all relevant receipts.

You might end up over prepared – but that certainly can’t hurt! We can help applicants to prove repayment capacity when we have all the information.

2. DON’T TAKE OUT ANY NEW LOANS

Saving for your mortgage should be the focus of your saving, so don’t decide you also want to save for your wedding or a new car in tandem.

“If you want a new car, wait until after you get the mortgage and your budgeting has settled down” stresses Ann Marie. “If you have just taken out a car loan that you’re going to be paying off for the next five years, then that’s going to impact the decision on your mortgage.”

Likewise, if you have any residual

debts like a student loan or a credit card that needs clearing, focus on paying those off before you apply. Most lenders will see it as a positive if you can clear your debt, as it proves you are reliable – which is exactly what your mortgage advisor wants to see.

3. MEET YOUR MINIMUM REPAYMENTS

Ann Marie has a word of warning for those who owe money on loans or credit cards.

“You should really try to avoid any missed payments or direct debits,” she stresses. “I see loads of people who are doing great with their savings – maybe €600 per month or more. But they are missing the minimum payments on their credit cards and that undoes all the good of saving.”

Your credit rating is one of the things your advisor takes into consideration while processing your application, so be sure to make your minimum repayments, or it will be a mark against you.

4. IF YOU’RE BUILDING, THE SITE IS YOUR DEPOSIT.

Did you know that EBS is the go to bank for build mortgages? We are masters at advising borrowers on how to structure their build loan. We arrange stage payments, deal with engineers directly and issue many stage payments, making repaying the mortgage while it’s under construction, more manageable.

Ann Marie Hartigan, mortgage master at EBS Ennis says “applicants are often surprised, when I first meet them, to learn that the site constitutes part and sometimes all, of the deposit. EBS finances up to 100% of the cost of construction, depending on the site value and on the final value of the property.”

Book an appointment with Ann Marie Hartigan today by calling 065 68 99600.

She can meet you anytime. EBS Ennis is located at Abbey Street Car Park in Ennis, beside YOLO.

The content of this article is expressed in broad terms and is limited to general information purposes only. Readers should always seek professional advice to address issues arising in specific contexts and not seek to rely on the information in this article which does not constitute any form of advice or recommendation

by EBS d.a.c.

UP TO

NEW FOR

2019

BACK IN CASH

ON YOUR NEW MORTGAGE SEARCH EBS MORTGAGE MASTERS

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

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

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

Warning: The cost of your monthly repayments may increase

Warning: If you do not meet the repayments on your loan, your account will go into arrears. This may affect your credit rating, which may limit your ability to access credit in the future.

WARNING: YOUR HOME IS AT RISK IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP PAYMENTS ON A MORTGAGE OR ANY OTHER LOAN SECURED ON IT. WARNING: THE PAYMENT RATES ON THIS HOUSING LOAN MAY BE ADJUSTED BY THE LENDER FROM TIME TO TIME. Lending criteria, Terms and Conditions apply. For eligible customers 2% will be paid into your current account. Additional 1% paid on the 5th anniversary of the EBS mortgage. EBS. d.a.c. is an authorised agent and servicer of EBS Mortgage Finance (a wholly-owned subsidiary of EBS d.a.c.). EBS d.a.c. & EBS Mortgage Finance are regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland.

A typical €100,000, 20 year mortgage for an Owner Occupier Residential Property with Loan to value greater than 80% will have a variable interest rate of 3.7% and Annual Percentage Rate (APR) 3.8%, and 240 monthly repayments of €590.29. If the APR does not vary during the term of the mortgage, the total cost of credit i.e. the total amount repayable less than the amount of the loan would be €41,884.48 (inclusive of valuation report fees of €215.00). The total amount repayable would be €141,884.48. The effect of a 1% increase in interest rates for such a mortgage will add €53.21 to the monthly repayments.

Note: The above notice in respect of adjustments to repayment rates will not apply during any period when the loan is at a fixed rate. If you or your dependants intend to use the property as a principal place of residence, you must show evidence of mortgage protection insurance, unless you are exempt under the Consumer Credit Act 1995. Maximum loan to value of Owner Occupier Residential Properties - 90% of purchase price or valuation whichever is lower and 80% loan to value on one bedroom properties. Lending levels are subject to monthly repayment burden, typically not exceeding c. 35% of borrower’s disposable income and will vary according to individual circumstances. Mortgage loan requests are considered on the basis of proof of income, financial status and demonstrated repayment capacity (including capacity to repay at higher interest rates). Loans not available to people under 18. Mortgage loans are secured by a first legal mortgage/charge over your property. The property must be within the Republic of Ireland. Offer valid until 31st December 2019.

16 YOUR MONEY

Benefits of cloud accounting

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VER the past few years, we at AMQ have focused considerable effort to educating ourselves in developments in cloud accounting and keeping abreast of the improvements in functionality offered by cloud software providers. These improvements have enabled accountants to offer new and improved services to our clients. Over the next few paragraphs we want to explore the most significant areas that your accountant and cloud technology can help you and your business.

EASY ACCESS TO YOUR FINANCIALS Cloud accounting software can be accessed with just a broadband connection and a laptop so therefore you can literally work on your finances from anywhere. You can invoice customers after completing a service in real time via your mobile and not have the worry of sitting in your office later that night catching up on the invoices, you have the piece of mind that your customer has their invoice and that this will help your cash flow.

SHARE WITH YOUR ACCOUNTANT Using an old desktop approach means sending data over emails to your accountant as they require it or backing up your data to a USB memory stick and bringing it into their office.

Cloud accounting software allows you to add your accountant as a user on the software. This collaboration allows both you and your accountant to look at the same online information.

OTHER BENEFITS If your business already has a full-time accountant or you are the full time accountant in a business, we believe the cloud systems available continue to present many advantages.

Functionality including OCR, rule setup and automatic bank feeds may greatly help you automate the data entry, helping you focus on more value-added activities in the business.

COST EFFICIENT Keeping traditional desktop accounting

software licensed and upgraded can come with a high cost. And then you have the added worry of ensuring you back up your data daily and safeguarding your physical server in the office.

Cloud accounting takes all the worry away from the above, your data and records are encrypted at source and saved to the cloud, so the only person who can access your information is you and your selected users.

REDUCES PAPERWORK Cloud accounting can deliver the dream having a paperless office, not only will this help your peace of mind put also the environment.

Cloud accounting enables you to email sale invoices directly to your client, removing costs associated with printing and postage. Purchase invoices and receipts can be scanned and saved directly with the associated transaction it relates to.

COLLECTING FROM DEBTORS Cloud systems make communications with debtors much easier. Emailing invoices or statements to debtors is just the click of a button away.

One additional function that has developed recently in the cloud space is Direct Debit. If you are regularly dealing with customers, asking them to sign up to Direct Debit can be very useful. It enables you to agree payment terms with the customer and know that they will comply because they have agreed to the Direct Debit plan.

CONCLUSION What we find at AMQ utilising the latest cloud technologies and enlisting the help of an experienced outsourced accountant can have considerable benefits for you and your business.

If you want to find out more about how cloud accounting systems may benefit your business, email info@amq.ie with your contact details and some information about your business and a convenient time to call you back.

YOUR MONEY

New protection rules encourage Switch-to-Save on Mortgages!

‘NO COST FOR SWITCHING!’

DARACH HONAN CENTRAL BANK IS PUTTING CUSTOMERS FIRST!

New Central Bank rules relating to current mortgage holders have come into force since January 2019. These rules are in response to 2015 findings that more than one fifth of borrowers could save money by switching. The new rules will make it easier for bank customers to get information about savings on their mortgages.

Furthermore, this will encourage competitiveness in the market and better mortgage rates for customers.

A drop of only a fraction of percent can bring significant savings over the term of a mortgage and maybe a decrease in the term at the same time. All of this without any cost to borrowers in doing so!

Some banks are now covering the costs associated with switching, meaning no cost to the borrower and you may even have monies from cash backs currently available to buy new furniture or book a well deserved holiday.

WHY USE A MORTGAGE BROKER?

An unbiased source of information Intermediaries are unbiased parties, who have access to a wide range of lender rates at their fingertips. This means they can advise you on the best lender for your situation. And if you’re not ready to apply, they will certainly give you the heads up and will even help you get organised for the future.

KEY POINTS UNDER THE NEW THEY WILL DO THE HARD REQUIREMENTS: WORK FOR YOU • 60 days before a fixed-rate mortgage term ends, the bank will have to provide details of the new rate and possible other options.

• Variable rate mortgage customers will have to be informed by the bank every year whether they can move to a cheaper interest rate.

• Current customers may request their lender to provide a comparison of the total interest payable on the customer’s existing mortgage and the interest payable on the new or alternative rate on offer.

• Banks will be required to alert customers to the relevant section of the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission website where they can compare prices.

ARE YOU PAYING MORE THAN YOU SHOULD?

Many people with existing mortgages in Ireland are paying much higher interest on their repayments than they should. The 2015 analysis of over half a million mortgages found approximately 16,000 could save over €1,000 in the first 12 months, and around 27,000 switchers have the potential to save in excess of €10,000 over the lifetime of the mortgage.

What many mortgage holders do not realise is that they are not obliged to stay with the same lender for the remainder of their mortgage term. Indeed, they can re-negotiate the mortgage conditions and term by switching to another lender.

‘80% loan to value ratio on your mortgage gives you a good chance to qualify for great savings and even if you have limited equity and only 90% loan to value it will still work ’ The new lending institution will want to ensure that you have been able to meet your mortgage repayments and that your property is not in negative equity. Hence, switching will not be an option for borrowers in arrears, or for properties with current market value lower than the outstanding mortgage loan on them, however with recent increases in property prices people may not realise how much their property has increased in value, a good broker can help you with this.

At the beginning, an intermediary will assess your situation and will do depth research into the market. Further down the line, you can rely on an intermediary to keep the process moving and to keep communication lines open, so you can avoid running to the post office or making calls during your lunch hour. And after your intermediary has received your mortgage approval in principle, they will liaise with the lender, the lender’s valuer and your solicitor.

CALL IN THE EXPERTS

Your mortgage broker will fill out your mortgage forms and handle the finer details with practised skill, as they will know what the lenders are looking for and can explain away any uncertainties.

Cross-checking legal documents can be tedious, and if you’re juggling other daily tasks you may miss a vital piece of information or step. A mortgage intermediary can ensure everything is covered and ticked-off from start to finish.

The final stages of the application are usually the most nail-biting, so it’s good to know that your intermediary will be on standby, making sure that the loan offer is finalised and all terms have been met.

A BACK-BONE OF SUPPORT

Your intermediary is your trusted confidant at all stages of your mortgage journey. At the beginning, they will talk you through the whole process so you know exactly what’s ahead of you. Throughout the rest of your journey, you may have some doubts or less-than-common requests – and that’s just fine.

Your intermediary will be well accustomed to handling any mortgage query, no matter how big, small or obscure, and will be a much-needed source of reassurance.

Huge savings have been made by many customers when switching their mortgage to other banks at no cost for switching. For more information, visit www. mortgage123.ie and use our live chat facility or call 061 513076

17

18 YOUR MONEY

Money Muddles

A

RE there times when you feel your head is swimming with money muddles? Do you feel there’s never enough money to go round? Do you lose sleep over money worries?

Turn to MABS when money is tight and you feel your personal money worries are too big or too hard for you to sort out by yourself. Call 0761 072 430.

MABS works with anyone who wants support to manage their money; help tackling problem debt or who wants to be ready and able to tackle life’s financial ups and downs.

MABS supports people to manage their money as they face life events. We help people planning for life’s happy events and life’s financially difficult twists and turns.

We can help with budgeting and saving for a home, planning and managing the costs of a family, getting children educated, dealing with finances when relationships break down or life throws curve balls such as a redundancy, illness or bereavement.

MABS has served people for 25 years. We understand debt and have tried and trusted methods of helping you to get your money under control. Those who have worked with MABS say that working with us eases the pressure of money worries and helped them to take control of their money.

MABS has trained, qualified, knowledgeable advisers, who work with people in practical ways, FREE OF CHARGE and independent of all lenders.

MABS regularly works to re-arrange debts with banks, credit unions, utility companies and others. MABS helps people facing mortgage arrears and repossession> MABS will support people in Court.

MABS successfully works with people to get a fresh financial start through debt relief, insolvency arrangements or bankruptcy, if debt is unmanageable or has become a problem.

MABS helps people get the support they need to manage their money, deal with their lenders and work to reduce their debt. We also aim to help people to build knowhow and financial resilience so that when you’ve worked with MABS you are less likely to get into difficulty again.

No money worry is too small or too big to bring to MABS. You can rely that anything you

discuss with MABS is in complete confidence.

MABS listens – you can talk about money being tight, unpaid bills and share your money worries without feeling embarrassed. Every year thousands of people all over Ireland talk to MABS without blame and without shame. You may want to talk to ease your mind, or to get advice, or you may need someone to speak up for you at a time when you face life’s difficulties and you’re just not able to speak for yourself.

I bet you’re wondering what kind of people talk to MABS. You’re probably thinking, MABS is not for people like me. The truth is, MABS is for people like me, like you, like all of us. All kinds of people have money worries for all sorts of different reasons.

MABS works with them all with the aim of making money go round and your time stressing and worrying about money short.

If you want to talk about money worries, call MABS on 0761 072 430.

If it’s easier not to talk, send your questions to us at Ennis@MABS.ie or find us on Facebook

YOUR MONEY

Dealing with personal dept

F

Accountant John Hogan examines the options

ROM the perspective of a Personal Insolvency Practitioner (PIP) dealing with personal debt is not just a financial issue but can sometimes mean changes in behaviour and changing people’s attitudes not just towards spending but earning income. People in debt are stressed and can be in what I term ‘financial shock’, it has been demonstrated that when the unknown number comes up or the brown envelope arrives peoples physical reaction is the same as one involved in a small car crash. Imagine what it would be like to have 24 of these a year, every year, forever.

The first thing to remember is that the creditor(s) cannot solve the issue only you can and there is plenty of assistance and help available to guide you through the process and contrary to what you might think most of this assistance is either free and/or subsidised by the Government.

The other aspect and it is not stressed enough is that the advice given is real, (not a story shared in the bar) based on similar cases as your own and if an option contained in the Personal Insolvency Acts is

pursued then the objective is to have that approved by Court and therefore Court ordered.

To complete a journey YOU have to take the first step, contact MABS and/or a PIP which are listed on www.isi.gov.ie If you know of anyone struggling with debt please remember that they are unlikely to have read this as the main coping mechanism is to ignore the problem the issue however is that they are now perhaps ignoring the solution. Everyone deserves a second chance.

19

20 COMMUNITY

Community ENNIS

THURSDAY, FEB 14 2019

CONTACT NEWSDESK

065 671 9021 news@clareecho.ie

2010 and 2011. Brian has exhibited in galleries in Scarriff, Kilkee and Ennis and he took part in a group exhibition in Limerick. For the past two years, the Visual Artists Ireland member has concentrated on original works of which form the “Portraits in Black and White” exhibition.

Further information from mmnbos@eircom.net.

NORTH/WEST CLARE

l WHAT’S ALL THE RACKET: Ennis Lawn Tennis & Badminton Club entered five teams into the Munster Winter League an adult tennis competition which comprises of individual tennis club teams from Clare, Cork, Limerick, Tipperary and Waterford across every grade in tennis from Grade 1 to Grade 6 with various combinations from Ladies, Mens and Mixed.

Ennis have got their campaign off to a great start with all five teams - Grade 2 Mixed (Sarah, Emily, Yahya & Ciaran, pictured), Grade 4 Mens (Bill, Stephen, Noel & Michael), Grade 5 Ladies (Aine, Sarah, Liz and Roisin), Grade 5 Mens (Liam, Declan, Robert and Subbu) and Grade 6 Mixed ( Dhanya, Shauna, Eamonn & Brian) with most teams topping their groups, onwards and upwards now as they progress to the knock out stages of the competition. Ennis has performed consistently over the last four years in getting to the finals of these Munster-wide events and the club has won five Munster titles in recent years with some of new members who joined from our very successful open nights already playing a key part in squads.

ENNIS CAINT AGUS COMHRÁ For those who have an interest there is now and will be conversation and chat on in Irish every week in these following locations Luan : Zest, 11am Máirt: An Junction, Cloughleigh 11am Ceádain : Sweet + Green, 11am Diardaoin : Temple gate, 8pm Aoine : Sweet + Green, 11am Satharn : glór, 11am All are welcome

SOUTH/EAST CLARE MACRA 75TH CELEBRATIONS Macra turns 75 this year. To mark the celebra-

tions the Sixmilebridge-Kilmurry club will be hosting a BBQ in The Pumphouse Bar, Kilmurry on Saturday March 30th at 8pm. Music and raffle on the night. All welcome with a special invite to former members of Macra.

SCARIFF: PORTRAITS IN BLACK & WHITE Scariff Library Gallery hosts ‘Portraits in Black and White’, a visual art exhibition by Clare artist Brian O’Shaughnessy, from 18 February to 9 March.

Born in 1965, Brian O’Shaughnessy attended Tuamgraney National School where he first became interested in drawing. Brian went on to attend Scarriff Community College and continued with his drawing. In 2009, he applied to and was accepted on the Art and Design course at Limerick College of Further Education where he successfully completed FETAC levels 5 and 6 in

ALZHEIMER SOCIETY BURREN WALK The 17th annual Sponsored Walk organised by the Alzheimer Society of Ireland will take place on Sunday next the 17th of February with Registration from 10:30a.m. The 10 K Walk will start / finish at O’ Donoghue’s Pub, Fanore. Refreshments and Entertainment provided at O’ Donoghue’s after the Walk. This is a Fundraiser for a New Bus for the Clare Branch. Your continued support is very much appreciated. Looking forward to meeting all our loyal walkers as well as new walkers who will indeed be made most welcome to our annual trek up the mountain. l (pictured right) Caoimhe McMahon from Lissycasey who won silver and bronze U/9 Munster medals for Fergus AC in Nenagh on Saturday.

COLUMNISTS 21

THURSDAY, FEB 14 2019

REELING IN THE YEARS

with Cian O’Broin

I

Miriam O’Donohoe Join Miriam on her history tours to hidden locations of Clare

1972 H

N THIS week’s edition of Reeling in the Years in Clare, we regale with the whims and woes of 1972. From the county’s participation in joining the EU to commemorations of those unjustly killed in the war up North.

Let’s dive right in…

CLARE VOTES TO JOIN E.E.C Ireland’s referendum results which saw us join the EEC in 1972 spearheaded a progressive change in our society towards a more liberal, innovative and connected country.

The people of Clare amassed at their local polling stations, registering a six to one vote in favour of amalgamating with their European neighbours. The count was conducted by Co. Registrar Mr. F. O’ Reilly and his small team. The occasion was marked as a landslide with a majority vote of 19,000. Leading up to the referendum in Clare, the Republican side canvassed quite strongly posting their clear-cut ideals around the county.

The Labour party took a more lackadaisical approach, but the people of Clare were united in their decision to push Ireland forward in the international marketplace. Minister for Foreign Affairs and Director of Elections for Fianna Fail in 1972 was Dr. PJ Hillary who made the journey down from Dublin to Ennis to oversee the running of the polling stations. Hillary later made his way west to take a tour of this side of the country, ultimately ending up at Ennistymon at the close of the polling.

CLARE STANDS WITH BLOODY SUNDAY VICTIMS

Clare, although unburdened geographically by the Troubles, was tied through matters of the heart to their fellow countrymen in the struggle against the British across the six counties. In 1972, the closure of all premises was sanctioned by the Ennis Chamber of Commerce to mourn the murder of 13 civilians in Derry by the British paratroopers.

Feelings of shock and disgust were widespread across the county.

Men stepped away from their jobs for the day and took to the streets in protest against the actions of the British military. Industry was affected in the county as maintenance workers in Shannon Airport refused to service British planes. A parade was led from Eire Og to the cathedral, where people wedged inside to pay their respects to the innocent and deceased. The procession was a highly decorated affair, with members of various political parties speckled amongst the many vital members of the Ennis community.

The breakdown of community was lamented at the mass and a need for an Irish nation to pull together was reiterated. In order to soften the edges and smooth out the creases that tarnish the sacred tricolour. With the benefit of hindsight, we know that there were many more years of hardship to come and come they did.

SETTLING TRAVELLERS IN ENNIS The Ennis Council erupted in pandemonium in June of 1972 as members met to debate proposals put forward for the settlement of Travellers in the area surrounding watery road, Highfield and College Road. Shortly after the forwarding of the motion, Acting Chairman Mr. Martin Cahill fruitlessly attempted to pacify the highly emotive crowd.

An official document produced at the meeting, on behalf of residents from the area, was held in distaste by the council, containing exaggerations with relation to the objections voiced and included several names with little or no relation to the matter at hand. A month later, after the previous meeting was adjourned due to a conflict of interest a decision was made to build 15 settlements for Travellers in Ennis. In similar democratic fashion to our previous vote for the EEC, the motion was finalised with a 21 to seven majority vote. The scheme costing over £59,000 included six houses on Watery Road, four at Gaurus, four at Ashline and one at Ballygriffey. The help of An Garda Siochana was employed in the affected areas to ensure everything ran smoothly and without confrontation.

Check back next week to revisit the Clare of 1973 and see what made it different to the one we inhabit today. As always, thanks for your time!

Michael Cusack’s journey to greatness I ALL,

Last week as I was on route to Galway via the old R458 Ardrahan road, I pulled in for petrol in Labane where I ran into an old friend of the family called John.

During our conversation John asked if I had ever visited Lough Cutra national school, where Michael Cusack taught from 1866-71. No, I replied, “I’m afraid I don’t know much about his earlier life”. “OK” said John, “let me explain”.

It all began in 1843 when the Cusacks who then lived in Rath, Corofin, were evicted from their home. Dispossessions were common at that time as it was a period of Great Hunger in Ireland [1845-52]. That’s how Michael’s father Matthew, mother Bridget, two brothers and one sister came to live in Carron, where they found a derelict house 1km from Carron village.

Once there, Matthew became a herdsman for a local farmer. In those times herdsmen were paid for their work in the form of being given “freedoms’’ where he would be free to graze animals on the land he herded.

On September 20, 1847, the first son was born in the Cusack household whom they christened Michael. This would have been a time of great starvation.

Fortunately for the Cusacks, the people of Carron did not suffer as badly as neighbouring villages as the potato crop was average, also landlords supplied tenants with a fair ration of yellow meal, (substitute for oatmeal and potatoes).

Nevertheless the hardship of caring for a newborn resulted in Bridget’s illness, consequently she remained in poor health for a number of years.

During Michael’s youth he attended school in Carron. That would have been the old church not far from where the existing church stands today. In 1852 Michael advanced to the new school in the village of Carron which was one mile from his home in Poulaphouca (pictured). Everything at that time was taught in Irish. Back then, there were only 62 children on the roll book and they were lucky if 40 of those turned up

on any day. Having said that, the Cusack children never missed a day as their parents had always instilled a love of learning. As Michael trekked to school every day, I’m sure he must have remarked on the topography of the karst landscape, dotted with megalithic tombs.

The Cusack household was always a place of welcome, as neighbours used gather in the evenings to play music, sing songs and tell stories from the past. Religion was also of major importance as it was here that Michael absorbed a deep faith through the teachings of the then priest, Fr Pakie Kerins, a faith which he never failed to honour. On Sundays Michael joined his family and neighbours to worship and did the rounds at local holy wells. It is also possible that Michael drank some of the holy water, before bringing a little home to bless his house. Such Holy Wells are marked to this day with little pyramids of stone. On Sundays Michael and local boys would organise games of hurling in the village. It was from watching a hurling match between local rivals, Beagh and Kilbeacanty in Galway (1870) that Michaels love of the game developed.

As a student of Carron national school, Michael excelled in all areas and did his parents proud, one day in 1862 arriving home to announce he was chosen as ‘Monitor’ [a person appointed to supervise students]. Michael’s first language was Irish, and it’s believed he did not speak English until he was 11, however Michael was a quick learner who embraced new ideas effortlessly.

Unfortunately in May of the

same year Michael’s mother Bridget lost her fight for life and was buried in the family grave at Drumcliff near Ennis. Later that year Michael was accepted in Enniscorthy, Co Wexford where he pursued his teaching studies.

In 1865 he returned briefly as a substitute teacher to Corofin, where he later resumed his studies graduating with distinctions.

This achievement allowed him to accept the position of principal in Lough Cutra national school in Gort.

Sadly Michael’s father passed away in 1868 and was buried in the family grave in Kilnaboy.

Michael now being the oldest, was left with no option but to take guardianship of his two brothers. Still managing his position in Lough Cutra, Michael was often seen running the 12 miles home on Friday evenings.

Regrettably in 1868 the Cusack family who had settled in Carron back in 1843, were now scattered all over the world except for Michael whose teaching profession and love for sport inspired him to openly question the Irish sporting rules, being drawn up at the time by the protestant establishment.

Michael felt that hurling should instead be controlled by ordinary Irish men with no leaning towards politics or the church.

On November 1, 1844 Michael called a meeting in Hayes Hotel in Co Tipperary, and as John.F says, sure the rest is History.

Well I must continue my journey now. Thank you for keeping me company along the way, and I hope you will join me on my next trip.Bye for now.

PS: As with all historical sites, take nothing but memories, leave nothing but footprints.

22 PROPERTY

THURSDAY, FEB 14 2019

4

Superb location CLARE ROAD, ENNIS, CLARE

N

€189,950

OT OFTEN does a home on Clare Road come to the market and in particular one that is set on a site normally reserved for countryside living and just 50m from O`Connell Street.

The gated off street parking provides for two vehicles which further leads to the front lawn area and adjoining garage. On entering the entrance hallway, two separate doors lead to the main reception and formal family room and the main stairs to the first floor. Off the formal family room is the kitchen breakfast which open onto the rear utility, gardens and the rear entrance to the garage. PSL No. 002295.

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

4

Ideal family home COLLEGE VIEW, CLONROADMORE, ENNIS, CLARE

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€229,000

OCATED immediately opposite the entrance to St. Flannan’s College, this stunning town centre detached bungalow is set on a magnificent circa 0.25 acre landscaped and tree-lined site, a rare asset to be placed on the market in Ennis Town. The property which accommodates 4 bedrooms, 2 receptions, kitchen/ breakfast and main bathroom would make an ideal family/retirement home in an unrivalled and much sought after residential area. PSL 002295

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

4

A must view

10 PINE GROVE, ENNIS, CLARE

P

€189,000

INE GROVE is located just off the Gort Road, within walking distance of all local and town amenities, a popular estate for first time buyers, families and retired occupants alike. This mature development is one of Ennis` much sought after estates, with No. 10 boasting many upgrades over the years of its current ownership. Some of these features include extensive solid oak timber flooring at ground floor level, quality Shaker style kitchen, built in wardrobes to all 3 bedrooms, recently refurbished bathroom and stunning private rear gardens and ample off street parking to the front. This home is a must view to fully appreciate the bright spacious and well proportioned living accommodation and viewing is highly recommended by prior appointment with sole selling agents. PSL No. 002295

Contact: John Clohessy, DNG O’Sullivan Hurley, 74 O’Connell Street, Ennis Tel: (065)6840200

MOTORING

MOTORING EXPERT NEIL BRISCOE GIVES HIS VIEWS

RENAULT UPDATED THE SCENIC WITH NEW EASY LIFE MODELS

MORE EQUIPMENT AND PETROL ENGINE OPTIONS FOR THE SCENIC

RENAULT

W

SCENIC

HEN Renault launched the fourth generation Scénic and Grand Scénic, it was clear that customers were demanding more from their family cars. With more and more people looking to SUVs, Scénic and Grand Scénic had to have stunning looks, as well as a level of practicality that beats SUV competitors hands down. And it’s been

a great success, with the award-winning Scénic family taking a commanding lead in the MPV segment, building on over 23,000 vehicles sold in Ireland since Scénic first launched here 20 years ago.

The Scénic range, which includes the five-seater Scénic and seven-seater Grand Scénic, has been updated for 2019 with generous new trim levels and an exciting new range of WLTP compliant petrol and diesel engines.

A brand new 1.3 TCe 140 petrol engine develops a generous 240Nm of torque and is available with both a six-speed manual gearbox and a new seven-speed EDC gearbox priced from just €27,790.

A brand new 1.7 dCi 120 diesel engine, which develops 300Nm of torque at just 1750 RPM, is available with both a six-speed manual gearbox and new seven-speed EDC on the Scénic and Grand Scénic, priced from €30,710.

The Renault Scénic range also takes on the new Easy Life trim levels, with three simplified trims of Play, Iconic and Signature available across the range.

Play is a generously equipped entry-level trim compared to competitors, which comes complete with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay on its 7” touchscreen, as well

as rear parking sensors and two rows of flat-folding seats in Grand Scénic providing extra space and flexibility – key for busy families.

Iconic tops most competitors and adds more key comfort features such as keyless entry, front parking sensors and built-in navigation.

The Signature trim, the pinnacle of the new Scénic range, adds features including rear parking cameras, ambient lighting and driving modes and an 8.7-inch touchscreen. Grand Scénic is the only car at this level to provide built-in navigation, two rows of flat-folding seats and one-touch folding on all rear seats.

Patrick Magee, Country Operations Director Renault Ireland: “The Scénic was unrivalled in Ireland when first launched, and now, even in the face of great customer choice, Scénic is once again unique in the market. A car you buy with your head and your heart, the Scénic is a real head-turner which offers much-needed space, flexibility and practicality. We’re excited to introduce two new engines for 2019 as well as new trim levels across the range offering more features as standard for customers.”

Renault MEGANE Grand Coupé Now with a powerful petrol engine

Renault Mégane Grand Coupé from €209 per month* AND €1000 Cashback Take a 24-hour test drive to experience the 140hp petrol engine today Model shown: Mégane Grand Coupé Signature TCe 140 GPF starting RRP €28,440. *Finance example: Mégane Grand Coupé Play TCe 140 GPF. RRP €23,940. Deposit €8,200. Term 36 monthly payments of €209. APR 3.9%.

Total cost of credit €1,438 inc fees of €150. Optional final payment €9,504. Includes 3-year service plan. Offer exclusive to Renault Bank. 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. See Renault.ie [Warning: You will not own these goods until the final payment is made.] Renault 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.

HOGAN MOTORS ENNIS Gort Road, Ennis, Co. Clare Tel 065 6821704 www.hoganmotorsennis.ie

Book a test drive

EchoSport

Martin Daly GAA ANALYSIS

A Cusack Park thumping of Cork gives us a good indication that this is a Clare side on the rise, says Martin Daly, as he casts his eye over Division 2

Division 1 is realistic aim

T

HE microscope rightly falls on Cork this week as pundits examine the Rebel footballers’ downfall after they were thumped at Cusack Park on Sunday. Cork’s collapse seems to be happening in slow motion, not unlike Clare’s rise (which I’ll talk more about later). In the National Football League we’ve now beaten the Leesiders three years running - but this is the absolute worst I’ve seen from Cork.

Cork look certain for Division 3, based on the lacklustre display they put on in Ennis.

They looked clueless, their work ethic wasn’t good enough, and once they made it past our 45m line they looked up the creek without a paddle. No runners off the shoulder, very pedestrian, and when the game was gone from them they dropped tools and Clare tapped on a few scores to add gloss to the scoreline. There were two incidents in this game which told the story for Cork.

Clare scored two early goals, the first one by man of the match David Tubridy. But it was the second goal which caught my eye, when Conall O hAinifein waltzed through three of them without being touched. Crazy stuff from a vapid Cork defence. Then, towards the end of the contest a kick-out from the Cork goalie Mark White was fielded by Gary Brennan. The game was decided at this point so Gary had a pot shot over the goalie’s head. White could have scrambled back and easily gathered the ball but instead he sauntered back and flapped it wide, putting it out for a 45. All he wanted to do was get back on the bus and go home to Cork. It meant nothing to him and I feel that’s the way a lot of Cork players are at the moment - they don’t have the belief or interest in playing for their team.

Reflecting on all that, if Clare lost the game it would have been very disappointing but there was no danger of that, which makes this all the more satisfying. The six points acquired from those two early goals was the gap for pretty much the whole game. They played very good football and opened up Cork at their ease sometimes.

Gary Brennan, David Tubridy and Gordon Kelly were the three I picked out after the defeat to Donegal, and once again they’re the three who stood tallest when needed against Cork. That’s not taking away from the rest of the Clare team who were strong across the park.

Cork maybe stood off Tubridy a little bit but it’s difficult to stop someone of his class when he’s in the mood and the Doonbeg man punished them accordingly. Gary was his usual dominant self, albeit he was a bit

l TOO EASY: Conall O hAinifein made the most of abysmal Cork defence to score an early goal for the Banner while David Tubridy (below) is the man of the moment for Clare

Photo by Martin Connolly

curtailed by the absence of Cathal O’Connor in the midfield beside him (serving a one-match ban), who usually affords Gary more of a free role. And Gordon was rock solid defensively - always out in front of

his man, and serving as that link between defence and attack.

What disappointed me a small bit at the weekend was an unwillingness to use the mark, again. They still create chances and

Clare were out in front of their men, so you couldn’t fault them but I’d like to see more marks called in a game like that, especially when you have the likes of Tubridy on a serious crest of a wave at the moment, along with natural finishers like Conor Finucane.

Conor needs to get the ball into his hands with a bit more regularity and a few marks around the 30m line would be ideal for a talented two-footed kicker like him.

That aside, there’s still more in this Clare team. Having witnessed Clare mix it in Division 2 over the last three years, 100 per cent I believe that we fight for promotion to Division 1. Knowing Colm Collins, that’s this team’s aim and it’s definitely achievable.

Looking at our progression, even from last year when we did very well to stay up.

We blooded a few new players last season and that experience is already on show this year. I think we’re much cuter and we definitely have a better panel now.

At the weekend we went out without Cathal O’Connor, who has been one of our strongest players over the last two or three league seasons, and Eoin Cleary who is our strongest forward along with Tubridy at the moment. We didn’t even use Gavin Cooney and he’s someone I’d pinpoint as a man who will step up this year. And still, we beat Cork. I can count on one hand the number of times we’ve beaten Cork in the last 15 or 20 years so just to show that confidence that’s been fostered throughout the last two seasons - regardless of how bad Cork were was encouraging. Clare have also now used three goalkeepers which shows we have strength in depth in the net and not just out the field. They’re experimenting with the panel and you need to do that to build a panel for the step up to Division 1.

We’re in a lovely position in that we have three points, just one off the top. However not to try and contradict myself, Division 2 is as tight as they come which early results have shown, so while we’re well capable of winning any game, we’re also capable of losing them all. Some of our upcoming fixtures include Fermanagh and Tipp away.

Meath over the last two years have taught us a lesson and we’ll welcome them to Cusack Park with some trepidation.

Kildare away is next, a side who scored just two points from play away to the ultra defensive Fermanagh. Before the season started you’d say this is a very tough fixture but now, the way the games are going and how Clare are playing, you’d have hope that we can bring two points across the Shannon. A quick start could be key and if Clare come out like they did against Cork, they could well keep Kildare at bay for 70 minutes.

SPORT

THURSDAY, FEB 14 2019

Ennis u18s claim glory in Munster Ennis 28 Carrick-on-Suir 13

Munster Cup final @ Irish Independent Park

E

NNIS has put an exclamation mark beside its claim as currently one of the most succesful run underage clubs in Munster after winning the girls u18 Munster Cup - just a couple of years after girls rugby was established at the club by Locan Hoyne.

The girls team follows in the footsteps of their male counterparts, who won the U18 Munster Cup at Thomond Park two years ago.

Ennis’s opponents at the weekend in Cork were Carrick-on-Suir who had defeated Ennis’s West Clare rivals Kilrush in the semi final. However the Tipperary outfit had no answer for the Ennis side who were led by the dynamic double try-scorer Chisom Ugwueru. Eilis Cahill and Aoife Corey were the second half try-scorers for Ennis, who never looked in doubt of winning this contest. Fullback Aoibhin Donnelly converted all the tries.

Ennis RFC: Aoibhin Donnelly; Aoibhinn O’Loughlin, Emer Moynihan; Alana McInerney, Aoife Corey; Grace Colleran, Emily Murphy; Saoirse Reidy, Vanessa Johnson-King, Shanice Benson; Emma Monaghan, Eilis Cahill; Emily Fanning, Clodagh McDonell, Chisom Ugwueru.

Replacements: Siofra Ryan, Mary Kate Keane, Dearbhile McMahon, Mairead Mescall, Rosie Brannock, Emmanuela l BEST IN THE PROVINCE: The Ennis U18 side celebrate their dominant Munster final win over Carrick-on-Suir at Irish Photo Ennis RFC Independent Park in Cork at the weekend

Ikieby, Laura Cooney, Cayla Flannery.

Improve scoring with Padraig McGrath course management GOLF ANALYSIS PGA Golf Professional

O

NE of the quickest ways of lowering your scores on the golf course is by improving your course management.

Not even the touring professionals attack every flag, however most amateurs are aiming at every flag, even if the flag is tucked into the side of the green. Especially in a strokeplay tournament (where every shot counts), course management is key to keeping double bogies or worse from your scorecard.

You only need to look at how Phil Mickleson played the final hole at Pebble Beach last Monday. He had a three shot lead standing on the 18th tee with the Pacific Ocean to his left and out-of-bounds to the right, Phil decided to hit a long iron from the tee to take both the outof-bounds and the Pacific ocean out of play. He then hit a mid iron for his second shot to lay up to around 140 yards, where he got up and down with a smooth 9 iron to birdie the final hole. Phil was aggressive when he needed to be but once he got ahead of Paul Casey he changed his course management on the last hole to secure victory. If Jean Van De Velde had used this course management playing the final hole of The Open in 1999 he certainly wouldn’t have thrown it away to Paul Lawrie.

The main thing with course management is knowing which flags you can attack, which tee shots you can be aggressive on with your driver and which tee shots you need to choose a long iron, hybrid or fairway wood to make sure you keep the ball in play. There will always come a time when you need to really attack the pin to give yourself a chance of making a lower score on a particular hole. However, whether or not you choose to attack heavily depends on the positioning of the flag on the green.

SCENARIO #1 Take the first illustration, for example; with the flag cut so close to both the bunker and the edge the green which slopes away from you,

you would be better off taking any danger out of play by aiming for the middle of the green. This will help you avoid trouble and any dropped shots, even if you miscue slightly. Playing clever will limit the chances of you making any score worse than a bogie.

SCENARIO #2 However, if the flag is in a more central position – as shown in the second illustration – then you can be a lot more aggressive with your shot.

Take aim straight at the pin and commit to your shot. Hopefully, you’ll be reaping the rewards when you step onto the green for a great chance of making a two-putt par or possibly even a one-putt birdie.

Before you play in your next strokeplay competition, work out a strategic plan on what holes your going to be aggressive on with your tee shots and which holes your going to choose another club other than the driver in order to keep your ball in play. Then also forget those flags that are tucked away and simply play for the centre of the green. Improve your course management around the course and your guaranteed to improve your average scores over the year.

#PadraigKnowsGolf

The Scorecard in association with

KILRUSH GOLF CLUB Wed 06 Feb. Senior Men Scramble 1.Billy Clarke,TJ Lyons, Bill Murphy, Matt Fitzpatrick 64 pts 2.Michael Ryan, Michael Hogan, Gerry Duffy 62.5 3.Seamus O’Doherty, Michael McNamara, Pat Shannon 61.5 Feb 4-10 Weekly Comp.

1. Tom Cleary 28pts Upcoming Events: Weekly Men’s Competition Feb 11-17. 12 Hole Open Singles,re-entry WOODSTOCK GOLF CLUB Club Scotch Foursomes Result 9th & 10th February 2019 1st: Andrew Sherlock & Paul Sherlock 39 points (Father & son partnership!!)

2nd: Chris McGrath & Ronan Horgan 37 points

ENNIS GOLF CLUB Men’s Seniors Social Group Thursday 7th February 2019 The Seniors Thursday Competition was a 3 Ball Modified Scramble, over 13 holes with 51 playing and 2 to score at each hole.

1st Liam Pyne, Johnny Cullinan, Sean Fitzpatrick 68 Points 2nd Flan Lyons, Tom Pilkington, Pat Rutherford 65 Points 3rd John Vaughan, Brendan Pyne, Brian Considine 64 Points 4th Eamon Corry, Noel Pilkington, Michael Butler 63 Points 5th Ken O Farrell, John McNamara, Ger O Brien 63 Points 6th Andy Cregan, Fintan McEvoy, Denis Smith 62 Points The starters were Kevin Murray & Declan Hanley. The cards were checked by Michael Butler

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QUIZ 31

THURSDAY, FEB 14 2019

The Clare Echo Quiz ST VALENTINE’S SPECIAL: LOVE AND COUNTY CLARE

Catholic priest, Fr Ber1hisFormer nárd Lynch, from Ennis married long-time partner in January,

Which of the following celebs did 5 NOT have their wedding reception at Hotel Doonbeg?

The Old Ground, The Armada Hotel, The Inn At Dromoland

Stereophonics singer Kelly Jones, Brian O’Driscoll & Amy Huberman

2017 at which Clare hotel?

Corr’s singer Andrea Corr,

Biddy Early was widowed at 25.

Europe’s biggest singles festival, 6 Who did she marry shortly after 2 The Lisdoonvarna Matchmaking her husband’s death? festival, takes place every Septem-

In My Lovely Rose of Clare, which river does the singer 10 watch flowing in the third verse?

Fergus, River Shannon, Hell River

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ANSWERS 6. Her stepson

zine? Playboy, Der Spiegel, Cosmopolitan

1. The Armada Hotel

Harriet Smithson, Catherine Dixon, Simone Kirby

Lahinch, Kilkee, Labash-

7. twice

What was the name of the Ennis Shakespearean actress who married famous French composer Hector Berlioz, author of Symphonie Fantastique (which was written about her)?

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Former Irish president Patrick 9 Hillery was voted the world’s sexiest head of state by which maga-

The Dolmens, The limestone pavement , Carron Turlough

2. 160 years old

In which of the following places 8 is the well-known ‘twinning love seat’ located?

Europe’s biggest singles festival, how old is Willie Daly’s Lucky Love Book? (right) How many times has Nicole Kidman been married?

9. Der Spiegel

what in the Burren is called ‘Leaba Dhiarmada agus Gráinne’ (or bed of lovers) in their honour?

l QUESTION 7 AND QUESTION 2: (above)

3. The Dolmens

Once, twice, three times

4. Harriet Smithson

In the romantic legend of Diar3 muid and Gráinne (wife of Fionn MacCool), the couple elopes. But

Nicole Kidman, who’s grand7 mother is from Clare, has been married how many times?

10.River Shannon

old

Her primary school teacher, Her stepson, Merlin the wizard

5. Brian O’Driscoll & Amy Huberman

ber. But how old is matchmaker Willie Daly’s Lucky Love book?

40 years old, 110 years old, 160 years

OLD IMAGES OF COUNTY CLARE

Junction, Moyasta, Co. Clare

Image NLI.ie / Collection: O’Dea Photograph Collection