065 671 9021
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APR 14 2022
GARVEY’S TURF WAR PÁRAIC McMAHON
paraic@clareecho.ie
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CLARE SENATOR was embroiled in ‘a turf war’ while appearing on one of the country’s most listened to radio shows. New solid fuel regulations due to come into effect from September will ban the sale and distribution of turf as proposed by Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications, Eamon Ryan (GP). The cutting of turf by those with turbary rights for use in their own home will be allowed to continue.
Tensions reached boiling point between Senator Roisin Garvey (GP) and Roscommon TD, Michael Fitzmaurice (IND) on Today FM’s The Last Word presented by Matt Cooper. The exchange which debated the proposed ban on the sale of turf from September 1st was also the inspiration for a sketch on Gift Grub, the satirical comedy segment from The Ian Dempsey Breakfast Show. “We’re not banning people giving people bags of turf, that is completely untrue, we just have to stop the massive industry of selling turf, if we bring this in we can ban smoky coal and they are the two huge causes of massive health issues”.
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In the driving seat...
Erin & Daniel Purcell at the tractor run in Killanena which raised €6,800 for baby Leon Photograph: Ruth Griffin
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ENTERTAINMENT
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GREEN PAGE
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COMMUNITY
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RECRUITMENT
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GARDENING
22-25
SPORT
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36C Abbey Street, Ennis, County Clare Telephone: 065 671 9021
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THURSDAY, APR 14 2022
A PLACE TO CONNECT WITH OTHERS LEAN ON ME: Pictured at the launch of the friendship seating area in Ennis were the Board of Ennis Mental Health Association; back row (l to r): Sean Conlan, Gerard Woulfe, John Joe Byrne; front row (l to r): Una Cahill, Maria Molloy & Theresa McGrath, former board member. Located by the Fergus in the Abbey Street Car park, the friendship seating area is designed to provide an attractive and inviting space where people can sit and be open to engaging in conversation with whoever joins them. The area has been specifically designed to provide everyone, including those of limited mobility, with a convenient and comfortable place to meet, to rest and to connect with others. Maria Molloy, Chair of Ennis Mental Health Association, welcomed people to the new Friendship Seating Area and hoped it would become a hub of conversation and friendship and even become a regular meeting place for the people of the town. Ms Molloy concluded by acknowledging the assistance of Clare County Council for their untiring work in bringing the project to completion.
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THURSDAY, APR 14 2022
Spancilhill Fair saved for 2022 by PÁRAIC McMAHON
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NSURANCE cover will be provided to allow the Spancilhill Horse Fair proceed this year. The Clare Echo has learned an agreement has been reached between Clare County Council and IPB Insurance to allow the iconic fair to take place this year. A breakthrough in saving the Fair which takes place on the 23rd of June was made by the local authority in recent days with the Council to provide the insurance for 2022. Chief Executive of Clare County Council, Pat Dowling on Monday evening stated, "All I can do is confirm the Fair will be going ahead in June". He said the local authority must continue to “nurture positive relationships” with insurance companies, “we need them for lots of events and the public work we do”. Fears had been expressed in the Dáil last week by Clare TD, Michael McNamara (IND) that difficulties posed by Brexit and rising insurance costs had put the future staging of the Fair in doubt. King Charles first granted a charter for the Spancilhill Fair in 1621. The event did not take place in 2020 and 2021 due to the pandemic. Horse buyers from all over the country and Europe attend the well-known fair. Its running was threatened in the 1920s due to a legal dispute between the Ennis Urban Council and the owners of
Woodstock Golf Club withdrawn from sale by PÁRAIC McMAHON
HERITAGE: Spancillhill Fair
Photo by Bob Singer
the. Prior to COVID-19, the only previous cancellation was due to the foot and mouth outbreak in 2001. Spancilhill was recently included in Ireland’s National Inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage. Speaking on Monday, Cllr Clare Colleran Molloy (FF) outlined the difficulties volunteers had in obtaining insurance for the Fair, “I am concerned that we would lose a very important part of our heritage”. Praise for the personnel involved in keeping Spancilhill Fair alive over the past 400 years was voiced by Cllr PJ Kelly (FF). “Originally it is where the
British Army came to buy horses, in latter years showjumpers came over and brought horses that made their name abroad, it is very international with buyers coming from all over Europe. When Spancihill is mentioned, Clare is on the map and so on and so forth”. Worldwide recognition of Spancilhill “in the equine side of it” was noted by Cllr Alan O’Callaghan (FF) while he described the Fair as “a huge benefit to the county”. A fund was established to keep playgrounds open, a similar model should be explored to save community events, Cllr Gerry Flynn (IND) argued.
FEARS of a potental sale of Woodstock Golf Club have been averted. Lands on which the golf club is located on the outskirts of Ennis went up for sale at the end of March. There are upwards of 700 members at Woodstock Golf Club who in recent weeks became fearful for the future of the club when it emerged lands appeared for sale. Owned by Christy and Sheelagh Guerin, the course is set on a generous site of 160 acres, where the limestone based rolling terrain offers admirable, natural drainage. The golf course was designed by Arthur Spring and opened in September 1993. Last year, the lands were zoned as agricultural with the committee making the move “to protect interests,” one source told The Clare Echo. Debts associated with the club were cleared by a Shannon based company who are understood to have been the key players in pushing for a sale. However, the Guerin family were successful in an application to the High Court to have the property withdrawn from sale. Assurances were issued to members in recent days. “We are pleased to be able to let you know that we have been successful in our application to the High Court, in having the property withdrawn from sale. We thank you all, our valued members, for your continued support and loyalty. We will continue to work towards a resolution and will keep you updated as we progress,” correspondence from the Guerin family to Woodstock members outlined. Work begin in the summer of 1997 on the £3.5m development of a 55 bedroom hotel incorporating a conference centre, leisure centre and six apartments. This has since become Hotel Woodstock and is now owned by Sean and Elaine Lally, its ownership is separate to the golf club.
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THURSDAY, APR 14 2022
Staffing resources needed to assist community groups
2,000 Ukrainian refugees now living in Clare PÁRAIC MCMAHON
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paraic@clareecho.ie
WAR: Three youngsters attend Ukranian Ambassador Larysa Gerasko's visit to Lisdoonvarna Photo by Julie Carr Media STAFFING resources need to be provided to assist community groups in welcoming Ukrainian refugees to the county, a West Clare representative has emphasised, writes Páraic McMahon. Speaking at Monday’s meeting of Clare County Council, Cllr Cillian Murphy (FF) called for staffing resources to be considered for these voluntary groups. He informed his colleagues that he requested Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys (FG) to raise the matter amongst the Cabinet. “There are hundreds and thousands of euros of public money being given to hoteliers to provide accommodation and I get it but it is not realistic to ask
for some sort of funding to ask for staffing resources”. Community facilities could also be brought back into use, he noted. A small portion of the creche in Kilkee has reopened for childcare facilities, he said, “a building is sitting there and is ready to open the door but the biggest issue is staffing. We’ve costed it out and all that it needs is a person and a half to get this open, we cannot rely on volunteers to operate it in the long-term”. Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, Roderic O’Gorman (GP) told The Clare Echo that such proposals are being considered. “I don’t have anything to announce right now," he said.
PPROXIMATELY 2,000 Ukrainian refugees are now residing in Co Clare. Figures from Monday April 4th detailed that a total of 1,916 refugees were living sixteen different venues across six locations in Co Clare. The data provided by Council Chief Executive, Pat Dowling did not include those availing of pledges for accommodation and those that have arrived in recent days. Speaking to The Clare Echo, Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, Roderic O’Gorman (GP) said the country now has 21,500 Ukrainian refugees on the island. “I recognise there is a significant number being housed in hotels and guesthouses across Clare, I know of the amazing work a lot of the community groups in Clare are doing in terms of supporting them. It’s not perfect in terms of how the system is rolled out, no one expected this seven weeks ago, we’re in a crisis situation, we’re in a European war, nobody expected on New Year’s Day that we would be in a European war situation but I’m hugely appreciative of all the work Clare County Council are doing, that community and voluntary groups are doing, I’m also appreciative of those who made pledges for rooms in houses an some people with their second home in making those available to Ukrainian refugees”. Providing an update to elected representatives at this week’s Council sitting, Dowling flagged that “significant challenges” lay ahead for local authorities across Ireland with current Government predictions that the number of Ukrainians to be seeking care and accommodation to hit 75,000 by the end of May. “We are entering into a phase of being seriously challenge in the context of availability,” he cautioned. The Limerick native
confirmed that a mandate has been issued to local authorities to identify accommodation options to provide safe shelter to the persons fleeing war in Ukraine. A venue prepared by the Civil Defence now has 18 Ukrainian adults availing of it. Director of Social Development with the Council, Anne Haugh is “working around the clock to locate the venues” with her team “so should and they arrive in Co Clare, we at least have food, shelter and warmth for them,” he outlined. Dowling praised the response of Lisdoonvarna Fáilte but noted that the group was now “under pressure”. Cllr Mary Howard (FG) tabled an emergency motion which had 18 co-signatories whereby she appealed to the Council to identify suitable locations to be used as depots for various support groups aiding the people of Ukraine during the crisis. “Ireland has never experienced such a rapid inflow of refugees fleeing war before. We need to ensure we meet the ongoing challenge of responding to the needs of Ukrainian people as this is a very complex and rapidly evolving situation,” she observed. Community groups facilitating the arrival of Ukrainians need a forum to share their learnings, Cllr Joe Garrihy (FG) maintained. He revealed that Lisdoonvarna Fáilte have managed to secure funding to employ two people from Ukraine on a full-time basis, one that worked as an English teacher and the other as an accountant. “The grey area isn’t going to change but clarity and a trusted forum to find areas is needed, the same questions are repeated whether it is a hotel in Lisdoonvarna or Liscannor. We cannot emphasise enough the importance of maintaining social cohesion and solidarity,” he said. A trauma counsellor has spoken to volunteers in Lisdoonvarna, Garrihy stated. They were advised that even smiling across the street at a refugee no matter how small an act it feels will help them to feel welcome, “every interaction is an intervention”.
THURSDAY, APR 14 2022
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'He was our hero' S by PÁRAIC McMAHON
ILENCE descended on Whitegate with the North-East Clare village coming to a standstill as the funeral of Michael ‘Mikey’ Hynes took place on Sunday afternoon. No words could be heard as the hundreds of mourners awaited the arrival of the hearse driven by Tuohy undertakers to arrive at St Flannan’s Church with the coffin draped in Whitegate and Clare jerseys. For the duration of the ninety two minute mass, only four cars passed through the village plus a cyclist. There was nobody home because everyone was out to pay their respect to a beloved young member of the community. St Flannan’s Church was at full capacity with an estimated 400-500 mourners gathered outside where young and old united, men and women gave their coats to those shaking with the cold while goodwill was also evident in the treatment of individuals who became unwell during the mass. This warm-hearted approach was typical of the young man they came out to remember. Since his death, Whitegate, the wider East Clare area and entire hurling community has been plunged into mourning. Flags flew at half-mast for Clare’s U20 hurlers Munster championship tie against Limerick on Wednesday while all weekend games in the Clare Cup were preceded by a minute’s silence, all in memory of Hynes.
Beloved Whitegate Gifts brought to the altar in his memory at Sunday’s funeral mass included his green cooper helmet, hurley and sliotar, a copy book and pen, his Centra fleece and pallet knife, a photograph, his car keys and his beloved Whitegate jersey was carried forward by his teammate Ian Fahy, “of all the jerseys he wore this was the most important, it was the first jersey he wore and the last”. Fr John Jones told Sunday’s funeral that an “immense loss” and “deep sadness” has swept over Whitegate. “We have been talking a lot over the last few days which has been a big help to us all”. He acknowledged “how hard life had been on Michael for the last seven years but they did everything in every moment of their lives to help him. He looked for all the help he could get and his family showed endless love”. Recent days have been “an exceptionally difficult time”.
He recalled the immediate hours after word broke of Mikey’s death. “All of a sudden life stopped, it was like the world stopped on a claxon. Sadness and silence descended on everyone and everybody as the news spread. You could tell by looking at someone across the road if they knew”.
Our hero Of all the locations in East Clare, Whitegate’s hurling field in Lakyle was the most common place to find Mikey. “Anytime he was free, he was above in the hurling field,” Fr Jones observed. He recalled one instance when Mikey after finishing his frees spotted a seven year old boy in the field, “he saw him and they started having a few pucks, the minute they started the boy was in wonder, it was as if he was with Tony Kelly because Mikey was the boy’s hero and he was our hero”. Various images have struck Fr Jones in recent days, he admitted. The stories regarding Mikey represent a jigsaw, “the more stories we learn and tell, the jigsaw gets bigger and bigger” but he expected the jigsaw would never be completed. “I have also been struck by an image of God reaching out for help and Mikey sticking out his hand with a smile”. Fr Jones added, “One could stay talking about him for a long time, he has inspired us all. We’ve seen all the goodness a single person can have, he was always there with a smile and helping but ready to laugh all the time”. Our Mike Speaking from the altar, Whitegate senior hurling manager, Terence Fahy reminisced, “Mikey was special and so loved by everyone in so many ways. There was so many Mikeys, the family man, he was loved by them all. Usually young people crave independence but Mikey was different, he told his parents everything, he was so close to Annette, he was ‘my man’ to Declan, he was more a brother than a son, they had a bond rarely seen between father and son. He worshipped Katie and how she kept all the balls in the air which was something he struggled with. He was worshipped himself by his younger two sisters, Alison and Corinna”. Consistently smiling and charming, he “made time for everyone”, Fahy recalled. He commended his “openness about his struggles” but added, “he was a brilliant actor, we all know he had the movie star looks but he put a brave face
RIP: Michael ‘Mikey’ Hynes
Photo by Gerard O'Neill
on for everyone”. Fahy who chose Mikey at midfield on the club senior hurling team commented, “He made great friends with lads through hurling and girls through life”. He continued, “Socially Mike loved mixing with girls and seemingly he did a lot of mixing. The girls loved him and boys envied how easy he threw chat their way. He had capacity to engage meaningfully, great social skills”. That Mikey captained All-Ireland winning teams for Scariff Community College and the University of Limerick is no coincidence, the Clare U20 manager emphasised. “In sport he excelled. He captained so many teams which says volumes, players looked up to him and managements trusted him to lead”. The freetaking responsibility was one he “thrived” on, “he sought perfection in the game and that’s why he lived in the field. He was there the day he died, it was his craft”. Terence continued, “Most of all, he was the smile in our group, he was the most loved and most minded. Mike didn’t like certain aspects of Mike but we loved every bit of him, he was our Mike”. How Michael looked for help must not be forgotten, the secondary school teacher advised. “Seven years ago, he began to question his place in the world, his peace of mind was challenged. He was proactive in seeking help. As he aged we all taught he would develop the coping skills to tame his unsettled mind”. He continued, “He fooled us this year, his physical strength was bigger than ever and he was in the best shape he had been but not on the inside.
He was a warrior but he was unable to win this battle”. “Mike sought help. If we are weak or at a loss, that’s what we must do. He spoke to so many healthcare professionals and did his own independent research. He sought normality and peace of mind for years, that peace proved elusive,” he stated. “The Hynes family have already given us great strength. They do not harbour regrets of should we have done this or could have done that. Everything that could have been possibly done to help Mike was done by those closest to him, that is a comfort to us all. We’ve cried about him and we will cry more; we’ve laughed about him and we’ll laugh more. Mike will not be forgotten because he was too special”. Forever grateful Addressing the congregation, Michael’s mother Annette said she would be “forever grateful” to the community for how they have rallied behind them. She expressed an “undying gratitude” to everyone who helped Mikey. She read a version of the poem ‘God saw you were getting tired’ and noted how peaceful her son looked, “he is now in the garden of rest but here on earth he was the best”. Guards of honour were provided by Whitegate GAA club and the University of Limerick as Michael’s coffin made its way to Clonrush Cemetery.
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THURSDAY, APR 14 2022
Devastation ripples across East Clare by PÁRAIC McMAHON AN OUTPOURING of sadness has been evident across East Clare and the wider county following the sudden death of Michael Hynes. Whitegate native, Michael died on Tuesday last having just turned 22 in January. A past pupil of Scariff Community College, he was in his final year of studying at the University of Limerick where he was due to graduate with a degree in business studies. Known as Mikey, his family are popular and central figures of the local community including his grand-mother Teresa Hynes, parents Declan and Annette along with sisters Katie, Alison and Corinna. Many of the family’s relations and connections in Belmullet, Co Mayo have also been paying tribute. In Whitegate, hurling is the main tie that bonds the village, on the field Mikey was one of their star players. He was their top scorer in last year’s Clare SHC finishing their campaign with a tally of 1-30 across four games. As an employee of Rodger’s Centra in the heart of Scariff, there was always a pleasant smile from Mikey for customers that passed through the door. Just last week, he noticed that an elderly lady was struggling with a shopping bag so he took the bag and dropped it down to their home, 200 yards from the store to make life easier for the local woman. He represented Clare at underage level and captained the victorious Scariff Community College senior side that claimed the All-Ireland C championship against St Fergal’s College on a score of 5-10 2-11. On that occasion, he savoured in the success alongside his clubmates Ciaran Keenan, Donal Burke, Ciaran Quinn and Ronan Hayes. He also captained UL’s hurlers to All-Ireland intermediate glory in February producing a man of the match display. Speaking to The Clare Echo, Cllr Pat Burke (FG) noted the widespread devastation that has been evident across Whitegate and the entire county. “We’re devastated for the Hynes family, people are rowing in and the response from community is unbelievable”. As a neighbour of the Hynes family, he was well aware of their input to the locality on and off the field. “His father is committed to the community and Michael is the same, they always knew to do the right thing in difficult circumstances. Michael took a man’s place at a young age, that’s the way he was brought up, he was a man ahead of his time, he so mature for his years. Memories of managing Michael at underage level within the hurling club were also evoked for Cllr Burke, “Michael was a leading light in our hurling club, he scored 0-05 in the Clare Cup last week versus Tulla, he was always prominent, he was our freetaker since he came onto our senior team. He won’t be replaced, he is such a loss. He was a very clever young fella, he came from a very bright family, he excelled in primary school, secondary school and all the way into college, he was a perfectionist at everything he did in everyday life and on the hurling field”. In a statement, Whitegate’s senior hurling panel paid tribute to their late teammate. “To witness Michael play hurling was special. To play alongside Michael and call him one of us was even more special”. “He brought immense joy to us as a group, both on and off the field. Notwithstanding his hurling prowess, Michael was a gentleman and a credit to his wonderful family. Our hearts are broken but as long as the black and red of Whitegate GAA is worn, Michael Hynes our teammate, our friend, our Mike will be remembered and honoured”. Club delegate, David Solan also paid tribute. “Last year, he put a sideline cut over the bar against Inagh/Kilnamona inside in Cusack Park, if it was a county player that did it then it would have made the front page of The Examiner." UL students were informed by college President, Kerstin Mey of his death in an email expressing her sadness at the news and her sympathies to his family, friends and classmates. Members of the family have said that donations to Pieta House/Darkness into Light are welcome.
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THURSDAY, APR 14 2022
Judge describes fatal farm accident as ‘horrific’ by GORDON DEEGAN
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JUDGE has described the circumstances in which a west Clare farmer lost his life in a farm accident as ‘horrific’. At Kilrush District Court, Judge Mary Larkin made her comment after hearing an outline of the State case concerning Damien Carmody’s death at Doonaha, Kilkee on January 22nd 2021. Mr Carmody had only got married to wife, Elaine 12 months prior to the fatal incident. One of the two men being prosecuted concerning alleged Health and Safety breaches arising from the farm accident is farmer, John Roche of Doonaha Kilkee. Judge Larkin commented: "These are all horrific circumstances. This was a man who was his neighbour and his friend”. In court on Tuesday, State Solicitor for Clare, Aisling Casey said that the case against Mr Roche's co-accused, Christopher Keane of Bella, Kilkee is to be heard in the circuit court and a Book of Evidence is to be prepared for service in June. She stated that the DPP had recommended that prosecution against John Roche could be heard in the district court. After hearing an outline of the State alle-
gations in the case, Judge Mary Larkin ruled that the case against farmer, John Roche is to proceed in the circuit court as well. Ms Casey said that the prosecutions in the case are being taken by the Health and Safety Authority (HSA). Ms Casey said that Mr Carmody was “a neighbour and good friend” of Mr Roche. Outlining the State case, Ms Casey said the case involves a fatal incident which related to an excavation being dug at a farm premises at Doonaha, Kilkee. Ms Casey stated that it will be alleged that John Roche was the person in control of the farm and he decided to construct an underground concrete slated tank at the farm premises for the purpose of slurry storage. Ms Casey stated that the slurry storage was to be constructed at the location of an existing slurry storage tank which had been constructed 30 years ago. She stated that Mr Roche engaged the services of a contractor, Christopher Keane to build the tank who had experience in the area of this type of construction work. Ms Casey stated that the excavation to accommodate the tank was carried out a few days prior to the incident by workers employed by Mr Keane. She further alleged that on January 22nd
Damien Carmody
2021 at around 12 noon, farmer, neighbour and good friend of Mr Roche, Damien Carmody “died as a result of injuries sustained when a pre-existing wall within the excavation which had been dug to accommodate the slurry tank collapsed on top of him”. Ms Casey stated that “at the time of the incident, Mr Carmody was assisting Mr Keane’s employees who were engaged in pouring concrete within the excavation which was intended to form the floor of the
tank”. Solicitor for Mr Roche, Daragh Hassett told the court that his client wants to put on the record to express his condolences to the family of Damien Carmody. Judge Larkin ruled to transfer Mr Roche's case to the circuit court, stating that she took the view that given the consequences all matters should proceed in the same court. In the case, Mr Roche is facing a summons of failing to appoint a competent project supervisor for the design process for the construction work carried out at the excavation as required by the Health and Safety Act. Mr Keane is facing four separate summons under the Health and Safety Act arising from the collapse of the sides of the excavation that allegedly resulted in Mr Carmody’s fatality. Mr Keane is accused of failing to take measures to ensure workers were not exposed to risks to their safety in that the excavation at Doonaha was unsafe and no adequate measures were taken to prevent the collapse of the sides of the exaction on persons working within the excavation and as a consequences of which Damien Carmody suffered fatal injuries. Judge Larkin adjourned the two cases to June 14th to Kilrush District Court.
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THURSDAY, APR 14 2022
Making Ennis 'elective-only' will ease UHL pressure PÁRAIC MCMAHON paraic@clareecho.ie
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AKING Ennis an elective-only hospital has been heralded as a potential solution to ease massive overcrowding at University Hospital Limerick. A total of 98 people were waiting on trolleys at University Hospital Limerick on Monday, the third highest figure on record behind the 111 noted in January and 100 in March. Citing the “record trolley numbers, lack of bed and clinical capacity” at UHL, Cllr Johnny Flynn (FG) at Monday’s meeting of Clare County Council issued a request to the Minister for Health, Stephen Donnelly (FF) to “urgently bring to Government a proposal for the development and building of an elective-only hospital in the Mid-West, preferably in Ennis”. Speaking on Clare FM in January, former Director General of the HSE, Tony O’Brien insisted that an elective-only hospital needs to be prioritised for the Mid-West region ahead of anywhere else in Ireland. The need for such a facility in the region was also raised by Tipperary TD, Alan Kelly (LAB) in the Dáil a month later. Throughout the month of March, the average admissions to UHL was 245, Cllr Flynn outlined. “304 patients on trolleys was once deemed an emergency 10 years ago, we had 1300 people on trolleys in January
which is almost quadruple that,” he stated. He flagged that 400 Irish doctors were granted visas to go to Australia last year and noted that nurses were also experiencing burnout “from working in very stressful conditions”. The Ennis representative commented, “it is shocking that the Government had decided to build only three elective hospitals, Galway, Dublin and Cork and not one in the Mid-West”. While referencing the 98 patients on trolleys, Cllr Flynn maintained that the addition of an elective hospital was needed that would not be impacted by the level of admissions to UHL. “It has to be fast-tracked, it will be a failure of this Government if it is not concluded as quickly as possible”. He added, “We had been looking for a 24 hour A&E for Ennis but we’re not getting that so we need an elective hospital to take the pressure off”. The situation surrounding healthcare services is “at a critical stage,” he warned. “The next highest trolley count is 44, we’re so far ahead in the lack of capacity in our acute hospital”. “If you have a place that is supposed to keep you safe and cure you but you’re afraid to go to it then I think we have a problem and that is what I’m hearing,” Cllr Donna McGettigan (SF) remarked while seconding the proposal. Campaigning needs to start to bring the elective-only hospital to Ennis, Cllr Liam Grant (GP) stressed. Recent investment of €1.997m in the injury unit and plans for a €9.95 theatre upgrade at Ennis Hospital were welcomed by Cllr Joe Garrihy (FG) who voiced his support for the motion.
Senator Garvey embroiled in Last Word 'turf war' Continued from front... "We’re seeing 1300 premature deaths a year from pollution in Ireland,” Senator Garvey detailed. “I can’t see the police calling out to any old persons door arresting them, we’ve to use a common sense approach here and I think it is ridiculous let’s talk about the big guys”. She added, “We’re not saying you can’t give turf to your neighbour, the sale of turf has to stop, you can still cut your own turf, lease a bank and cut turf which is what my family have done for forty years, we have to stop the big guys who are selling the turf for very large multi-million euro illegal contractor sector, they are the ones we are targeting here, we won’t be knocking on granny’s door arresting her for burning turf ”. “Huge issues” of air pollution are prevalent in Ennis, the Inagh native flagged which she claimed is leaving some people “afraid” to walk outside at night. Her comment that private contractors are exporting “ten times the amount of peat that we’ve imported” was “bullshit” according to Deputy Fitzmaurice. “It is not bullshit Michael Fitzmaurice and I don’t appreciate you using that word when I’m speaking facts. You make stuff up that is nice and populist, I base on facts, I always
research my facts,” she responded. A war of words then ensued with Senator Garvey adding, “If you could listen more and talk less with the stuff you’re making up to sound populist as if you’re defending rural Ireland, I speak for rural Ireland”. Deputy Fitzmaurice told the Green spokesperson on Rural Development, “you speak for nobody”. She replied, “Things have to change, I’m facing up to the reality we live in, you’re pretending we’re in some romantic Ireland, yourself and the Healy-Raes are a disgrace to rural Ireland, you’re letting us all down, you do not represent people properly, you’re a populist”. Fitzmaurice bit back, “I’ll tell you what Roisin I was able to get 13,000 votes, what did you get”. He continued, “I got 13,000 votes from the people willing to give me a vote, what did you get, tell the people what you got”. She responded, “Popular rhetoric works obviously, fair play to you, I don’t work that way, I base myself on trying to do what is best and what needs to be done”. Deputy Fitzmaurice concluded, “You base yourself on fantasy not reality” before an entertained Cooper blew out the flame on the discussion. Speaking to The Clare Echo, Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, Roderic O’Gorman (GP) insisted its primary introduction was as a public health measure and disputed claims from Senator Regina Doherty that the regulations was “virtue signalling at its best”.
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THURSDAY, APR 14 2022
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Siobhán is set to share her slimming secrets
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SLIMMER who transformed her life by losing 2 stone 7lbs so far is using her success to shape a whole new career helping other people change their lives and achieve their weight loss dreams too. Siobhán O’Brien joined her local Slimming World group in Shannon 15 months ago and dropped from 15 stone 71/2 lbs to 13 stone so far. Now, she has trained as a Consultant for Slimming World, the UK’s largest groupbased weight loss organisation, at their national training academy in Derbyshire. Members at the group are getting ready to welcome Siobhán as their new Consultant when she takes over the group on April 18th 2022. The latest government figures reveal that around one in four adults are obese and it is estimated that, by 2034, this will increase to one in three. 56% of Ireland’s population is now overweight or obese, and Siobhán says her new role has never been more important. She says: “Obesity is becoming such a huge issue across Ireland. When I first joined Slimming World as a member, I never dreamed that I would end up helping other people to lose weight but now I just can’t wait to get started. After losing 2 and a half stone and completing my training, it’s a privilege for me to be able to pass on the experience, insight and understanding that helped me, so that I can give my members the support they need to get to target. “Support is really the most important thing. It all starts with feeling that you’re
not alone. I couldn’t have lost 2 and a half stone without the weekly help, encouragement and understanding of my own Consultant and group. As someone who has lost weight myself I know the challenges people can face, which is why, along with the group, I will be there to support every one of my members all the way to their chosen target weight. Setting targets, sharing recipes and other ideas, and working together as a group to overcome challenges and celebrate success is so important to a successful journey. That’s why, at my Slimming World group, there’ll be tons of support, encouragement and fun. “Like a lot of slimmers, I had tried to lose weight so many times before by following numerous diets but they were never sustainable because I’d always get tired of restricting what I ate. I thought I was destined to struggle with my weight for the rest of my life, but when I came to Slimming World it was different. I never felt like I was on a diet. The eating plan encourages you to eat lots of tasty, filling foods like pasta, rice, potatoes and lean meat and fish, you are never hungry and no foods are banned so there’s no deprivation. I couldn’t believe I’d found a way to lose weight without starving myself. “Slimming World isn’t just about changing what you eat. Becoming more active is important too. Our Body Magic programme takes the threat out of activity by showing people, many of whom have unpleasant memories of being forced to take part in activity at school, how they can build activity into their daily routine without having to take up traditional forms of exercise like
going to the gym or running. Everything counts from walking to gardening to washing the car. I love going for walks pushing a buggy and cleaning the house to get my Body Magic! As a Consultant it’s my role to create that warm, supportive atmosphere to get people sharing their ideas and experiences to help others - it’s going to be great fun!” Like Siobhán, Slimming World Consultants are all former members who have lost weight at their local group themselves and groups are set up as micro businesses in the heart of local communities. There are currently around 4,000 Slimming World Consultants across the UK and Ireland running 15,000 groups. Consultants receive training in Slimming World’s healthy eating and physical activity programmes and learn how to use the power of group support to empower members to take control of their own weight loss journey. As self-employed micro-entrepreneurs, Consultants also learn how to build a successful community-based business. Siobhán says she can’t wait for the new challenges running her own business will bring. “For me becoming a self-employed franchisee was a great option. I wanted a job that was well paid, flexible and could fit around my busy family life, so launching my own Slimming World group was an ideal option – I feel like I’ve got a brand new career and I can’t wait for my new groups to run now! Orla Holland, who runs Slimming World groups in Ennis, Ennistymon, Kilrush and manages Siobhán as a Team Developer, says: “Slimming World Consultants are chosen
for their positive outlook and because they genuinely care about the health and happiness of others. With Siobhán’s experience of being a successful Slimming World member and her kind and warm personality and great sense of humour I just know that she’ll be an amazing support to members, cheering them all the way to their target weight.” Siobhán’s Slimming World group will be held at The Oakwood Hotel, Shannon every Monday at 5:30pm and 7pm from 18th April 2022. For more information or to join Siobhán’s group either pop along on 18th April or call her on 0876902498.
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THURSDAY, APR 14 2022
in association with
Ennis ‘cannot afford’ to have prominent properties lying vacant EMPTY: The Rowan Tree
Photo by Cian Ó Muíneacháin
PÁRAIC MCMAHON
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paraic@clareecho.ie
FFORTS to secure new tenants for central properties which are lying vacant in Ennis town need to be strengthened. Citing the closure of businesses throughout the town “such as The Rowan Tree, Food Haven, O’Brien’s Deli and Twomey-Walsh” located on Harmony Row, the Market, Salthouse Lane and Parnell St respectively, Cllr Pat Daly (FF) appealed to the Ennis Municipal District to coordinate with the Chamber of Commerce “and the owners of the particular properties with a view to getting new tenants established”. Active engagement occurs with
the derelict sites team in Clare County Council’s Economic Development Directorate “where business premises are considered to be derelict,” senior executive officer of the directorate, Carmel Greene explained. She said their work is leading to improvements in some town centre premises with a number of planning applications on derelict properties to be lodged. Development opportunities are being examined in tandem with the work of the Ennis 2040 team, she flagged. Senior executive officer of the Ennis MD, Leonore O’Neill stated that they “do not generally initiate or intervene in commercial rentals between private parties. We continue to support economic activity and ensure conditions are favourable within the physical environment through a number of
initiatives including public realm enhancements and outdoor dining licences. I note that the Rowan Tree premises referred to above is currently on the market for sale”. Speaking at the April meeting of the Ennis MD, Cllr Daly clarified that none of the buildings referred to in the motion were derelict. He was of the view that Ennis “cannot afford” to have prominent properties left vacant. Organisers of the Fleadh Nua are “devastated” that the Rowan Tree remains closed, “it is a huge setback to the Fleadh Nua, traditionally most musicians would have stayed at the hostel. I know the Rowan Tree is up for sale but it is a huge loss,” Cllr Daly commented. Keeping matters like vacant properties in the Ennis town centre high on the agenda and high-
No railings for monument by PÁRAIC McMAHON ENNIS councillors have moved off the fence and have voted against the possible erection of iron railings surrounding the Daniel O’Connell monument. Consideration of the “re-introduction of the wrought iron railings that were originally located around the O’Connell Monument” was tabled by Cllr Flynn. The monument is listed on the record of protected structures. A “sense of being slightly intimidated” has been expressed by workers, walkers and people using the area around the Monument, Cllr Flynn stated. “It is not acceptable for men to say it is not all men for issues of gender-based violence, we have to bring up issues to try change and improve things”. A Purple Flag assessment for the town taking place one evening in the lead-up to St Patrick’s Day noticed a high amount of litter thrown around the monument, he said. “Unpleasant things” associated with the monument referenced by the Ennis representative include its use as a public toilet and a spot to jeer and leer at women from. “There should be a gate into it so that people can sweep off the monument. It is a very historic monument and we need to bring it back to its original beauty”. Addition of railings or barriers to the public realm “would create more harm than good,” Cllr Howard cautioned. She said the monument is one of the areas she heads to first when volunteering with Ennis Tidy Towns. “We’re all well aware of what happens, all you will do is move the issue somewhere else, the square is safe with quite a lot of CCTV coverage”. Cllr Daly reiterated that he was “totally against” iron railings at the location, a discussion with
An Garda Síochána would be more beneficial to tackle the anti-social behaviour, he believed. Mayor of the Ennis MD, Cllr Ann Norton (IND) suggested an in-camera briefing be held to reach an agreed consensus. Views of the senior executive officer, Leonore O’Neill were sought by Cllr Clare Colleran Molloy (FF) who maintained costings for any work would have to be done when the MD is dealing with “limited resources”. In response, Leonore noted that the public realm works incorporate additional seating units within the area, “the intend to refocus the public dwell time and activity in the area”. She confirmed that a full part eight planning permission is needed were railings to be installed. “It has been raised a number of times but no clear consensus on it,” she observed. Old photographs should be studied by the design office to see what existed at the location before, Cllr Flynn commented. “I’m not looking for a part eight planning application but I would like to see some research on what was there before and what could be there”. When a vote was called on the matter, Cllr Flynn was the only person to back the proposal with Cllr Howard, Cllr Mark Nestor (FF), Cllr Colleran Molloy, Cllr Paul Murphy (FG), Cllr Norton and Cllr Daly all voting against it. VOTE: The Daniel O’ Connell monument
Photo by Fiona McNamara
lighting the challenges faced by businesses is what public representatives need to be doing, Cllr Clare Colleran Molloy (FF) remarked. “The recovery was going very good from pandemic until the Russians decided to invade Ukraine. Cllr
Daly is endeavouring to let the public know we’re doing our best to get Clare County Council to assist. “It’s not just Ennis, this a challenge for many towns and cities experiencing high vacancy rates.”
NEWS 13
THURSDAY, APR 14 2022
SHANNON NEWS in association with
Older parts of Drumgeely need enhancement PÁRAIC MCMAHON
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paraic@clareecho.ie
CREWS: Allen Park Photo by Joe Buckley
ESIDENTS described as the “pioneers of the development of the Shannon community” deserve the areas they live in to be in better condition, a local representative has said. Removal of all grass verges situated around the internal green areas in Boyne Park, Lee Park, Moy Park, Slaney Park, Allen Park, Carragh Park and Foyle Park in the Drumgeely area was sought by Cllr Gerry Flynn (IND). In a proposal before the Shannon Municipal District, he explained, “this is the older part of Shannon Town and needs some attention as a
lot of the residents in these areas are the pioneers of the development of the Shannon community and their area needs enhancement”. Across the month of April, crews from the Shannon MD will be “edging public footpaths,” senior executive engineer, Tom Mellett advised. “The aim is to restore the paths to their original widths. The paths you have nominated will be assessed and included where necessary,” he commented in response to Cllr Flynn. Cllr Flynn remarked, “The sooner we cut back the verges the better and let’s not be waiting until we have half a path left. It might save us in the long-term rather than to replace the footpath”. His calls were supported by Cllr Donna McGettigan (SF) who flagged that “quite a few” constituents had also raised the matter with her.
Flooding caused by ‘lack of necessary maintenance’ by PÁRAIC McMAHON FLOODING issues are occurring in Shannon due to “lack of necessary maintenance”. Clare County Council were urged by Cllr Gerry Flynn (IND) “to clean out all the storm water infrastructure in Shannon. The lack of necessary maintenance is causing a lot of flooding issues throughout Shannon and the current Council policy seems to be reactionary and I believe a more proactive approach is necessary to improve”. He expressed his belief that “a lot of necessary gullies and slit channels are restricted and are less effective due to the lack of regular maintenance”. Senior executive engineer in the Shannon Municipal District, Tom Mellett responded, “recent weather events have highlighted what is an ongoing concern for this office”. Maintenance of the public storm water network is a responsibility of the Shannon MD office, he acknowledged. “The office is proactive in this role. “During November 2020, a specialist contractor working alongside our own
crews investigated and cleared the drains in urban areas of the Municipal District”. Mellett continued, “In addition to this throughout November, December and January our own crews engaged in clearing drains associated with public roads in rural areas of the District. Drainage issues are a key concern of this office and we will continue to be pre-emptive in this area”.
Speaking at a recent sitting of the Shannon MD, Cllr Flynn stated that he was aware a contractor was appointed in 2020 “but a lot of areas where these challenges haven’t been addressed”. He outlined that his reasoning for submitting the proposal was to secure more resources. His motion was seconded by Cllr Donna McGettigan (SF) who noted that the MD office admitted it was “an ongoing concern”.
INFRASTRUCTURE: Drainage issues
14 FEATURES
THURSDAY, APR 14 2022
God’s Easter love Planning RONAN problems SCULLY Thought for the week
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OD’S Easter Love gives us the courage and the strength to live our everyday, ordinary lives. His love makes what seems impossible, possible. Whether you are feeling the loss of love, hope and faith in your life or you’re feeling down in any way, maybe you can ask out loud or silently for God’s Easter Love to bring love, hope and faith into your life and love, hope and faith into the world. Each year Holy Week and Easter offer us a moment in time to take the opportunity to consider the deeper meaning of life. We are all from time to time on our journey through life given a Cross to carry. The Coronavirus and the war in Ukraine where I am at present and indeed conflict in 31 other areas of our world is a cross at the moment for the whole world to carry. So let us during this Holy week and soon to be Easter season keep in our prayers all who wake up this week who carry a heavy burden especially those who are unwell and sick and those who are also affected by the Coronavirus and war and conflict in their countries and indeed anyone affected by worry or illness of any sort in their lives. Let’s try and make this Holy week and Easter season a time of love, hope and faith.
Preciously Loved
Easter is not just about an extravaganza with special music and fragrant lilies. It’s not about crowds amassing in beautiful buildings. Easter declares that we serve a living Savior who is still transforming lives today. Easter is not just about His resurrection, but the promise that we will rise with Him. Easter is about the hope of tomorrow and the gift of everlasting life. Yes indeed, we will celebrate. We will celebrate what God did for all of us at Calvary. Yes, we will celebrate by remembering Him, by loving Him, by worshipping Him, and by praising Him. As St Julian of Norwich faithfully said, “For we are so preciously loved by God that we cannot even comprehend it. No created being can ever know how much and how sweetly and tenderly God loves them. It is only with the help of his grace that we are able to persevere in spiritual contemplation with endless wonder at his high, surpassing, immeasurable love which our Lord in his goodness has for us.” Sometimes we can see clearly the Cross of sickness, bereavement, war, pandemics, a broken relationship, other times some of us carry a hidden cross of pain,
stress, loneliness, depression and if we look deeper into life we never really know what people are going through in silence. So let’s make the rest of Holy week and Easter be lending a hand, lifting a heavy load. God’s Easter love can be a smile on a cloudy day. It can be a crust of bread to the poor, giving shelter from the storm. It can be a thought, a poem, a blessing, a prayer. It can be showing support, care and enthusiasm. It can be listening quietly while someone else has something important they’d like you to hear. It can be a friendly hug, a smile or a warm embrace. It can be offering your time. It can be sitting silently beside someone to watch the sun behind a silver sea. It can be wiping a tear. It can be chasing the moon at night. It can be a whisper, a word, a soft touch at the right moment. It can be a telephone call.text, email or a letter, closing the miles. It can be a kiss on a fevered brow. It can be the gift of a flower. It can be teaching with kindness and love
Thought for the week
As your thought for the week, never forget how very important and how very special each and every one of us is in this life. May I offer up this comforting blessing or a prayer of mine for a good Holy Week and Easter for you the reader on your life’s journey that you may see the light of God’s Easter Love in the darkness during these challenging times! May you feel the loving presence of those who hold you in their thoughts and prayers! May your spirit find what it needs to sustain you on this journey of life! May you discover your inner strength and face all difficulties with dignity and grace. May you be filled with comfort, faith, love, acceptance, strength, grace and a lasting sense of peace! May the light of your soul guide you. May the light of your soul bless the work that you do with the secret love and warmth of your heart. May you see in what you do the beauty of your own soul. May the sacredness of your work bring healing, light and renewal to those who work with you and to those who see and receive your work. May your work never weary you. May it release within you wellsprings of refreshment, inspiration and excitement. May you be present in what you do. May you never become lost in bland absences. May the day never burden. May dawn find you awake and alert, approaching your new day with dreams, possibilities and promises. May evening find you gracious and fulfilled. May you go
into the night blessed, sheltered and protected. May your soul calm, console and renew you. May there always be work for your hands to do. May your purse always hold a coin or two; May the sun always shine on your windowpane; May a rainbow be certain to follow each rain; May the hand of a friend always be near you; May God fill your heart with gladness to cheer you. May the blessing of God’s soft rain be on you, Falling gently on your head, refreshing your soul. With the sweetness of little flowers newly blooming. May the strength of the winds of Heaven bless you, Carrying the rain to wash your spirit clean. Sparkling after in the sunlight. May the blessing of God’s earth be on you, And as you walk the roads, May you always have a kind word for those you meet. May joy and peace surround you, contentment latch your door, and happiness be with you now and bless you evermore! May the raindrops fall lightly on your brow. May the soft winds freshen your spirit. May the sunshine brighten your heart. May the burdens of the day rest lightly upon you, and may God enfold you in the mantle of His love now and always. I also pray for us all to have the power to be gentle, loving, kind and caring to one another and to ourselves; the strength to be forgiving and be forgiven; the patience to be understanding and compassionate and merciful; and the endurance to accept the consequences of holding to what we believe to be right and good and peaceful. May we put our trust in the power of good to overcome evil and the power of love to overcome hatred. Pray for the vision to see and the faith to believe in a world emancipated from violence, hatred and war, a new world where fear shall no longer lead men and women to commit injustice, nor selfishness and unkindness to make them bring suffering to others. Help us to devote our whole life and thought and energy to the task of making peace and a better life for people and children in need in our world and country, praying always for the inspiration and the power to fulfill the destiny for which we and all people were created and that we will always look after the needy in our county, our country and in our world especially so many vulnerable and needy people in our country and world who are in serious need at this time. Remember change starts within yourself and that you can’t change others you can only change yourself so be a change for goodness and genuineness in your own life and always remember for evil to exist it takes good people to remain quiet. Much peace and love to everyone and may our Holy Spirit watch over us and protect us on our journey of life and may we be filled with God’s Easter Love always. Amen.
EOIN NEYLON
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news@clareecho.ie
S BILLS continue to rise and ad hoc groups begin to protest, the Government scramble to find ways in which to lessen the burden of rising inflation. No one can truly predict the future but I think it’s safe to say that we haven’t seen the crest of this particular wave just yet. There have been positive signs regarding the leveling off of international oil prices, but we are still a while away from seeing that reflected at the petrol pumps or in our utility bills. There is a saying made famous by Winston Churchill, “Never let a good crisis go to waste”. This is always true to say. Not that I’m glad for the situation Ukraine or Europe find ourselves in, but, given all the attention we’ve seen on our seemingly never ending reliance on fossil fuels, there really has not been a better time to really invest heavily in green energy production and to have an adult conversation about nuclear energy. With all the issues we face as a society and as a species, given the energy insecurity and climate catastrophe we are facing, it’s beyond time we strive for energy independence. We also really need to re-examine what we are doing to the environment and how we chose to live. This could not be better underlined than in Lahinch recently with the rejection of an application to build 28 new houses during a housing crisis. The rejection was based on solid grounds. The lack of adequate wastewater facilities to service such a large area in north Clare is nothing shy of disgraceful. Our rural communities need the space, infrastructure and, ultimately, the people to survive. The fact Clare County Council issued a rejection of planning based on their own failure to provide the needed infrastructure struck a chord for the concept of irony. Yet we see things like this time and time again throughout Clare and Ireland at large. We complain here that we don’t do enough to promote the county, yet when people try organise a music festival to put the likes of Ennis or Kilkee on the map, objections ruin it before it even has a chance to get going. Developments that would provide hundreds of
jobs get shot delayed or shot down because of self interest or NIMBY-ism all the time. And our striving to construct a proper network of green energy generation has been routinely delayed and blocked by similar process. The fact of the matter is planning laws quite often fail the common good. I have lodged “observations”, as they are now called, in favour and to highlight issues with certain projects in the past. Nevertheless, I’ll be the first to admit that, should I ever have felt the want, using the planning system as it is currently constituted is far too easy for any single individual to become an anti-development champion, frustrating and blocking development everywhere. With energy and housing crises in our midst, amendments to planning must take place, albeit in a way that the local community isn’t locked out altogether. The now scrapped planning workarounds, put in place by Fine Gael’s Eoghan Murphy, were a disaster in that fashion. They proved a case of the pendulum swinging from one extreme to the other, but passing by the happy medium in the process. There has to be a way to change the planning process to remove the crank but not to remove the genuine voice and concerns of local communities. If we fail to achieve that, we will be failing to correct the single most flawed process we have in this country which we have failed to truly fix since the tribunal uncovered scandals really began to shine a light on the worst that world has to offer. Planning is about so much more than houses. It really governs every aspect of our lives including retail, residential, commercial, public transport, infrastructure and energy generation and transmission. The North-South inter-connector is a prime example of this. Another project fallen by the wayside of misinformation and endless objections and appeals. If we want to be more self-sufficient, with modern homes, built in ecologically and environmentally friendly manner, than we need to get real with the system by which all this is designed and decided upon. The alternative is watching our rural communities die as we dither about what to do, all while inflation continues to cripple our economy while we import more and more energy. The choice is ours.
OUT & ABOUT 15
THURSDAY, APR 14 2022
AROUND THE COUNTY
l FUN WITH FRIENDS: (clockwise from left): Clare minor hurlers, Mark Sheedy of Sixmilebridge with Clooney/Quin trio Jack O’Neill, Dannan Fox and John Cahill Photo by Joe Buckley; Ogonnelloe woman Geraldine Sheedy with Killanena duo Monica and Hannah Smyth at TUS Gaelic Grounds Photo by Joe Buckley; Chloe O’Halloran from Mountshannon rehearsing ahead of East Clare Musical Society’s A Night at the Musicals Photo by Eoin O’Hagan; The Feakle faithful, Maura Keane and Regan Conway supporting the Clare U20 hurlers Photo by Joe Buckley; Four members of Killaloe’s ‘After 8s’ rehearsing ahead of the groups appearance at the East Clare Musical Society's A Night at the Musicals in Scariff Community College Photo by Eoin O’Hagan
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16 Arts & Entertainment
THURSDAY, APR 14 2022
Delight on the double for singer Clodagh Lawlor PÁRAIC MCMAHON
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paraic@clareecho.ie
EWMARKET-ON-FERGUS singer Clodagh Lawlor has had reason to celebrate after securing a national award and her own radio show. Clodagh was named as the new female country artist of the year at the 2022 Hot Country TV Music Awards held last week. Hot Country TV is Europe’s longest running country music show and has been broadcast for 12 years. It plays Ireland’s country music artists, both established and new, giving them a TV platform in Ireland, the UK and across mainland Europe, it also features American country music artists. In May 2019, Clodagh gained national prominence when she was named as the winner of the Late Late Show’s search for a country music star. Of her latest recognition, Clodagh was quick to thank her loyal base of supporters. “I sat as a fan so many years ago praying, hoping, wishing that one
day I’d know what it felt like to hear my name called and tonight, because of you (supporters), I did”. She added, “I will never ever be able to tell you what this meant to me and the honour it is to finally be a part of the country music family”. The former St Flannan’s College student and graduate of LIT acknowledged her parents Donal and Mary who she credited as the reason “I’m doing what I love”. Adding to the enjoyment in the family home in Goodwood has been the confirmation that Clodagh is to present her own show on Clare FM which begins this Saturday (April 16th) and will be broadcast every week from 6 to 8pm. “I’m thrilled to be joining the Clare FM family. I have always wanted to be on the radio since finishing college and coming onto the Irish country music scene. Being a part of my local radio station is an honour for me. Everyone has been so welcoming and extremely encouraging. I can’t wait to see what the future holds for me at Clare FM”. Clare FM have also announced that Quin’s Brian McEvoy is the new presenter of ‘Out The Gap’, their weekday drivetime show which airs from 2 to 6pm. He succeeds Rory Hall who recently departed the station.
Ennis Musical Society return to stage with a bang by PÁRAIC McMAHON
VARIETY SHOW: Holly Dunphy
ENNIS Musical Society took to the stage for the first time in two years. In Hotel Woodstock on Sunday night, an array of musical theatre celebrated hope and promise with the return of the Ennis Musical Society to the local scene in front of a sell-out crowd. Under the musical directorship of Shane Farrell, the audience was treated to an occasion filled with a variety of songs from old and new musicals from Broadway and the West End. Members, new and old supported the Ennis Musical Society on its return to action. Audience members were struck by the vocal talents from the children’s chorus and the numerous
TWICE AS PROUD: Clodagh Lawlor flanked by her proud parents Donal and Mary teenagers who performed solos and duets with the common conclusion that the youth has placed the future of the Ennis Musical Society in safe hands. Performers on the night included Connolly’s Holly Dunphy who has been a member of the EMS since she turned six, Ennis’ Michelle Vaughan, second year Coláiste Muire student Charlotte Culligan who sang alongside her aunt Kate, Louise Eccles from Ennis, budding actor Daniel Kelly (11), Lissycasey teenager Paddy Hogan, Ennis native Saoirse Scanlon, Mary Immaculate College student Aoife Ní Ghormáin, Aisling Fox of Ennis, former Clare Champion journalist Carol Hackett, Lisdoonvarna based secondary school teacher Lauren Dunne and Holly-May Vaughan
from Ennis. After four years performing in London, Brian Roche made a welcome return to the Musical Society, Siofra Hogan, Limerick primary school teacher Olivia Parkinson, Nenagh based Patrick Kelly, Patrickswell secondary school teacher Patrick Woulfe and long-standing member Edel Heaney also took to the stage. A spokesperson for the Ennis Musical Society told The Clare Echo that they would like to say particular thanks to the audience “for their warmth and generosity towards their performers”. Next Spring, the Ennis Musical Society will be back with their eagerly anticipated production of Legally Blonde.
FEATURES 17
THURSDAY, APR 14 2022
GREEN CLARE
Circular Economy Bill will allow CCTV to tackle dumping PÁRAIC MCMAHON
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paraic@clareecho.ie
OWERS will soon be extended to Clare County Council to use CCTV and other technologies to clamp down on illegal dumping and littering. Under the new Circular Economy Bill, measures to further promote recycling such as a levy on the use of coffee cup are also to be introduced plus alternatives to single-use disposable packaging, prohibitions on exploration for and extraction of coal, lignite and oil shale. The Bill will also work to redesignate the existing Environment Fund as a Circular Economy Fund, which will remain ringfenced to provide support for environmental and circular economy projects. Elected representatives in Clare have for the duration of this current Council term been extremely vocal in their pleas for the local authority to be able to use CCTV in order to prosecute persons found to be illegally dumping materials. The legislation for CCTV’s use in this area had been proposed by Senator Malcolm Byrne (FF). Data protection regulations have heretofore prevented Clare County Council from using CCTV to identify and target individuals that have dumped items and led to cer-
Illegal dumping Photo by Martin Connolly
tain areas becoming litter blackspots. Senator Roisin Garvey (GP) acknowledged the need for local authorities to be empowered more to tackle illegal dumping. “While only a minority of citizens illegally dump or burn their waste, the impact of litter and fly-tipped waste on the environment, and often our most beautiful locations, is a blight on our community. We need to empower the local authority, who is responsible for waste management and enforcement, to target these practices and penalise those responsible”. She credited the Circular Economy Bill for making this empowerment possible. “This is an issue that has been raised several times at Joint Policing Committee meetings I’ve attended and raised directly to me by many community groups left clearing up the mess left by fly tipping”. According to the Inagh woman, the transition to a circular economy “represents a shift away from the linear ‘take, make and waste’ model, which relies on a steady supply of natural resources to create products and packaging. It also has the potential to create sustainable growth and jobs”. Speaking at a recent sitting of the Shannon Municipal District, Cllr Pat O’Gorman (FF) referenced the planned legislation to introduce CCTV, drones and body cameras to alleviate illegal dumping. “It’s a major issue in our Municipal District. There are lorry-loads of rubbish thrown out onto the
road in mountainous areas, at one stage a fitted kitchen was thrown onto the road,” he commented. Illegal dumping in Drumgeely is leading to the congregation of vermin, Cllr Gerry Flynn (IND) noted of one consequence. Cyril Feeney of the Council’s environment section said the bill which has been
put through the Oireachtas by Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications with responsibility for Communications and Circular Economy, Ossian Smyth (GP) has given assurances to local authorities to provide legislative background and basis for them to use CCTV footage.
18 COLUMNIST
THURSDAY, APR 14 2022
Aillwee Burren Experience to reopen after €1m renovation
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by PÁRAIC McMAHON
ILLWEE Burren Experience reopens to the public this Friday following completion of a €1m renovation project. A rebrand is also part of the renovation with the former Aillwee Cave and Birds of Prey Centre now named the Aillwee Burren Experience. Management hope the renovation and rebrand of the family run company will encourage visitors to pre-pandemic figures of up to 120,000 people annually. There are 25 full-time employees at Aillwee. Works carried out as part of the €1m investment include an upgrading of the entire lighting system and accessibility within the cave. Prey aviaries were rebuilt, so too interpretation signage throughout the centre. Funds were also spent on the development of an onsite downloadable app providing multi-lingual visitor information, marketing and promotion plus an enhanced website and booking system. Managing Director of Aillwee Burren Experience, Nuala Mulqueeney stated, “We are really proud of the outcome of this renovation, and we can’t wait to welcome visitors back”. Guided underground tours will be operating in Aillwee Cave.There is also an accessible biodiversity walk through ma-
Kearney Cooks
LAUNCH: Aoibhín Garrihy
ture, eight-acre woodland. The naturally terraced hillside reveals 360-degree views sweeping right across Galway Bay and overlooking the Wild Atlantic Way. Daily interactive flying displays can be enjoyed from the Birds of Prey collection and also the once-in-a-lifetime Hawk Walk. Sustainable farmhouse methods are also part of the agenda including methods used in creating the award-win-
ning Burren Gold Cheese. Speaking at the relaunch Aoibhín Garrihy said, “Aillwee Burren Experience is one of the most magical and unique visitor attractions in Ireland. Not only what it offers from the guided cave tour itself, the birds of prey experience and wonderful farm shop – but the surrounding area of The Burren is one of the most strikingly beautiful areas of Ireland.”
Stumbling block in the way of SDZ PLANS for Europe’s first University town which will be located in Co Clare have caught the attention of the Office of the Planning Regulator, writes Páraic McMahon. In February, a joint application was lodged by Clare County Council and the University of the Limerick for a strategic development zone (SDZ) which has the potential to create up to 3,500 jobs in South Clare. Economic forecasts have suggested that the site could generate a gross added value of €1.795 billion annually to the Irish economy. However, elected representatives in Limerick City and County Council have had their noses out of joint with the plans from the get-go, the lack of regional unity and cohesion on the project has frustrated their Clare counterparts. A new stumbling block has emerged with the Office of the Planning Regulator (OPR) stating that the development is “inappropriate” in the context of the upcoming Clare County Development Plan. The OPR has recommended reference to South Clare SDZ be removed from the Development Plan. In its submission to the Development Plan, the OPR report outlined, “The office acknowledges the general ambition of the planning authority to establish an economic SDZ for South Clare/University of Limerick consistent with the Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy, to be developed over the long term, and notes the making of an application to the Minister in this regard. However for reasons outlined below, it is considered inappropriate at this stage to take account of the future SDZ in the Core Strategy.” A spokesperson for Clare County Council confirmed to The Clare Echo that a submission had been received from the OPR. “When completed, this Chief Executive’s Report will summarise the issues raised in each of the submissions received and will also give the response of the Chief Executive to those issues. As this is an ongoing process provided for within planning legislation, it is not appropriate to comment on a particular submission in advance of the Chief Executive’s Report being completed. It is expected that this report will be completed in July 2022”.
CHILLI SAMBO RELISH
S
O UNFORTUNATELY for most of this week I have been down and out with the flu, although at the time I worried that it was the dreaded C word. So naturally enough I was isolating and keeping myself away from shops and such. Now let me give you one bit of advice, do not come down with Covid symptoms the day you are due to go shopping. Now I never do a recipe for this column unless I have cooked it the day before to make sure it is ok (also for the Instructional video that appears on my Instagram @kearneycooks). So I was left with very little to work with, and very little energy for cooking. Thankfully I had a recipe that mostly relies on kitchen staples that I usually have on hand. So that is why this week I am sharing with you my very easy to do tomato and chilli sandwich relish. This is a great condiment that will liven up any sandwich, sub or wrap. It also goes amazingly well with grilled meats and cheeses as well. This recipe will make one large jar of relish, but if you need more just multiply the recipe. YOU WILL NEED • 400g roughly chopped tomatoes • 1 chilli pepper diced (add more if you’re tough enough) • 1 roughly chopped onion
• • • • • • • •
1 diced clove of garlic 1 3cm knob of ginger diced 200g of light brown sugar 80g of raisins 1tsp of paprika 1tsp of smoked paprika 90 ml red wine vinegar Salt and pepper a pinch of each
Step One Horse all your ingredients into a pot and give them a little stir. Then put on a very low heat for an hour and just let them simmer away. Give the ingredients an occasional stir.
Step Two After an hour, blend all your ingredients together with a stick blender or a food processor and then decant into a sterilized jar. Step Three Once you open your jar store it in a fridge, it should be good for a month. Serve it up with sambos, barbeque meats or as a sexy little addition to a cheeseboard.
Enjoy
Steve K
COMMUNITY 19
THURSDAY, APR 14 2022
Community ENNIS
CONTACT
NEWSDESK 065 671 9021 news@clareecho.ie
ENNIS
lIN MEMORY: A new cup has been presented to Clare County Board of Comhaltas for U12 set dancing at Fleadh Cheoil an Chlair. The cup was presented by Tom Nestor and his family in memory of his wife Carmel Nestor RIP whose passion was set dancing. Pictured are Johnny Lyons, Clare Comhaltas, Brian Nestor, Tom Nestor presenting the cup to County Board vice chairman Mark Nestor, Colm Nestor and Attracta O'Dea, Clare Comhaltas lFIGHTING BACK: The Relay for Life team have raised over €100,000 for the Irish Cancer Society since 2018. The publicwill get another chance to show their support this year at Relay for Life Ennis on 18-19 June at Tim Smythe Park. If you would like to register a team, participate as a survivor and/ or get more information, visit the Relay for Life Ennis Facebook and Instagram pages. If you have any questions about Cancer, either a patient or a family member, call the Cancer Nurseline on Freephone 1800 200 700.
ENNIS POKER CLASSIC CLARE’S hurling heroes of the 1990s are holding a poker classic on Easter Sunday, writes Páraic McMahon. Members of the All-Ireland winning senior hurling panels of 1995 and 1997 will hold a poker classic at Hotel Woodstock on Easter Sunday beginning at 6pm. On All-Ireland final day this year, the victorious 1997 side which defeated Tipperary in the decider will be honoured. The 1995 side missed out on this coveted moment in 2020 with the final played behind closed doors. Pat O’Donnell, main sponsor of Clare GAA and Clare GAA itself are supporting a weekend away for the 1995 and 1997 squads in advance of the All-Ireland final. The panel have arranged a fundraising initiative to help defray costs and to also kit them out for their appearance in Croke Park.
Eamon Taaffe, goalscorer in the 1995 All-Ireland win over Offaly said the poker classic which is selling tickets for €25 each is part of their efforts to defray the costs. "We would like to welcome everyone to the poker night on Sunday evening. It is an opportunity for Clare GAA supporters of all codes to gather and remember the wins of 1995 and 1997,” he said. The Tubber native paid tribute to owners of Hotel Woodstock, Sean and Elaine Lally plus their staff for their efforts to date, he also acknowledged the trio of Rachel Naughton, Michael Talty and Pat Keane who are active in organising poker nights across the county for their assistance. “Every euro raised will be going directly to the 1995-97 squad silver anniversary celebration,” Eamon confirmed. Tickets can be purchased on the night and from all panellists from the All-Ireland winning sides.
ENNIS GREENWAY CONSULTATION ROUTE options are being assessed for the Shannon Greenway connecting Scariff to Limerick City, writes Páraic McMahon. It has been planned that the Shannon Greenway will start from the “heart of Limerick City” to the University of Limerick (UL), crossing the River Shannon over the Black Bridge and following the old Erinagh Canal to O’Briensbridge and onwards to Killaloe, Ogonnelloe, Tuamgraney and
Scariff. Dates and locations for the consultation sessions are listed below. l April 26: Waterways Ireland Office Scariff l April 27: Killaloe Spa Hotel l April 28: Ogonnelloe Community Centre l May 4: Clonlara Community Centre l May 5: Kilmurry Lodge Hotel, Castletroy All sessions are scheduled to begin at 5pm and end at 8pm.
BRIDGETOWN
ONLINE CLARE ROOTS SOCIETY The next meeting, ‘Famine Migration to Quebec, Canada’ by Mary-Alice Wildasin will be held on Thursday, 21 April at 8pm online via ZOOM. Mary-Alice moved to Ireland from Florida, to further her education at the University of Limerick. In 2020 she graduated with an MA in History of the Family, writing her dissertation on her own family’s migration: The Dorans - from
Summerslane, Kilkenny to Bangor, Maine 1820 1900: A Case Study in Step Migration. She has been a professional genealogist specializing in Irish and New England research since graduating with a Graduate Certificate in Genealogical Research and Forensic Genealogy from Boston University in 2010. The link can be sourced from the Clare Roots Society webpage www.clareroots.org
BALLYEA SOCCER CAMP Fern Celtic will hold an Aviva Soccer Sisters Easter camp in Ballyea on April 19, 20 and 21 from 10am to 1pm, for girls aged between 6-14
years. The camp costs €30 and participants will receive an exclusive half zip top and a football. The coaches are FAI accredited.
lTREE-MENDOUS: L-R Kate Wardick (Cashel, Co. Tipperary) and Linda Treacy (Bridgetown, Co. Clare), 4th year B.Ed. students, Mary I. planting their Choill Bheag. The duo helped plant almost 100 native trees on the college grounds. The project, in association with LEAF Ireland, will create a small, dense native woodland habitat for biodiversity and an educational and recreational resource for the whole college community to enjoy
20 RECRUITMENT
THURSDAY, APR 14 2022
50,000 passengers expected through Shannon Airport over Easter period RETAINED FIRE-FIGHTER PANELS (PART-TIME)
HOP ON BOARD: Shannon Airport
Clare County Fire & Rescue Service is currently recruiting staff for inclusion on panels for the following stations: • Kilkee • Killaloe • Kilrush • Shannon Candidates must live and work within 2.4 km of the Fire Station and be available to attend drills and fire alerts. Application forms and further particulars may be obtained by requesting same from the Human Resources Department, Clare County Council at 065-6846528, via e-mail: recruitment@clarecoco.ie or can be downloaded from the following website: www.clarecoco.ie. Garda vetting will apply prior to any appointment(s) that are made. Completed applications must be emailed to: recruitment@clarecoco.ie not later than 4.00 p.m. on Thursday 12th May 2022 Clare County Council is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all sectors of the Community. Scriobh chugainn as gaeilge más fearr leat.
O
VER 50,000 passengers are expected through Shannon Airport over the Easter season, writes Páraic McMahon. In what will be an 86 percent return on passenger numbers compared with the same period in 2019, Shannon Airport is predicting a busy season this Easter with the Canary Islands, Malta and Spanish coastal resorts proving to be the most popular destinations.
Similar to passenger traffic at Shannon over St Patrick’s holiday period, Easter traffic will see the largest number of passengers for that period in over three years. The international airport recently launched its Summer 2022 schedule which offers 26 destinations in 11 countries, with 108 weekly frequencies to the US, UK and Europe. CEO of Shannon Group, Mary Considine noted that the Easter break traditionally “kickstarts the summer
season to our popular destinations such as London, New York, Boston, Alicante, Barcelona, Palma Mallorca, and our latest service to Malta. This year, the Easter break is even more special for a lot of our passengers, as they jet off on a well-deserved holiday, some for the first time since the easing of travel restrictions. It is fantastic to see families and friends excitedly travelling overseas for a sun or city break, or to finally visit loved ones. “We have worked hard to bring these services to our passengers and are focused on rebuilding and further growing our connectivity, broadening the options available for our passengers. Facilities such as our US Preclearance and the airport sensory room, along with the short distance from our car parks to the terminal building, compliments our latest investment in high tech security screening, and ensures the journey through Shannon Airport is as easy and hassle free as possible,” she added. Passengers will experience Shannon’s new multi-million euro passenger screening system, which eliminates the 100ml rule, thus halving the dwell time through airport security. To celebrate Easter, Shannon Airport is offering passengers 20 per cent discount on car parking and executive lounges until the end of 2022, when booked before April 24. To book use codes, PARK4LESS20 and Lounge20.
RECRUITMENT 21
THURSDAY, APR 14 2022
Clare County Council is currently inviting applications from suitably qualified persons for the below competitions. Clare County Council will, following the interview process, form a panel for the areas set out below from which future relevant vacancies may be filled subject to sanction approval from the Department of Housing, Local Government & Heritage.
• BUSINESS ADVISOR, LOCAL ENTERPRISE OFFICE – ANALOGOUS TO GRADE VI (OPEN COMPETITION), 2022 Completed applications must be emailed to: recruitment@clarecoco.ie not later than 4.00 p.m. on Thursday 5th May 2022 Application forms and further particulars may be obtained by requesting same from the Human Resources Department, Clare County Council at 065-6846528, via e-mail: recruitment@clarecoco.ie or can be downloaded from the following website: www.clarecoco.ie Clare County Council is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all sectors of the Community. Scriobh chugainn as gaeilge más fearr leat.
TOURISM JOB OPENINGS IN COUNTY CLARE Two permanent tourism roles are being created in County Clare. The new positions will form part of a subsidiary company of Clare County Council that will oversee the management, development, and promotion of a portfolio of signature visitor attractions and sites throughout Clare. Head of Commercial & Shared Services - The successful candidate will have Financial, Commercial, Human Resource and ICT responsibility for visitor attractions and sites to include the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Experience, Loop Head Lighthouse, Vandeleur Walled Gardens, Inis Cealtra Visitor Experience, and the proposed integration of Shannon Heritage DAC. IT Analyst - The successful candidate will report to the ICT Project Lead and will be responsible for delivering high quality IS support for visitor attractions and sites to include the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Experience, Loop Head Lighthouse, Vandeleur Walled Gardens, Inis Cealtra Visitor Experience, and the proposed integration of Shannon Heritage DAC.
HOW TO APPLY / FURTHER INFORMATION: If you are interested in applying, or want to know more about an individual position, contact Máiréad in The Hr Suite on 066 7102887 or email your CV to jobs@thehrsuite.com Closing date for applications is Thursday, 05th May, 2022, at 5 p.m.
22
THURSDAY, APR 14 2022
Clare Garden Festival returns
C
LARE GARDEN FESTIVAL is back at Ennis Showgrounds. The popular Clare Garden Festival which was launched in 2012 and became a stand-alone in 2013 is back at Ennis Showgrounds - this year as usual on the last Sunday in April – the 24th April 2022. Over the past 2 years due to the pandemic, the festival ran a successful series of webinars with expert speakers from all over and topics covered from Organic Gardening to Ornamentals, Design and even Herbs. The theme having focussed around Gardening for Mental Wellbeing. “We are delighted to see Clare Garden Festival back this year and have decided to come on board as their media partner supporting a locally loved event to come back to its former glory. We wish them best of luck and success on the day,” said Clare Echo editor Stuart Holly. The festival will be back with an exciting range all-day Expert talks on its main stage supported by demonstrations in several areas all over the festival. As usual there will be music, food and childrens entertainment and of course the festival’s popular Garden, Plant, Craft & Food Fair with stalls from all over Ireland. “We are excited to finally be back with a physical event and whilst the timeline was very short for us to plan it, we were fortunate that so many of our traders who com-
mitted in 2020 wanted us back and stayed signed up all this time. And we were able to add many new and returning stalls now.” said festival manager Carmen Cronin. “The overall landscape of the industry has very much changed however and we are finding that many established traders have retired and exciting new ones are coming through. Setting up in this industry is a labour of love and one that festivals like ours can support. I have therefore come up with a Programme
for Specialist Traders and I am delighted that we are running a Trial of this for the first time this year supporting Rory Newell’s new venture Forest Moon Nursery.” The programme for Specialist Traders supports a new trader by offering them a stall space, promoting the stallholder as part of the overall wide-ranging promotion and offering them the opportunity to appear on the festival stage. The 2022 Programme is supported by Mast Insurance for Traders,
Caherhurley Nursery and Rainbow Nursery. Clare Garden Festival is working in partnership with Co Clare Agricultural Show Society and is held annually at Ennis Showgrounds were it will return to this year on Sunday, 24th April. For more information see our website www.claregardenfestival. com and for regular update join us on Facebook @claregardenfestival.
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THURSDAY, APR 14 2022
Tool up; garden season has begun Are you fully prepared for the garden? Here’s the essentials to get started TROWEL: This is your new best friend. It’s important to get one that’s the right size and weight for your hands, because you will be using this a lot. It’s useful for planting bulbs, weeding, mixing and potting. WHEELBARROW: Particularly useful for those lucky enough to have a sizeable garden. Not just for carrying cut grass or distributing soil, it’s also handy for carrying your tools around. Invest in a plastic one with a hard wheel to avoid rust and punctures. SPADE: More subtle and refined than the humble shovel, the spade is ideal not only for digging holes, but also for creating square edges and lifting soil. Again, you will need a good quality one as the last thing you want is for it to break in your hands. SECATEURS: Also known as a pruning shears, pruners or clippers, this tool is your go to for shaping plants
and removing dead growth. A good secateurs will set you back a good bit, but they will last forever and will be able to handle bigger tasks.
HOE: Every self-respecting gardener should have one of these. It’s essential for weeding, cultivating the soil, edging the lawn and countless other jobs. There are lots of varieties so ask the advice of the shop assistant to find the best one for you. GARDENING GLOVES: There is NOTHING worse than getting a thorn stuck under your nail. The very thought of it gives us shivers. Protect your hands by wearing a pair of gloves. This will prevent callouses and will save you scrubbing your fingers clean. FORK: A fork is one of the most hardworking tools in a gardener’s arsenal. Use it for removing stones, breaking up clumps of soil, creating holes for seeds and mixing in fertilizer. l FAIL TO PREPARE...: Having the right tools is the first step to succesful gardening
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THURSDAY, APR 14 2022
Clare gardeners encouraged to feed birds to aid pest control
G
ARDENING enthusiasts and vegetable growers in Clare are being encouraged to feed their local bird populations over the coming months to ensure they are around in summer to play a vital role in pest control. Bird expert Patrick Croke says that several common bird species are invaluable for eating the kinds of caterpillars, moths and larvae that can ruin a gardener’s year. “For gardeners and farmers, birds are helpers, not pests – in fact, they play an important role in balancing the local ecosystem,” said the Technical Officer with Connecting to Nature - a new Irish company that specialises in all-year-round bird food as well as wild flower seed. “When insect populations rise in summer time, birds swoop in like the cavalry and feast on them,” said Patrick. “In fact according to the Smithsonian’s Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute, birds reduce the pest insect population by almost 30% – and can significantly reduce the need for insecticide, which can only be a good thing. “But the birds won’t magically appear – making the effort to invite them in at this time of year will pay dividends in the summer. “It’s also important to be sure we are feeding the birds the right food for the time of year that match the requirements of their lifecycle.
“As we move from winter towards spring we need to start moving from the fat-based food we were feeding them in winter to one that is more protein-heavy. “We will shortly be entering the mating season, and they will require good proteins to grow good feathers and eggs. “Connecting to Nature’s Robin and Songbirds Seed Mix, which contains mealworms and fruit, offers the perfect blend of the right nutrients that those birds need now as the mating season approaches. “The robins and song birds in particular are vital to controlling the kinds of insects that can be found in many commonly grown vegetables and flowers.” Connecting to Nature is the brainchild of Julie Power, whose family has been in the seed business for six generations, and it aims to improve our feelings of wellness. “The World Economic Forum has published research that the happiest Europeans are those who see the most bird species in their day-to-day life,” said Julie. “Studies have shown that greater bird biodiversity can make people more joyful. Feeding birds is a very good way of feeling closer to nature and bringing wildlife closer to you, and Ireland has a wonderful array of small wild birds that you can feed. “You don’t have to be in the countryside to connect with nature, all you have to do is create an environment that consistently at-
tracts birds and bees. “After the experience of Covid lockdowns, we have a new awareness of the mental health benefits of connecting to nature, a
renewed interest in our living world and improving our gardens for the benefit and love of wildlife.”
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14-04-22
STAGE SET FOR QUAKERSTOWN Ailish makes history by PÁRAIC MCMAHON
Derek O’Connor competing at the Bellharbour Point-to-Point in 2018
EASTER Sunday’s Quakerstown Point to Point will bring plenty of enjoyment to its regular followers but also has a new focus this year, writes Páraic McMahon. The Quakerstown Easter Sunday Point to Point will host a Charity Auction in aid of the Irish Red Cross: Ukraine Crisis Appeal at the Co Clare Hunt meeting. Over the years, the Clare Hunt has been noted for helping some very worthy causes, this includes bringing in over €20,000 with the running of the Pat Smullen Legends Race in aid of Cancer Trials Ireland in 2020, €15,000 in 2019 for Breast Cancer Ireland, and almost €30,000 for Clare Suicide Bereavement Group over the last five years. This year, the organising committee have decided to do their bit for the Ukraine Crisis and support the Irish Red Cross in raising funds that will help them to continue their work on the ground in Ukraine where they are working to repair vital infrastructure, to support health facilities and to help families with life-saving food and hygiene items. Auction items include a weekend away at Hotel Minella, Clonmel courtesy of well-known hotelier and
trainer, John Nallen; a Four-ball at the K-Club; and a Peter Curling Print donated by Regional Point to Point Secretary Frankie Ward. Horse Racing Ireland have also kindly donated a framed and signed print of Minella Indo and Rachel Blackmore winning the Aintree Grand National in 2021. A designer suit sponsored by Louis Copeland Galway, a Four-ball at Lahinch Golf Club, and two tickets to see Manchester United play, donated by Newtown Stud Kildare, are just some of the other fantastic Auction Items up for grabs. The Auction will take place following the final race of the day, with Auctioneer and Point to Point Commentator Ger Hannon hosting proceedings. “We urge you to come along on Easter Sunday and not only enjoy some top-class racing and a family day out, but to support a very worthy cause at the same time. We’ve all been touched by what is happening in Ukraine at the moment, and by donating to our auction, you can help raise some vital funds for the Irish Red Cross who are out there working to save lives,” Ger explained.
Coen’s riding high 16-year-old Ennis native Coen Williams helped Ireland to a European title last weekend. The Irish team were victors of the U16 showjumping Nations Cup which took place at Sentower Park, Belgium last week. The Rice College student, aboard Saxons Freedom from PARC Stables, was one of four jumpers who helped secure their victory going clear in the final round, putting France in 2nd and the Netherlands in 3rd place respectively. Ireland’s team manager Gary Marshall said “they showed true form today, kept their cool and never gave up, I’m delighted for them all, a great win”
Photo by John Mangan
KILMIHIL’s Ailish Considine collected a second AFLW Premiership medal on Sunday morning after the Adelaide Crows claimed a 29-16 Grand Final win over Melbourne Demons at the Adelaide Oval. Ailish a former dual player for Clare’s senior camogie and ladies football sides started the final as an interchange player but racked up a tackle, a mark and three disposals during her time on the pitch. The result ensures that the Crows are the undoubted dominant force of the AFLW having claimed three of the five Premiers since its inception since 2017. Adelaide had controlled the first half and were rewarded with goals from Jasmyn Hewett and Erin Phillips, but Melbourne made sure the deficit was only 10 at the main break thanks to a second-quarter goal from Alyssa Bannan. Danielle Ponter struck back for the Crows early in the third quarter and although Kate Hore replied with a goal for the Demons, Ponter nabbed another in the fourth quarter to seal a 13-point win and the title.
She said of the latest success, “The celebrations compared to the commiserations last year are a welcome change. It’s been a good couple of days. This win feels very different to my first one in 2019. That was so unexpected and unknown. This time around it was more of a relief. Coming up short last year was heart-breaking. We had that raw feeling so long after. Getting to the final again this year, it was more of a relief that we finally got over the line. The overwhelming joy of getting back on top, and finishing with a shiny cup at the end, was pretty special”.
Silver for Clare volleyball stars
RUAN’s Maria Jones captained the Irish U19 women’s volleyball team which made history with a silver medal finish at the CEV Small Countries Association Championships. Evrim Genc Oguz’s team which featured no less than six players from Munster Thunder and five from Newbridge recorded Ireland’s best ever finish at this level. All of the six Munster players were indeed from Co Clare with Maria joined by Amy O’Sullivan, Emer Phelan, Áine Browne, Yousra Kebayli and Jillian Sweeney. With three wins from four, Ireland took the silver behind hosts Luxembourg with Northern Ireland in third, followed by Malta and Gibraltar respectively. Flying the Irish flag is nothing new to the Clare volleyball players who represented their country in the U16 Zonal Volleyball Qualifiers in January 2019.
Sullivan steps down from Scariff/Ogonnelloe role DAVID SULLIVAN and his entire management team have stepped down from the Scariff/Ogonnelloe senior camogie set-up. Lorrha native Sullivan guided the East Clare side to their second ever county and provincial titles having taken over the role at the beginning of last year. He was joined in his management team by JP Houlihan (Lorrha), Alan Gorman (Portumna), Ronan Moore (Lorrha) and David Broderick. Their departure was announced to panellists in recent weeks with those in Clare camogie circles very surprised by the announcement. The outgoing management were not present at the medal presentation to honour the county and provincial success in Hotel Woodstock last Saturday. A spokesperson for Scariff/Ogonnelloe camogie club said the outgoing management were “unable to commit” to remain on for 2022. "To say they went the extra yard for the players and the club is an understatement. The commitment, work ethic, attention to detail and drive shown by the management team was reflected by the players on the pitch". Across the senior scene in Clare, there are plenty of new management teams in place. Three-time senior championship winning manager, Eugene Foudy has departed his role in Inagh/Kilnamona, he has since joined the county management. Newmarket-on-Fergus are also adapting to change with Brian Enright stepping down as manager along with members of his coaching ticket. Without a win in the past two seasons, St Joseph’s Doora/Barefield have a new management in place, Martin Moloney and Munster SFC winner Kieran O’Neill are in charge succeeding the team which included current county senior selector Ann Marie McGann. PICTURED: David Sullivan Photo ©INPHO/Ryan Byrne
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pg 26
MUNSTER U20 FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP, QUARTER FINAL: CLARE 3-15 TIPPERARY 2-06 AT HENNESSY PARK, MILTOWN MALBAY
Kingdom come as Clare reach semis CLARE: Frees For: 20 (13/7) Wides: 12(8/4) 45’s: 1 Cards: None
TIPPERARY: Frees for: 14 (9/5) Wides: 4 (1/3) 45’s: O Cards: Tadhg Condon (Red, 62) REFEREE: Nicky Barry (Waterford)
U20 MUNSTER
SCAN HERE FOR MATCH REPORT
HURLING
CHAMPIONSHIP
ROUND 2
MICHAEL NEYLON, CLARE U20 MANAGER:
“There is loads of room for improvement and we all know that as we get ready for next week” “The guys targeted the first five to ten minutes of the second half and they really went at it and made it count. They really put the game beyond Tipperary. We all know that it’s very difficult to travel away from home and play against all the odds. The guys put Tipperary to bed ten minutes into the second half ”. “Our tally of 3-15 is a big score but we are concerned about some of the ones we didn’t get. We know next week we will need every single one of them and the decision making will have to be really good up front. That Tipperary team played in the Munster final last year and they retained eight of those players. We felt they were a bit more experienced than us coming into the game but we kept saying during the week it would come down to work and our guys did the work tonight to get them over the line. “Kerry are one of the best teams in the country. All of us have been playing challenge games up and down the country for the last three months and everybody knows who has beaten who and Kerry are noted as one of the best teams that are out there at the moment. “We have it all to do but tonight was about earning the opportunity to go and have a cut at Kerry next week. We are really looking forward to that now and Clare joint captain Fionn Kelleher gets away from Sean Daly Photo: Natasha Barton from this minute on that is what we are focussing on.”
VS
SCAN HERE FOR MATCH REPORT
MUNSTER MINOR HURLING CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND 2 TIPPERARY 2-13 CLARE 0-13 AT SEMPLE STADIUM, THURLES
ClareCup round-up KILMALEY ONLY UNBEATEN SIDE IN TOP TIER SCAN HERE FOR FULL ROUND-UP
CLARE: Frees For: 16 (4/12) Wides: 8 (5/3) Scores from Play: 0-8 Spread of Scorers: 7 Top Scorer: Cian Neylon (0-4) Own Puck-Outs won: 30 from 39 (79%)
TIPPERARY: Frees For: 14 (8/6) Wides: 9 (6/3) Scores from Play: 2-6 Spread of Scorers: 5 Top Scorer: Damien Corbett (0-9) Own Puck-Outs won: 14 from 21 (67%)
SCAN HERE FOR MATCH REPORT
REFEREE: Nicky Barry (Waterford)
Compiled by Eoin Brennan
JAMES WOODLOCK, TIPPERARY MINOR HURLING MANAGER:
Colin Lynch addressing the Kilmaley panel
Burren Eye Photography
Coughlan's minors set for opener AFTER three months of preparation including challenges against Galway, Dublin, Wicklow, Sligo and Westmeath, the Munster minor football championship begins for Clare this Thursday when they entertain Waterford at the Wolfe Tones GAA grounds in Shannon (throw in 7pm), writes Seamus Hayes. This is the first of three outings on successive Thursday evenings at the end of which the top two in the group will contest the phase 1 final with a place in the Munster semi-final against either Kerry or Cork awaiting the winners. Rathkeale will be the venue on Thursday next for Clare’s meeting with Limerick and a week later the Banner will entertain Tipperary at a venue TBC. Ten clubs are represented in the starting 15 named by manager Dermot Coughlan and his backroom team for the clash with Waterford. It includes just two survivors from last year in Sean McMahon from the Banner who captains this year’s team and Conor Fennell from Kilrush, this year’s vice captain. Sean Conneally from Ennistymon [broken leg] and Jamie Moylan [hamstring] were both ruled out due to injury. “Preparations have gone well. It’s a new group this year with just two survivors from last season”, Coughlan said. He is joined in the backroom by Sean Haugh
(O’Currys), T.J. Carey (Liscannor), Jim Conlan (Clondegad), Martin Cahill (Kilmurry Ibrickane), Peter O’Dwyer (Kilmurry-Ibrickane) who is the team’s goalkeeping coach, Aidan Slattery from Ennistymon who is the squad’s physio, Martin David (S&C) and Dermot Mahoney (video analysis). “We don’t know much about Waterford other than they have played challenges against Wexford and Wicklow. We are concentrating on ourselves and on producing a good performance”, Coughlan told The Clare Echo. Lissycasey provide four starters, Kilrush Shamrocks and Kilmurry Ibrickane have two each while Éire Óg Wolfe Tones, Banner, St. Josephs Doora/ Barefield, Cooraclare, Clondegad and Ennistymon each have one. Clare team to face Waterford; Cian Howard (Éire Óg); Michael Kelly (Lissycasey), Daire Hill (Lissycasey), Niall Fitzgerald(Wolfe Tones); Sean McMahon (Banner) Captain, Paddy Nagle (St. Josephs, Doora/Barefield), Jake Garry (Cooraclare); Evan Cahill (Kilmurry Ibrickane), Tadhg Lysaght (Kilrush); Colm Meaney (Clondegad), Darren Keane (Lissycasey), Mark Kelleher (Ennistymon); Dara Killeen (Lissycasey) Conor Fennell (Kilrush), Cathal Talty (Kilmurry Ibrickane); Subs; Conor O’Neill (St. Breckans), Gavin O’Shea (Doonbeg), Paudiie Considine (Ennistymon), Colin O’Riordan (Wolfe Tones), Caden Deegan (Banner), Jack Kelleher (Killimer), Ronan McElroe (Banner), Padraig O’’Dwyer (St. Breckans), Keelan O’Donoghue (Cratloe); Extended panel: Josh Daniels (Lissycasey), Mufana Flynn (Banner), Conor Kearney (Kilmurry Ibrickane), Lorcan Doolin (Ballyvaughan), Conor Griffin (Claerecastle), Jamie Moylan (Cratloe) and Sean Conneally (Ennistymon).
“We’re delighted with the performance overall. We were under a small bit of pressure coming into tonight’s match having won last week against Waterford as Clare had gotten the chance to have a look at us but I thought the boys really applied themselves well in the second half. “To raise two green flags was really pleasing and ultimately we dominated the second half and could have got more scores but that was needed as the first half was unacceptable and not up to our usual standards. “That said, Clare had their homework done on us and really applied a lot of pressure early on so we’re just happy to come out with the win. It was a low-scoring game, you wouldn’t win too many championship matches with 2-13 but the conditions were tough out there so hopefully we can im-prove as the weather does in the next few weeks. That’s two from two now and a huge confidence boost at home ahead of the semi-finals in a few week’s time”. BRIAN O’CONNELL, CLARE MINOR HURLING MANAGER:
“It’s disappointing, I thought we were the better team in the first half to be honest and could have added on a few more points to settle the nerves a little bit more. But we found it half to recover from those those killer blows in quick succession at the start of the second half. Those goals really knocked the wind out of the lads and by the time they realised that they were still in the game, Tipp got very defensive knowing that we needed a goal...It’s always fine margins in games like this that decide contests and that’s the way you want it as the bottom line is to be competitive against every opponent you face. “We probably tried to force a goal too but it’s a learning curve for these lads and we can take a lot of positives from the match as we showed a lot of character. We can’t afford to lick our wounds either as we have a game again next Tuesday night that we need to get ready for again so hosting Waterford in the ‘Bridge should be a good experience for us. “If you win that, you finish second in the group which would make a big difference who you face in the quarter-finals so obviously we want to win and hopefully we will”.
pg 27
14-04-22 Colm Collins will be aiming for a run in Munster
Lessonsfromtheleague Head of News & Sport Páraic McMahon takes a look at learnings from Clare’s National Football league campaign climatising to the carrot and stick approach. The UL student is very reliable when it comes to notching points from distance, a rarity in football today but it appears management want the Kildysart man to up his workrate substantially if he is to become a starting player. His inclusion on the Higher Education team of the year for his Sigerson Cup displays are proof of his talent, Clare football now hopes he can grab the carrot!
Lost opportunities:
F
OR the record, Clare finished in fifth spot in Division 2 with two wins, two draws and three losses to their name. Cork and the relegated pairing of Offaly and Down finished in lower rankings with promotion secured by Roscommon and Galway while Derry and Meath also boasted better final standings.
Making the step up
Conceding six goals in seven games is not ideal but take a step back and factor in that Clare exhibited a new look full-back line for the majority of the National Football League (NFL) and it has a more positive glow to it. Making this shine even brighter is how Manus Doherty and Cillian Rouine both slotted in seamlessly when wearing number two and four respectively. Alan Sweeney in the half-back line had also established himself as a regular up until sustaining a shoulder injury. Players like Darragh McDonagh, Daniel Walsh, Ronan Lanigan, Dan Keating and Brian McNamara can count themselves unlucky not to have been more time on the pitch to try do likewise. (right) Manus Doherty Photo by John O’Neill
Injuries no excuse:
Two of Clare’s most experienced defenders, Kevin Harnett and Sean Collins missed the entire NFL, Podge Collins struggled with a hamstring, Cathal O’Connor missed outings with shoulder impacting on Sweeney and Darragh Bohannon. Still, there wasn’t a word of it from management who ploughed on and focused on blooding others who knew they had to grab the opportunity with both hands.
Kickouts kamikaze:
A recurring theme throughout the NFL for Clare was their love/ hate relationship with their own kickouts. When it worked, they dominated, a case in point being the draw with Roscommon when they physically bullied their Connacht counterparts in the air and on restarts, all changed utterly as the campaign wore on. 45, 60, 67, 74, 78, 79 and 88, they’re not suggestions for a Quick Pick in the Lotto but the percentages of own kickouts won by Clare in the 2022 NFL. Sorting this is key.
Collins’ challenge:
Management always throws up dilemmas. One of the issues facing Colm Collins is to help Jamie Malone rediscover his top form, the Corofin man had a quiet NFL from his standards and has ended up back in wing-back when he is far more effective at bursting through opposing defences when at wing-forward, that flair has not been burning as bright since his injury spell last year. The job for Collins & Co is to get the Dublin based teacher back to his best and the reward will certainly be worth it.
& stick:
Midfield meanderings:
Replacing Gary Brennan was never going to be easy. The preferred pairing now seems to be Cathal O’Connor and Darren O’Neill, injury may have prevented O’Connor from having a more influential role but his input needs to increase while O’Neill who is effective in the air also needs to contribute more from open play, he has the potential to open up defences and subsequently allow Clare’s shooters to hit the target. that can only be done by playing them so the mindset needs to shift from maintaining our status to going all out for promotion.
Loyal to the core:
Drawing away to Roscommon was heralded as a positive result but mainly by supporters who were not in Dr Hyde Park. It was a game that Clare bossed but failed to take the win home, they should have collected two points but had to settle for one, they followed this clash with three defeats on the bounce while the Rossies went on to be crowned Division 2 champions. A game can turn on a sixpence but for Clare this game is where their campaign turned in the wrong direction.
Worthy of mention is the genuine followers that get behind this county side. They represent the best of Clare GAA, they’ve no desire to latch onto controversies, instead they are Clare to the core, this ably demonstrated by the trip to Newry when there was little to play for, at a time of rising fuel costs, making the trek was the only option for the dedicated football folk.
Believing is achieving:
Find of the league:
Do Clare believe they are good enough to compete in the top tier of the NFL? The narrative around the county is that they would suffer weekly defeats against the big boys but until they genuinely back themselves when it comes to bringing down a giant, they are likely to stay in Division 2. Given how far the county has progressed in football terms, being in Division 2 is not the end of the world but it is standing still which their manager has famously said is the same as going backwards. To be the best, you need to beat the best,
He’s an established player having made his championship debut in 2018 but the Cillian Brennan of 2022 is demonstrating leadership capabilities that he hasn’t previously brought to the fore. Question marks surrounded his displays in years gone by but the Clondegad defender has put in his best NFL campaign to date in the county colours and is going from strength to strength. (above inset) Cillian Brennan Photo by John O’Neill
Through his ponytail, Cian O’Dea automatically garners attention. When it comes to football, he has been Clare’s most consistent player in the past three seasons and if a team of the province was to be picked, he would certainly be among the six best backs. The Kilfenora man knows when to drop the blade and when to win a free, he also leads the way on the counter-attack which when done right was the main source of scores during the 2022 NFL. Eoin Cleary once again chipped in with outstanding scores at the other end of field and like any proper captain is showing high levels of maturity.
Parting Shot:
Silence descended from the Clare camp for two of the final three NFL games as part of the GPA ‘media ban’. Without raising a hand to become Communications Adviser to the GPA, a far more better way of making a stand and getting a message out would be to boycott the games, that would bring matters to a head fairly lively rather than a decision not to give a few soundbites to the media. Use the media to get the message out, better that than the sound of silence.
Where to now?
Carrot
Emerging talent programmes may have been a concept within soccer circles in Clare for well over a decade but it is something that Collins has lapped up. Young recruits are brought in up to two years before their planned involvement and they are put on S&C and nutrition programmes. Emmet McMahon is one of the graduates of the Collins scheme and is now ac-
Player of the league:
Jamie Malone has struggled to regain his top form
Photo by Gerard O’Neill
Clare face Limerick in the Munster SFC and are well capable of mounting a run to the provincial final. Look past Billy Lee’s Limerick at your peril though. There’s less drama already on the Clare side of the draw, far away hills are greener or the ‘Castles on the Hill’ that Ed Sheeran sings about may be creating more talk for the Cork v Kerry clash but ‘thinking out loud’ that will suit Clare who would only love to go in under the radar. For that to happen, kickouts must improve, scoring rates must sharpen up and the glimpse of their counter-attacking strengths must come to bear more often.
14-04-22
pg 28
Avenue lose ground in title race by SEAMUS HAYES
MISSED CHANCES COSTLY FOR ENNIS TOWN
ITLE holders Newmarket Celtic A continued their drive to retain the Premier Division title with victory over Lifford on Sunday. This latest win has moved them four points clear of their nearest challengers Avenue United A who have a game in hand on the champions. The Ennis side surprisingly dropped points when they were held to a draw on Sporting Ennistymon, a result that may well have a big part to play in the destination of this year’s title. DRAW MAY PROVE COSTLY
Midfielder Rachid Alallah scored the decisive goal as Shannon Olympic accounted for Ennis Town in this Premier Division tie on Sunday Ennis created the greater number of scoring chances but failed to convert.
T
Ennis Town 0 Shannon Olympic 1
Shannon Olympic: Zsolt Lagos; Benjamin Cantillon, Rob Clair, Dan Clair, Pa Madden; Piotr Kaluzza, Sean McDonald, Ciaran Keane. Ryan Kelly, Ray Quigley, Declan McDonald; Subs; Rachid Amallah for Quigley; Ennis Town: Aidan Jordan; Sean Perril, Declan Ensko, Jason Cussen, Emmanuel Ikiebui; Jashar Aliu, Lee Clohessy, Peter O’Brien, Joe Campbell, Dean Coughlan, Robbie Gormley; Subs; Paddy Bugler for O’Brien; Graham Callinan for Ensko; Mikey Mongans for Gormley
SHANNON TOWN ON TOP IN LOCAL DERBY
Avenue United A 1 Sporting Ennistymon 1 Venue: Roslevan
Avenue United A suffered a setback in their challenge for the premier league title when they were held to a draw by Sporting Ennistymon on Sunday. The popular view is that the destination of the title rests between Avenue and the holders Newmarket Celtic and while it is possible for Avenue to win the title, another slip up could prove very costly. Playing with the aid of the breeze, Avenue took the lead when Mark Roche found the net from the penalty spot. Sporting Ennistsymon came close to equalising but Sean McConigley’s header struck the post. Soon afterwards McConigley had the sides level when he finished following a header from Nna Nneji. The visitors continued to cause problems for the home side and came close to taking the lead on a few occasions. Soon after the break the North Clare outfit failed to capitalise on a great opportunity but Nna Nneji saw his effort cleared off the goal line by Cullen McCabe. At the other end Eoghan Thynne failed the hit the target from close range. The visitors were reduced to ten men when Jamesy McConigley was sent off for a second bookable offence. The game was deep in injury time when the home side was presented with a golden opportunity to take all three points when they were awarded a second penalty, a decision that clearly annoyed the visitors. However Mark Roche failed to hit the target and a share of the spoils was the outcome.
Avenue United A: James Tierney; Cullen McCabe, Conor Hehir, Dylan Casey, Shane Browne; Stephen Jordan, Mickey Dinan, Alan Roche, Mark Roche; Elias Kunz, Tomas
Shannon Hibs A 1 Shannon Town A 3 Venue: Riverside Park, Shannon
Shannon Town scorer Jack Ryan on the attack Photo by Joe Buckley Hehir. Subs: Eoghan Thynne for Dinan, Philip Talty for Jordan, Dylan Barry for Browne. Sporting Ennistymon: Jared Gutherless; Joe Gallagher, Ciaran Monaghan, Jamesy McConigley, Jack O’Dea; Darren McNamara, Cathal McConigley, Nna Nneji, Michael Leigh, Shane Kearney; Sean McConigley. Subs: Thierry Boutan for Gallagher, Mattie Crowe for C McConigley.
CHAMPIONS GO MARCHING ON Lifford 0 Newmarket Celtic A 3 Venue: Cassidy Park, Drumcliffe
A galeforce wind caused problems for the teams in this tie played at Cassidy Park on Sunday. Newmarket played against it in the opening half but managed to take the lead just before the half time whistle through David McCarthy. After the break the visitors piled on the pressure and kept the home side on their line and they eventually conceded with McCarthy scoring his and Newmarket’s second of the day. Goalkeeper Shane Cusack got on the scoresheet when his long range free kick dipped over Rhys Phillips in the Lifford goal.
Newmarket Celtic A: Shane Cusack; David O’Gready Darren Cullinan; Paddy Purcell, Stephen Kelly; Alan Kelly, David McCarthy, Conor McDaid, Daithi O’Connell, Eoin Hayes, Ronan McCoemack; Subs; Ciaran McCoy for S. Kelly; Eoin Kelly for McCormack, Gearoid O’Brien for McCarthy. Lifford: Rhys Phillips; Dan Daly, Keith Shea, Ethan Cronin, Darragh Kerins Nathan Rezende, John Keogh, Eoin Monaghan, Guillermo, Paul Martin, Eddie Killeen; Subs: Mattie Davenport for Keogh; Jean Ganda for Cronin; Gary McNaboe for Guillermo; Zack Guilfoyle for Rezende; Darragh Madigan for Killeen
Shannon Town A won this local derby premier league tie in Shannon on Sunday with goals from Jack Ryan and two own goals, both deflected off Stephen Tuohy. The winners were 1-0 in front at half time. Billy Connors was the goalscorer for Shannon Hibs. Shannon Hibs: Damian Casey; Ciaran McKee, Bobby O’Connell, Stephen Tuohy Julian Woods; Darragh McDade, Pa Devanney, Jack Hannah, Stephen McInerney, Gary Leahy, Billy Connors; Subs: Adam Ryan for McKee; Mikey Wall for McInerney; Thomas McDade for Woods; Zygge Wall for Hannah Shannon Town A; Darren Whelan; Cody Waller, Darren Griffin, Colum Treacy, Fionn McInerney; Brian Monaghan, Jack Kelly, Gary O’Connell, Kieran Hackett, Jack Ryan, Colin Scanlan; Subs; Ben O’Neill for Hackett; Liam Boland for O’Connell; Aaron Kelly for Waller; Christopher Dunning for Scanlan.
CUP ACTION There are three games down for decision on Wednesday evening next, April 20, in the race for the Banner Flooring & Carpets Clare Cup title. The prize for the winners of the Mountshannon v Ennis Town game is a quarter final date with Avenue United A and Ennis Town will carry the favourites tag to advance to a meeting with their Ennis neighbours. Kilkishen Celtic and Sporting Ennistymon meet with cup holders Newmarket Celtic A awaiting the winners in the last eight. The North Clare side are fancied to make it through to face the champions. Bridge United A carry the favourites tag when they travel to play Shannon Town B with Shannon Hibs awaiting the winners.
Winter league win for Walsh, Canny, Finnucane & Healy by SEAMUS HAYES
DROMOLAND GOLF CLUB: The presentation of the Winter league prizes will take place at 7.30pm on Tuesday next, April 19 in the clubhouse. The winners were Joe Walsh, John Canny, Enda Finnucane and Robert Healy. Runners up were David O’Brien, Maurice Lynch, Willie Fuller and Con Ryan while third spot was filled by Brian Arthur, Oisin Casey, Con Woods (club president) and Philip Hehir. Paul English, Niall Cannon, Liam Moloney and Jimmy Neville tied for fourth spot with Eanna McMahon, Ryan Enright, John O’Neill and Barry Farrell. The Dromoland Claret Jug matchplay 2022
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commences on Sunday, May 1. The draw will take place on April 30. Last weekend’s 18 hole stroke play competition was won by John Canny with 67 from David O’Brien with 68 and Eanna McMahon with 69. Cathal Ruane won the gross with 73 while the high handicap section was won by Shane Ryan with 69. Siobhan Fitzpatrick won the ladies 9 hole stableford competition with 20 points while the ladies 18 hole Easter egg competition was won by Siobhan Doohan with 39 points from Geraldine Ryan with 38 and Joan Ryan, also with 38.
LAHINCH GOLF CLUB: Lahinch Golf Club will be running Easter
Junior Golf Camps commencing on Monday April 18. The morning camp (9.30am to 12.30pm) is reserved for children aged between 8 and 10 years old while the afternoon camp (2.00pm to 5.00pm) will cater children aged between 11 and 14 years old. Registration is now open for junior members and children/grandchildren of members to book. The camps will be hosted by PGA professional, Shane Carey
KILRUSH GOLF CLUB: Noel Thornton (17) was the winner of the men’s singles at Kilrush at the weekend with 37 points. He had one to spare over Sean Finnucane (23) with Ronal Nagle (15), also with 36 points, in third spot followed by Matt Fitzpatrick (22) with 35 points. The winner of last week’s ladies singles competition was Anne Brennan (12) with 29 points. EAST CLARE GOLF CLUB: Last week’s men’s seniors competition at East Clare was won by a team comprising Danny Minogue, Seamus Mason and Nick Obolewicz from Kevin Wallis, Eamon Goode and Jim Bradley with third spot filled by Terry Coughlan, Tom Larkin and Brian Corry. East Clare Ladies Club will host an Easter open team of three event from Good Friday to Easter Monday in association with Derg Credit Union. This event is open to Ladies, Men and mixed teams. There is a reduced rate on re-entry. Visitors can phone 061-921322 to book a tee time. WOODSTOCK GOLF CLUB: Last weekend’s club singles at Woodstock was won by Gerry Walsh (27) with 46 points from Tyrone Kearse (14) with 42 points. Jason Con-
sidine (2) won the gross with 33 points while the category winners were Ken Horgan (10) with 40 points, Ronan Horgan (15) with 38 points and Vincent O’Grady (40) with 41 points. The competition this weekend will be a club singles while there will be a team of four scramble on Bank holiday Monday. Entries are now been taken for the Westgate Motor Factors scotch foursomes matchplay for 2022. The closing date for entries is Monday April 25 at 5p.m. This week’s seniors scramble was won by Leo Quinlan, Eugene Morrisrow and David Rigney with 50 points.
GORT GOLF CLUB: Barry Quinn (23) was the winner of the Gort Masters open 18 hole singles, sponsored by Gort Road Tyres, Ennis last weekend with 43 points. The category 3 winner was Ben Geoghegan (29) with 43 points while David Callinan (5) won the gross with 31 points. In the ladies competition on Sunday for the subscription stakes, Marion Ruane (29) won the 18 hole stroke event with 71 from Roisin Walsh (22) with 74 with third spot filled by Petra O’Connor (21) 74 while the gross was won by Hannah McInerney (9) with 91. CRATLOE GAA Cratloe GAA will hold a golf classic on this Thursday and Friday April 14 and 15 at Shannon. A limited number of tee times are still available for the team of 4 modified scramble and the team fee of €280 includes dinner in the golf club. The presentation of prizes will take place at Setrights.
pg 29
14-04-22
ENNIS CBS FIGHT TO BITTER END
William Rigney presents a trophy to John Quinn after Fast Fit Paddy won the SPK Open 600 Final. Also pictured is Declan Mc Donagh, trainer, along with supporters
First classic winner for Liscannor’s McDonagh by MICHAEL MAHER
THE Final of the Shelbourne Open 600 at Shelbourne Park on Saturday night last was the main focus of attention for greyhound people over last weekend. Followers of the game were treated to another brilliant performance by the Declan McDonagh of Liscannor trained Fast Fit Paddy as he posted one of the great runs in the €15,000 to the winner classic. A model of consistency through his first full season in 2021, it was always evident that the John Quinn of Gort owned was fast enough to challenge at the highest level but he returned in 2022 a different dog. That was certainly on show at Shelbourne Park on Saturday as he saw off a top-class field with ruthless efficiency and real brilliance. Despite the emphasis on stamina, the run to the corner was always going to be of real importance. Fast Fit Paddy broke smartly from trap two but Hello Hammond was virtually upsides into the corner. As they hit the line on the run to the bend, only inches separated the pair with Fast Fit Paddy just in front. Although he was headed on the turn by the advancing Kilkenny Santy. Fast Fit Paddy, who had the inside line, slipped around in front. it was already clear that Fast Fit Paddy was going to take some stopping. And by halfway had increased his advantage to almost four lengths and he continued to pile on the pressure a one-dog affair. Fast Fit Paddy was striding out like a greyhound at the very peak of his powers on his way to the biggest success of his career to date. Crossing the line in 31.96, he became just the third greyhound in history to dip under 32 seconds for the testing 600 yard trip. It was Thursday and Saturday racing last weekend at Galway Greyhound Stadium due to the Connacht versus Leinster Champions Cup game on Friday night with the concluding A2 graded 525 yards contest the feature of the night. In the A3 graded eighth contest Financial Giant was away smartly as usual and set a fair tempo to beyond the halfway point where the pack began to close on the early paced leader. Approaching the third bend Financial Giant still held the call but Poles Apart now began to move up on the leaders outside to join issue. Off the home bend Poles Apart struck the front and the John Maloney of Clarecastle owned daughter of Coolavanny
Jap and Ciss Baby kicked clear to score by a length and a half in 29.29. In the A3 seventh contest Mollrose King and Astro Podge were both away well with Derryoyle Pat prominent out wide racing towards the opening bend. Rounding the bend, Astro Podge took a definite advantage along the rails and tracking well around the opening two bends the Madden-Pepper Syndicate of Feakle owned runner set sail for home down the back straight. Striding out well the son of Ballymac Best and Dynamic Cool Sky led by three lengths leaving the back straight and that advantage became four lengths at the lime for the Donie Duggan of Tulla trained runner in 29.41 . In the early strides of race 2 in this N2 Sprint contest Cillowen Radar showed the way to Oaktree Rover along the inner and approaching the opening bend the pair were three lengths clear of their rivals. Rounding the bend Cillowen Radar ran quote wide allowing Oaktree Radar to strike the front rounding the home turn but on the run the George Gallery of Rockmount, Ennis owned Cillowen Radar came again to lead close home and prevail by a neck in 19.20. In the second Semi Final of the Ann Cheevers Memorial Stake on Saturday nights card Lissatouk Peggy was away quite smartly in the centre of the track and racing towards the opening bend the James McMahon of Cooraclare owned lady led Orbsen Jet and Lexis Cleo by two lengths . Tracking well the leader led her rivals by over three lengths entering the back straight and at halfway she had them on the stretch. Approaching the home bend the pack began to close but on the run in Lissatouk Peggy dug deep to see off the challenge of Mr Quiz Answer and Lexis Clea by a length in 29.24. At the Limerick track on Saturday night April 9th spectators were treated to some scintillating performances in round two of the Con and Ann Kirby Memorial Stake. Heat winners included Ballymore Border (28.35) who is owned by Una O’Sullivan form Kildare who has strong Labasheeda connections and Lenson on Ice (28.66) who is jointly owned by Doolin native Austin Whelan. The second race on the card went to Ganja Gun for Paddy Conlon from Cooraclare and John Meehan from Newmarket-on-Fergus, a son of SH Avatar and Killinan Reina, he ran on strongly to record a fourth career success in 28.88.
AN ALREADY depleted Ennis CBS Division 4 side travelled to Thurles last Wednesday, with the added complication of the in-form Pat McCagh being recently ruled out. As such, the team had four players in tow. Jonathan Rabaey was once more at the top of the order, facing the experienced Martin Gleeson of Thurles. The young Ennis man was impressive in his left-side rallying, soaking up Gleeson’s tight drives and showing no little skill in his touch-play. The first game fell to Gleeson and he kept his intensity to double that lead with some precise killing. Rabaey remained competitive all through, with some lovely drop-kills thrown into the mix, but the Thurles man kept his own focus for the win. Denis Meehan returned for the CBS with the opposition being provided by Liam Maher in the number two match. The two players know each other well from previous encounters and there was high intensity on show. Both men hit a collection of superb boast-kills in the first game, delivered with real power to go with the placement. Meehan held the upper hand as he reached double figures but Maher’s deep approaches enabled him to overhaul the CBS man on a knife-edge 15-13
scoreline. The Thurles man took the second, albeit not without Meehan being within a couple of points at the end. The final game saw the CBS man redouble his efforts, alternating between tight power and dying boasts to take a material lead in the game. However, Maher once more came with a late burst to agonizingly pip Meehan and claim a 3-0 win that did scant justice to the CBS man’s sterling efforts. Freddie De Souza continued his Division 4 education with a match against Thurles’ Eoin Brislane. Both men place the accent on extreme power and it was a match of sustained rallying from the back wall. De Souza’s overhead volleying proved to be an effective weapon with some terrific kills under pressure. However, Brislane’s excellent intensity and pace around the court was enough to take the first 1510. Into the second, the CBS man kept his standard up with good driving down both sides under ferocious strain from the blistering drives of the Thurles man. Brislane took the second and continued on in that vein with good court coverage and power to take the win. Freddie De Souza nevertheless gave an excellent account of himself and is building a bank of matchplay knowledge. At number four, Colm Mur-
Semi-Finals this Saturday! EASTER CELEBRATIONS
phy faced a reprise of his first leg match with Thurles’ John Keane. Having been comprehensively outplayed in Ennis, Murphy was determined to improve his frontcourt game to try to close the gap. Initially, Keane continued on where he left off with some powerful driving to lead 7-0. Gaining ‘hand-out’, Murphy then consistently served soft, high ball dropping at the back wall to force defensive boasts that he killed well. Reaching the business end at 11-11, a close-range drive that cannoned off the ‘tin’ gave the initiative back to Keane and the Thurles man took it 15-13. The next two game followed a similar template – early dominance by Keane, patiently pegged back by Murphy to leave games finely poised at the death. . . But the Thurles man’s superior fitness was crucial as his boasts often bested Murphy and Keane himself had that ‘last yard’ to overturn a clutch of would-be winning rallies for the CBS man. While Ennis CBS are perhaps missing the one or two high-grade leaders at the top of the order to be competitive, this campaign has given valuable experience to players which may whet their appetite for the Autumn when hopefully Munster Squash will be fully back to pre-pandemic levels of participation.
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OBITUARIES
THURSDAY, APR 14 2022
Anniversary Recent Deaths
BERNIE MC DONAGH AND SON PAT MC DONAGH 2ND AND 1ST ANNIVERSARY To My Loving husband Bernie Mc Donagh and Son Pat Mc Donagh on your 2nd and 1st Anniversaries In Memory It broke our hearts to lose you, But you did not go alone. A part of use went with you, The day God took you home. If tears could build a stairway, And heartaches make a lane, We’d walk our way to heaven, And bring you back again. In life we loved you dearly, In death we love you still, in our hearts you hold a place no one could ever fill. FROM YOUR LOVING MOTHER AND WIFE ELLIE AND FAMILY I still cry I cried when you passed away, I still cry today, Although I loved you dearly, I couldn’t make you stay. Your golden heart stopped beating. We laid you down to rest, God broke my heart to prove, That He only takes the best. FROM MAUREEN PADDY AND FAMILY You never said I’m leaving You never said goodbye. You were gone before I knew it, And only Gold knew why. A million times I needed you, A million times I cried. If love alone could have saved you, You never would have died. In life I loved you dearly, In death I love you still. In my heart you hold a place, That no one could ever fill. It broke my heart to lose you, But you didn’t go alone, For part of me went with you, The day God took you home. FROM MARTIN, KATHY AND FAMILY Your life was a blessing, Your memory a treasure, You are loved beyond words, And missed beyond measure, Your resting place I visit, And there I kneel and pray, But no one knows the sorrow, as I turn and walk away. FROM HELEN, NEDDY, JOHN AND BERNIE Remembering you is easy, We do it every day, Missing you is a heartache, That never goes away, You left me with a beautiful memory, Your love is still my guide and though I cannot see you, You’re walking by my side. FROM PATRICK, HELEN AND FAMILY No one knows how much we miss you, No one knows the bitter pain we have suffered since we lost your life has never been the same In our hearts your memory lingers, sweet, tender, found and true, There is not a day, dear loved ones that we do not think of you. FROM JOHN, LIZZY AND FAMILY
Gibbons Denihan, Joan Shannon, Clare Date of Death: Tuesday, 12th April 2022
Daffy (née O’Hagan), Pauline Fair Lane, Corofin, Clare Date of Death: Saturday, 9th April 2022
Sasman, Loren Cronan Park, Shannon, Clare Date of Death: Friday, 8th April 2022
McInerney, William (Bill) Commons, Carron, Clare / Corbally, Limerick Date of Death: Tuesday, 12th April 2022
Maloney, Martin Lissynealon, Mullagh, Clare Date of Death: Saturday, 9th April 2022
O’Callaghan (née Franklin), Joan Ballinfonta, Cratloe, Clare / Limerick Date of Death: Friday, 8th April 2022
Moran (née Joyce), Mary Drumgeely Hill, Shannon, Clare Date of Death: Tuesday, 12th April 2022
Ryan (née O’Brien), Patricia Ardlea Road, Ennis, Clare / Nenagh, Tipperary Date of Death: Saturday, 9th April 2022
O’Neill (née Cunningham), Joan Deerpark, Sixmilebridge, Clare / Kilmihil, Clare Date of Death: Friday, 8th April 2022
Ludden, Joe Park View, Clarecastle, Clare Date of Death: Monday, 11th April 2022
Halpin (née O’Grady), Anastasia (Stasia) Limerick Rd., Newmarket-on-Fergus, Clare / Murroe, Limerick Date of Death: Friday, 8th April 2022
McCarthy, PJ Killernan, Miltown Malbay, Clare Date of Death: Monday, 11th April 2022 Bohannon, Francis Cappanavarnogue, Kildysart, Clare Date of Death: Sunday, 10th April 2022 Collins (née Carey), Kitty Leitrim, Cree, Clare / Kilmihil, Clare Date of Death: Sunday, 10th April 2022
Galvin (née Coyne), Barbara Lisdeen, Kilkee, Clare / Lettermore, Galway Date of Death: Friday, 8th April 2022 O’Rourke, Brian Magherabawn, Feakle, Clare / Galway / Stradbally, Laois Date of Death: Friday, 8th April 2022 Vaughan, Michael Barrtra, Lahinch, Clare Date of Death: Friday, 8th April 2022
Torpey, Caroline Wolfe Tone Street, Limerick City, Limerick / Killaloe, Clare Date of Death: Saturday, 9th April 2022
Collins (née Foley), Margaret Golf Links Road, Castletroy, Limerick / Kilkee, Clare Date of Death: Friday, 8th April 2022
Hillery (née McMahon), Moira Spanish Point, Miltown Malbay, Clare Date of Death: Saturday, 9th April 2022
Mangan (née Horan), Bridie Ashview, Tulla rd., Roslevan, Ennis, / Doora, Clare Date of Death: Friday, 8th April 2022
Maher, Liam Ballycasey More, Shannon, Clare Date of Death: Thurday, 7th April 2022 Julian, Patrick Joseph (Paddy) Caherfeenick, Cree, Clare Date of Death: Thursday, 7th April 2022 O’Hehir, Hugh Bayside, Dublin / Ballynacally, Clare Date of Death: Thursday, 7th April 2022 Drysdale (née Scanlon), Anne Tullyvarraga Hill, Shannon, Clare Date of Death: Thursday, 7th April 2022 Flannery, Mick Soorney Sixmilebridge, Clare Date of Death: Thursday, 7th April 2022 Maguire (née Shannon), Catherine Ballyvraneen, Ennistymon, Clare Date of Death: Thursday, 7th April 2022 Callinan, Maude Carrigoran House, Newmarket-onFergus, Clare / Caherdavin, Limerick Date of Death: Wednesday, 6th April 2022
Thanksgiving prayer Thanksgiving Prayer to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. St. Anthony for favours granted due for accommodation granted. Sacred Heart of Jesus I trust in you always. Thank You
PLANNING
THURSDAY, APR 14 2022 CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL FURTHER INFORMATION – NATURA IMPACT STATEMENT Planning Ref: P21900 Date planning application Received: 26th August 2021 Development Description: Permission for six glamping pods, toilet block, car parking area, vehicular access, wastewater treatment plant, and ancillary site work Location of Development: Take notice that following a requirement of the Planning Authority, Elaine and Patrick Scanlon will be lodging a Natura Impact Statement (NIS) in respect of planning application P21-900. This NIS will be available for inspection or purchase, at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the Planning Authority of Clare County Council, Áras Contae an Chláir, New Road, Ennis, Co. Clare during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the NIS may be made in writing to the Authority on payment of the prescribed fee €20.00 within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the Authority of the Natura Impact Statement and a copy of this public notice. CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL MULLAGH VILLAGE, CO. CLARE Take notice that J. Sexton intends to apply to the Planning Authority for permission to convert existing ground floor storage area to living accommodation at the above address. The Planning Application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee, €20, within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application and such submissions or observations will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions or may refuse to grant permission. CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL BALLYMACLINAUN, LISCANNOR, CO. CLARE Take notice that Caroline Mantle and Adrian O Driscoll intend to apply for planning permission to build a new dwelling, install a wastewater treatment system & all other associated
site and ancillary works at the above address. The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority, during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the authority on payment of the prescribed fee of €20.00, within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application. CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL DEHOMAD, LISSYCASEY, CO. CLARE Take notice that Lissycasey Cascades & Historical Committee intend to apply to Clare County Council for planning permission for the installation of a waterless toilet and the removal of a miniature ‘crannog’ replica and associated site works at the above address. The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority, Clare County Council, Aras an Chláir, New Road, Ennis, Co. Clare during its public opening hours and that a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on the payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application. CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL 148 FINIAN PARK, SHANNON, CO. CLARE Take Notice that We Billy & Joanne Shanahan intend to apply to Clare County Council for Permission for the Construction of a single storey extension to rear of existing dwelling to include Dining/ Living Area & Single storey extension to Front of Dwelling to Include porch and bay window, including internal modifications & elevational changes to existing dwelling. Permission is also sought for the relocation of existing front gate to facilitate installation of wheelchair ramp & for demolition of existing rear toilet extension & rear lean-to covered terrace & out-buildings, including ancillary site works at above address. The Planning Application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the offices of the Planning Authority of Clare County Council, Planning Department, Áras Contae an Chláir, New Road, Ennis, Co. Clare during its public opening hours. A submission or Observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee of €20 within
the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application. CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL FEENAGH, SIXMILEBRIDGE, CO. CLARE Take Notice that I, James O Neill intend to apply to Clare County Council for Permission for the Construction of a Dwelling House, wastewater treatment system and new entrance including ancillary site works at above address. The Planning Application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the offices of the Planning Authority of Clare County Council, Planning Department, Aras Contae an Chláir, New Road, Ennis, Co. Clare during its public opening hours. A submission or Observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee of €20 within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application. CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL 54 KILNASOOLAGH PARK, NEWMARKETON – FERGUS, CO. CLARE V95R6Y8 Take Notice that We, Shane & Claire Dowling intend to apply to Clare County Council for Permission for the construction of an extension to existing dwelling to comprise Bathroom & Utility including ancillary site works at above address. The Planning Application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the offices of the Planning Authority of Clare County Council, Planning Department, Aras Contae an Chláir, New Road, Ennis, Co. Clare during its public opening hours. A submission or Observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee of €20 within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application. CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL BURRANE LOWER, KILLIMER, KILRUSH, CO. CLARE Take notice that Bryan Grogan & Orla Keane intend to apply to the planning authority for permission to construct a new dwelling house and garage complete with a new entrance, sewage treatment system and ancillary works at the above address. The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority, Clare County Council, Aras Contae an Chlair, New Road, Ennis
during its public opening hours and that a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the planning authority of the application. CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL FURTHER INFORMATION/ REVISED PLANS GLENDINE NORTH, MILTOWN MALBAY, CO. CLARE Planning Ref: P21/1332 Development Description: The construction of a new dwelling house and garage complete with a new entrance, sewage treatment system and ancillary works Location: Glendine North, Miltown Malbay, Co. Clare Take notice that Sean McMahon have lodged significant further information in respect of planning application P21/1332. This information and planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the Planning Authority of Clare County Council, Planning Department, Aras Contae an Chlair, New Road, Ennis, Co Clare during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the further information or revised plans may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee, not later than 2 weeks after the receipt of the newspaper notice and site notice by the planning authority or in the case of a planning application accompanied by an EIS within 5 weeks of receipt of such notices by the planning authority. CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL TOBERANIDDAUN, LISSYCASEY, ENNIS, CO. CLARE Take notice that Michelle O’Shea intends to apply to the planning authority for permission to construct a new dwelling house and garage complete with a new entrance, sewage treatment system and ancillary works at the above address. The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority, Clare County Council, Aras Contae an Chláir, New Road, Ennis during its public opening hours and that a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the planning authority of the application.
CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL 17 WOODSTOCK HILL, SHANAWAY ROAD, ENNIS, CO. CLARE Take notice that Brian and Laura Lyons are applying for planning permission to construct a private garden room to the rear of their existing private dwelling house, and private garage to the north of the house along with all associated site works at the above address. The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the offices of Clare County Council during its public opening hours and a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application. CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL BALLYASHEA, KILNAMONA, ENNIS, CO. CLARE Take notice that Richard Quinn & Rachel O’ Donnell are applying to Clare County Council for planning permission to construct a new dwelling house, access road, entrance, private garage and install a new wastewater treatment system along with all associated works at the above address. The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the offices of Clare County Council during its public opening hours and a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application. CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL FEAGH, CLARECASTLE, ENNIS, CO. CLARE Take notice that Claire Hogan intends to apply to the planning authority for retention permission for (a) a first-floor window on the Southeast Elevation of the existing house, (b) retain site entrance at its present location and (c) retain the existing stone clad boundary wall at the front of the site, at the above address. The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority, Clare County Council, Aras Contae an Chláir, New Road, Ennis during its public opening hours and that a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the
date of receipt by the planning authority of the application. CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL CILL STUIFÍN, SCHOOL ROAD, ATTYCRISTORA, LAHINCH, CO. CLARE Take notice that Brian Foudy & Associates Ltd of Osprey House, Carmody Street, Ennis, Co. Clare 065 6893565 www.foudyconsulting.ie. Intend to apply to the planning authority on behalf of John Talty Construction Ltd for permission to construct 8 No. dwellinghouses comprising of 6. No detached and 2.No. Semi-detached houses together with all associated site development works, wastewater pre-treatment and connections to public services at the above address. A Natura Impact Statement (NIS) has been prepared and accompanies this application. The planning application and Natura Impact Statement (NIS) may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application and Natura Impact Statement (NIS) may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application. CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL KNOCKALASSA, MILTOWN MALBAY, CO. CLARE Take notice that Brian Foudy & Associates Ltd of Osprey House, Carmody Street, Ennis, Co. Clare 065 6893565 www.foudyconsulting.ie. intend to apply to the planning authority on behalf of John Cleary for permission to, a) remove existing container, b) construct a dwelling house, c) upgrade existing wastewater treatment arrangement to an advanced W.W.T.S and tertiary filter d) connect to existing services together with all associated site development works and services at the above address. The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.
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CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL BALLYMARKAHAN, QUIN, CO. CLARE Take notice that Dermot Costello intends to apply for permission for development, the development consists of the construction of a slatted unit and associated site works at the above address. The planning application maybe inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the offices of the Planning Authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application. CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL GARRAUNATOOHA, KILRUSH, CO. CLARE Take notice that Michael Meehan intends to apply for permission for development, the development consists of the construction of a hayshed and associated site works at the above address. The planning application maybe inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the offices of the Planning Authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application. CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL BALLYBRACK, CLONLARA, CO. CLARE Take notice that Brian Foudy & Associates Ltd of Osprey House, Carmody Street, Ennis, Co. Clare 065 6893565 www.foudyconsulting.ie. Intend to apply to the planning authority on behalf of Eoin Ryan for permission to construct a dwelling, domestic garage, bored well, wastewater treatment system with soil polishing filter together with all associated site development works and services at the above address. The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application .
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NOTICE PURSUANT TO SECTION 177AE OF THE PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT ACT 2000 (AS AMENDED) AND THE PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS 2001 (AS AMENDED). APPLICATION TO AN BORD PLEANÁLA FOR APPROVAL: PROPOSED UPGRADE AND ENHANCED VISITOR EXPERIENCE FACILITIES AT THE WILD ATLANTIC WAY SIGNATURE DISCOVERY POINT AT LOOP HEAD, KILBAHA, CO. CLARE. Notice is hereby given that Clare County Council intends to seek the approval of An Bord Pleanála under Section 177AE of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended) for the proposed development to upgrade and provide for enhanced visitor experience facilities, with ancillary infrastructure and associated site development works (totalling 526 sq m gross floor space), at a site of approximately 52.8 ha in extent and located at the Wild Atlantic Way Signature Discovery Point at Loop Head and the R487 Regional Road, in the townlands of Kilbaha South and Kilbaha North, Kilbaha, Co. Clare. Three Protected Structures are located within the Loop Head Lighthouse compound: Light Keeper’s House RPS No. 337; 2 no. semi-detached Light Keepers’ Houses RPS No. 338; and Loop Head Lighthouse RPS No. 339. Recorded Monument Ref. No. CL071-002, being a single storey building with a vaulted stone roof that is the remnants of the first lighthouse on Loop Head is also located within the Loop Head Lighthouse compound. Four Recorded Monuments are located outside the Loop Head Lighthouse compound wall: Fortification Ref. No. CL071-001001; Standing Stone Ref. No. CL071-001002; Redundant Record Ref. No. CL071-003; and Redundant Record Ref. No. CL071-042. The proposed upgrade and enhanced visitor experience facilities development consists of: Demarcated Loop Head Looped Walking Trail network to guide visitors around the headland, offering a range of single path looped walking trails (4 no. trails) of varied distances ranging from approximately 0.9 km to 4.5 km. The demarcated trails follow the routes of selected paths which will be signed/ marked, with the construction of sections of boardwalk to provide accessibility over areas subject to waterlogging (4 no. locations) and steps over steep ground areas (18 no. sets at 2 no. locations). 6 no. viewing points/locations along the walking trails provide specific visitor information and associated experiences. Within the existing braided network of informal paths, those not demarcated will be rehabilitated to their original vegetation type with vegetated surplus sods or soil from the construction process, where appropriate. Removal/demolition of existing prefabricated toilet block (15 sq m) and existing ticket booth (2 sq m) located within the compound and undertaking of conservation works to refurbish/repair/reinstate the existing 2 no. semi-detached Light Keeper’s Houses of 283 sq m gross floor space (Protected Structure RPS No. 338) and existing northern courtyard building of 95 sq m gross floor space (which include Recorded Monument Ref. No. CL071-002 comprising remnants of the first lighthouse on Loop Head) for use as interpretive/exhibition space. The construction of a single storey building extension of 112 sq m gross floor space to the existing northern courtyard building, providing additional and enhanced new visitor facilities (reception, entrance lobby, café/coffee shop with servery and seating area, toilets and enclosed bin store area), covered outdoor area, and covered walkway leading to the Loop Head Looped Walking Trail network outside the compound through a new access opening within the northern compound wall. Upgrading of the existing foul network system by constructing a precast concrete pump station located south-west of the courtyard buildings and a sealed below-ground holding tank to store wastewater loading located east of the compound, to serve the semi-detached Light Keepers’ Houses (Protected Structure RPS No. 338) and new enhanced visitor facilities. The existing surface car parking area outside the compound will be maintained and reconfigured to provide 17 no. staff car parking spaces (2 no. disabled, 15 no. regular), 37 no. bicycle parking spaces, with soft landscaped raised earth berms along the northern and western perimeters of the parking area. The construction of a new visitors’ carpark along the R487 Regional Road, with access control kiosk building of 36 sq m gross floor space (reception, toilets, entrance lobby and bin store yard), visitor information signage and orientation, 45 no. bicycle parking spaces, 74 no. car parking spaces (4 no. disabled, 2 no. EV charging, 68 no. regular), vehicle circulation and set down area, construction of a sealed below-ground holding tank to store wastewater loading to the north of the access control kiosk building, and soft landscaped raised earth berm boundary treatment screening along the boundary with the R487 Regional Road, the western and part of the northern boundaries. Specific visitor information, orientation and signage, public realm, site lighting, hard and soft landscaping treatments, services (incl. storm water soakaways serving the new single storey building extension and reconfigured existing car park), and all other ancillary and associated site development works above and below ground level. All wastewater stored in the sealed below-ground holding tanks will be removed by tanker and treated off-site at a local licenced wastewater treatment facility.
TYRES
Vehicular, pedestrian and cyclist access to the proposed development will be maintained via the existing R487 Regional Road, enhanced by associated traffic calming measurements and designated pedestrian and cycling priority zones/areas. A Natura Impact Statement has been prepared in respect of the proposed development. An Bord Pleanála may give approval to the application for development with or without conditions or may refuse the application for development. A copy of the Natura Impact Statement and the Plans and Particulars of the proposed development will be available for inspection on the Council’s website at https://yoursay.clarecoco.ie/loop-head-application, and can be inspected free of charge or purchase at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the following locations from Thursday, 14th April 2022, up to and including Friday, 27th May 2022: •
The offices of Clare County Council, Áras Chontae an Chláir, New Road, Ennis, Co. Clare, V96 DXP2, during its public opening hours;
•
The offices of Clare County Council West Clare Municipal District Kilrush Office, Town Hall, Kilrush, Co. Clare, V15 XK70, during its public opening hours; and
•
The offices of of An Bord Pleanála, 64 Marlborough Street, Dublin 1, D01 V902, between the hours of 9:15 am and 5:30 pm Monday to Friday (excluding public Holidays). Note: due to COVID-19, it is recommended that persons contact the Office to arrange viewing of the application in advance (Phone: (01) 858 8100 or Lo-call 1890 275 175).
Submissions or observations may be made in writing to An Bord Pleanála, 64 Marlborough Street, Dublin 1, D01 V902, from Thursday, 14th April 2022, and must be received no later than 5:30 pm on Friday, 27th May 2022, relating to: i. the implications of the proposed development for proper planning and sustainable development in the area concerned; ii. the likely effects on the environment of the proposed development; and iii. the likely significant effects of the proposed development on a European Site; if carried out. A person may question the validity of a decision by An Bord Pleanála by way of an application for judicial review, under Order 84 of the rules of the Superior Courts (S.I. No.15 of 1986) in accordance with Section 50 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended). Practical information in respect of the judicial review process can be accessed on the Board’s website www.pleanala.ie or on the Citizens Information’s website www.citizensinformation.ie.
Leonard Cleary, Director of Service Rural Development Directorate and West Clare Municipal District Clare County Council Monday, 11th April 2022
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PUZZLEPAGE
THURSDAY, APR 14 2022
THIS WEEKS PUZZLES APRIL 14th
SUDOKU 2 6 7 9
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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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HOW TO PLAY
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.
2
2
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1
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9
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Bengal Berlin Germany Hartford Haven Indies Irian Lothian Midlands Minster Orange Pakistan Point Prussia
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.
9
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7 1
2 1
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WORD SEARCH
4/12/22, 9:13 AM
4/12/22, 9:13 AM
The Clare Echo Crossword
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eriod (7) 8
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Daily Quick Crossword: 12 April 2022 ,4/12/2022 Michael Curl Creator Notes: A free daily online crossword that's not too difficult - just right for solving in your coffee break. http://bestforpuzzles.com
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rub (5)
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et (5)
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ilk drink (5)
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s (7)
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ain (6)
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nk (5)
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A N A R C H Y
tional (9)
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ting grain (6)
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DOWN 1 Tool for cutting grain (6) 2 Gourmet (7) 3 Lukewarm (5) 5 Cattle thief (7) 6 Fisherman’s basket (5) 7 Beguile (6) 9 Oddly (9) 13 Skin at the base of a nail (7) 14 Sure (7) 15 Finally (2,4) 16 Seldom (anag) (6) 18 Hard work (5) 20Fundamental (5)
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ACROSS 1 Afternoon snooze (6) 4 Lorries (6) 8 Monkey (5) 9 Stop for a period (7) 10 Wash and iron clothes (7) 11 Fragrant shrub (5) 12 Odd or unconventional (9) 17 Blotto (5) 19 Trading ban (7) 21 Lawlessness (7) 22 Flavoured milk drink (5) 23 Silly laugh (6) 24 Fragrances (6)
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Daily Quick Crossword: 12 April 2022 ,4/12/2022 Michael Curl Creator Notes: A free daily online crossword that's not too difficult - just right for solving in your coffee break. http://bestforpuzzles.com
Supporting Journalism in Clare
QUIZ 35
THURSDAY, APR 14 2022
The Clare Echo Quiz
Moore wrote the song Marty Morrisey is from Quilty, but 1to Christy “Lisdoonvarna” before he was 7 where was he born? perform at the famous festival in A. B. C.
1983 1989 1991
is Michael D. Higgins’ birth2When day? A. B. C.
December 19th July 22nd April 18th
3
What was the nickname given to Daniel O’ Connell?
4
When was the current Loop Head lighthouse built?
5
Which Saint is associated with Scattery Island?
A. B. C.
A. B. C.
A. B. C.
The Emancipator The Liberator The Saviour
1854 1889 1840
St. Anthony St. Brendan St. Senan
A. B. C.
London Mallow New York
In 1947, Shannon Airport be8 came the first in the world to have what. A. B. C.
Duty Free Airport Security Airport Terminals
of these do not appear on 9Which the Clare coat of arms? A. B. C.
A Flower A Horse A Crown
is well known for 10Ennistymon which geographical feature? A. B. C.
Mountains Cascades Lakes
l When is Michael D. Higgins’ birthday?
By Cian Ó Muíneacháin, St John Bosco Community College
ANSWERS
Johnny Doran was a famous 6 Uillean Piper said to have inspired Willie Clancy and Martin Talty. Where
6. Ballynacally 7. Mallow 8. Duty Free 9. A Horse 10. Cascades
is Johnny Doran’s stone located? A. B. C.
Kilrush Miltown Malbay Ballynacally
Spot the Difference Can you spot the difference? Spot the 7 differences. The answers will be revealed in next weeks edition.
1. 1983 2. April 18th 3. The Liberator 4. 1854 5. St. Senan
what year?
Last weeks Answers . ball missing . wire missing . line on jersey of player missing . puma logo missing on players shorts
. hole in number 6 closed . players boots different colour in background . writing on back of players jersey different colour
Jordan Downes, Marina Mullins and Jack Gavin Photo by Joe Buckley