The Clare Echo 14/03/19

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14 Mar 2019

Wedding pain in AnnaCarriga PÁRAIC MCMAHON

C

news@clareecho.ie

lREADY TO RUN: Noreen Mackey, Aisling Kelly and Ann McPhail taking part in the John Minogue memorial run in Milltown Malbay. More pics pg 16 Photo by Martin Connolly

OUPLES due to get married at a Killaloe resort next month have admitted its sudden closure has left them in a “disaster” scenario.

AnnaCarriga Estate in Lough Derg on Tuesday morning notified soon-tobe married couples via email that had already booked the Estate as their wedding venue of its closure.

On January 6 AnnaCarriga closed temporarily for a period of two months to allow time for infrastructural works which have not yet taken place. “It is with real regret that I must inform you of the closure of Annacarriga as a holiday,

FARMING

Farming feature

leisure and events based resort due to factors beyond our control,” Jeremy Mannion outlined in the correspondence to already booked customers.

In November of last year, it was named as waterside wedding venue of 2018 at the Brides of Limerick awards.

Clare resident Rory Walsh is getting married next month. AnnaCarriga Estate was due to host the reception. He confirmed he had “zero contact” from the East Clare resort since mid December. “A lot of unlucky people have been left in the same boat. It’s a disaster”.

Full story PAGE 2

PROPERTY

17

Property

MOTORING

30

All new Peugot 508

26

2 NEWS

THURSDAY, MAR 14 2019

Index 2-11

NEWS

ENTERTAINMENT

12-13

MILTOWN MALBAY

16

FARMING

17-23

BUSINESS

27-29

PROPERTY

30-33

GOLF TIPS WITH P&M CLASSIFIEDS

35 36-37

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

NEWSDESK

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

SALES

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

lSTUCK IN THE MIDDLE: TY students from St Caimin’s Community School and St Patrick’s Comprehensive School in Shannon at an International Women’s Day event in St Caimin’s organised by SES and Shannon Group. Pictured are St Caimin’s Community School TY students Rebecca Grady, Sixmilebridge, Eoin Cadogan, Sixmilebridge and Ella Hasty, Shannon with (L-R) Marie Crowley, Sergeant, An Garda Síochána, Niamh Shaw, Irish Engineer, Scientist and Performer and Loyola O’Brien, Airport Police Sergeant / Chief Fire Officer, Shannon Airport Photo by Arthur Ellis

Venue closure a ‘disaster’ for brides to be PÁRAIC McMAHON

paraic@clareecho.ie

C For First Holy Communion gifts

with a difference, visit your local

Veritas store on O’Connell Street, Ennis

OUPLES due to get married at a Killaloe resort next month have been left in limbo following its sudden closure.

AnnaCarriga Estate in Lough Derg on Tuesday morning notified soon to be married couples via email that had already booked the Estate as their wedding venue of its closure.

On January 6 AnnaCarriga closed temporarily for a period of two months to allow time for infrastructural works which have not yet taken place. “It is with real regret that I must inform you of the closure of Annacarriga as a holiday, leisure and events based resort due to factors beyond our control”.

Works were scheduled to be carried out on its sewerage treatment plant which was out of commission for 14 months. Untreated effluent had been discharged directly into the River Shannon which the email acknowledged was “totally unacceptable”. “The current works to the sewerage treatment plant are far from adequate, they will not restore the plant to its previously compliant condition and nothing has been

done to prevent future flooding events”.

Both sewerage and water supply “had a compounding negative impact on our resorts integrated holiday and leisure business, as a result AnnaCarriga can no longer possibly continue to trade,” Jeremy Mannion outlined in the correspondence to already booked customers.

Located 5km from Killaloe, AnnaCarriga Estates which came “from humble beginnings” in 1978 was a very popular wedding venue. Prior to entering receivership it boasted four star graded self catering holiday properties, a 50-berth Marina that offered the hiring of lake boats along the Annacarriga Rivers, tennis court, children’s play area, a Boathouse restaurant that was renovated in 2016 which opened from Wednesday to Sunday and a Glass Pavilion that attracted guests for meetings and conferences.

In November of last year, it was named as waterside wedding venue of 2018 at the Brides of Limerick awards.

Rory Walsh of Spire Productions is getting married next month, AnnaCarriga Estate was due to host the reception.

He confirmed he had “zero contact” from the East Clare resort since mid December. “A lot of unlucky people have been left in the same boat. It’s a disaster”.

4

NEWS

Local direct provision residents set up shop

PÁRAIC McMAHON

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paraic@clareecho.ie

IRECT Provision residents in Lisdoonvarna will take their first steps into business next weekend when they host what is intended to be the first of what will become monthly markets in Ennistymon.

Small craft items such as jewellery, knitwear, felt and paintings will be on sale at the pop up market. All materials have been donated and subsequently made by women living in Direct Provision in the county. The funds raised will go towards future markets and the families.

Texas woman, Cynthia Cox has been working with the women since March of last year as they honed their craft with the long term goal of assisting them to secure employment.

“There was nothing going on for them and so I was teaching them different crafting skills, wire wrapping, sewing and such. The whole intent was once they got work permits I knew they weren’t all going to get jobs immediately and so I wanted to give them a way of making some money and being self sufficient as much as they could," explained Ms Cox. "As time has gone on, they have got their English classes and childcare classes that are very relevant to their existing here going for-

lGREAT START: The first market takes place at Sinéad Garvey's Cheese Press

ward. We decided that it’s time to get them out in public and give them the confidence by having someone who knows a bit about the area set them up with the first market and then they will get to spread their wings and hopefully attend other markets as individuals or continue as a group”.

Speaking to The Clare Echo, the Cooraclare resident confirmed the women and their families have really settled into North Clare. “The young women are very helpful and really want to be a part of the community and be active in the community. None of them want to just sit around so they do

their best to get out, a lot of them are very shy so they need somebody to introduce to new places and people, they are very capable of taking it from there”.

She maintained the people of Lisdoonvarna had “been very good” to those living in Direct Provision.

“Space has been donated for the market to give women the opportunity to get a good start, that’s a huge plus. I don’t think there has been a single negative anything between the Direct Provision residents and Ennistymon”.

Cynthia outlined the long-term goal is for the women to take ownership of the markets. “The funds are theirs, they have work permits. We have donated and got a lot of supplies for them to do their first two markets and it’s up to them after that to use their funds to continue to grow a business.

“Quite a few of the younger people have got jobs but the hardest part for them is getting transportation to the jobs. Most are in Ennis, I do know two women who have jobs in Lisdoonvarna, the tourist season will open up a lot more opportunities for them to at least have seasonal work soon so that’s ideal,” she added.

The first pop up market takes place in The Cheese Press, Ennistymon on Saturday March 23 from 11am to 4pm.

THURSDAY, MAR 14 2019 ADVERTORIAL

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For quality, service and value call today and don’t miss out on the biggest opportunity of the year to buy the mattress of your dreams at half price. Early attendance will guarantee massive savings.

Don’t miss out on the Half Price Mattress Sale - Kmc Home Trends, Ennis.

6

NEWS

THURSDAY, MAR 14 2019

Lahinch in shock following sad death of Micheál Ryan PÁRAIC McMAHON

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paraic@clareecho.ie

LAHINCH man was among 157 people who died following a plane crash on Sunday.

Micheál Ryan formerly of Attychristoria, Lahinch was a victim in the Ethiopian Airlines plane crash that claimed the lives of passengers from 33 countries travelling from Addis Ababa to Nairobi on the eve of the UN Environment Programme in Kenya.

Married with two children, Micheál was a qualified engineer and worked with the United Nations World Food Programme as global deputy chief engineer in the aid agency’s engineering division. The UN Food Programme confirmed that multiple staff members were among those killed.

During his career, Micheál carried out aid work in Nepal and Bangladesh including helping to alleviate the Rohingya refugee crisis.

In a statement, the airline said the four-month-old Boeing plane crashed six minutes after take off, killing all 149 passengers and eight crew. The cause of the crash is not yet known.

Along with his wife, Naoise and two children, Micheál lived in Cork City. He was based in the Rome headquarters of the UN World Food Programme and the family were due to relocate to Italy in the next month.

Ryan is the son of Christina, a retired teacher at Scoil Mhuire, Ennistymon and Jack, an accountant who died in 2013 and a brother of Cristin, Siobhan and Tiernan.

“Our Parish is in shock and mourning this Sunday evening,” a statement from Canon William Cummins (Ennistymon Parish Priest) and Fr. Des Forde (Ennistymon Catholic Curate) read.

“We ask for prayers for his wife, children, mother, sisters, brother, mother & father in law, in laws, aunts, uncles, relatives, neighbours, UN Colleagues, many friends around the world and the extended Ryan, Connolly and O’

Donoghue families”.

Scoil Mhuire, Ennistymon also paid their respects. “Our entire school community is in shock and mourning this Sunday evening, March 10th as we come to terms with the heartbreaking news that Mick Ryan, cherished son of our retired colleague Christine Ryan and the late Jack Ryan, tragically lost his life in today’s Ethiopian Airlines disaster. Words are inadequate at this time so we ask the Lord to caress the souls of his family left desolated and for prayers for his wife Naoise, his children, his mother Christine, his siblings, Tiarnán’s, Cristín and Siobhán and all extended family and UN colleagues. Go ndéana Dia grásta ar a anam uasal”.

President of Ireland, Michael D. Higgins expressed his “deep sadness for the tragic loss of so many lives in the air crash in Ethiopia and may I convey the deepest sympathy of the Irish people to all the families and communities affected...I wish to extend my deepest sympathies to the family of Micheál Ryan, whose work in humanitarian assistance for the

An Post issue Caitriona stamp STUART HOLLY editor@clareecho.ie

AN POST have released two new stamps in honour of the late Caitríona Lucas, who lost her life in September 2016 while searching for a missing man off the West Coast of Clare.

A mother of two, Ms Lucas was the first Irish Coastguard member to lose their life in the line of duty since the organisation was established. She was a member of the Doolin unit, where she lived and served as a volunteer alongside her husband Bernard.

She worked as a librarian and was a talented artist. Last Friday, it was announced that two stamps have been released based on a painting by Caitríona, who was one of almost 1,000 Irish Coast Guard volunteers.

The Clare Echo first reported in March, 2018 that An Post planned to honour Ms Lucas with a stamp for 2019.

According to An Post, the two stamps acknowledge the special role of the Irish Coast Guard. Comprising a full-time staff of 65 people and a nationwide volunteer

branch, the Coast Guard performs vital services.

These include maritime and inland search and rescue (SAR), responding to ship casualty incidents, pollution response coordination and helicopter medical support to HSE and island communities.

l HONOURED: Two stamps have been created from Caitriona's artwork

l TRAGEDY: Married father of two Micheál Ryan, who was one of 149 passengers aboard the ill-fated Ethiopian Airlines flight last week

World Food Programme brought him onto the flight”.

Clare's Independent TD, Dr Michael Harty, added, "Micheál Ryan was a true hero of our times who travelled from from home and family to make the world a better place to live in. We stand in awe

of his passion and commitment to suffering humanity. There are no words to measure the tragic loss to his wife and young family in Cork, his family in Lahinch, his World Food Programme family and the destitute families he has saved though his work."

THURSDAY, MAR 14 2019

Friesian calf sells at mart for €1

PÁRAIC McMAHON

A

paraic@clareecho.ie

FRIESIAN calf sold in Kilrush last week for the same price as sending a letter from one part of Ireland to another.

Farmers that were present in Kilrush Mart last week have told The Clare Echo that a friesian calf was purchased for €1 in what is believed to be one of the lowest fees ever paid for a calf in the county.

When contacted by The Clare Echo, a representative for Clare Marts stated that they are unable to comment on individual sales.

Clare IFA Chairperson, Willie Hanrahan felt it was a sad day for farmers in the county. “It’s a very unfortunate situation that farmers are actually selling their calves for less than what it costs to bring them to the Mart, that is not great management or trading business.

“It’s arising this year more than any from the total uncertainty Brexit is bringing into the market place. Farmers don’t know what they’re doing, farmers can’t continue to do this and it’s a very sad situation that somebody looking for cattle doesn’t see a merit

in buying an animal for €1”.

Regarding their efforts to assist Clare farmers prepare for Brexit, Hanrahan told The Clare Echo, “We’ve lobbied everyone at this stage. There are no uncertain terms as to where Brexit is at and unfortunately everyone will be on the same boat, we hope agriculture will get priority but if this goes wrong it will wipe out the industry”.

Younger farmers are adapting to other means of selling their stock. In a two-day period this week, 30 animals made up of cattle, bulls, heifers and cows were all put up for sale on DoneDeal.

Joseph Woulfe, Clare’s Chairperson of the Beef Plan claimed that Facebook is also being utilised to offload animals.

“Around 15 years ago when - if you went to the Mart in Ennis - you would actually have calves put into your cattlebox when you weren’t looking because people were trying to get rid of them. How do you feed these animals if people aren’t looking for them,” he added.

FOR MORE: P17-23

Farming

l MAIN WOMAN: Ennis St Patrick’s Day Parade 2019 Grand Marshal, Mary Fitzgerald of Clare Haven Services and Haven Horizons with Ennis Mayor, Cllr Clare Colleran Molloy

CLARE ECHO TO OFFER AUTISM VIEWING POINT

THE Clare Echo in association with Ennis Chamber and Sherry Fitzgerald McMahon is proud to facilitate an autism friendly indoor viewing point for the Ennis St Patrick's Day Parade at its offices in O'Connell Square, Ennis.

As part of Dr Susan Crawford’s Get Autism Active initiative, The Clare Echo - which offers a birdseye view of the parade overlooking O'Connell Square - will open its doors to a limited number of families. Sherry Fitzgerald McMahon, located in the same building as The Clare Echo, has also kindly offered the use of its offices to increase the viewing capacity for families with children with autism.

Ennis Voices for Autism (EVA) will also provide a presence on the day and offer a sensory kit while parents are recommended to bring sensory items for their own child's use, which is specific to them.

A limited number of families will be facilitated and anyone with inquiries can private message the EVA Ennis Voices for Autism Facebook page.

NEWS

7

8 NEWS

Hayes enters race as independent PÁRAIC McMAHON

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paraic@clareecho.ie

ERMOT Hayes will run as an Independent candidate in the Ennis Municipal District for May’s local elections.

Corofin native Hayes (pictured right with Cllr Clare Colleran Molloy) left The Labour Party at the end of January bringing the curtain down on his membership which lasted almost two decades. He had been nominated to contest a selection convention against Seamus Ryan but withdrew days in advance and also informed party headquarters that he was leaving Labour.

He has lived in Ennis since

THURSDAY, MAR 14 2019

1974 and ran in the 2014 local elections for Labour, he secured 333 first preference votes. However he proved to be transfer friendly and was eliminated in the 16th count coming close to Frankie Neylon and Ger O’Halloran both of whom were nearest to Cllr Clare Colleran Molloy in winning the final seat.

A member of the Council’s Social Development SPC, Dermot also presents Radio Beams every week on Raidió Corca Baiscinn.

In October, the disability activist called for the resignation of Cllr Gerry Flynn as Cathaoirleach of the SPC however at the December meeting the Shannon councillor received a vote of confidence from SPC members.

His campaign will be officially launched in the coming

weeks. “I want to work with people around social housing, disabilities and community groups, Travellers. We’ve got an influx of people from abroad, we’ve a lot of lovely immigrants here in this country and we need to be including them in society, I feel they’re left out and not being included which is very damaging to society in the long run, whether it’s sport or Tidy Towns we need to be including them and make special provision.

"When you look at the local convent school there’s 42 nationalities there which is great in one way, so much to be learned and enjoyed by that but they need to be included in our society, there is a danger we are going to fracture our society in years to come unless we do something,” he told The Clare Echo.

Locals shine at awards

l RECOGNITION: Clockwise from left: Carrigaholt volunteer Mags Keane, Clare Volunteer of the Year, pictured with Mayor of Clare, Cllr Michael Begley at the inaugural Clare Community Awards 2019; Community representatives from Clarecastle, ‘Clare Community of the Year’, with Mayor Begley on Thursday night; Representatives from Lisdoonvarna, Doolin, Kilfenora & Kilshanny Community Games (Community Enhancement Award) pictured with Pat Dowling, Chief Executive of Clare County Council, and MC Marty Morrissey

CARRIGAHOLT volunteer Mags Keane and Clarecastle were named ‘Volunteer of the Year’ and ‘Community of the Year’ respectively at the inaugural Clare Community Awards ceremony held in Hotel Woodstock last Thursday.

Hosted by Clare County Council, the awards scheme celebrates the valuable contribution made by County Clare’s community groups and volunteers to their local area.

The awards ceremony was presented by television and radio personality Marty Morrissey.

According to the adjudication panel, Clarecastle was named overall ‘Community of the Year’ for demonstrating their “dedicated persistence resulting in a substantial enhancement of their village during 2018.”

‘Volunteer of the Year’ Mags Keane was lauded for her role in community activities, including the establishing of a community walk to combat loneliness and rural isolation, the organising of fundraising for the GAA club, her support role in West Clare Cancer Support and her role in local festivals.

THURSDAY, MAR 14 2019

€235k paid to consultants of Doolin visitor centre PÁRAIC McMAHON

A

paraic@clareecho.ie

N ENHANCEMENT scheme proposed for Doolin including the construction of a service centre has been described as “a miniature of what is happening with the National Children’s Hospital”. €235,000 from a budget of €450,000 has already been paid to consultants for the development of the visitor centre in North Clare with elected representatives of the West Clare Municipal District very annoyed with the lack of progress made since 2016.

Cllr Bill Slattery called on Clare County Council “to invite the consultants who were appointed in early 2016 at a cost of €450k to attend an urgent meeting with the West Clare councillors with a full progress report and hopefully a design for the service centre and is a design for the centre is not available promptly that the consultants contract would be terminated”.

In an official reply to Slattery at the March meeting of the West Clare MD, senior engineer of the Council’s project management office, Sean Lenihan said members were aware a multi-disciplinary design team had been appointed to carry out a masterplan for the Doolin area including a visitors services

lCALL FOR ACTION: Cllr Bill Slattery wants an urgent meeting called

building at the pier and an enhancement strategy for the village. He stated “significant work” had been done regarding “public consultation, data gathering, flood risk assessment, wastewater treatment options and car parking requirements”.

Lenihan stressed that much of the focus to date had been on the village enhancement. “Following the successful public meeting held late last summer, consensus was reached on the way forward which allowed the strategy to be finalised towards the end of 2018”. The local authority along

Armed unit idea shot down A SUGGESTED armed response unit in Co Clare has been shot down by the Assistant Commissioner of An Garda Síochána.

Anne Marie McMahon, the Assistant Commissioner of the Southern Region of An Garda Síochána addressed elected representatives of Clare County Council on Monday last and disagreed with Cllr James Breen on the need for an armed response unit in the county.

Cllr Breen first highlighted his concern with the consequences of a possible merging of the Clare and Galway Garda Divisions. “Will it affect traffic corps, crime prevention & ordinary policing on the ground,” he asked.

“Should we have an armed response unit on the ground, they have one in Galway and Limerick, we have Shannon Airport which is under constant threat of an attack.

We have to have our own armed response unit in this county. Is it possible to have one in Shannon or Ennis,” the Kilnamona councillor said.

He also welcomed McMahon’s confirmation that a Chief Superintendent would be appointed “in the near future. “John Kerin has done a marvellous job in this county and that is the type of man we want”.

In response, the former Roxboro Rd Chief Superintendent pointed out that Garda Armed Support Unit is structured in regions as opposed to counties. “The RSU that you mentioned in Galway covers Galway, Mayo, Roscommon, Leitrim and Clare, it is for the region and that is the way forward, it is a welcome development, these are highly trained people and there is a system in place for deployment of response unit”.

No plan for dialysis centre

“NO IMMEDIATE plans” are in place to open a dialysis centre at Ennis General Hospital.

Arising from a joint motion from councillors Pat Daly, James Breen and Pat McMahon at the February meeting of Clare County Council a request on behalf of the local authority was issued to the HSE and UL Hospitals Group to open a kidney dialysis centre at Ennis General Hospital. Cllr Daly maintained “up to fifty patients” in the county were receiving dialysis treatment in Galway and Limerick, “the transport cost is enormous, €1000s is spent every week” he said.

Cllr Breen also highlighted the expenditure incurred. “People in Kilrush and Carrigaholt receiving treatment are almost five hours on the road. The cost of taxis to and from is enormous”.

Group Chief Executive of UL Hospitals, Colette Cowan in a letter to the Council outlined they would not opening such a facility in Ennis in the near future. “A state of the are Renal Department was opened in University Hospital Limerick in November 2016.

We currently treat some of our dialysis patients in a satellite centre on the Dock Road in Limerick. This satellite centre is currently operated through a Service Level Agreement with Fresenius which is being re-tendered presently”.

“There are no immediate plans to provide a kidney dialysis centre at Ennis General Hospital,” the Portumna woman confirmed.

with Bucholz McEvoy Architects presented details on the final draft in July. €465,571 was recently set aside to develop a masterplan to develop a new visitor and tourist centre at Doolin Pier in the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund which Mr Lenihan confirmed would allow the Council “proceed at pace with the detailed design, planning permission and tender preparation for the construction of the visitor services building and ancillary site works at the Pier”. He confirmed that he would circulate a timeline on the design and delivery in coming weeks.

A frustrated Slattery told the meeting, “We are now into the fourth tourist season since this masterplan was announced and it hasn’t even gone to tender. €450,000 has been given to the consultants, we are four years down the road and nothing has been done”. The Fine Gael councillor read from a three year old reply from former acting CEO Ger Dollard which stated the project was “scheduled for completion in October 2016”. He added, “Somebody has taken their eye of the ball, this is a miniature of what is happening with the National Children’s Hospital”. Fianna Fáil’s Richard Nagle seconded the motion.

Administrative Officer, John Corry added, “I can confirm €235,000 has been paid to consultants to date”.

NEWS 9

Loop Head Lighthouse opens door THE 2019 tourist season at Loop Head Lighthouse commences on Saturday, March 16 as the historic West Clare landmark opens to the public for the first time this year.

The popular tourist attraction is located at the mouth of the Shannon Estuary on the Loop Head Peninsula, which is one of two “Signature Discovery Points” in County Clare along the route of the Wild Atlantic Way. It also is a landmark location on the Loop Head Heritage Trail and is one of 12 Great Lighthouses of Ireland.

Loop Head Lighthouse, which attracted almost 25,000 visitors in 2018, will remain open daily (10 am to 6 pm) until 3 November.

Admission to the lighthouse, which includes the exhibition and guided tour of the site, is Adults (€5), Children (€2) and Family Passes for up to 2 adults + 3 children (€12). Visit www.loophead.ie or www.clare.ie for more information on Loop Head Lighthouse and the Loop Head Peninsula.

10 THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK

THURSDAY, MAR 14 2019

Ronan Scully

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK Author spreading the word of positivity

LIVE A LIFE THAT MATTERS

E

VERYONE of us is busy in today’s fast paced world. In other words if you’re anyway like me, you are run off your feet and totally wrecked, physically and mentally and it’s difficult to put others needs or wants before our own. But, we should, as much is possible to make our world a better place to care about others especially the most weak and vulnerable in our communities.

We should be aware of the difficulties some of our family, friends, neighbours, colleagues and others carry. We should try to help bear as much as we can, some of their difficulties and strife. We all have needs and difficulties, little ones and big ones and we experience them almost every day no matter how rich or poor we may be! The following Serenity prayer was given to me as a penance to say at the Galway Novena one time and it now helps me each day in my living, “God grant me the serenity, To accept the things I cannot change; Courage to change the things I can; And wisdom to know the difference. Living one day at a time; Enjoying one moment at a time; Accepting hardships as the pathway to peace; Taking, as He did, this sinful world, as it is, not as I would have it; Trusting that He will make all things right. If I surrender to His Will; So that I may be reasonably happy in this life. And supremely happy with Him, forever and ever in the next.”

Please everyone if you can with all your strength and power if you know of someone or if you come across someone that needs help and support please help that someone along the way of life’s journey.

That is what life is really all about because if you hurt someone along that journey then you will destroy your own journey but then again, who am I or anyone to judge another. In saying that, do your best always.

I hope and pray that you know that you get more by giving more, not hoarding or trying to hold onto what you do have. I hope and pray that you know that you have incredible talents and you can use them for a greater good if you believe in goodness and the genuine care of looking after one another. I hope and pray that you know the satisfaction of learning and caring and compassionately helping others to learn and genuinely care too.

I hope and pray that you know that love is seeing the good in others and helping their light to shine. Your light shining can

help others light to shine as well. Never blow out someone else’s light but always try to make it shine brighter. Believe me some day it will all come to an end. There will be no more walks on the prom or on the beaches around the west coasts of Clare or sunrises or sunsets for that matter, no seconds, no minutes, no hours, no days, no weeks or no years.

All the things that we have hoarded, whether hidden, treasured or held in a display cabinet or in a bank account, will pass to someone else or to a government account. Your wealth, fame, achievements, power and even your remembrance each year will whither down to, did we ever exist at all. It will not matter what you owned or what you were owed. Your grudges, loves, resentments, care’s, frustrations, acceptances and jealousies will finally disappear.

So too, your hopes, ambitions, plans and bucket lists will expire. The winning of all-ireland medals or any medals for that fact and losses that once seemed so important will fade away. It won’t matter where you came from or what side of the city or county you lived on at the end. It won’t matter whether you were beautiful, bright, talented, gifted or brilliant. Even your gender and skin color will be irrelevant. So, give of yourself to someone today and I promise you that you will sleep better tonight for it. And remember the words of St. Augustine who said, “Love has hands to help others. It has feet to hasten to the poor and needy. It has eyes to see misery and want. It has ears to hear the sighs and sorrows of people. This is what love looks like and they are your hands, your feet, your eyes and your ears.”

As usual a story may help...

The Dirty Old Coin The story is told of an unemployed young graduate from NUIG who woke up one morning under a bridge in Galway and checked his pocket. All he had left was a few euro coins adding up to less than ten euros. He was frustrated as he could find no work and no one was there to help him.

He said a prayer dedicating his last remaining euros to Jesus and decided to use it to buy food, then wait on Jesus for an answer to his situation. He bought food and as he sat down to eat, an old man and two children came along. The older of the two chil-

dren was a boy probably 12 years old and the other a little girl who looked as beautiful as an angel. The old man asked him to help them with food as they had not eaten for almost a week.

The young graduate looked at the children. They were so lean that he could see their bones coming through their skin and their eyes were receding. With the last bit of compassion he had he gave them all the food. The old man and children prayed that God would bless and prosper the young graduate and then gave him a dirty old coin. The young graduate said, “You need this coin more than I do. Just keep it.” The old man insisted that the young graduate put it in his pocket and finally he did.

The Old man and children sat down to eat and with no money, no job and no food, the young graduate went back under the bridge to lay down. As he was about to fall asleep he saw an old newspaper on the ground. He picked it up and saw an advertisement inviting people with old coins to come to a particular shop.

He decided to go there with the dirty old coin the man gave him. On arriving at the shop, he gave the owner the dirty old coin. The owner screamed loudly and brought out a big book and showed the young graduate a photograph. This same old coin was worth €67,000. It was part of a Spanish treasure ship that had never been found.

The young graduate was overjoyed as the owner gave him a certified cheque for the full amount. He immediately cashed it at the bank and went in search of the old man and little children to thank them for giving him the coin and to share the money with them.

By the time he got to where he left them eating, they had gone. He asked around about the three people and found a lady who said, “The old man said a young man looking like you would ask about them, and when you do I’m supposed to give you this note.” She handed the young graduate the note which he quickly opened. He was hopeful it would be an address of where they were headed so he could share some of the money with them. But it was not an address and this is what the note said: “You gave us ‘your all’ and we have rewarded you back with the coin,” signed God the Father,

The Son and The Holy Spirit.

Thought for the week As your thought for the week, become a giver instead of a taker and I promise you that you will find comfort,contentment, and joy in your living. So, be a blessing and genuinely be a helper and a carer and a lover. especially to those who are poor and most in need in our world. May one of your purposes in life be to help someone today and give it your all always! Live a life that matters. So what will matter? How will the value of your days be measured?

What will matter is not what you bought, but what you built; not what you got, but what you gave. What will matter is not your success, but your significance. What will matter is about what you learned as well as what you taught. What will matter is every act of integrity, compassion, courage or sacrifice that enriched, empowered or encouraged others to emulate your example.

What will matter is not your competence, but your character. What will matter is not how many people you knew, but how many felt good when they were around you and how you served them. What will matter is not your memories, but the memories that live in those who loved you. What will matter is how long you will be remembered, by whom and for what. Living a life that matters doesn’t happen by accident. It’s not a matter of circumstance but of choice.

Choose to live a life that matters. This is a beautiful prayer poem to finish this thought for the week that I learnt from my beautiful Nana Scully. “Success is not just reaching the top, But also helping others go up. Success is not being better than the rest, But helping others be at their best. Success is not about having fame or fortune, But helping others avoid misfortune. Success is not about showing that you are superior, But helping others know that they are not inferior. Success is not about showing off your ability, But helping others enjoy stability. Success is not getting what you want at every single word, but helping others get what they cannot afford. Success is about making people smile, helping others live a life that is worthwhile and that matters.

Amen”. Happy St. Patrick’s Day to everyone who reads this column and paper.

THURSDAY, MAR 14 2019

Broadband discrimination PÁRAIC McMAHON

U

paraic@clareecho.ie

NAVAILABILITY of broadband in parts of West Clare “is a clear case of discrimination against people in rural Ireland”, it is claimed.

Independent councillor, Christy Curtin hit out at the second class treatment to the people of West Clare when it comes to the provision of broadband at Wednesday’s meeting of the West Clare Municipal District.

Cllr Curtin tabled a motion asking that “Eir be requested to prioritise the extension of the broadband infrastructure to cover the cluster of houses in Lisroe, Kilmaley”. Meeting admin-

NEWS 11

ENNIS CHAMBER SEMINAR

istrator, John Corry gave assurance that the local authority would write to the telecommunications company “to highlight the prioritisation”.

Curtin estimated there was 38 houses in a 2 mile region affected.

“It is a clear case of discrimination against people in rural Ireland. They are being deprived of an essential service,” he declared. Fianna Fáil’s PJ Kelly seconded the motion while Fine Gael’s Gabriel Keating struggled to comprehend the criteria being used

by Eir. “It is a problem everywhere,” Cllr Richard Nagle stated.

“I have the impression that Eir we’re cherry picking,” Cllr Curtin said in response to Cllr Keating. Confirmation was provided from Corry that the MD would liaise with the Council’s broadband officer, Urban McMahon.

Memorial garden vandelised A MEMORIAL garden dedicated to Cratloe patriot Nan Hogan has been vandalised in East Clare.

Gardaí are investigating the vandalism which occurred in O’Briensbridge where an information display in a perspex timber frame was shattered with the holding frame also damaged. It is being treated as an act of criminal damage.

During Heritage Week in August 2016, a garden in memory of the former leader of the East Clare Cumann na mBan Brigade and those who died in the 1916 Easter Rising was opened. Hogan died at the age of 25 having been on hunger strike, she was a member of Cumann na mBan which founded in 1914.

Sinn Féin’s Seán Naughton read the proclamation at the opening of the memorial. “I'm very saddened by the unnecessary act of destruction carried out at the Nan Hogan Memorial Garden in O'Briensbridge on Tuesday,” he told The Clare Echo.

A candidate in the Killaloe Municipal District for May’s local elections, Sean said, "It is deeply hurtful for any small community such as O'Briensbridge to discover vandalism in their local area and all vandalism has to be condemned but it concerns me that in 2019, a year of commemoration of great historical events that ignorance is part of the background to the Nan Hogan Garden vandalism."

"While the Gardaí are currently investigating the damage to the memorial garden, I would hope that those responsible for the vandalism will see the wastefulness of their actions,” Naughton concluded.

l TALKING BUSINESS: The Ennis Chamber Seminar on Spending Trends: Tourism, Hospitality and Retail Insight in association with AIB Ireland at the Civic Room, Waterpark House, Ennis on Monday evening.

Attending the event (left, L-R) were David McCarthy, Head of Hospitality and Tourism AIB, Diarmuid McMahon, President Ennis Chamber and Niall O’Callaghan, Managing Director Shannon Heritage

Photos by Eamon Ward

Entertainment

SIVE RETURNS TO GLÓR

E

NNIS Players are currently in rehearsal for John B. Keane’s Sive, in the year that marks the 60th anniversary of its very first staging.

A testimony to the genius of John B. is that the play is as popular today as it was in 1959. Considered one of his best plays, Sive tells the story of the innocent Sive in love with Liam Scuab but at the mercy of the heartless matchmaker Thomasheen Sean Rua and her conniving aunt Mena. The pair contrives to match her with the old Sean Dota against her will, for the payment of £200. It is a powerful story still relevant today with young girls exploited by the sex trade and the reality of mail order brides. Sive deals with illegitimacy, suicide, rural isolation, greed, poverty and the powerless position of women in society, issues as relevant now as in the 1950s. Keane dealt with these issues from the dark underbelly of society at a time when it was not popular to do so and the Abbey Theatre rejected the play thinking nobody wanted to hear about these issues. Keane managed to deal with all these issues in a highly dramatic, eloquent and at times hilariously funny way but staying true to the reality of the people & places he knew. Despite the Abbey’s rejection, the play proved hugely popular with audiences across the country and won the All-Ireland drama finals in Athlone for the Listowel Players in 1959.

Ennis Players previously performed Sive in 1976 and at the recent launch of the current production; members from the original cast met with the current cast and reminisced on their enjoyment of the play and the production. The 1976 production was directed by Hugh Gallagher who plays Sean Dota in the current production which is directed by Bernie Harten. The production also features Maeve Plunkett as the conniving Mena who along with Thomasheen Sean Rua, played by Jackie Scanlan contrive to sell Sive (Sinead Finn) to the old man. Sive’s uncle and grandmother are played by John Lillis and Amy McEnnis respectively and her young love, Liam Scuab is played by Deccie Honan. The Tinkers (Pats Bocock and Carthalawn), originally written as male parts are played in this production by two women; Geraldine Greene and Saoirse Byrne. The production is highly energetic and balances the wit and humour of John B.’s writing with the poignancy and tragedy of the story.

Sive will be staged in glor from March 20th – 23rd at 8pm nightly and tickets (€18/€15) are available through the box office. – 065 684 3103. In keeping with the annual tradition Ennis Players will donate proceeds from opening night to charity and this year’s chosen charities are Sláinte an Chláir and Breast Cancer Research.

lPlaying the part: Maeve Plunkett and Amy McEnnis who act the parts of Mena and Nanna Glavin.

Photo by Martin Connolly

ART AND POSSIBILITY

A

N exhibition of Ceramics, Prints and Paintings entitled ‘An Image in my Head’ opened on Friday, March 1st at the Courthouse Gallery, Ennistymon.

It features work by artists Ronan Murphy whose arts practice is supported at the HSE Dulick Centre, Ennis and Andrew Pike who is a co- founder of KCAT, a Kilkenny based arts collective where people from differing backgrounds and levels of ability study and create art together.

Opening the exhibition, HSE representative James Galvin congratulated both artists on their achievements to date. Speaking of Art and possibility he observed that, through their art, Creative people show us new ways of looking at reality and in doing so extend the boundaries of what we think is possible.

This focus on possibility and potential can enable new things to come into being in art, in the world and in our personal lives.

The exhibition is a practical demonstration of how creative people who belong to marginalised groups can, through their art, make a meaningful contribution to the cultural life of their local communities, as well as connections to the wider world.

The exhibition which runs until April 27th has been supported by the Arts Office of Clare Co. Council.

For further information; Dulick Centre- patrick.looney@hse.ie or Courthouse Gallery- anne@thecourthousegallery.com

THURSDAY, MAR 14 2019

ENTERTAINMENT

MELTING AWAY S C

CLARE SINGER SARAH MCTERNAN HAS BEEN ANNOUNCED AS THIS YEAR’S IRISH ENTRY FOR THE EUROVISION

AMILLE Seaman Photographic Exhibition - ‘Melting Away’ at Cultúrlann Sweeney Kilkee till March 30th. Artist talk on Friday 29th March at 7.30pm - all welcome For almost two decades Camille Seaman had documented the rapidly changing landscapes of Earth’s polar regions through the lens of portraiture rather than landscape. As an expedition photographer aboard small ships in the Arctic, Antarctic and Greenland, she has chronicled the acceleration effects of global warming on the jagged face of nearly fifty thousand unique icebergs.

Seaman’s perspective of the landscape is entwined with her Shinnecock tribal identity, which taught her from an early age to recognize all living beings – trees , spiders, fish and even ice- as individual members of one, enormous family. Viewing human beings as fundamentally interconnected to nature, Seaman approaches photographing icebergs “ as if I am making portraits of my ancestors”, each one with a distinct history, personality, and set of social relationships. Her dynamic images embed her subjects in an enduring, nourishing, but increasingly strained relationship with their environment – of which humans are an integral part. lSeaman’s perspective: Some of the pictures that will be on display in Cultúrlann

Sweeney Kilkee

ARAH will sing 22 which was penned

by Danish songwriters Janieck, Marcia Sondeijker and Roulsen. Last year, Sarah attempted to contest the Eurovision for San Marino but failed to qualify. This year over 430 songs were submitted to RTÉ for consideration in light of Ryan O’Shaughnessy’s performance in Lisbon in 2018 according to Irish Head of Delegation, Michael Kealy.

Sarah finished third in The Voice of Ireland in 2015 when Rachel Stevens was her mentor. Since appearing on the RTÉ show she has worked as a make-up artist in Limerick and given birth to a daughter, Mia, two and a half years ago.

“My Mom, Nana, family and friends are super excited for me - they’re shocked and very proud.

I can’t wait to teach my biggest fan - my two-anda-half-year-old daughter Mia - all the lyrics to 22,” she told RTÉ.

On hearing the song for the first time, Sarah said, “When I heard it at first, I just thought it was so catchy. It’s a proper earworm. I thought it was really poppy and really current. It’s a really strong song for Eurovision.”

Kealy is confident Sarah will be adored by Eurovision fans. “Sarah has an amazing voice which stood out the minute I heard it and she fits perfectly with our chosen song ‘22’. I think the Eurovision audience will love her”. She will compete in the second Eurovision Semi Final in Tel Aviv on Thursday May 16.

13

14 COLUMNISTS

REELING IN THE YEARS

with Cian O’Broin

1974

THURSDAY, MAR 14 2019

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

Unclothed figure an unexpected discovery

SPECIAL EDITION: FEAKLE TALKS

W

HAT A year 1974 was. As Ireland’s national identity continued to reshape itself, the turmoil touted from the war of independence at the turn of the century carried on. Not to mention the bodies.

They come in droves. Young and old, Protestant and Catholic, innocent and guilty. They just keep coming. The country is tearing in half.

Then there’s us, County Clare. A witness to the crime, but not an accessory. But this was to change in the year 1974. How exactly you say? Well, my dear friend. It’s time to read on…

We’ve all heard the stories. Provincial IRA detonates a car bomb in County Derry, seven dead. Two young children. The loyalists retaliate with a flurry of ‘off the books’ operations, persecuting innocent Catholics in broad daylight. The stuff of nightmares. The cycle continues, for years on end.

This brings us all the way up to December 10, 1974. In the dark of night and with great risk attached to it, several cars containing clergymen, IRA leaders and Sinn Fein representatives crossed the border on route to their final destination. Smyth’s Village Hotel of Feakle, County Clare. There’s no doubt the IRA had Clare men working covert operations throughout the Troubles. Hundreds of men South of the border took up arms for the cause.

But Clare remained neutral ground throughout. Until that night. A safe haven and the progenitor of peace.

Unbeknownst to the Irish government, Rev Arthur McArthur of the United Reform Church and Dr Henry Morton of the British Council of Churches touched down in Shannon Airport. All under cover of darkness. All Protestant clergymen. All making their way to proposed peace talks in the small town of Feakle, County Clare.

Big figures from the IRA divvied their way south, many of them a price on their head. Daithi O’ Conaill was one. Accompanying him were Seamus Toomey, JB O’Hagan and Kevin Mallon, all wanted men after their infamous escape from Mountjoy Prison by helicopter. The risk looked miniature alongside the reward. These men had seen it all and enough was enough.

Political figureheads were in abundance, such was the urgency of the issue. Ruairi O’Bradaigh (pictured below), the then president of Sinn Fein, vice president Maire Drumm, party organiser Seamus Loughran as well as Billy McKee. Constant misfiring’s and the death of innocent bystanders’ day in, day out urged the IRA leadership to draft up some sort of peace plan.

The government disgraced by the actions of the Provisional IRA sought to put an end to what they deemed to be a terrorist organisation operating under the guise of nationalist ideology.

A previous meeting up North took place leading up to the Feakle talks.

Originally, the talks were to take place in Holland, but the British government couldn’t offer any assurances that the IRA leadership would return to Ireland unscathed. The Army Council arrived in force, each bolstering their own weapons. There was an air of sincerity about the place. The talks began early morning and continued with an unfeigned openness throughout the day. The IRA were stalwart individuals, laden with an unfaltering faith in the Irish Free State. They wanted a pluralism, separating Church and State.

They pushed this agenda to the Protestant clergymen. The meeting then adjourned for lunch.

Several hours later and things took a turn for the worst. Gardai had gotten word of the secret talk and sent in all of the armed units at their disposal.

Sixty members of the special branch and 120 members of the force. IRA leaders quickly dispersed into the East Clare countryside, seconds away from internment. The u t o p i a n Feakle Talks had come to an end.

The result of the talks was a ceasefire commenced by the IRA on December 22, 1974, lasting all of two weeks. A further ceasefire was reinstated a fortnight later lasting until September 22, 1975.

The Feakle peace talks in County Clare is one of those unique ‘if only’ moments that go down in history books. If only the meeting was not interrupted.

If only they could have reached some resolution in time. If only all those lives weren’t lost…

That’s it for our special edition of Reeling in the Years in Clare 1974. Check back next week as we continue on our way up the timeline to our present-day County Clare. Same time. Same Place. See you then.

H

I ALL,

Last week I met up with an old school friend called Martina. We decided to meet after Mass in Kilnaboy. As Fr Damien usually says a fast Mass, this would leave us with the rest of the day to reconnect. Following adoration, Martina asked if I would like to visit Kilnaboy’s old 13th century church [reconstructed in the 17th century] which houses a wealth of Romanesque art plus a rich history and strong heritage. This shrine had been safeguarded by the observers on a round tower which acted as a defence point until the arrival of Cromwell and his modern artillery, regretfully all that presently remains is a 3.6 meter remnant.

Just a shadow of its former self, nevertheless it still captures a sense of timelessness.

As we were about to leave the building via the south door, I stopped to take one last glance when I observed what I would describe as the most grotesque sculpture I had ever seen.

‘Oh my God ,what is that?’ I exclaimed. Martina confirmed my suspicions by describing this lustful image as being that of a figurative stone carving showing an unclothed woman called Sheela na gig. ‘Not something I would expect to find in a catholic church’, I declared. ‘Very true’ came the reply. However if you were to look closely, you may notice that the stone in the carving doesn’t always merge with the fabric of the church, which would suggest that perhaps they could very well be of pagan origin due to the fact that the church was built in the 13th century; the carving could have been replaced during reconstruction. As it turns out,

these weird gargoyles decorate churches and secular buildings all over Ireland. Even though the highest concentration was found in Ireland, many have also been found in mainland Britain and the continent.

Nobody can say for sure who designed them or their exact purpose, neither has there been any known written accounts of their existence, however they are said to be of Norman origin and Romanesque design. It has been said that in the past they had been hacked from walls of churches and buried, so that in itself says that the figures evoked strong reactions and must have been important at some point in history. There is much guesswork regarding their exact representation, though some mention that she portrayed a persona which warded of death and evil. It was also believed to be a Pagan Goddess of life from Celtic mythology. Additionally, it was assumed that the Sheela was placed over the door of a church to slert young maidens of the repercussions against sins of the flesh /female lust.

Another speculation was that it promoted fertility, and that women wishing to conceive continually visited the figure, walking around it in a ritual fashion asking for divine intervention. It was reckoned that the Sheela was used as an aid during childbirth. There is no real etmogicial meaning, rather unsupported theories, nonetheless people were wary of it’s apparent rudeness and dubious nature.

Even though I have discovered that Sheela na gig’s are unquestionably strange, varied and sometimes frightening, I have also uncovered that they are most appealing and extremely

valuable to unscrupulous collectors. As Martina pointed out, the historical society’s mission is to preserve, it is however impossible to police all historical sites, especially in the dead of night and that’s when most of these criminals work thus getting away with the merchandise. Most Irish Sheela’s end up as a bit of bling on homes and castles of wealthy business men/ women . I also learnt that the last time a Sheela na gig was stolen within Ireland was from a church in County Tipperary, 1990, that was believed to have been valued at three million pounds back then. Unfortunately it was never recovered.

Personally I trust that this little Sheela will be safe enough, as I regret to say, global warming seems to have reduced it to a misshapen dwarf-like figure and I am afraid looks well past it’s sell-by date. Therefore, the mystery and mischief of the Sheelas still remain. Having said that, I will leave the true purpose of Sheela to your imagination as both Martina and I are heading off to Corofin now for a well-deserved coffee.

Once again, thanks for keeping me company along the way and I hope you can join me on my next trip. Bye for now.

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

BRIEFS/ADVICE

THURSDAY, MAR 14 2019

065 6828 383

www.cahirsolicitors.com

15

36 Abbey Street, Ennis

The Third Act; A plan to just survive or thrive

l WATER TIGHT: Back (L-R) Jonathan Reid, Ryan Hanley Consultants and Maurice Buckley, Chairman of the OPW. Front (L-R) Michael Mannion, Ward & Burke Contractors; Cllr Michael Begley, Mayor of Clare; and Carmel Kirby, Director of Physical Development, Clare County Council, sign off on the Ennis South Flood Relief Scheme

Ennis flood relief contracts signed

CLARE County Council have signed a contract with Ward & Burke Construction Ltd for the construction of the River Fergus (Ennis South) Flood Relief Scheme.

The €9.7m scheme represents the final phase of flood defence works throughout the town and includes the townlands of Clonroadmore, Ballybeg and Clareabbey.

The works to be undertaken include the upgrade of the existing flood defence embankment between the Quin Road and the N85 Clareabbey Bridge at Clareabbey and separate Flood Overflow Culverts from St. Flannan’s Stream and Ballybeg Stream to the Clareabbey flood plain. Construction work is expected to begin in late April and will last approximately 27 months (until late 2021).

Mayor of Clare, Councillor Michael Begley, stated, “Works completed on the Ennis Flood Relief Scheme since the serious flooding of 2009 have demonstrated that the town is better protected from flooding during severe weather events. The completion of the Ennis South Flood Relief Scheme will protect businesses and homes in the remaining flood prone areas of Clonroadmore, Ballybeg and Clareabbey.”

“I want to acknowledge the OPW, Director of Physical Development Carmel Kirby, Senior Engineer Sean Lenihan, the engineering staff of Clare County Council and the Elected Members for their commitment to delivering this flood relief scheme,” added the Mayor.

Mayor of Ennis, Councillor Clare Colleran Molloy, commented, “This news will be very much welcomed by the owners of residential and commercial properties in relevant areas, as well as the students and teachers of Saint Flannan’s College Secondary School. I look forward to work progressing on this project later next month.”

CRIME BRIEFS

BROADFORD n Between 12.30pm and 3pm on Wednesday, March 6 a house on Mill Road, Broadford was broken into – the front door was forced open -- nothing was taken.

ENNIS n On Wednesday, March 6 between 10am and 6.40pm a house in the Greendale estate on Clonroad was broken into – a safe and a sum of money in cash was stolen. n Between 4-6pm on Thursday, March 7 a house in Corrovorrin Crescent was broken into – the front door was forced open – nothing taken. n At 11.30pm on Thursday night, March 7 a mobile caravan was set on fire at the Rocky Road Roundabout, Kilrush Road.

There was nobody in the caravan at the time. We are appealing for anyone that may have been in the vicinity of the Kilrush Road or the Rocky Road around this time and may have seen anything suspicious to contact Ennis Garda Station on 065 6848100.

COROFIN n Sometime between 9am on Tuesday, March 5 and 9am on Thursday, March 7 a house on Railway Road, Corofin was broken into – a Black 32 inch LG TV and a child’s uniform were stolen.

KILLALOE n Sometime between 3.45pm and 4.50pm on Friday, March 8 a house in Kilmore, Killaloe was broken into – a pane of glass on the side of the front door was broken and entry gained – a number of items were stolen: A K30 Pentax Camera, a Tech Marine Chart Plotter, a gold antique ring, a gold chain, Costum Jewellery, a black S5 Samsung Mobile Phone.

CATALYTIC CONVERTERS A number of catalytic converters have been stolen at various locations between March 2-7, including Miltown Malbay, Mullagh, Barefield and Ennis. In one instance, between 9.45pm and 9.50pm on Tuesday, March 5, three males drove into the Finnuremore Park estate in Mullagh. One male jacked up a car parked in the estate while the other two males stood guard – these males stole the catalytic convertor from this car. All three males were wearing balaclavas and they left the estate towards Mullagh in a dark navy blue Toyota with a partial reg of 09 G. KILRUSH Sometime between 9pm on Monday, March 4 and 12.30 pm on Tuesday, March 5 a car parked in the Shannon Heights estate, Kilrush was broken into and a sum of money in cash was taken from the glove box of the car.

U

PON retirement or as you enter your senior years, you will have new considerations for planning ahead for seniority or the Third Act as it is often referred to, writes Sharon Cahir. Heretofore your priority may have been your children, siblings or your own aging parents but as you enter your senior years it’s a great time to put your focus back on yourself and this time in your life.

With over 20 years of experience in the area of succession planning, I have begun to understand the challenges that arise as senior clients age and begin preparing for their own healthcare and financial priorities in their senior years. Age is but a number it is said, but if we are being honest aging introduces new challenges and opportunities. Some common questions are; Can a person diagnosed with dementia sign legal documents?

Someone who is in the advanced stages of Alzheimer’s will not have the requisite capacity to sign legal documents. However, a person with a diagnosis of dementia may very well be able to sign legal documents.

Generally speaking, capacity is individually assessed in each situation. As a general rule the person signing the legal document must have sufficient understanding of what the document is they are signing and the effect arising from their signing of the document.

What type of documents would be relevant in my Senior Years? l Ability to sign a contract: Exchange your home, sell your home, transfer property l Ability to make an Enduring Power of Attorney for future health & financial care l Understanding of a power of attorney, which might give the authority to another person to sign future documents in your absence but when you have clear capacity l Capacity to sign a Will and Trust and associated succession planning documents l Capacity to get married (which is, after all, a specialized kind of contract). l Ability to make medical decisions — ie refusing medication, or treatment. l Ability to give informed consent for medical treatment; medical or surgical procedures may not be carried out without the informed consent of the patient l Considering end of life and health preferences in an Advanced Health Care Directive Why is an Enduring Power of Attorney (EPA) necessary for Seniors An enduring power of attorney is a legal agreement that enables a person to appoint a trusted person – or people – of their choice to make financial and/or property decisions on their behalf. An enduring power of attorney is an agreement made by choice that can be executed by anyone over the age of 18, who has full legal capacity. The EPA is a legal authorisation to act on someone else’s behalf in legal ,financial and Healthcare matters which (unlike other kinds of power of attorney) will come into force after the person granting it loses mental capacity, and so can be used to manage the affairs of people who become ill with dementia or Alzheimer’s. As the document termed an Enduring Power Of

Attorney is created when a person has full health and mental capacity more often than not it’s a document that’s created as a precaution and never used if there is no decline in mental capacity. But what it does provide is clarity and a road map at a time that is stressful for families and those that wish to care for you.

Does an Enduring Power of Attorney continue after my death?

No, an Enduring Power of Attorney ends on the death of the person who executed the EPA. If the person you appointed as attorney to take charge of your financial and healthcare decisions under the EPA is the executor named in your will then on your death their function in managing your affairs/estate is now in their role as Executor, not as the attorney under the EPA. Is it easy to create an Enduring Power of Attorney In short, yes but because the enduring power of attorney involves the transfer of considerable powers from you to another person to come into being at a time when you are at your most vulnerable there are a number of legal safeguards to protect you from abuses. The procedure for executing enduring power of attorney is comprehensive and requires the involvement of a solicitor and a doctor. The enduring power can only come into effect when certain procedures have been complied with.

The document creating the power must be a specific format and include the following: l A statement by a doctor verifying in his/ her opinion you had the mental capacity at the time that the document was executed to understand the effect of creating the power l A statement from you that you understood the effect of creating the power l A statement from a solicitor that he/she is satisfied that you understood the effect of creating the power of attorney and that you were not acting under undue influence.

As a safeguard at least two people must be notified you have made an EPA, none of whom will be the attorney nominated in the form. One of the notice parties must be your spouse or civil partner if living with you. If this does not apply, one of your notice parties must be your child. If neither is applicable, one of the notice parties must be any relative (that is parent, sibling, grandchild, widow/widower/surviving civil partner of child, nephew or niece). What is imperative is that the service upon them can be proved to the high court at any time the document needs to be formalised and relied upon by those you appointed as attorneys in it if you become mentally incapacitated.

Is it necessary to make an EPA? Yes, I recommend everyone complete one especially from retirement age onwards.

Approach seniority with an understanding of what you need to plan for. You need to plan for your finances and care in the event you do not have the capacity to deal with your own affairs. The time spent putting a Senior Life plan in place is well worth it for clarity for your family and next of kin.

Call Sharon at Cahir and Co Solicitors to arrange for a Will EPA and Succession consultation on 065 6828383.

16 JOHN MINOGUE MEMORIAL

The scene

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Locals brave rain at John Minogue run

M

ANY brave souls turned out in the wind and rain to take part in the seventh running of the John Minogue Memorial Run in Miltown Malbay on Sunday.

The event is in memory of local man John Minogue who sadly passed away in 2012, who played all grades of football for Miltown St.Josephs.

The event has raised over €80,000 for local charities in the last six years and this years recipients are Slainte an Chlair, Bur-

ren SA Search and Recovery, Elevate and Clare Cycstic Fibrosis.

Committee Chairman Pat Kelly has thanked the people of Clare for their support over the last six years and has praised the generosity of local business people in the Miltown and Clare area who have given so much to the event.

While the cycle had to be cancelled at the last minute due to adverse conditions, it didn’t break the spirit of those taking part in the 8k run/walk.

l BRAVE SOULS: Clockwise from above Enya Russell with her Dog Púca; taking part were Frank Minogue, Alan Cullen, John O’Reilly and John Burke; James Sexton looks on as John O’ Reilly takes a well-earned rest; Miltown man Brian Sexton was all wrapped up; Martin O’Connor was first cross the line; the Jack Daly Cup was on display, proudly held by Gerard Minogue with Ray Ward

Photos by Martin Connolly

THURSDAY, MAR 14 2019

twitter.com/ClareEcho facebook.com/clareecho instagram.com/theclareecho

Brexit threat a huge concern

T

HE Clare beef industry faces decimation in a no deal Brexit. That is according to Cllr Cathal Crowe, a Fianna Faál general election candidate, who made his comments on foot of reports that the UK plan to open their market to South American beef in the event of a no deal Brexit.

Cllr. Crowe said: “The UK is Ireland’s largest export destination for agri-food products with exports valued at €5.2 billion in 2017.

Our beef industry in particular is hugely reliant on the UK market and 48% of all our beef exports went to the UK in 2017. Most of the national discourse at this time centres on the north - south border but there is very little said of east - west our coastal border with Britain and how we trade beef and other agri produce across this border.

“Agri-food businesses in Clare are hugely exposed to Brexit. There are more than 6,000 Clare families involved in farming and there are

l CAPTION: Lorem Ipsum orem Ipsum orem Ipsum Lorem Ipsum orIpsum approximately 80,000 beef cows in the county. On top of this we have dozens of small, artisan food pro-

ducers who do not have the financial resources to deal with a major market shock.

“If in the event of a no deal Brexit, the UK opens its doors to South American beef this would be noth-

ing short of a catastrophe for our beef industry and would have a devastating effect on farmers the length and breadth of this county.

“There are 36 days until the UK is scheduled to leave the EU and at this juncture the risk of a no deal Brexit is a very real possibility. If this comes to pass and Irish beef is forced to compete in the UK market against cheaper imports from other countries countless jobs will be lost.

“The Irish Agri-food industry has worked very hard to secure its place on the shelves in the UK and rightly has a reputation for good quality, high standard food. Every effort must be made to safeguard this industry and the hundreds of thousands of people employed in it, both directly and indirectly.

The Government therefore must ensure that sufficient contingency plans, including a financial aid package, are in place to insulate our beef and agri-food industry in as much as feasibly possible from the fall out of Brexit,” concluded Cllr. Crowe.

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‘I’ll fight for farmers’ insists O’Donovan PÁRAIC McMAHON

N

paraic@clareecho.ie

EXT year’s local elections will be Barry O’Donovan’s first foray into running for public office and he’s determined to fight the cause for the “exploited farmers” of East Clare.

In late January, the Green Party unveiled the 45-year-old Limerick native as a candidate in the Killaloe Municipal District for the 2019 local elections. Born in Woodview, Barry moved to Ballyvaughan in 2007 and three years ago he took up residence in Tuamgraney. He is looking forward to canvassing in the coming months and talking to the people of East Clare.

One group of individuals in particular he is keen to chat with are those in agriculture who he feels are “being exploited at the moment in order to meet national goals in exporting beef to make our balance and trade work”.

“I want to help and work with them so farming can afford them a good quality of life without having to wor-

ry about borrowing money, repaying loans, having another job. There will be grants involved, there will be assistance with land. I also want them to know that I respect the work they are doing. They produce the food we eat, they maintain the land that we live in and around, the water we drink flows through the environment that they create and I think it’s very important we respect and pay them attention.

“Even if I don’t get that farmers’ vote, if I hear what [the farmer] is saying then myself, my colleagues in the Green Party and us in society can move towards creating a future where that farmer has a viable business and enjoyable life”.

Although he has only joined the Green Party in recent months, O’Donovan admitted he has always had an interest in politics and points to his involvement in an anti-nuclear campaign 15 years ago as an example of this.

He attended his first meeting of Clare County Council in the public gallery in January and hopes to soon be seated inside the Chamber. Barry told The Clare Echo he doesn’t feel the council

is “progressive”. “I think the structure of local Government is a problem. I’ve seen those councillors out working, it’s a particular approach to politics, it is representing local interests because that’s what they can do.

“What I would strive to do is to try and help people build a new future.

Running and getting onto Clare County Council, my purpose would be to shape the way Clare County Council does its business, inform it and move it towards a place where it can actively meet the needs of the people of Clare”.

Family connections to the county are much less for the former Shannon Airport apprentice aircraft engineer than the individuals he will oppose but he has links to Kilkishen on his father’s side that he is quite proud of. “In a way it’s funny being around East Clare because it’s like coming home, my great grandfather left Kilkishen with a horse and the price of a ticket to America and fell in love, got married and didn’t get further than Limerick, that’s where he settled then. It doesn’t count for much in terms of votes but three or four generations back all of my family on one l RUNNING: O’Donovan at the Green’s candidate Photo by John Mangan unveiling at The Rowan Tree side are from East Clare”.

l CELEBRATION: Macra memorabilia will be on display at the Pumphouse Bar in Kilmurry where a barbecue will be held to celebrate their 75th year

Macra BBQ at the ‘Bridge

T

O MARK the celebrations of Macra na Feirme’s 75th birthday, the Sixmilebridge-Kilmurry Macra club will be hosting a BBQ in The Pumphouse Bar, Kilmurry on Saturday March 30 at 8pm.

Photos of events attended and trophies won by the club will be on display with a brief recap of the history of the club by former Chairmen John Crowe & Sean Fitzgerald.

We are also delighted to welcome Tarbert Macra & Mitchelstown Macra as part of our club exchanges.

Music on the night. Raffle to fundraise for upcoming competition costs. All welcome with a special invite to former members of Macra.

Further details can be found on the Sixmilebridge-Kilmurry Macra Face-

book page or by contacting Club Chairman Patrick McNamara on 0868779329.

Farm safety event hosted in Kilmihil

A FARM safety event takes place this evening (Thursday) at Pat and Chrissie Curtin’s farm in Lacken. This part of a knowledge transfer programme with the Department of Agriculture.

A health and safety authority inspector will be in attendance along with Garda Brendan Condon a PSV inspector in the Clare Garda Division, Garda Ken Butler who is a first responder plus representatives from Embrace Farm, Agrikids, Teagasc, Height for Hire, Livestock and Quad handliers.

Facing into ‘Farmageddon’?

PÁRAIC McMAHON

B

paraic@clareecho.ie

REXIT is posing the risk of “farmageddon” for gravely concerned Clare farmers.

With calving season underway, farmers in the county have hit out that in all the Brexit negotiations, animals and their welfare have been scarcely mentioned. Five months since its foundation, 19,000 farmers across Ireland have become members of the Beef Plan, 790 of which are based in Co Clare to fight for their livelihood.

Joseph Woulfe, Chairperson of the Beef Plan’s Clare branch, said there is a growing risk that farmers may have to abandon their animals after Brexit. “If there is no demand, they’re facing tough choices. The Minister hasn’t found or 100 per cent secured markets for the calves to go to, they had a few markets but they are drying up. If they can’t secure them I don’t know what are they going to do with 100,000 calves, that’s how many are there to be housed. They haven’t laid out any options or been telling us any”.

Between 100,000 to 120,000 cattle are produced in Clare every year which is roughly the county’s population. Woulfe told The Clare Echo that Brexit would reduce this figure and could decimate the agricultural sector within the county. “You’re looking

l UNCERTAINTY: Joseph Woulfe (inset) raised issues around calf welfare at farmageddon, it’s not really about money because if them calves are born or these animals come to full size money won’t fix the problem, where will they go to? They talk about money all the time, money is part of the problem but where do you put the livestock, I don’t think I’ve ever come across this stuff before. The beef plan is for the dairy farmers as well, we are all talking

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together about the issues that are happening as a result of policies and political changes in Europe”.

According to the IFA, there are 6,491 farmers in Clare, many of whom will be forced to leave the country the Quilty native felt. “Emigration will be on the cards and there is so many of them that have already left that a lot of the people taking care of

farms are elderly, they haven’t passed it on to the next generation. The Government were introducing stamp duties of seven percent only a couple of years ago from one or two percent so I don’t know, maybe it’s forestry they want across Co Clare and they want to get rid of them like they did to the sugar beet industry and put equal control on the fisheries which has badly affected since the EU,” he added.

In the past month, the Beef Plan have held separate meetings with Minister for Agriculture Michael Creed and Bord Bia. “They have acknowledged that there is a problem and the farmers’ voice has been heard and they are going to take action on that. The idea that you create a policy and wait and see after time what does it do or what changes occur, certain things have happened now they have to calibrate it the end result of the moves they made what it has meant on the ground. That’s why it’s so important for farmers to relay publicly rather than moaning at home the problems so they can take action on it, they want to have a job in the future too and to be representative of the farmers but if they don’t get the information back they don’t know,” Joseph stated.

A series of meetings organised by the Beef Plan are running across Clare. McNamara’s Pub in Scariff hosts the next gathering on March 20 at 7:30pm with another event at Kilrush Golf Club at 7:30pm on March 27.

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IFA host meeting with the French

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HE Irish Farmers’ Association and the French farmers’ union FNSEA held a bilateral meeting in Dublin on Monday, ahead of this week’s Brexit votes in London.

Both associations are strongly supporting the EU27 position on Brexit. They want to see a deal that does the least possible damage to Irish and French farmers and EU agriculture.

IFA President Joe Healy and the President of FNSEA Christiane Lambert said safeguarding the integrity of the EU Single Market and Customs Union is an essential element of any outcome.

“A ‘no deal’ would be very detrimental to Irish & French farmers, but the EU must remain firm on the Withdrawal Agreement. After all, this was agreed with the EU by the UK Government,” the two

Presidents stated.

“But, if we end up in a ‘no deal’ scenario, we expect the Commission to stand by their commitment to support European farmers in the strongest possible way,” they said.

Joe Healy and Christiane Lambert re-affirmed their commitment to the backstop and acknowledged the steadfast position of the EU Chief Negotiator Michel Barnier and the solidarity of the other Member States.

“IFA & FNSEA share the dual objective of maintaining the movement of goods between the EU27 and the UK and guaranteeing the mutual respect of high standards and regulations. Market disruption must be avoided, particularly through imports of goods that would not be subject to the same production standards.

This would have a negative impact

on farmers’ incomes, on the UK and on consumers.”

Joe Healy acknowledged the solidarity of French farmers, who have stood with Irish farmers at critical times during our membership of the EU. “FNSEA has always identified with our aim of preserving the European family farm model and we have worked together through various CAP reforms to secure strong support for farming and food Christiane Lambert said the FNSEA has conveyed in clear terms to the French Government that it must remain firmly with the EU position.

The IFA President said the Irish Government must remain vigilant in the coming days to ensure that the EU position remains steadfast as the endgame approaches.

MART REPORTS KILRUSH, Wednesday, March 6 Good size sale in Kilrush and a fine trade for calves, which were of good quality and well fed, and it was farmer demand that drove the trade. Cull cows again mostly dairy culls and trade in bullock and heifer rings was good. A good mix of both traditional breeds and Continentals on offer.

Very good trade for quality Whitehead calves.

BULLOCKS 1 CH 295kgs - €760 - €2.58/kg 4 HEX 310kgs - €665 - €2.15/kg 1 CH 285kgs - €760 - €2.67/kg 3 LMX 437kgs - €1,075 - €2.46/kg 1 CH 390kgs - €990 - €2.51/kg 5 HEX 541kgs - €1,080 - €1.99/kg 2 FR 530kgs - €870 - €1.64/kg 3 FR 488kgs - €825 - €1.69/kg HEIFERS 6 HEX 322kgs - €620 - €1.92/kg 1 LMX 440kgs - €1,000 - €2.27/kg 1 LMX 365kgs - €795 - €2.18/kg 1 AAX 550kgs - €990 - €1.78/kg 3 CHX 311kgs - €750 - €2.41/kg 3 HEX 485kgs - €840 - €1.73/kg CULL COWS 1 FR 570kgs - €785 - €1.38/kg 1 SIX 700kgs - €995 - €1.42/kg 1 FR 570kgs - €655 - €1.15/kg 1 FR 605kgs - €665 - €1.10/kg 1 LMX 605kgs - €950 - €1.57/kg 1 FR 690kgs - €840 - €1.22/kg ENNIS, Thursday, March 7 Fine size sale with over 900 on offer. This included 250 cull cows. Quality of cull cows a lot more variable and more dairy stock included. The quality bullocks and heifers holding a very fine trade, especially stores over 500kgs. The weather having a slight effect with not quite as many customers about, however, trade held firm. A small entry of aged bulls averaged €1.55/kg.

BULLOCKS:

4 LMX 552kgs - €1,350 - €2.44kg 1 AA 770kgs - €1,475 - €1.92/kg 6 CHX 566kgs - €1,420 – 2.51/kg 1 LMX 655kgs - €1,500 - €2.29/kg 1 LMX 845kgs - €1,850 - €2.19/kg 2 CHX 465kgs - €1,290 - €2.77/kg 1 CHX 725kgs - €1,660 - €2.29/kg 2 HEX 467kgs - €1,070 - €2.29/kg 3 FRX 448kgs - €925 - €2.06/kg

2 HEX 432kgs - €965 - €2.23/kg HEIFERS: 1 CHX 395kgs - €1,095 - €2.77/kg 2 LMX 590kgs - €1,470 - €2.49/kg 2 LM 350kgs - €910 - €2.36/kg

1 CH 505kgs - €1,235 - €2.44/kg 1 LMX 460kgs - €1,170 - €2.54/kg

6 HEX 538kgs - €950 - €1.76/kg 4 LMX 428kgs - €1,045 - €2.44/kg

2 CH 527kgs - €1,245 - €2.36/kg CULL COWS: 2 FR 512kgs - €840 - €1.64/kg

1 CH 805kgs - €1,460 - €1.81/kg 1 AAX 585kgs - €830 - €1.42/kg

1 FR 835kgs - €1,100 - €1.32/kg 1 LMX 765kgs - €1,460 - €1.91/kg

1 FR 560kgs - €715 - €1.28/kg 1 LMX 625kgs - €1,200 - €1.92/kg

1 FR 610kgs - €1,010 - €1.66/kg ENNIS, Bull Sale, March 11 At the mixed breed bull sale, trade was mixed but some nice quality bulls sold well.

Quality across the breeds was variable.

Hereford bulls made from €1,670 to €2,900 and Angus made to €1,540. Charolais made up to €2,550 and Limousin made up to €2,420. Simmental made €1,200 to €1,700 on the day.

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13/03/2019 11:28

‘Good future for suckler herd’ Clare Marts continue breeding programme

C

LARE Co-operative Marts is continuing its major breeding programme aimed at maintaining and enhancing the supply of top quality cattle through support for suckler farmers in the form of Bull premiums and the use of AI straws. Clare Co-operative Marts are working in partnership with Dovea A.I. and Munster A.I. to promote the use of top quality 5 star terminal sires, within the suckler herd.

Clare Co-operative Marts is renowned for quality stock and the team believe that by introducing a scheme for the use of 5-star terminal sires will help maintain a vibrant suckler herd in the county and beyond.

A statement from Clare Co-operative Marts said, “It has become obvious to Clare Marts that the demand for quality stock is on the increase due to the expansion of the dairy herd and many feeders in

these areas are finding it difficult to source quality weanlings and stores.

“Clare Co-operative Marts believe that the suckler herd in their catchment area has a very good future provided the focus is on the production of quality stock.

Suckling is suited to county Clare due to average land type and many fragmented holdings.

“We believe this scheme is complimentary to the beef Genomics Scheme in that the use of 5 star terminal sires qualify in all respects for the scheme and this together with the improvements that have been achieved through the scheme already will only enhance the quality of stock on offer and increase the customer base and market for quality stock.”

The scheme envisages providing a subsidy for the purchase of 5 star terminal beef breed bulls together with providing subsidies towards the use of 5 star terminal beef

l INITIATIVE: John Lynch of Dovea Genetics, Martin McNamara, Manager at Clare Marts and Enda O’Gorman of Munster A.I at the announcement of the scheme’s continuation

breed AI Straws from the companies previously mentioned. In total up to €35,000 is being invested in this by Clare Co-operative Marts and their partners of Dovea A.I., Munster A.I. Terms and conditions apply please contact Mart office for details on 065 6824411.

Remaining dates of Clare Marts Pedigree Registered Bull Sales in Ennis Mart for 2019 are April 8 and May 13.

Clare Marts added, “We believe that this scheme will be very beneficial to our supplier base with the potential to receive assistance in their breeding policy and more

importantly in the production of quality stock which we believe there will be a strong market for.

Great credit must go to our partners in this scheme those being Dovea A.I. and Munster A.I. for their commitment to the production of quality livestock.”

24 COMMUNITY

Community WEST CLARE

THURSDAY, MAR 14 2019

CONTACT NEWSDESK

065 671 9021 news@clareecho.ie

CLARECASTLE

FARM SAFETY Kilmihil: A farm safety event takes place this evening (Thursday) at Pat and Chrissie Curtin’s farm in Lacken. This part of a knowledge transfer programme with the Department of Agriculture. A health and safety authority inspector will be in attendance along with Garda Brendan Condon a PSV inspector in the Clare Garda Division, Garda Ken Butler who is a first responder plus representatives from Embrace Farm, Agrikids, Teagasc, Height for Hire, Livestock and Quad handliers.

GARDENING COURSE Kilrush: Spring Gardening course at Kilrush Community gardens starting Tuesdays from 26th March 10am-12pm for 10 weeks.

Learn to grow veg and flowers for the Summer season. Contact Kilrush Community gardens facebook page or text/call Hilary Gleeson 0863579484.

INIS CATHAIGH FEIS Kilrush: Over 250 younng musicians, singers and dancers took part in the 15th Inis Cathaigh Feis Cheoil at the Adult Education Center in Kilrush on Saturday last. Competitors came from Counties Kerry, Limerick, Waterford, Galway, Leitrim, Tipperary and Clare.

Results for the Inis Cathaigh Feis 2019.

Overall Feis Champion sponsored by Kilrush Credit Union Shield : Aisling Moroney. Kilkee.

Mick Eustace Shield Fiddle: Aibhin O’Neill. Listowel.

Noel Birmingham Shield Banjo: Riona Davoran. Kilfenora.

Tom Rynne Shield sponsored by St. Francis Credit Union , Ennis for Accordion: Jack Condon. Wasterford.

Mrs Crotty Shield Concertina: Edel Cusack. Bodyke.

PJ Crotty Shield Tin Whistle: Aisling Moroney. Kilkee.

Inis Cathaigh Shield Tin Whistle: Edel Cusack. Bodyke.

Peadar Crotty Shield Slow Airs: Lelia Ryan. Crusheen.

Kilrush Harp Shield: Aisling Moroney. Kilkee.

Sean Nos Dancing Shield: Alice Dore. County Leitrim Peig Martin Singing Shield: Caoimhe Shannon. Miltown.

The organisers wish to thanks everyone who assisted.

TRIBUTE TO MURT Kilrush: Inis Cathaigh C.C.E. will host a Tribute to Murt Collins on Friday March 29th at the Haven Arms, Kilrush. staring at 9p.m. Murt has been part of Kilrush culture for many many years and is always on hand to support any organisation. He is “ever ready” to provide music and song when requested, ie hospital visits, Santa visits etc so as a branch will say “Thank You Murt” on Friday 29th. Everyone is invited and reminded to bring their musical instruments.

STORY OF DOONBEG Doonbeg: The Story of Doonbeg Golf Club 2002 to 2019 was launched last Sunday by outgoing Captain Gearóid Williams. Author Michael Carrick has chronicled the early years of club, provided a record of members achievements, recollects the contributions of personnel responsible for developing and sustaining the club and forms a reference point for future members. Books are available from all officers and the pro shop at Doonbeg Golf Club.

EAST CLARE BUNRATTY CRATLOE FC CELEBRATION Bunratty: Bunratty Local Development Association & Bunratty Cratloe FC are hosting a St Patricks night of celebration at The Creamery in Bunratty on St Patricks night from 9pm. Tickets are available for €10 from any committee members of the soccer club and can also be purchased on the night which will have live music and spot prizes.

GORT GORT SHOW Gort & District Show Co. Ltd are holding their AGM on Thursday 26th March at 8.00 pm in the ICA Hall, Bolands Lane, Gort. All are welcome

SUCCESS FOR CLARECASTLE NS AT INTEL MINI SCIENTIST FINAL Three Fifth Class students from Clarecastle National School achieved wonderful success at the recent Intel Mini Scientist Grand Final which was held on Monday, March 4th in Maynooth University.

Clara Powell, Addison O’Loughlin and Freya Starr Amran were awarded the ‘Most Innovative Idea’ Award with their project ‘The Solar Powered Car’.

The girls began work on their project last September and demonstrated how solar power works by making a solar powered car. In November, judges from Intel visited Clarecastle National School to view over forty projects completed by students in the school from Fourth, Fifth and Sixth Classes. The Solar Powered Car came in First Place in this round of the competition. The project then proceeded to the regional final in December which was held in Intel, Shannon. The girls were again successful and qualified to bring their project to the Grand Final last week. In each round of the competition, Freya, Clara and Addison exhibited their project which included a visual display, a project book and a demonstration of their solar powered car for a panel of judges.

The entire school community in Clarecastle are very proud of the girls’ achievement as almost 8,000 students from 120 schools in 18 counties across Ireland took part in the competition since last September. This year, there were almost 2,500 projects exhibited as part of the Mini Scientist competition. The Grand Final brought together the top 23 projects from across the country and was filled with innovative and imaginative projects. The judges, after a very difficult task of deliberation, selected the winning projects. The hard work and commitment shown by Addison, Freya and Clara was praised by the judges in each round of the competition and led to their wonderful achievement.

Above is Clara Powell, Freya Starr Amran and Addison O’Loughlin, Clarecastle NS, pictured recently at the Intel Mini Scientist Grand Final at Maynooth University. Their project ‘The Solar Powered Car’ won the award for ‘The Most Innovative Idea’.

COMMUNITY 25

THURSDAY, MAR 14 2019

Community

CONTACT NEWSDESK

065 671 9021 news@clareecho.ie

ENNIS

l ROCK ON, MARY: The Instrument Appeal for 2019 has just been launched. An initiative introduced by Cllr Mary Howard four years ago, since then over 300 instruments have found new homes and are being played and loved once again. The initiative this year includes Colaiste Muire students and Youth Ambassadors from 2018 Muireann Byrne, Aisling Reidy and Aisling Flouch. So So, do you have a fiddle under the stairs, or a bodhrán on top of the wardrobe and they are no longer being played please consider donating them to us. The instruments will be played and cared for again by children here in Ennis. The instruments will become the property of the school and will form part of their bank of instruments for children who need a “step-up” instrument and for what ever reason their family cannot afford it, the child can love and play the instrument while attending the primary school. This year the Holy Family Senior School will reap the benefits of the programme. For the past three years we have supported Scoil Chriost Ri and we have donated pianos to Holy Family School and Mowlam Nursing Home. If you have an instrumentthat you would like to donate please contact any of the girls throught Instagram or facebook or Cllr Mary Howard at 0868780298. Photo by John Mangan

SHANNON SHANNON WETLANDS RESTORATION PROJECT The Shannon Wetlands Restoration Project is holding a community information evening for locals in Shannon Library on Friday 22nd March from 6.15pm to 7.45 pm.

The Shannon Wetland Restoration Project is a community initiative set up with the aim of restoring a wetland amenity in the area known as The Shannon Wetlands located to the rear of Gaelscoil Donncha Rua and the Shannon Leisure Centre. Since 2016 a dedicated group of volunteers drawn from Dúchas na Sionna, Shannon Tidy Towns, Shannon Men’s Shed, Club na Sionna and others has been active in securing funding, undertaking site survey work and preparing the site for the next stage of development. The project is guided by a Technical Advisory Committee and the committee works in close collaboration with Ruairí Ó Conchúir (Local Authority Waters Programme) and Clare County Council.

From the outset it has been important that the people of Shannon should have an opportunity to contribute their thoughts on how this urban wetland site should develop and public engagement events have occurred during Heritage Week 2017 and 2018 and most recently on World Wetlands Day, 2nd February 2019.

The Shannon Wetlands Project is pleased to announce that a public meeting will take place in Shannon Library on Friday 22nd March from 6.15pm to 7.45 p.m. The public meeting will give Shannon residents a chance to hear about what has been achieved to date and to learn more about the proposed vision for the site – namely to create an attractive amenity that promotes

ENNIS JOHN DORAN TALK AT COLÁISTE Coláiste Muire Parents’ Association would like to invite you to come hear John Doran speak on well-being and resilience.

When: 20th March at 7pm Where: The Danlann, Coláiste Muire, Ennis.

This very topical talk is ideal for parents/guardians and secondary school students.

All are welcome to attend this free event.

John Doran has been a teacher and guidance counsellor for over 24 years. He is passionate about the transformative power of education to help young people do all that they can, with all that they have, in the time that they have got, and in the space that they are in.

John speaks both nationally and internationally to Parents and Students, Teachers, Management Bodies, Businesses, and Education Trusts on the topics of Resilience, EQ, Well-being, Stress Management, and Maximising Performance. John is a TED speaker and a regular media contributor. biodiversity and enhances the heritage, community, recreational and tourism value of the site in a way that is user friendly and accessible to all.

All are welcome so please come and join us. This is an opportunity for you to have your say in how you wish the Shannon Wetlands site to develop.

You may be able to contribute other

John Doran will speak at The Danlann, Coláiste Muire

ideas or have skills or knowledge that you can contribute to help make this a truly sustainable community wetlands project that is an inspiration to others. If so, please join us in Shannon Library on Friday 22nd March to hear what has been achieved so far and to discuss the plans.

For more information please con-

tact: Olive Carey of the Shannon Wetlands Restoration Project (085 710 7581 / olivecarey77@gmail.com) or local Community Water Officer, Ruairí Ó Conchúir (085 808 3715 / roconchuir@lawaters.ie) or visit the Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/Shannon-Wetlands-Restoration-Project-1772541509540039/

MOTORING

MOTORING EXPERT NEIL BRISCOE GIVES HIS VIEWS

PEUGEOT BRINGS BACK ITS FOUR-DOOR GLORY DAYS DON’T FANCY A BULKY SUV? THEN THE SLINKY 508 SALOON IS THE CAR FOR YOU

FACTS & FIGURES

is really very different. The old 508 was a staid, if pleasant, saloon and estate. The new one is more of a four-door coupe, and closer in spirit to the likes of a VW Arteon and, if you’re feeling generous, a Mercedes CLS. Underneath, you’ll find the same EMP2 chassis as used by the taller 3008 and 5008, but the 508 gets a major styling makeover compared to the SUVs. The inset grille and narrow headlights are present and correct, but check out those dramatic LED ‘slashes’ that cut down the side of the grille and into the bumper, or for that matter the groovy frameless coupe-like doors.

Slide inside and you’ll find yet another variation of Peugeot’s ‘iCockpit’ layout.

Clearly, not everyone likes the combination of high-set digital instruments, small, low-set hexagonal steering wheel, and big central touchscreen, but I have to admit that I’m a fan. It feels special, and it works better with the 508’s low-and-laid-back driving position.

The 508’s cabin also happens to be beautifully made, with lots of (fake, but still handsome) carbon-fibre, sculpted seats, and a sense of very high quality. It’s a lovely place to be, and not too impractical — the rear seats are tolerably roomy, and the boot, under that big liftback hatch, is reasonably useful at 487-litres. Could it have been made bigger, more Arteon-like? Doubtless so, but Peugeot’s theory is that if it’s space you’re after, you’ll naturally gravitate to the 3008 or 5008. The 508 is more for selfish drivers who aren’t as bothered about rear

Model tested: Peugeot 508 GT-Line 1.5 BlueHDI 130hp EAT8 Pricing: €40,370 as tested; 508 starts at €32,400 Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo diesel Transmission: eight-speed automatic, front-wheel drive Body style: four-door coupe fastback CO2 emissions: 101g/km (Band A3 €190 per annum) Combined economy: 76.3mpg (3.7 litres/100km) Top speed: 210km/h 0-100km/h: 10.0sec Power: 130hp at 3,750rpm Torque: 300Nm at 2,000 Boot space: 487-litres Safety: Euro NCAP rating for 508: Five stars: 96 per cent adult; 86 per cent child; 71 per cent pedestrian; 79 per cent safety assist

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PEUGEOT 508

GREW up driving on the roads of the west and south west of Ireland, and my favourite driving tool in all that time was my dad’s car. Not surprising, really.

Who amongst us, in the early nineties, could afford the tax and insurance on a car of our own? I got lucky though — when I was 19, my dad chopping in the trusty old family Ford Sierra, and bought something almost magical. A white Peugeot 405 2.0-litre Injection, complete with sunroof and boot spoiler.

It was amazing. It looked gorgeous, for a start, and had wonderfully comfy velour seats too. But most of all it was fantastic to drive, with a sense of deft control and feedback from its steering that, to be honest, I’ve only rarely found in the modern cars I road test for a living. Only rarely found it in recent Peugeots too, as the French company certainly went through its personal doldrums, especially in the early 2000s.

Still, things have been improving of late.

The 3008 and 5008 SUVs are really quite excellent, and the outgoing 208 GTI was a far better hot hatch than it was generally given credit for. And now, to add to that list there’s the new 508.

It may have the same badge as its oh-so-sensible predecessor, but the new 508

space, but for those who do want to mix practicality with their coupe-like styling, there is a thoroughly gorgeous 508 SW sports estate coming later this year.

For now, the engine lineup is entirely conventional — a mix of 1.6-litre turbo petrol (surprisingly, that’s the standout choice) and 1.5 or 2.0-litre turbo diesels.

Later this year, a PHEV plugin hybrid model will be available, and that will boast impressively low Co2 emissions of just 49g/km.

While the 1.6 petrol would be my choice of 508, there’s no denying that this 1.5-litre BlueHDI diesel still has its appeal. It’s a touch noisy at low RPM but it smooths out a lot as everything warms up, and there’s no denying the impressive fuel economy — you should be able to, just about, breach the 60mpg barrier on a gentle run. 130hp doesn’t sound like a lot, but 300Nm of torque is plenty of poke, especially combined with the eight-speed automatic gearbox, which is a gem of a thing.

The 508 also drives rather beautifully.

It suffers a bit from a too-firm low-speed ride, but bring up the velocity a bit and everything smooths out, and it does that wonderful French car thing of swishing effortlessly from corner to corner. As sharp as my dad’s old 405? Sadly no, but you know what? Not a million miles away.

OK, so the majority will still go for their tall and chunky SUVs, which is fine. I know where I’d rather be sitting…

BUSINESS 27

THURSDAY, MAR 14 2019

BUSINESS & RECRUIT

CONTACT US FACEBOOK, TWITTER AND INSTAGRAM #CE PRINT DEADLINE Copy will not be accepted after Tuesday at noon.

Email sales@clareecho.ie for enquiries

Thousands attend show at Shannon

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HANNON Airport welcomed crowds in their droves last Thursday for the Limerick for Engineering Showcase 2019, all eager to experience what was on offer at the annual event. The showcase acted as a one-stop shop for school-goers deciding on their next steps, shining a spotlight on many educational and training routes that on offer to those considering a career in engineering.

With a particular focus on encouraging female students to enter into the male-dominated engineering sector, the Limerick for Engineering Showcase references the vital alliance between the Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board, LIT and UL and their collective role in producing talented graduates and apprentices that continue to fill the skills gap that exists within the STEM sector in the Mid-West.

A variety of interactive stands from almost 50 leading companies based in the Mid-West region, including Cook Medical, Johnson & Johnson, Roadbridge, Analog Devices and Ei Electronics, were placed throughout the venue for the duration of the event, and industry professionals were situated at each stand in order to share information on their roles and experiences working in the STEM sector. Third-level students, apprentices, graduates and professionals were also on hand to engage with visitors, inviting them to partake in a variety of demonstrations that allowed them to momentarily experience a day in the life of an engineer.

Aside from exploring the many educational routes in the Mid-West region, the Limerick for Engineering Showcase also presented information on subsequent employment opportunities that are available within the 1500-plus multinational companies and SMEs currently operating in the MidWest region. Visit limerickforengineering.ie for information.

Clare

065 679 7507

emer.oconnor@homeinstead.ie

l FAMILY FUN: At The Limerick for Engineering Showcase 2019 at Shannon Airport were Eric Edgeworth within grandchildren, Aoibheann and Tadhg Hannon, Clonlara at the Cook Medical stand Photo by Alan Place

Minister Breen announces Congray Ltd (Great Ireland Experiences) as Clare County Enterprise Award winner for 2019 County Enterprise Awards one of many highlights during ‘Local Enterprise Week’

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HE top prize of €5,500 went to Ivan Tuohy of Congray Ltd T/A Great Ireland Experiences, Bunratty, who will now represent Local Enterprise Office Clare at the National Enterprise Awards, on May 29th at the Mansion House, Dublin. Congray Ltd won the Best Innovation Award as well as the Overall Prize.

Congray Ltd T/A Great Ireland Experiences is an enterprise software solution platform for visitor attractions. It enables attractions to load their content to a single space, capture customer data and allows them to customise and personalise special offers.

It helps attractions increase their average spend per visitor and to improve the overall customer experience.

Speaking after the Awards as part of Local Enterprise Week, Padraic McElwee, Head of Enterprise with Local Enterprise Office Clare said: “Congray Ltd has already become a success story and the judges were particularly impressed by the grasp Ivan had of his business model and where the opportunities lie for the future growth of the business. As

lThe Perfect Hero: Local Enterprise Office National Enterprise Awards Clare Final , Old Ground Hotel Ennis.Pictured is Overall Winner Ivan Tuohy of Congray Pic Arthur Ellis

Local Enterprise Offices celebrate five years of the National Enterprise Awards in 2019, Clare are proud to be represented by Congray Ltd T/A Great Ireland Experiences.”

Speaking at the Awards, Minister for Trade, Employment, Business, EU Digital Single Market and Data Protection, Pat Breen, T.D., said “I would like to congratulate Ivan Tuohy of Congray Ltd on winning this year’s Clare County Enterprise Award.

While there can be only one outright winner, I am extremely heartened by the quality of all the entries and of the strong level of enterprise that clearly exists in the county.

I am confident that many of the businesses here will develop and grow and will expand into global markets. As we have seen from previous winners like Callan Technology and ABC Nutrition, this competition can be a springboard to great success and I wish Congray and all the finalists all the best in their enterprise future. They can be assured that their Local Enterprise Office here in Clare will always be there to support their ambition “ Other winners at the awards ceremony,

lLOCAL ENTERPRISE WEEK: Minister Breen announces Congray Ltd (Great Ireland Experiences) as Clare County Enterprise Award winner for 2019 County Enterprise Awards one of many highlights during ‘Local Enterprise Week’ A software solution business from Bunratty has won the County Enterprise Award for 2019.

held at the The Old Ground Hotel in Ennis on Friday night (8th March) included Hannah Wrixon of Get the Shifts Ltd winning Best Start Up Business (under 5 years); Michelle Moroney of Cliffs of Moher Retreat winning Best Established Business (over 5 years) and Anne McConnell of McConnell Woollen Mills winning Best Export Business.

The National competition judging is taking place in April and Ivan Tuohy will be competing against 30 other finalists from every local authority area for a share of the €40,000 prize fund.

The Mansion House in Dublin is the venue for the awards ceremony in May and categories this year include ‘Best Export Business,’ ‘Best Start Up Business’ and ‘Innovation Award,’ in addition to eight runner-up awards.

Other local businesses that were also shortlisted this year were Allways with You, Astoneco, Backballer, Ceile, Western Herd Brewery, Wild Irish Seaweed, HR Locker, Meere’s Pork Products, Rahoo, Egrtech and PJR Ironworks.

Among the special guests at the ceremony were Minster Breen and Cathaoirleach, Michael Begley. Members of the judging panel included Harriet Cotter of Enterprise Ireland, Colin Ryan of Bank of Ireland and Theresa Roseingrave of TTM Healthcare.

The awards were just one of the many highlights of Local Enterprise Week, which came to an end on March 8th.

All over the country, the 31 Local Enterprise Offices have jointly ran over 300 events aimed at start-ups, aspiring entrepreneurs and small businesses in their area, to mark the week.

Other high-profile events during Local Enterprise Week included a Tomorrow’s Technology Trends Event, Brexit Advice Clinics, Networking Event for Start Ups and the Student Enterprise Programme Awards.

lLOCAL ENTERPRISE EVENTS: (clockwise from top) Local Enterprise Office National Enterprise Awards Clare Final , Old Ground Hotel Ennis.

Pic by Arthur Ellis New Technologies Seminar in The Oakwood Arms Hotel, Shannon as part of Enterprise Week with the Local Enterprise Office Clare.

Pic by Brian Arthur Local Enterprise Office Start your own Business Workshop at Hotel Woodstock on Thursday evening.

Pic by Eamon Ward

lSYOB:

Attending the Local Enterprise Office Start your own Business Workshop at Hotel Woodstock on Thursday evening.

Pic by Eamon Ward

Property

Beautiful homes all over the County UNLOCK YOUR DREAM

Sycamore Drive show house ready

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NG O’Sullivan Hurley have announced that the Sycamore Drive show house is now on view, strictly by appointment only.

Phase One of the luxury 47home development sold out in late 2018, while a limited number of homes are still available in Phase Two. Sycamore Drive will deliver unrivalled turnkey quality never before seen in County Clare. The energy efficient family homes are located on a mature site on the Limerick Road in Ennis, previously home to the Halfway Pitch & Putt course.

The first three phases include three-bedroom semi-detached homes with an option to convert the second floor to a fourth bedroom, while the last phase will offer larger units including three detached

homes, which will be 4/5 bedroom.

Patrick Keogh, director of Pat Keogh Construction, earlier told The Clare Echo he is delighted his company is in a position to offer turnkey homes to suit the “new era of modern sustainable living”.

“We saw that obviously there is a demand and need for homes, and with the development in Sycamore Drive we wanted to offer a turnkey home that suits the new era of modern sustainable living with particular emphasis on quality and attention to detail,” explained Patrick.

“That’s the whole ethos of Pat Keogh Construction. It’s very hands-on; I oversee everything to offer that standard of quality-built home.”

“The way that construction is now, technologies are changing rapidly and there’s

particular emphasis on energy efficient homes. That’s definitely the way it’s going.

We’re trying to do our part in improving energy efficiency.”

Sycamore Drive will meet A-rating through its electric heating system (which utilises heat pumps and offers underfloor heating),energy-efficient features including high levels of insulation and high-performance windows and doors. That’s before the appeals of luxurious turnkey features such as custom-designed fitted kitchens and luxury tile finishes in the bathrooms are taken into account, along with electric car charging stations.

Sycamore Drive is the only development of its type in Clare and of the largest scale, certainly since the Celtic Tiger year. Patrick says that the price tag of €260,000 also

allows buyers to cut out all associated costs by walking into a turnkey home.

“We not only wanted to offer a home; we wanted to offer a turnkey finish home where you literally just have to bring your couch and bed in the door. For the first-time buyer, they have struggled long enough to get a deposit together and there isn’t really a whole lot of money in the pot left over to finish out the home so we can offer a very high quality product, with carpet, timber floor, tiling, kitchen, appliances etc, that they can walk in and live in the house straight away.”

Please register your interest at www.sycamoredrive.ie or call the sole selling agents DNG O’Sullivan Hurley on 065 6840200 for more information.

Residential Tenancies Board offers free training for landlords

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HE Residential Tenancies Board (RTB) is inviting landlords in Munster to take part in their new voluntary landlord accreditation scheme this March. The RTB will host a free one-day accreditation course for landlords on Saturday, 23 March, in the Clayton Hotel, Lapp’s Quay, Cork City.

Since launching in September of 2018 over 70 landlords have participated in the course and received accreditation. The course will provide participating landlords with a comprehensive understanding of their rights and responsibilities, as well as information on; best practice in managing tenancies from beginning to end, and dispute prevention.

Commenting on the benefits of the scheme Ms Caren Gallagher, Head of Communications and Research with the RTB said; “We recognise the invaluable role landlords have in providing homes for people across the country.

We also recognise that the legal framework governing the rental sector is complex and continually evolving. It can be difficult for landlords to manage tenancies and keep up to date with the policy and legislative changes in the sector.

The Betterlet: RTB Accredited Landlord scheme will be allow participating landlords to set themselves apart in the rental sector and be recognised as professionals providing a high-quality, necessary, service. Accredited landlords will also be better informed and more confident in their ability to apply and adhere to the regulations under which they must operate.”

Ms Gallagher continued; “The RTB is a resource to both landlords and tenants. We believe that education and the provision of accurate information is the best way to prevent disputes, however, should one arise we are a fair and impartial body that can offer help.”

- The accreditation course will take place from 10:00am to 5:00pm and content will include: - Pre-tenancy guidance - How to manage a tenancy throughout from beginning to end - Rights and responsibilities – landlord and tenant - Dispute prevention and what to do if things go wrong - Minimum standards – how to ensure your property is compliant with the minimum standards - How to end a tenancy – information on how to correctly serve notice and what reasons can be relied upon.

Participant’s accreditation will be subject to a short assessment at the end of the course. Once awarded, accreditation is valid for two years. For more information on the scheme, or to register for the upcoming accreditation course, contact the RTB at landlord.

THURSDAY, MAR 14 2019

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SPORT

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Clare junior ladies beat Tyrone to reach semis Clare 4-12 Tyrone 1-03

Littlewoods Camogie Div 3

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LARE secured their spot in the Liberty Ireland Div 3 semi finals on Sunday afternoon in determined fashion with a solid performance over visitors Tyrone. Playing with the wind in the opening half Clare held the visitors to a solitary point, but were able to match their opponents’ scoring chances in the second half to run out convincing winners.

A strong opening quarter saw Clare hit for five points in as many minutes. Amy Barrett may have hit for the game’s opening point inside the first minute but Niamh O’Gorman led the charge for Clare and opened the Banner’s account with a point. Further points followed from Sinead O’Keeffe, Regan Conway with O’Gorman hitting the fifth also. Louise McDonnell scored the next point before Clare’s next two scores would certainly give supporters the opportunity to cheer as the O’Gorman sisters both crashed home goals, giving rise to amend old adage ‘anything you can do, I can do better’ as firstly Niamh struck from an awkward angle, and with Clare winning the puckout Kate struck a rasper of a shot from 30 yards out to the corner of the net. Conway and McDonnell added a brace of points and Kia Mellett set up Sinead Power for Clare’s last point of the opening half to see the half time score Clare 2-10 Tyrone 0-1.

With the wind in their faces for the second half, Clare kept play at the Tyrone end. With that Tyrone rang the changes, goalie Eimear Colton moved to midfield as Leona Gallagher replaced her in goals

l BIG WIN: Clare’s Aoife Morgan tries to gain control of the sliotar Photo by Caroline O’Keefe with Laura Mason being the player to leave the field.

This move did pay dividends for the visitors, with Colton winning the puckout and feeding forward to Barrett who struck between the posts.

Clare were still on the attack and Niamh O’Gorman added a second goal to her tally before Tyrone responded with a goal of their own from Barrett.

Conway struck for Clare’s fourth goal just before referee John Horgan gave a well-timed final whistle as the clouds overhead emptied onto the pitch, leaving Clare convincing winners 4-12 to 1-3.

Clare: Claire McDonnell Ruan; Rebecca Crowe Ruan, Rebecca Cahill Kilmaley, Jane Fitzgerald Inagh Kilnamona; Niamh Mulqueen Broadford, Kia Mellett Sixmilebridge, Orlaith Cotter Inagh Kilnamona; Regan Conway Feakle 1-3, Ciara Halpin Clooney Quin; Sinead Power Inagh KIlnamona 0-2, Kate O’Gorman Kilkishen 1-0, Sinead O’Keeffe Kilmaley 0-1; Niamh O’Gorman Kilkishen 2-2, Aisling Cahill Kilmaley 0-1, Louise McDonnell Ruan 0-2. Subs: Corina McMahon Corofin for A Cahill, Louise browne Corofin for L McDonnell, Hannah Dinan Clarecastle for Mulqueen, Alisha Malone Corofin 0-1 for N O’Gorman, Kate Dillon St Josephs for Crowe.

Are your golf club grips the right size?

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HE grips on your clubs play an important role in relation to how you swing.

Below I’m going to discuss the important aspects when choosing the correct size and the type of grip that suits you, along with knowing when it’s time to change your grips.

Condition of your grip Worn grips are as useful as bald tyres on your car on a snow day. If your grips are worn then you can’t hold your clubs with the correct pressure. The average driver clubhead speed I’m seeing from clients I custom fit is between 90-95 mph. If you try swinging at this speed with a worn grip, there is a good chance of you loosing control of the club at impact. I recently noticed while custom fitting a client, their clubhead speed was up on average 9mph with the new driver he tried compared to his own driver. I had noticed how badly worn the grip on his own driver was. After a brief discussion he admitted he wasn’t confident in swinging his own driver at full speed unlike the new driver with a new cord grip.

So before the 2019 golfing season begins check the condition of your grips and ask yourself are you confident your club won’t slip. You know it’s time to upgrade your grips when you no longer have the full confidence to grip the club lightly.

Grip type

Customers often say to me, “I don’t care really, what do you think?” The truth is the grip I like

might not be to your taste, everyone of us is different. However the key is comfort, feel and trust. Some of the new model of grips have a line or ridge built into the back of the grip. This is designed to sit along the ridge of your fingers and is there to help improve the consistency of how you hold your grip. Golf pride have launched their range of the Align grips where you can see on the image they have a ridge that runs down the back of the grip.

Grip size The first grip we all think of when discussing size are the modern putter grips. In the past few years putter grips have grown substantially. Choosing the right size putter grip can be daunting but my advice to you is don’t be afraid to change especially if you struggle with putting.

The bigger grip you go for the less you will use your hands in your putting stroke and the more you will rock your shoulders. The key for me is finding the balance. I found when I tried the larger putter grips I struggled with my pace. I found my distance control got worse when I went too big so for me a midsize grip size worked the best. It allowed me to control my pace and also gave me a more consistent putting stroke.

It’s not just putter grips that we need to consider when we talk about finding the correct size.

Grip sizes range from junior, ladies, undersize, standard, mid-size and oversize. Along with these sizes we can also add different layers of tape to help thicken up a grip even more. The advice I give everyone is if you are unsure about a size then change the grip on only one club initially to make sure you see an improvement. Try this grip for a few games and you will see very quickly if it feels better. Don’t be afraid to call into us to see the full range of options available to you and let’s find the grips that will help take your golf game to the next level.

Are your grips the right size? FREE Grip Check Available at P&M Golf Superstore, 065 6840844.

Kickboxing world title for Shannon’s Alford A FANTASTIC weekend in England saw Liam Alford pick up the WKA 64kg world professional title over 12 rounds against tough as teak Dylan Cheemain an absolute war.

The skill level by these two athletes was unbelievable with each round a thrill to watch. The respect is shown before and after by both camps was brilliant. Pictured above is (L-R) Olly Alford, Howie Vincent, Liam Alford, Josh Vincent, Ger McGettigan Photo by Joe Buckley

PGA Golf Professional

#PadraigKnowsGolf

Padraig McGrath

GOLF ANALYSIS

The Scorecard in association with

WOODSTOCK Club Singles 1st Joe Casey (16) 37pts 2nd Sean Nugent (26) 33 pts Spring League Modified 4Ball 1st Brian Gilligan & Michael Coughlan 45 pts 2nd Brendan Neylon and Michael Griffin 43pts KILRUSH GOLF & SPORTS CLUB Senior Ladies Scramble, Mar 5 1. Marie Bartlett, Mary Young, Margaret Griffin. 41.44 2. Agnes Shannon, Margaret Hehir, Loretta Browne. 44.56 KGC 12 Holes Weekly Singles March 4– 10 1 Brendan Carey 28 points EAST CLARE GOLF CLUB Men’s Seniors 1st John Doyle, Batt Skehan,Paddy Carney 2nd Ger Shortt, Kevin Mannion, Teddy O Hanlon

3rd Pat McNamara, Steve Symes , Brian Torpey ENNIS GOLF CLUB Men’s Seniors Social Group 7th March. 3 Ball Modified Scramble, over 15 holes with 70 playing and 2 to score at each hole.

1st Pat P McInerney, Brendan Hanrahan, Paschal Russell 80 Points 2nd Kevin O Connor, Matt Flynn, Joe Dilleen 75 Points 3rd Liam Barry, Brian Considine, Maurice Walshe, 74 Points 4th Tony Lawlor, Jim Scully, Seán O Gorman 74 Points 5th Tim Scanlon, John Lillis, Ger O Brien 73 Points 6th John O Flynn, Ml Torpey, Willie Delaney, Alph Duggan 72 Points 7th Liam Pyne, Pat Rutherford, Seán Ryan 72 Points 8th Tom Woulfe, Ml Considine, Seán Daly 69 Points 9th Tom Saunders, Tommy Heath, Tim Kelly 68 Points 10th Don Ryan, Eamonn Kelly, Eamon Murphy 68 Points

36 CLASSIFIEDS

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FIREWOOD

CARER REQUIRED

Practical, patient, reliable, kind and caring person to live-in with elderly man for assistance 1,2 or 3 days a week, near Gort.

Beautiful home & surroundings with own room and bathroom. Wifi and Sky package.

Duties include: help with dressing and washing, preparing meals and night checks.

Experience ideal but not necessary. Driving licence a plus.

Enquiries to: 087 6173021

CLEANING & POWER WASHING CAR REPAIRS

GOLF

MEMBERSHIP OFFER! CONSTRUCTION

CONTACT GERRY FOR MORE INFO:

065-682-4074 | info@ennisgolfclub.ie WWW.ENNISGOLFCLUB.IE

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ALL GAMES (HTTP://PUZZLES.BESTFORPUZZLES.COM/CATEGORY/ALLGAMES/) Game

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THURSDAY, MAR 14 2019

Best Daily Word Search

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. Joshua Aaron . Aaron . Moab . Abel Abel . Moses . Abraham Abraham . Nahum . Adam . Naomi Adam . Cain . Nathan Cain . Daniel . Noah . David Daniel . Rachel . Elijah . Reuben David . Enoch . Ruth Elijah . Esau . Samson . Esther Enoch . Eve . Saul Esau . Gideon . Solomon . Jezebel Esther . Herod . Jonah . Isaiah Eve . Joseph

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How to play

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V D U R E U B E N L E

SUDOKU

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Biblical Characters

Sudoku is a logic puzzle where you have to populate the grid with numbers. A number can appear only once in each row, column and house. Each puzzle can be solved using logic from the given information and requires no guesswork.

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QUIZ 39

THURSDAY, MAR 14 2019

The Clare Echo Quiz WOMEN OF COUNTY CLARE

Who will be grand marshal of the Angela Collins from Kilkishen 12019?

Ennis St Patrick’s Day parade 6 became famous by becoming Ireland’s first female what?

How many females have been 10 elected to the Dáil in Clare throughout history?

ANSWERS

2, 4 , 5

6. Steeplejack

1. Mary Fitzgerald

Mary Fitzgerald, Laura Brennan, Ger Naughton

lQUESTION 8: Which band did Sharon Shannon join for a short stint

around 1990?

7. Denise Gough

won the Clare Association’s 5 Who Woman of the Year 2019?

Nicole Kidman, Andrea Corr, Britney Spears

2. Chloe Morey

Taxi Driver, The Departed, Gangs of New York

Which actress starred alongside 9 Colm Meaney in the 2003 movie The Boys from County Clare

8. The Waterboys

4

Ennis singer Maura O’Connell was cast in which Martin Scorsese film?

The Waterboys, The Hothouse Flowers, The Bee Gees

3. The book was banned

The book was banned, It was the inspiration for 50 Shades of Gray, Edna was banned from attending mass

band did Sharon Shannon 8 Which join for a short stint around 1990?

9. Andrea Corr

3

Tuamgraney’s prize-winning author Edna O’Brien published The Country Girls in 1960. But what which of the following is true?

Simone Kirby, Denise Gough, Kelly Gough

4. Gangs of New York

Edel McMahon, Chloe Morey, Eimear Considine

Ennis actress has won two 7 Which Olivier awards?

10.2

2

Which of the following Clare athletes has NOT played international rugby for Ireland

Bouncer, Marathon runner, Steeplejack

5. Laura Brennan

Sharon Shannon, Biddy Early, Mary Fitzgerald

OLD IMAGES OF COUNTY CLARE

Bindon Street, Ennis, Co. Clare

Image NLI.ie / Collection: The Lawrence Photograph Collection