The Clare Echo 14/07/22 by The Clare Echo

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JUL 14 2022

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by STUART HOLLY

Ray Fahy lifts his daughter Harper into the sky at the Ei Family Fun Day at the grounds of Wolfe Tones GAA club in Shannon. Over 800 people turned up for the event

Photo by Joe Buckley

HANNON Airport was the hottest place in Ireland last Sunday - with temperatures expected to skyrocket again this weekend. The increase in temperatures will coincide with the Ennis Food & Drinks Fleadh, a countywide event which will celebrate Clare producers, food & drink service providers and more (details on p16-17 or visit clarefooddrinkfleadh.ie). Meanwhile, the SKODA Ring of Clare cycle will attract some 2,500 cyclists from across Ireland, with international entries also coming from over 10 countries.

On last Sunday afternoon, a nationwide highest temperature of 26.2 degrees celsius was recorded at Met Éireann’s weather station at Shannon Airport. It comes as a high temperature advisory has been issued from this Sunday into early next week, with temperatures expected to exceed 30 degrees in some locations.

NEWS

THURSDAY, JUL 14 2022

North Clare 'numb' following tragic death PÁRAIC MCMAHON

paraic@clareecho.ie

36C Abbey Street, Ennis, County Clare Telephone: 065 671 9021

NEWSDESK

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

SALES

Email: niall@clareecho.ie or sales@clareecho.ie This publication supports the work of the Press Council of Ireland and Office of the Press Ombudsman, and our staff operate within the Press Council’s Code of Practice. You can obtain a copy of the Code, or contact the Press Council, at www.presscouncil.ie, Lo-call 1890 208 080 or email: info@presscouncil.ie

ORTH Clare is “numb” following a tragic accident which claimed the life of Patrick McCarthy. In what has been described as “a tragic incident”, Patrick McCarthy died after getting into difficulty while swimming off the Clare coast on Tuesday night. Emergency services were called to Fanore Beach at approximately 9:45pm to assist two people who were swimming. One swimmer, a child of Patrick’s managed to get ashore but he remained in the water while ensuring his child got to safety. The Irish Coast Guard Rescue 115 Helicopter was deployed from Shannon to assist, while the Doolin Coast Guard and the Aran Islands RNLI also attended the scene. He was airlifted to University Hospital Galway, where he was later pronounced dead. From Ballyvaughan, Patrick, his wife and young family had been prominent throughout the North Clare community including the annual Christmas Fair events

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in Lisdoonvarna. The McCarthy family have been described by locals as being “at the centre of our community”. He worked in maintenance at The Falls Hotel which is owned by his uncle Dan and his wife Eileen. Patrick also was involved in farming with his father. A feeling of sadness swept across North Clare, Cllr Joe Garrihy (FG) told The Clare

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Echo, “the place is numb”. He added, “Everyone is in such complete shock, the community will do everything we can do to support the family, it is a tragedy beyond imagination”. An Garda Síochána will prepare a file on the tragic incident and to be forwarded to the coroner. A coroner’s inquest will also take place at a later date.

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A 'strong case' for re-opening A&E PÁRAIC MCMAHON

paraic@clareecho.ie

N OPPORTUNITY ‘to right the wrong’ of downgrading Ennis Hospital can be put across by local politicians when they meet management of UL Hospitals Group in the coming days, health activists have said. Senior members of the HSE and UL Hospitals Group management will meet with Mid-West members of the HSE Regional Forum West on Tuesday evening. Noeleen Moran of the Mid-West Hospital Campaign urged the politicians “to use this opportunity to advance the case to upgrade Ennis Hospital, to a model three hospital, which would mean the return of 24/7 Emergency Department to the county”. Management at University Hospital Limerick (UHL) in response to a damning HIQA report published last month outlined measures to be tak-

en in the short, medium and longterm to bring about improvements in areas it was found to be non-compliant. Failings have been acknowledged in the HIQA report, Noeleen outlined. “The Centre of Excellence promised in 2009 has not materialised neither have safer patient outcomes. This is evident from the HIQA findings. The reconfiguration strategy has most certainly failed and this has now been acknowledged by the Minister of Health”. She added, “The latest Census data shows there are now 127,419 people living in Clare alone and in addition there are an estimated 1.6m tourists visiting Clare every year. Yet there is no 24 hour emergency health provision in the county”. According to the Ballyvaughan woman, Ennis has a strong case for reopening its emergency department. “Ennis should never have been downgraded. There is an opportunity now to right that wrong. Using Ennis Hospital as the first point of contact for the people of Clare means that emergency cases would reach hos-

lHEALTH: Noeleen Moran speaking at a rally organised by the Mid-West Hospital Campaign

Photo by Martin Molloy

pital sooner within the golden hour. Some less serious cases need never end up at UHL”.

THURSDAY, JUL 14 2022

Council appoint Murphy to head Ukraine response by PÁRAIC McMAHON AN APPOINTMENT has been made within Clare County Council to lead the county’s response to the ongoing war in Ukraine. Co Clare is understood to account for an approximate 10 percent of all the displaced Ukrainians living in Ireland. Data published by the Central Statistics Office last month detailed that 2,452 Personal Public Services Numbers (PPSN) have been issued to Ukrainians in Clare. Of this, 1,165 of were in the Ennistymon electoral area which is 7.28% of its population from the 2016 Census, and this is a greater proportion than almost every other area in the country, including some entire counties and cities. In Clare, Jason Murphy who had been senior executive officer in the Shannon Municipal District has been announced as the Acting Director of Service and he will be working with various partners such as the Community Response Forum, NGOs and agencies. Based in Clonlara, Jason had previously been Head of HR in the Council. Prior to this, he worked in Limerick City and County Council as a senior executive officer and was heavily involved with the Regeneration Programme that initially was billed at €3bn but later brought back to €300m. Though currently on annual leave, the Limerick native assumed his new role on July 4th. His most recent role saw him take an active role in the drafting of a masterplan for Shannon Town and key projects in the Municipal District. He left a positive impression on councillors in the Shannon MD, among them Cllr John Crowe (FG). “On behalf of all councillors and staff, we wish him well, we’re so sorry you’re leaving us, since you’ve come in you have done trojan work and been very good with the councillors”.

Lahinch Surf Shop THERE are a multitude of wetsuits and other water wear items that can help make an Irish summer enjoyable in the water no matter the weather. The recommendation of what you need will depend on what activities you want to do and how long you want to spend in the water. Irish surf shops stock everything from lightweight wetsuit separates to 6mm full length hooded wetsuits. To reduce the risk of jellyfish stings, full length lycras or wetsuits are highly recommended. For warmth as well as protection from jellyfish a wetsuit is the solution, the thinnest style of full length (long legs and long arms) wetsuit is 3/2 (3mm and 2mm). There are also neoprene separates, shorties and long

sleeve shorties available for those who don't want to go the route of a full suit. Surf wetsuits are used across a wide range of watersports are they tend to be durable and flexible compared to some specialist sport-specific wetsuits. The staff in Lahinch surf shop have over 30 years of experience in advising people what would be their best option for convenience, warmth, performance, fit and budget. For juniors Lahinch Surf Shop offers a tradein program on trusted brands. This means a small stock of second hand junior suits coming in throughout the year as suits are traded in for larger sizes. Summer wetsuits are generally 3mm

or lighter and encompass everything from 1, 2 or 3mm shorties (short arms and legs) to full length sealed wetsuits. Sealed refers to the style of construction on the suit, these suits have glue on their seams in addition to stitching. There are a multitude of brands of wetsuit, each cutting to a different style of fit and within each brand there are differences in fit between different models or thicknesses of wetsuit. For example some people go down a size from their winter suit when getting a summer version. The best wetsuit is the one which fits the best, there is no gain in spending extra money on a fancier brand or features if it doesn't fit properly. UK surf brands C-Skins and Alder are very popular in Ireland, you'll see their suits most used by surf schools along with some others. Billabong, Roxy, Rip Curl, O'Neill, Quiksilver, Xcel and Patagonia are the biggest international brands you'll also find in Irish shops. At the moment Lahinch Surf Shop stocks Alder, C-Skins, Billabong and Roxy to cover a range of body shapes and product types. They strongly recommend coming in-store to fit a wetsuit as buying online is not ideal unless you know how a wetsuit should fit. The last thing you want is to be in the water when you realise your suit is the wrong size as you can't return it at that point.

Expert wetsuit advice from those who know best

THURSDAY, JUL 14 2022

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THURSDAY, JUL 14 2022

Moher 'no longer family friendly'

Third summer season lost as Shannon Heritage sites left in limbo

by PÁRAIC McMAHON CLARE’S premier tourist attraction “is no longer family friendly”. A hike in admission fees to the Cliffs of Moher was slammed by Cllr Gerry Flynn (IND) this week. The Miltown Malbay native travelled to the 14km seacliffs with his grandson recently and admitted that he was far from pleased with the experience. “For the two of us in the car it cost €24. It is a rip off and not what I’d consider family friendly”. With 1.6m visitors in 2019, the Cliffs was Ireland’s most visited natural attraction. Cllr Flynn was annoyed with the current approach, “I grew up in West Clare, my wife comes from just over the hill by the Cliffs, it was a regular haunt for us as young people. It has been overly commercialised, it is no longer family friendly”. Acknowledging that Clare County Council were responsible for the tourist attraction, the Shannon representative said, “it needs sensitive management and to be more family friendly”. Admission fees as per Cllr Flynn’s remarks have doubled with the entrance fee costing €6 in 2015. Online bookings for the Cliffs vary are billed at €7 for adults, senior citizens and students with family passes from €14. In 2019, the Cliffs of Moher Experience site employed 170 people, 45 percent of which were fulltime. This included direct employment of 75 staff (44 permanent and 31 seasonal) at an estimated total annual employment cost of €5m.

lPhoto by Kevin L Smith

PÁRAIC MCMAHON

paraic@clareecho.ie

THIRD summer season is to be lost for the Shannon Heritage sites due to the slow pace at which Governmental Departments are handling their transfer to Clare County Council. Bunratty Castle & Folk Park, Knappogue Castle, Crauggownen and a retail outlet at the Cliffs of Moher had all been operated by Shannon Heritage and are expected to come under the Council’s ownership, if a move can be agreed. In April, The Clare Echo reported that the County Council were seeking up to

€15m from the Government to take over the tourism sites. Speaking in the Dáil in February, the Taoiseach Micheál Martin (FF) said Clare County Council “should get on with it” if they were interested in taking over the sites. While Limerick City and County Council have ‘got on with it’ by securing the transfer of King John’s Castle in April. The Clare Echo understands that local authority officials in Clare are said to be seething with the delays experienced at Government level which has stopped them from ‘getting on with it’. Chief Executive of Clare County Council, Pat Dowling said on Monday “nothing has changed” regarding the status of the sites.

“We are still working hard to secure funding and a decision from the Government”. He was among a Council delegation meeting with officials from three different Departments on Wednesday. Clare TD, Michael McNamara (IND) raised the matter in the Dáil on Tuesday and noted he brought the matter to the Taoiseach’s attention on the day of his election in the Convention Centre. Though he committed to following up the matter, the Taoiseach didn’t seem up to speed on the multi-million transfer and sought clarity on the Departments it was “bouncing around between”. “We are in the third tourism season since so there needs to be movement,” the Scariff native remarked.

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information is required for a legitimate informed consent….” Dr Paul Harch MD an American expert and author in a talk explained that how hyperbaric oxygenation is an already established method of reducing neuroinflammation and healing tissue injury. Some of OxyGeneration’s clients are patients of the Beacon Hospital Post Covid Clinic in Dublin and came to OxyGeneration in Galway because they were told about the benefits of hyperbaric oxygenation. 8% of clients since 1 January 2022 have been referred by medical professionals. On Wednesday 6 July 2022, the Oireachtas Health Committee was told by Professor Jack Lambert, that he “is still dealing with patients who were infected in March 2020 who remain ‘incapacitated’” “About one-third of our long Covid patients still have significant neurocognitive defects at one year.” The committee heard that it is less at 15 months, less at 18 months, but there is still a population of patients that just don’t get better” said Professor Lambert However, in last week’s Clare Echo, testimonials published from OxyGeneration’s clients reported stories of recovery after months of illness.

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Havoc wreaked in Ennis by 'anti-social criminals'

THURSDAY, JUL 14 2022

PÁRAIC MCMAHON

lanti-social behaviour

“A

paraic@clareecho.ie

NTI-SOCIAL criminals” are “wreaking havoc” in housing estates across the county according to elected representatives. Establishment of a multi-agency emergency response team “to quickly & effectively deal with, and if necessary to evict the small number of tenants across County Clare whose persistent serious anti-social behaviour comes under the terms of the adopted Clare County Council Behaviour Strategy 2020-2026,” was sought by Cllr Johnny Flynn (FG), Cllr Clare Colleran Molloy (FF) and Cllr Pat Daly (FF) in a proposal before the Council. Such a move would “protect” residents and communities while also preventing “damage to badly needed housing stock”. State agencies with related responsibilities must also “consider the care and protection of underage children in such households,” the trio flagged. The Behaviour Strategy was

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law for a multi-agency team to take on this role,” she outlined. The Council is working with state agencies to deal with complaints of anti-social behaviour “and have a robust process for onward referral of complaints,” the Director added. All complaints of such behaviour are in-

vestigated by the tenancy enforcement team, Ms Haugh said. When doing such work, the Council can decide on an appropriate remedy in accordance with the Anti-Social Behaviour Strategy ranging from advice, verbal warning, tenancy notification, written warning and eviction. According to Cllr Flynn, COVID and animal welfare legislation was “flaunted” by some of the tenants who are keeping foals and ponies in estates. He told Monday’s meeting that a front-line healthcare worker doing night shifts with the elderly was returning to his home “to find his wife and child had been harassed” leading to him giving up his job, selling his house and emigrating. “This is an emergency,” the Ennis representative said while noting the 400 callouts per month responded to by the tenancy enforcement officers, “this is causing havoc in communities”. Elected representatives are dealing with similar issues from multiple areas of Ennis town “on a regular basis,” Cllr Mary Howard (FG) flagged. “We need the enforcement team to be permanent, 3,570 calls were made this year and we’re only in the summer,” she observed.

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Minister asked to declare crisis PÁRAIC MCMAHON

lHOUSING: Minister for Housing Darragh O'Brien in Drumline Photo by Joe Buckley

paraic@clareecho.ie

INISTER for Housing, Darragh O’brien (FF) will be requested to declare a housing emergency following the passing of a motion in Clare County Council. Shannon-based, Cllr Donna McGettigan's (SF) motion urged the local authority to call on the Housing Minister “to declare a housing emergency and use emergency powers to introduce an immediate moratorium on evictions, similar to that during COVID, to be reviewed after three months and that the Minister increase the income threshold limits for social housing support, during this time”. Speaking on Monday, Cllr McGettigan said the county and country was in the middle of “a housing emergency”. She said the squeezed middle were struggling to pay rent

and, in some cases are “only a few euros” above thresholds to qualify for housing support. “More and more families are in overcrowded conditions; coach surfing seems to be the norm”. An “immediate ban on evictions is needed,” she believed while praising the work of the Council’s homeless action team. McGettigan

added, “Those offered a mortgage which is simply not enough to buy are locked out of the market, they are earning too much to be included for social housing but too little to get a mortgage”. Cllr PJ Ryan (IND) seconded the motion with Cathaoirleach Tony O’Brien (FF) confirming a letter will be issued to the Minister.

THURSDAY, JUL 14 2022

Emigration stories to be examined EMIGRATION stories from East Clare parishes to the United States will be the focus of a talk at Waterways Ireland Building in Scariff on Bank Holiday Saturday & Sunday (July 30th and 31st) during the local Harbour Festival. It will be followed on both days by free individual genealogical sessions to assist people in creating their family backstories or guiding them through stages of that journey. ‘An Epic Journey - from East Clare to Ellis Island’ is a story told through the eyes of professional genealogist, Jane Halloran Ryan, who will explore the reasons why a cross section of East Clare emigrants made the journey through Ellis Island at the turn of the 20th century. “I will be telling the story of what brought people from parishes like Scariff, Mountshannon, Whitegate, Tuamgraney, Ogonnelloe and Killaloe, to board a ship for Ellis Island, looking into whether they remained in New York or went elsewhere and what they ended up doing,” said the current Chair of Clare Roots Society and founder of Dalcassian Origins, a family history and research service website.

More than 12 million immigrants passed through Eilis Island until it closed in the 1950s, 3.5m of which were Irish. Almost half of the US households in the 2010 Census could claim that they had an ancestor who had passed through Ellis Island. Jane is American by birth but has lived for many years with her family in Tulla. She has been researching her own family history for many years and uncovered ancestors from sea captains to judges, from rebels to religious. In addition to her talk ‘An Epic Journey- from East Clare to Ellis Island’, she will provide 12 free genealogical sessions over Saturday and Sunday (July 30th – 31st) at Waterways Ireland Building, to assist people with genealogical queries. Pre-booking is essential for an individual session by registering interest including name, mobile number and preferred day to info@scariffharbourfestival.ie by Thursday 28th July 2022. Following random selection the Festival Committee will notify people of their time slot.

Full details of the Scariff Harbour Festival programme are available on www.scariff.ie

NEWS 11

THURSDAY, JUL 14 2022

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THURSDAY, JUL 14 2022

SHANNON NEWS in association with

Low carbon bike share scheme launced IRELAND'S first low carbon bike share scheme has launched in Shannon writes Páraic McMahon. CoMotion Mobility Solutions Ltd who have a headquarters in Sligo and recently set up a base at the Future Mobility Campus in Shannon will operate the scheme via its app. Bikes will be located on street 24/7 across the Shannon Free Zone and Shannon Town, they can be rented by paying a €1 unlocking fee and then just 1c per minute thereafter. Local businesses and elected members of the Shannon Municipal District

have sponsored the scheme. Sponsors include, Shannon Group, EI Electronics, Clare County Council, Zagg International, Fine Grain Properties, Shannon Springs Hotel, Shannon Leisure Centre, Shannon Chamber of Commerce, Shannon Skillnet and Future Mobility Campus Ireland. Emma Dobbyn of CoMotion pinpointed this backing as a strong aspect of the scheme. She said, “The scheme is made viable by the support of all the sponsors". Bikes are made from recycled aluminium, further boosting its green creden-

tials, Emma outlined. “Recycled Aluminium uses less than 5 per cent of the energy resources required to manufacture aluminium from raw materials. "It is essential to CoMotion that we provide a home-grown, environmentally conscious, solution to provide services to rural communities and corporate clients that wouldn’t normally have access to these services due to population size. Companies can also use their involvement in the scheme to offset their own carbon emissions so it’s a beneficial arrangement for all parties involved”.

Shannon records hottest day so far

lSCORCHIO: Children enjoying the sun in Shannon on Sunday evening

Photo by Joe Buckley

PÁRAIC MCMAHON

paraic@clareecho.ie

HANNON recorded the hottest temperatures in Ireland on what has been the warmest day of the year so far. Sunday was the hottest day of 2022 with a temperature of 26.2 degrees Celsius recorded at Met Éireann's weather station at Shannon Airport. The record-breaking temperature was just ahead of that recorded in Co Galway, with a reading of 25.8C at

Athenry. Temperatures above 25C were also recorded at weather stations in Carlow, Roscommon and Tipperary, Westmeath, Mayo and Meath. Crowds flocked to the coastal parts of the county to bask in the glorious sunshine with a large amount of jellyfish also making an appearance at Lahinch. Killaloe and Doolin also reported an increase in visitors. Prior to Sunday, the highest temperature this year was recorded on Thursday when the mercury reached 25.1C. The 32C recorded on June 18th in 2019 was the highest recorded at Shannon since 1976.

Rovers fly from SNN SHAMROCK Rovers have availed of the hassle-free experience at Shannon Airport ahead of their UEFA Champions League qualifier, writes Páraic McMahon. Reigning League of Ireland Premier Division champions, Shamrock Rovers face Malta outfit, Hibernians on Tuesday in the second leg of the first qualifying round for the European competition. Stephen Bradley’s charges made the decision to fly from Shannon Airport for this trip to Malta and they flew out on Sunday after-

noon. "The experience in Shannon Airport has been fantastic, staff couldn't be more helpful, we've had no queues, it has been straight forward and straight in, the staff couldn't have done enough for us, it's been a fantastic experience and hopefully it's not the last time we come through Shannon Airport," Stephen said. Ennis’ Barry Cotter who is part of the Shamrock Rovers team was among the travelling contingent. Cotter was an unused

substitute in the 3-0 first leg win over the Paolo based club who won the Maltese Premier League last season. Twenty three year old Barry signed for Rovers in August 2021 following a three year spell with Ipswich Town. Ongoing lengthy queues at Dublin Airport have strengthened the potential for Shannon Airport to be classed as an ideal alternative with calls intensifying for a more balanced approach to aviation across the country.

THURSDAY, JUL 14 2022

Walking routes pinpointed by PÁRAIC McMAHON

AST Clare’s tourism product can be strengthened by further development of its walking routes. Last year, Cahermurphy Looped Walk received €20,000 to allow for upgrades with €56,500 awarded to the Ballinruan Walk, following collaboration between Clare County Council and Clare Walks. The area also boasts the 180km East Clare Way, the 12 O’Clock Hills and the highest point in the county, Moylussa. Organising a meeting between the Killaloe Municipal District and Clare Walks based in Tulla was recommended by Cllr Pat Hayes (FF) “to explore the possibilities of expanding the East Clare Way and seeking supports to upgrade existing routes and sourcing funding

opportunities with particular emphasis on the promotion of the tourism product in East Clare”. Continued commitment to engage with groups such as Clare Walks was issued by acting senior executive officer in the Killaloe MD, Morgan Lahiffe to maximise opportunities “in terms of physical upgrade but also in relation to marketing of the product”. Citing plans for Inis Cealtra, the Killaloe Bridge and Bypass, Cllr Hayes noted there was a strong emphasis on East Clare’s tourism product. “One of the most innovative projects to come out of East Clare was the walks and loopway. When we talk about places like Feakle, Scariff, Killaloe and Tulla we’re trying to build on getting in expected tourism

numbers. With the expected Greenway, we need to look at how we can work with groups like Clare Walks, we see several applications under outdoor recreation schemes, we need to be ahead and be pre-planning for projects”. Hayes felt the local authority could work with Tourism East Clare to nominate projects “that can branch out and provide new amenities or upgrade existing ones”. He labelled the Cahermurphy Loop Walk as “one of the most walked areas in East Clare”. His proposal was seconded by Cllr Joe Cooney (FG) who mentioned the popularity of the 12 O’Clocks Hill and Moylussa. “Whether it’s walking or what, we should be working to improve tourism product between Clare County Council and East Clare Tourism,” Cllr Pat Burke (FG) commented.

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THURSDAY, JUL 14 2022

ŠKODA Ring of Clare Cycle attracts 2,500 cyclists

Macdara to drive language

by PÁRAIC McMAHON

lRing of Clare cycle

THE return of ŠKODA Ring of Clare Cycle will see 2,500 cyclists visit Ennis next weekend. The event is one of the largest mass participation events in Ireland bringing visitors from all over Ireland with international participants from 10 countries also signed up. The event returns for the first time since 2019 as a result of Covid-19 restrictions and is estimated to be worth €1 million to the Clare tourism economy. The ŠKODA Ring of Clare Cycle is part of the international ŠKODA Celtic Cycling Series, starting and finishing in Ennis. Cyclists have the option of 160km and 120km routes that brings the event along the Wild Atlantic Way, Loop Head Peninsula and back to Ennis by the newly developed Shannon Estuary Way.

Damian Hayes of ŠKODA Al Hayes Ennis explained how the Clare cycle continues to be among the most popular events on the leisure cycling sportive calendar. He outlined "The feedback from participants have highlighted the spectacular route around Clare from the coast, Loop Head Peninsula to the estuary journey back to the finish. "The reputation of Ennis as a great host town provides another reason for so many visitors to take part." The 2022 event is now sold out. The weekend starts with event sign on at Al Hayes ŠKODA dealership on the evening before the cycle from 4pm to 8pm. The cycle starts at 9am on Saturday morning from Clarecastle GAA club.

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N IRISH Language Planning Officer has been appointed to support Ennis’ standing as an Irish language network town. On Wednesday last, a special event was held in the county town to formally launch the initiative of Ennis as an Irish language network town, it is now included in the national project, Gaelphort. This is the result of the continual work over the past five years and it marks the beginning of a new era in the development work be-

ing undertaken by An Clár as Gaeilge. The work to recruit and appoint a Language Planning Officer has been ongoing since 2016 and now, Macdara Ó Conaola from Inis Oirr has been appointed. Macdara will be based in the offices of An Clár as Gaeilge in Barrack Street and will be interacting with State Agencies, Public Bodies, Commercial Organisations and Community Groups, to promote the use of Irish in everyday life. Cathaoirleach of An Clár as Gaeilge, Dónal Ó hAiniféin, welcomed Macdara

to Ennis and said that the Language Planning Officer will be ploughing in fertile ground as a result of the work that has been done in promoting the Language in the town over that past four decades. He referred to the many National Awards that the town has won over the years and he was sure that there would be more to follow in the years ahead. “This is the future of the development of Irish in Ennis and in County Clare. There is an onus on us all to participate in some way in the planning process, which will be undertaken by Macdara,” he stated.

'Inactive approach to tackle teacher shortage' INSUFFICIENT efforts have been exerted to tackle the shortage of teachers in the locality, a regional representative has outlinedwrites Páraic McMahon. Clare may be benefitting from an increasing amount of teachers who have quit working in the capital due to rising costs of living but there is a shortage experienced in the lo-

cality but is most acute in urban areas. Casteltroy based Eric Nelligan who is the Aontú PRO for the Mid-West believed both Minister for Education, Norma Foley (FF) and Minister for Higher Education, Simon Harris (FG) were not active enough in tackling a growing shortage of teachers across the Irish education system. A survey carried out in March of this year when 55 percent of secondary school principals reported that that they had unfilled vacancies at that time, outlined that 84 per cent of principals said they had experienced situations that during this school year where no teacher applied for an RETAINED FIRE-FIGHTER PANELS advertised post. The survey of more than 2,500 teachers was conducted (PART-TIME) by RedC on behalf of the AssociaClare County Fire & Rescue Service is currently tion of Secondary Teachers’ Ireland recruiting staff for inclusion on panels for the (ASTI). following stations: Eric said, ‘’The teacher shortage • Ennis • Kilrush has been growing over the past few • Ennistymon • Scariff years. • Kilkee • Shannon "The efforts being made have been Candidates must live and work within 2.4 km of the Fire shown to be ineffectual. The current Station and be available to attend drills and fire alerts. Ministers with responsibility have overseen a worsening supply”. Application forms and further particulars may be obtained by requesting same from the Human He added, ‘’Surveys have givResources Department, Clare County Council at en clear reasons for the shortage of 065-6846528, via e-mail: recruitment@clarecoco.ie or teachers; Inadequate numbers of can be downloaded from the following website: teachers graduating in certain subwww.clarecoco.ie. jects, the cost of the two-year ProfesGarda vetting will apply prior to any appointment(s) sional Master of Education, the dethat are made. cline in the attractiveness of teaching Completed applications must be emailed to: as a profession with the two-tier pay recruitment@clarecoco.ie not later than 4.00 p.m. scales and larger class sizes and pooron Thursday 11th August 2022. er working conditions when comClare County Council is an equal opportunities pared colleagues across the OECD. employer and welcomes applications from all Urban areas and their commuter belt sectors of the Community. are particularly negatively affected by Scriobh chugainn as gaeilge más fearr leat. the exorbitant rise in the general cost of living and the unattractiveness of living in cities due to high rent, housing and the return of the long commutes’’.

THURSDAY, JUL 14 2022

Seán appointed to Youth Work board lSeán Roche

K Mahon.

ILNABOY’s Seán Roche has been appointed to the board of Ireland’s largest youth organisation, writes Páraic Mc-

After nearly 43 years of voluntary work with Clare Youth Service and Kilnaboy Youth Club, Seán now moves to the top table of Youth Work Ireland which comprises nationwide youth services a National Office who

work together to support, empower and educate young people. Seán’s enthusiasm is legendary in his Burren heartland. His volunteering journey began as a 21 year-old after he graduated as a club member. The tradition in those days was that if you wished to stay in the club, you became a leader. So, he’s never really left the club and over 40 years on, he says “it’s very fulfilling. Kilnaboy Youth Club has always had a special ethos of developing and taking care of local young people and it’s been great to see the leadership that’s been developed in conjunction with Clare Youth Service.” CEO of Clare Youth Service Margaret Slattery commented: “Seán is a strong voice representing the experience and challenges of rural youth services and their importance to the health of the community and wellbeing of young people especially those who are rurally or socially isolated. I know that he will bring great experience and judgement to YWI and will be instrumental in helping youth services adjust to a myriad of new social challenges,” Margaret said.

NEWS

LOST IN THE MUSIC

lOLD SCHOOL: A man plays the bones, one of the oldest known instruments, at the Willie Clancy festival Photo by Pa Baker

NEWS

Sizzling return of Clare Food & Drink Fleadh 16

THURSDAY, JUL 14 2022

l FRESH: Elsie and Cara McDonald foraging in Lahinch

Photo by Mike Mulcaire

PÁRAIC MCMAHON

paraic@clareecho.ie

ASTE-BUDS will be sizzling across this weekend with the appetising return of the Clare Food & Drink Fleadh. With the county held in such esteem when it comes to producing high-quality artisan food and drink, the Clare Food & Drink Fleadh, established in 2019, provides an ideal showcase for all that is good about the local food and drink scene. Organisers chose the July 15th – 17th timeframe to specifically coincide with the Skoda Ring of Clare cycle event which is set to attract thousands of participants, their partners and families to the county. Clare Food & Drink Festival Chair, Maeve Eustace, a local artisan producer with Western Herd Brewing Company outlined that she was hopeful both events would successfully dovetail. “It is our pleasure at Clare Food & Drink Fleadh to programme a variety of things to do, places to visit, excellent local food to savour, and of course it wouldn’t be Clare without great music too”. Co-ordinator of the festival, Margaret O’Brien stated that the programme of events highlights “the quality and uniqueness of the food and drink produced in Co Clare”. She said, “We picked up where we left off pre-Covid with the return of our ‘Meet the Makers’ series of events available on Friday July 15 and Saturday July 16. We have exciting locally inspired food offerings including ‘Clare Plates’ from Ennis based award-winning café Sweet n Green, which will open its doors for evening meals on Friday July 16 and Saturday July 17 with a menu of five stunning ‘Clare Plates’ featuring locally produced food prepared by Chef Frank Landy. “Other food delights will include ‘Piz-

za in the Courtyard’ outside Temple Gate Hotel (July 15 and 16 from 12 noon – 8pm) with a selection of pizzas featuring Clare-produced toppings. Brogan’s have added a special ‘Clare Burger’ to their menu, available across the weekend while the Town Hall Bistro (Old Ground Hotel) will offer a ‘Banner Brunch’ on Sunday July 17, featuring the best of Clare produce including the famous ‘Burren Butcher’ burgers”. Bars throughout Ennis will be participating in the Clare inspired cocktail competition, this has proven to be a festival highlight. Western Herd Brewing has created a limited-edition brew, ’Soulvation Coffee White Stout’ for the festival, featuring Burren-based Anam Coffee, using ethically sourced coffee beans. This special festival stout will be launched on Friday and is available exclusively on tap from Lucas Bar, Parnell Street. Other highlights on Clare Food & Drink Fleadh programme for 2022 include an Artisan Market in the Market Building Ennis on Saturday July 16 (10am to 2pm). That will be followed by the highlight community event – Clare Junior Bake-off, open to three distinct age categories. As in the past, Clare Food & Drink Fleadh offers a satellite programme of events right across the county. These can be booked directly on Eventbrite under Clare Food & Drink Fleadh. Socks in the Frying Pan will be hosting a homecoming gig on Friday at 8pm in glór adding to the great music across the weekend. The organisers of Clare Food & Drink Fleadh have linked up with award-winning Meere’s Pork Products to provide a take-home breakfast for everyone in the audience. There will be free live music at Considine’s, Knox’s, Cruises, Preacher’s, Nora Culligan’s and The Poet’s Corner. Further details are available on www. clarefooddrinkfleadh.ie. The festival is supported by Ennis Chamber, Clare County Council and Fáilte Ireland.

l TASTY: Keegan Drohan of Brogan's with his winning gin cocktail Photo by Mike Mulcaire

THURSDAY, JUL 14 2022

NEWS

18 COLUMNIST

No to bullies

RONAN SCULLY

Thought for the week

WAS thinking this morning about something very specific, an epidemic that has been striking at young people and adults alike at an alarming rate and also about some prominent people in our media especially some of our women presenters and commentators whose lives, capabilities, appearances and even their beautiful accents are been targeted. It is, "Bullying." Like me you probably grew up and were taught, “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but names will never hurt me.” But I want to tell you that it’s not true.

A Mother's Story

A mother recently told me about the horror of bullying that her son is going through and has gone through in his school and where his, and her cries for help have fallen on deaf ears from the powers that be in our society. Although her son has become stronger and more assured after he dealt himself with the bullying and thank god is doing well in life now. But not everyone survives this experience as we all now too well know. In the last few years a great deal of attention has been drawn to the subject of bullying, in light of some high-profile suicides and murders which were the result of bullying. And while bullying in schools and amongst teenagers and young adults is nothing new and is even so prevalent among adults in our workplaces, it seems that bullying has gained a whole new dimension, thanks largely to technology, social networking and the Internet. Instead of trading punches on the playground after school and going home with cuts and bruises, bullies can now perpetrate their taunts and torture victims morning noon and night, with the ability to reach their vulnerable victims in the middle of the night in the “sanctuary” of their own homes. Many of these taunts, such as those posted on the Internet; do not disappear as quickly as cuts and bruises. Once uploaded,

they may very well be out there forever, allowing victims no reprieve, even when their bullies are not within physical proximity. We must as a society try to stamp out the real evil of bullying in our schools, in our communities and in our country.

Personal Experience

Personal experience and the experience of the son of the mother whom I mentioned at the start of this thought for the week who thankfully survived bullying and is making his way through life now on his own terms gives me a perspective on the wounds that bullying leaves behind especially school and workplace bullying. They are raw and painful, and while the pain sometimes decreases with time, they permanently alter one’s psychological makeup, much as a disfiguring cut or abrasion does to one’s physical skin. I grieve deeply for those young people who have taken their own lives because they either believed the things that their bullies said about them, or they simply couldn’t live with the thought that other people believed them.

Thought for the week

As your thought for the week never underestimate the power of your words, prayers and actions! Always as much as possible try to use them for the good and well being of others! A prayer I always say from my Nana Scully's prayer book goes as follows, "Heavenly Father, those who bully others in manipulative or overt ways, and use their power in school, in work or family situations, to oppress and to deliver injustice to others, are responsible for needles stress and misery in others' lives. Lord please protect children, teens, adults and the elderly from bullying. Guard them from others manipulation and dominance that cause difficulties and anxiety in relationships, in physical and mental health. Ensure that chil-

dren, students, adults and the elderly find protection from the oppression and bullying of any other child or teen, or any adult. Help them to flourish in Your grace, to develop their full human and spiritual potential without the crippling effects of anyone's injustice or betrayal. Protect children, teens and adults from criticism and bullying that crushes self worth as a child of God, and that creates fear and destroys the trust that should help honest sharing of issues, of mistakes, of facts, of feelings, of conscience, and can remain to affect the person's life even in their absence. Please protect children, teens and adults from intellectual and spiritual bullying and domination by judgment of others and their motives, by persons who act and judge as if they themselves are more perfect and valuable than others; whilst ignoring the value and welfare of others, and threatening their lives. Please protect those in the workplace from overbearing and unjust employers or supervisors who treat others as inferiors. Please also protect innocents from unjust charges and resulting from others manipulation of the truth. Whatever kind of bullying occurs, it is a serious offense against others, Father we bring to You each person who is oppressed, who is treated unjustly and overlooked unfairly, and each person who is judged by others as being less valuable, less worthy, and to be degraded, abused and ignored. Father, take each of these persons into Your heart, and give them Strength, Peace, and Justice. Father please convert the offenders and give them just Humility and Respect of others. Father, I thank you that even though at times I might be troubled and oppressed, I am never crushed. Even though I sometimes may get embarrassed and be faced with tough situations, even though it seems as if I am unable to find my way out, I will never despair. Even though I may be disliked, bullied, called names, and persecuted, I know You will never leave me or forsake me. You will never desert me to stand alone. Thank you Lord, for delivering me. Amen."

Eoin Neylon

THURSDAY, JUL 14 2022

An inside look at Clare’s political spectrum

Headed for the gutter T HE result of the vote of confidence in the Government was never in doubt from the moment it was called. Opposition wishing to make a lot of noise before the Summer recess decided to use their private members motion time to try embarrass, not the Government, but Independent TDs, most notably those who are currently outside the FF/FG/Green fold for various reasons. Government, in response were quick to highlight the fact that just the week previous SF were calling for the budget to be brought forward to deal with the cost-of-living crisis, but the following week wanted to collapse the Government, meaning there would not be any budget for an indefinite duration until a new Government could be formed. Their accusations of it being a stunt, wasting Dáil time, then fell apart as they launched a counter motion of confidence in the Government, thereby using up more Dáil time to effective clap themselves on the back over the measures they have introduced over the past two years and steering the country out from under a Covid cloud. All in all, each side emerged thinking they got vital point scoring done over their opposing side but in truth, to the rest of us looking on, it really undermined how much of a show our parliamentary democracy has become in recent years. We can count our blessings somewhat that we aren’t at the bottom of the barrel levels of the UK and USA whose political discourse has well and truly fallen into the gutter. The ongoing collapse of Boris Johnson’s Govern-

ment is simply farcical. It’s a case of be careful what you wish for though, unfortunately, as the line up to replace Boris is a cavalcade of right-wing fantasists each appearing more ignorant of British requirement to obey international law and their position as guarantors of the Good Friday Agreement. Similarly, the American obsession with confrontational, culture war political of the flawed two-party system is a veritable race to the bottom in sleaze and mudslinging. The hearings into the January 6th insurrection make for utterly depressing viewing. Regrettably, we look like we’re heading in the same direction if the past few weeks around Leinster House are anything to go by. Nevertheless, it’s not just Government parties and the leaders of the opposition who are at it. Independents who support and voted against the Government this week are just as bad. Some voting for the Government were clearly reacting to favourable Government announcements on policies they’ve pursued in recent days and weeks, some of them rather parochial, rather than the overall picture. Similarly, many Independents voting against seemed to be scrambling for reasons ranging long winded points around legislative scrutiny to claims that works in progress by Government haven’t been done quick enough for their liking. In truth, the honest appraisal is that many of them are simply running for cover from a rampant SF appetite for the anti-Government vote that may threaten to wipe them out should an actual election be called. Many of these TDs no

more wanted an election right now, more than a person would wish for a parking ticket. This is all the more obvious when the fact of the matter is that they only emerged with the news of their intention to vote no confidence after it became apparent that enough of their Independent colleagues were already going to ensure the Government would continue. The only real story of any political interest for the future really rested with the future of the Green party in all of this. With two TDs currently suspended due to voting against the whip recently, all eyes were on them as to how they would ultimately vote. A vote against the Government signalling that there would be no-hope of them re-joining the Green party ahead of any election at least. How could they walk back to the back benches of a Government they had voted no confidence in after all!? And so it came to pass that both Neasa Hourigan and Patrick Costello rowed in behind the coalition, thereby signalling their likely return to the party fold once their 6-month suspension is completed. In all, the coalition’s win on an official score of 85 to 66 (with two Clare TDs voting for, one against and one absent) showed the futility of the motion on the face of what it was. However, the debate surrounding it has proven an interesting soundboard as to where our political discourse is headed and I’m sorry to say, it’s not going anywhere I wish to follow. If we’re not careful, we will sleep walk our great century old democracy right into the gutter alongside out British and American friends!

Arts & Entertainment 19

THURSDAY, JUL 14 2022

'People are love starved'

lKNEES UP: The Matchmaker Bar, Lisdoonvarna

by PÁRAIC McMAHON ISDOONVARNA’s matchmaking festival is set to return this September. Music and dancing will take place in bars from 11am in the morning to the wee hours of the night. COVID-19 caused the cancellation of the festival for the past two years, it did relocate to Spain last year swapping the North Clare climate for the sun-soaked Alicante Europe’s largest matchmaking festival has been held in Lisdoonvarna for over 160 years and it boasts its own third generation matchmaker Willie Daly, who will be in at-

tendance at this year’s event. Willie is classed as a veteran matchmaker, having made over 3000 matches in his 50 years in the role. He is looking forward to the festival’s return, “The festival will be a wonderful release of emotions that have been lying dormant for the last few years due to COVID. Love, friendship and companionship is never more needed than now. People are love- starved and many marriages are on the cards for this year’s festival”. Last year, a new US film called ‘As luck would have it’ which was inspired by the festival resulted in a huge amount of interest from the American market.

TWINNING IS WINNING

My Latest Beauty Finds Style, Beauty and Lifestlye Rachel Porter

@rachels_day_

Haven Pharmacy Hollys really is a Haven when it comes to all thing’s beauty! I couldn’t believe when I saw Hollys stock the Eyebrow Queen Pro Lamination Kit. As someone who always get their eyebrows laminated being able to do it myself from home with this kit has made life a lot easier (and cheaper as there are five treatments in the pack!). Girls don’t forget to patch test before using these types of products.

€

I feel as though Sculpted By Aimee has taken the Irish beauty market by storm and for good reason. Haven Pharmacy stocks the collection and I was thrilled to be able to pick up my favourite Sculpted Hydra Glo Serum (€30) and Sculpted Body Base (€18). The Hydra Glo Serum is perfect for everyday use delivering deep hydration for luminous, plump skin. It is perfect perfect pre-makeup prep and is packed with active ingredients that dramatically boost skin health. I love the Sculpted Body Base in shade medium shimmer for the days when my tan isn’t as fresh as fist applied as it breathes in new life and leaves an extremely smooth air-brush like finish.

As always it wouldn’t be a trip to Hollys without picking up some bit from their extensive Clarins range. The Clarins Body Fit Contouring Expert (€48) is ideal for use on the legs to give a much smoother appearance to the skin. I would recommend the Clarins hand and nail Cream (€25) for anyone else who’s hands are dryer in the hot weather as it softens, protects, hydrates the hands and strengthens nails.

€

All my fellow blondes know how important good haircare is and luckily Havens stock the entire Olaplex range which in my opinion is the holy grail of haircare. My go to is the Olaplex No4 Shampoo (€30) specifically curated to protect hair from everyday stresses - including damage, split ends, and frizz - by re-linking broken bonds.

Be sure to check out Haven Pharmacy Hollys Ennis for all your beauty and haircare needs!

lTALENTED: Alysha Casey Hanrahan and Mahia Rahman with their paintings 'The Cat and the Old Lady' and 'Bloom', along with their art tutor and member of the Ennis Langenfeld Twinning Committee Carmel Doherty. Ennis is twinned with Langenfeld since 2013 and one of the twinning activities is an annual Art Camp. Gabrielle Cullinan, Eimear Fitzgerald and Cameron O'Grady are also in Germany.

COMMUNITY lMichael Cusack

THURSDAY, JUL 14 2022

Br Sean's latest book looks at the 'when and where' of GAA by SEAMUS HAYES “The GAA, When and Where” is the title of the latest book on Michael Cusack and the GAA by Clare man, Br. Sean McNamara. The Kilmurry McMahon native was conferred with an Honorary MA degree by the former President of NUIG, Dr James Browne in October 2010 for research on Michael Cusack, which can be found in fourteen folders at the Clare GAA headquarters in Clareabbey. In Br. Sean’s latest publication he noted that “the GAA was Michael Cusack’s brainchild and born in his academy. Michael and his most loyal supporter, Maurice Davin did not come to Thurles to discuss the movement which was already in existence but to announce the inauguration or the official formation of the GAA.

KILKEE CIVIC TRUST TALKS Our Summer Season of weekly events continues this Wednesday. The second of nine Talks takes place on Wednesday 13th July at 8pm. Our Speakers are Peadar King, Rachael

English & Thomas Lynch. Admission to all events is FREE of Charge. A donations box is available, at each KCT Talk / Event, to assist us in defraying essential and necessary expenses.

FOSSABEG MORE SPEEDING MEASURES NEEDED FOLLOWING the addition of new advance warning signs, chevron signs and delineator posts at Annagooladory Bridge in Fossabeg in spring, no further works are planned but a county councillor has argued that more measures are needed, writes Páraic McMahon. In March, Clare County Council installed new advance warning signs, chevron signs and delineator posts at the bridge on the Flagmount to Scariff road. Further signage and measures “to slow traffic” were requested by Cllr Pat Hayes (FF) at a recent sitting of the Killaloe Municipal District but acting senior executive engineer, Derek Troy confirmed that no new

proposals are planned. “It is expected the measures implemented will significantly improve the situation,” he said while admitting that consideration to road markings could be given. Efforts to date were acknowledged by Cllr Hayes who insisted more work was needed. “There have been a lot of accidents at this bridge over the years, there has been numerous times I’ve passed and seen the back of a car hanging out from the ditch”. He added, “I think we need a bit more, it is a long stretch but people need further signage to alert them, we’re lucky there has been no fatality. There is a higher risk if people weren’t pre-warned”.

COUNTYWIDE ROAD IMPROVEMENTS OVER 200 roads in the county are awaiting funding on the local improvement scheme (LIS). In April, Clare County Council were allocated €582,690 under the LIS which provides funding to help local authorities carry out improvement works on private and non-publicly maintained roads. Acting senior executive engineer in the Killaloe Municipal District, Derek Troy updated elected representatives that 20 of the 200 applications “awaiting funding” were in East Clare. Cllr Pat Burke (FG) who

requested the information acknowledged, “it would be great to quadruple the funding” in order to try clear the backlog. “It’s slow progress, that is nobody’s fault here, it would be good to get two more roads done under the LIS”. When September comes, a secondary list should be ready “so that if money came at the eleventh hour that you would have it,” Cllr Alan O’Callaghan (FF) suggested. “There is a secondary back up list to confirm that we can work back off,” the engineer responded.

Thurles has every reason to be glad it was chosen to announce the official start of the GAA”. In 1883 Michael Cusack was involved with three hurling clubs, the first being the Dublin hurling club. At the first meeting of that club in January of 1883 Michael was elected as vice president of the small committee who had met in December 1882 to re-establish the national game of hurling. The club consisted of members of the Irish hurley union which was founded in 1879. “For one reason or another the Dublin hurling club had little success and was disbanded on October 5 in 1883. "The failure of this club did not prevent the man from Clare starting a hurling club among his students in the Civil Service Academy on October 5 in 1883. "On December 6 in 1883

Michael founded the Metropolitan hurling cub in his Academy. "Michael was chosen as president while fellow Clareman Tom Molohan was the first captain and hurlers from various counties became members. "They trained on Saturday evenings in Phoenix Park with Cusack as the trainer. They became very successful and they were the first winners of the Dublin senior final,” Br Sean who resides at the monastery in Ennis CBS recounted. Both Br. Liam O Caithnia and Marcus de Burca in their books on Cusack credit the Metropolitan hurling club as the seed out of which the GAA grew. According to Br. McNamara “there can be no doubt but that it was when Michael was living at 4 Gardiner Place that all the preparatory work for the meeting in Thurles took place”.

FEATURES

THURSDAY, JUL 14 2022

GREEN CLARE

'West Clare can become the Aberdeen of offshore energy' PÁRAIC MCMAHON

paraic@clareecho.ie

OTENTIAL for development of offshore energy in West Clare is the biggest economic prospect for the county. In a proposal before the West Clare Municipal District, Cllr Cillian Murphy (FF) asked the local authority to engage with offshore wind energy companies in the preparation of a study examining the capacity of smaller piers along the Shannon Estuary to capitalise on future development in the industry. This study would determine suitable piers, assess works required, detail planning and environmental assessments while also identifying funding streams. A commitment was issued by acting senior executive officer, John O’Malley to work with offshore wind companies who have already expressed an interest in the area and to look at potential sites for both infrastructural developments and future funding opportunities. Since the discovery of North

l Offshore wind farm

Sea oil in 1969, Aberdeen has been known as the offshore oil capital of Europe, supporting an approximate 47,000 jobs locally. Offshore wind energy could be West Clare’s version of this success, Cllr Murphy maintained, “This is an opportunity for West Clare to become the ‘Aberdeen’ for the offshore energy industry here on the west of Ireland. This is the greatest opportunity for regeneration of the communities of West Clare since Moneypoint was developed”. Cllr Murphy admitted to being seriously concerned “about how little progress is happening to capitalise on this opportunity”. He stated, “This is an opportunity on a countywide scale and requires significant input from the economic development directorate, we are looking at the huge effort put into the Ennis 2040 strategy which of course, needs to be done, but the scale of opportunity the offshore wind sector will deliver puts anything Ennis 2040 delivers into the ha’penny place so its time similar effort is put into this opportunity. The community benefit fund alone from the Western Star project is estimated at €20m per annum and that’s only for one project and while Clare

will only share in that, nothing else comes close to delivering that sort of money into the county”. Murphy calculated that a potential €9bn worth of revenue could be amassed from the sector. Foynes and Moneypoint are the two ports in the Shannon Estuary suitable for the construction and operation of the projects, the Kilkee man said. “Ports in Kerry and Galway are eyeing this up too. I note the docks at Rossaveal has recently received 25 million of an upgrade, undoubtedly aimed at servicing the offshore wind energy industry off the west coast of

Clare. There has been huge movement and planned investment by the Shannon Foynes Port Co with the recent announcement of a €28 million investment in jetty infrastructure and a port logistics park to become a major international renewable energy supply-chain hub”. Moneypoint will too have investment, he acknowledged. “Massive economic gaps” left by the fishing industry’s decline for small communities of the county could also be plugged, the tourism consultant flagged. Piers such as Carrigaholt and Cappa “are perfectly situated

to provide for smaller boat services such as crew change, provisioning and parts replacement shuttles. If we do not have these smaller piers assessed for their capacity to deliver on these opportunities, and create a planned program of works to undertake any such improvements necessary we will be missing out on a significant chunk of the economic opportunity provided by this energy revolution”. “This is a golden opportunity to breathe life back into them for the foreseeable future. It’s not appropriate that we miss out on it,” he concluded.

RECRUITMENT

BUSINESS AND RECRUITMENT

THURSDAY, JUL 14 2022

Clare Credit Unions to help with back to school costs

HE costs of sending children back to school are the highest they’ve ever been with families having to plan earlier with getting their back-to-school shopping done as soon as possible. The latest Irish League of Credit Unions (ILCU) survey on backto-school costs shows the overall spend on school items is up for both primary and secondary schools. It is expected that the cost of sending a child to primary school this coming year is €1,195, while secondary school children will cost

an average of €1,518, both are up on last year’s spend. The increased costs of living are evidently having an impact on school items with the most expensive secondary school item this year being transport at €213, up from €195 last year, reflecting rising fuel costs. School books and uniforms are also high at €210 and €195 respectively. After-school care is the top expense for primary school parents at €184, up €27 on last year, followed by extracurricular activities at €167. Clare Credit Unions are fully

aware that covering the costs of back to school can be a big struggle for parents. Each of the four credit unions in Co Clare are aware that back to school costs can place huge financial pressure on families and the increasing costs of living are adding even more stress to this. Clare Credit Unions wish to reassure families that Credit Unions are here to help, we understand the costs associated with back to school can be a financial burden. Clare Credit Unions wish to reassure members that they are here to help anyone who needs it. Clare Credit Unions would like

to get the message out to members that their doors are open and they are welcome to come and have a face to face conversation with anyone of the four credit unions located in Co Clare. The four credit unions are as follows, Derg Credit Union, Ennistymon & District Credit Union, Kilrush Credit Union & St Francis Credit Union.

All you have to do is log onto www.clarecreditunions.ie to find your local credit union.

RECRUITMENT

Fiddle + Bow launches Russells Seafood Bar T THURSDAY, JUL 14 2022

HE Fiddle + Bow Collection is officially launching their premium authentic Irish seafood bar and restaurant, Russells Seafood Bar, on the 17th of

July. Featured in the Irish Times Top 100 Summer List, Russells Seafood Bar will be serving up a new menu, curated by award-winning Chef Viv Kelly. Maintaining the farm-to-table ideals, all lobster and crab are caught under The Cliffs of Moher, and processed on-site to ensure that only the freshest of ingredients are brought to your table. Russells Seafood Bar painstakingly sources local ingredients, championing great local suppliers to bring the wonderful flavours of West of Clare to your plate. And the bar itself is fully-stocked, with over 50 Irish Whiskey brands to choose from – featuring Irish Whiskey bonder J.J.Corry, and an extensive cocktail menu. The launch will kick off with a number of exciting events, running throughout the entire week. Immerse yourself in local Doolin life, by experiencing exquisite seafood and traditional folk music at Russells Seafood Bar.

lEATERY: Russell's Seafood Bar champions local suppliers to bring the flavours of West Clare to your plate

RUSSELLS SEAFOOD BAR A premium authentic Irish seafood restaurant and bar, launches on the of 18th of July in Doolin, Co. Clare. Featuring local ingredients from within a 30km radius, served up from renowned Chef Viv Kelly, and Irish Whiskey from local Wild Atlantic Way bonder, JJ Corry.

SEAFOOD BAR

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MOTORING

THURSDAY, JUL 14 2022

P L U G A N D T MOTORING EXPERT NEIL BRISCOE GIVES HIS VIEWS

SKODA’ S N EW FA BI A . ORDI NARY RISES UP

NO ELECTRIC POWER, NO HYBRID, AND NO PERFORMANCE V E R S I O N — S O W H AT D O E S T H E N E W FA B I A D O T O S TA N D O U T ?

HERE is nothing wrong with being ordinary. We are fed a constant Instagram diet that says we RENAULT ZOE all have to be #amazing, that only the best will do,R135 and that if you’re not striving then you’re losing. This is all utter rubbish. As the bad GT-LINE guy in The Incredibles says: “When everyone’s super, no-one will be…” There is, it has to be said, a sort of T was never this easy before. nobility in ordinariness. A sense thatWhen doing electric cars first launched, decade enough is sometimes just that —a enough. ago, those early came with And enough can be very,models very good. built-in hassle. Short ranges, inconsisThe new Skoda Fabia is ordinary. That’s tentbelittling charging it, opportunities, high pricnot me quite the opposite — es, a sense you were driving somein and a world of that pointlessly large, expensive, thing that was closer to a fridge than a car. and frequently unpalatable crossovers and Well, that has all changed and this famnew SUVs, the Fabia — a humble five-door Renault Zoe is—anfeels exemplar of that change. ily hatchback ordinary in the same When thea Zoe originally launched, it suf-is way that really good cheese sandwich fered fromThere’s most,no if not quite all, ofhere those ordinary. ornamentation — early electric car shortcomings. Renault just tasty goodness. kept updating andnew refining Zoe,2014, though, This is the first Fabiathe since and that previous Fabia was older than that in its bones, being based in part on the old PQ26 VW Group platform, that actually dated back to 2009. This new Fabia gets the same MAB-A0 platform as already essayed by the likes of the VW Polo, T-Cross, and Taigun; the Seat Ibiza, and Arona; and Skoda’s own Kamiq crossover. And, just as the Kamiq is rather more usefully practical in terms of sheer interior square footage than the Seat and VW equivalents, so too is the Fabia. Open up the bootlid (no need for pointless electric assistance, here), and inside you’ll

find 380-litres of luggage space. To put that nice quilted pattern to the fabric. They are pushed towards buying crossovers. At least into perspective, that’s the same volumetric also exceptionally comfortable. Bisecting they seem to be getting more metal for their offering you’d get from a VW Golf hatch- the dashboard is a strip of metal (or at least money, but it’s hardly in keeping with the back, a car that is both larger overall, and metal-coloured plastic) that runs through environmental imperative. Skoda Ireland significantly more expensive to buy. Better the round air vents and adds a distinct touch acknowledges it’s an issue, but still reckons making betterhas every time,relative, and for the 2020 the Zoe out an extra it toofmake theFabia’s most it’s of lowstill, theitFabia its direct VW sa-e of — styling elan.can It’s asqueeze really good cabin, this.charger, it canthat sellallows every one the 500 due there’s this, the all-new model. claimed Withahead, a er-powered chargers. Hook a Zoe up tohas onealof Polo (which uses the same MQB-A0 chassis 45kmIf of the cabin one-charge design putsrange. the Fabia to get this year. The chip shortage Well, I say all-new... the fully-topped-off battery, thearguably Zoe should the ready ESB’s wreaked 22kW on-street chargers (the—boxy and engines) beaten toActually, the tune under of 30-litres. then the engine package putsbeit on its havoc on the Fabia this skin, basic structure and chassis of the good as foot. muchThere as 395km. fact,a smidge you’ll of whitenew andone green ones, have located on pavements) and Thethe rear seats are a little less commodious. the for back is not In even should been in Ireland last Zoe areFabia’s much driver as theyorwere, body, probably do better that mild-hybrid if you’re driv-powit’ll add 125km but worth of we range one hour If the frontbut seatthepassenger electrification —than not even November, here are in injust February — although a little town,range whereisthe regenof charging, while you nip to the shops or have are on thefamiliar, tall side, looks then those sat sharper, in the rear ingermostly — andaround the engine built entirely so deliveries should be reasonably prompt. and hasknees managed to carve out a erative braking system helps to scavenge some lunch. home, 7.4kWh home-charwill Renault find their in a close relationship around the long-serving 1.0-litre three-cylShouldAtyou buywith one?aAbsolutely. The new little spaceofinside, so that youIt’snonot extra charge you go,These but ifengines you’re run mix-from ger wall-box, it will fill the batterybut from to with more the backs those front seats. inder petrolasengine. Fabia is resolutely sensible, alsoempty rather longer have to constantly rub elbows some motorway the more realistic the brim in around nine hours you snooze. quite cramped — that would be an with unfair inga in mere, basic 65hp, tomiles, a rather useful charming. Its interior is onewhile of the very best your front-seat drops around 250-280km. Which The that this is is called the Zoesense R135 description —passenger. but it’s certainly not over- range 80hp, to atovery much better turbocharged in fact the small carmodel class, as its palpable Much more importantly, theis the Zoe’s pretty also of reveals another improvement — thetoelectric ly-generous in space terms. This only is still 95hp, and adecent. range-topping 110hp. quality. It’s smooth and refined drive battery electric motor are crossover new. The — Better the came Zoe charges up95hp quickly. motor, which beenmuch beefed — area in and which the equivalent Our still, test car with the engine, (albeit nothas all that funup in to thedeliver corners) 52kWh battery in Zoe is far, far larger beaten. than Plug it into 50kWhacceleration rapid charger and guessand what 135hp95hp and 245Nm (althe Kamiq — has the Fabia properly which has aclaimed of 10.6secs that—peppy engine of is torque delightful, theUp pair of AA Duracells you got in the If it’llfrom go from empty tofuel 80 economy per cent charged though extra power stripan a little front, things are very much better. 0-100km/h, of 5.0-litres andthe frugal (but coulddoes do with extrarange gear original. fact, with extra around 30-45mins. Zoe hasofa116g/km. neat awayin— compared the full 395km of both theIn Polo and theonly Ibizaan(and the2kWh old Fa- in per 100km, and CO2The emissions its386km five-speed manualtogearbox). to play with from relative to thethat Zoe’s ri- trick, — it has clever charging the cheaper R110 version). That makes the beZoe bia) suffer cabins areclosest very much 116 though is, of course, not azero, which would be It’s also a perfect reminder that just vals — the Peugeot e-208 andside, Opelthen Cor-this system feel cause very zippy indeed, even that whendoesn’t you’re on the plain and unexciting better.built-in, But then called it wouldthe alsoChameleon be much more something is and ordinary, new Fabia is… well, it’s not suffering. The expensive, and that would arguably put the mean that it’s not any good. primary surfaces are of very high quali- Fabia out of reach of an awful lot of its target Lowdown: Skoda Fabia 1.0 TSI 95hp Style: ty, and we like the way the Fabia name has audience. 1.0-litre turbo three-cylinder petrol engine been subtly embossed into the edges of the Actually, a word on prices — this Fabia is developing 95hp and 175Nm of torque, instrument binnacle. The main dials and much more expensive than it ever used to driving a five-speed manual transmission heating controls are simple and unadorned be. The utterly base version, with that weedy and front-wheel drive. CO2 emissions (anin the extreme, but they are functional so 65hp engine, starts at €19,150, a good €5,000 nual motor tax) 116g/km (€190). Fuel conthat’s OK. In the Style-spec test car we were increase on where the last Fabia began its sumption: 5.0-litres per 100km (56.4mpg). driving, there is a nice strip of man-made journey in 2014. This is a recurring prob- 0-100km/h 10.6sec. Price: €23,350 as tested; suede material that caresses the underside lem in the small car market — increasing Fabia starts at €19,150. Our rating 4/5. Verof the central infotainment screen (eight legislation for standard safety kit is driving dict: Ordinary is not an insult. inches across here, 6.5-inches as standard) up prices in this cost-sensitive corner of the while the high-backed front seats have a market, and hence why many are feeling

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AR sales have held firm in 42.49%. Petrol continues to remain domClare so far this year, while a inant with 28.22%, Diesel accounts for major shift to electric has tak- 26.87%, Hybrid 22.50%, Electric 12.96% Megane - Plug-in Hybrid en place. and Plug-in Electric Hybrid 7.03%. Zoe - 100% Electric For the first half of the Commenting Captur - Plug-in Hybrid on the new vehicle regyear, new car registrations hit 1,322 for istrations Brian Cooke, Director General Co Clare, a very slight decline on the SIMI said Clio - Hybrid same period for 2021 (1,358). “New car registrations for the first The new results from the Society of half of the year are marginally ahead the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI) also re(2.1%) of last year but remain 19.3% vealed that the national trend of importbehind that of 2019 (pre-covid levels). Models shown: Mégane Sport Tourer Iconic E-TECH Plug-in Hybrid 160 – RRP €30,356; ZOE GT Line Z.E.50 R135 – RRP €32,427; Clio RS Line E-TECH Hybrid 140 – RRP €29,307; Captur S-Edition E-TECH Plug-in Hybrid 160 – RRP €30,037 (ZOE, Captur and ing cars continues with TheTotal continuing Electric Mégane RRPs include €5,000 SEAI grant for private buyers, prices valid in November 2020). Finance example ZOE Play R110 Z.E.50. RRP €27,728. Deposit €11,534. Termto 48deteriorate, monthly payments of €339. APR 2.11%. cost of creditsurge €659 inc in fee of €75. OfferVehicle is made under a hire purchase agreement. Payment deferral available on request. First payment will be taken 90 days after activation of finance agreement. Subject to lending criteria. conditions apply. See Renault.ie [Warning: Youfirst will not own of these used car imports down 32.6Terms perand cent sales, up 97% for the half the year, goods until the final payment is made]. Renault Bank is a trading name of RCI Banque Branch Ireland and is authorised and regulated by the French banking authority and supervised by the Central Bank for conduct of business purposes. on last year. Meanwhile, so far this year continues to be the one positive aspect of 8,444 new electric cars have been registhe new car market. tered in Ireland in comparison to 4,330 “The Industry is as ever optimistic on the same period 2021 while Electric that the new 222 registration period, HOGAN MOTORS ENNIS Vehicle, Plug-in Hybrids and Hybrids which begins [this month], will help Gort Road, Ennis, Co Clare continue to increase their market share, boost sales and attract vital trade-ins for with a combined market share now of the used car market.”

Tel 065 6821704 www.hoganmotorsennis.ie

THURSDAY, JUL 14 2022

MOTORING

THE NEW

ŠKODA KODIAQ

Enjoy the confidence and economy of the new ŠKODA KODIAQ, offering the latest technology and seating for up to 7 people.

Al Hayes ŠKODA, Gort Road, Ennis, Co. Clare. Tel: 065 682 2400 • www.alhayesskoda.ie WLTP (Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure) combined fuel consumption for KODIAQ in l/100km range from 7.4 to 5.4. WLTP combined CO2 emissions in g/km range from 177 to 143.

14-07-22

Clare Echo THE

pg 26

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

Lenihan looking to the future following intermediate exit PÁRAIC MCMAHON

paraic@clareecho.ie

OLLOWING Clare’s exit from the All-Ireland intermediate championship, the focus is shifting to the efforts of the county minors and the club championships. Chairman of Clare LGFA, Seán Lenihan voiced his pride with the performances and commitment shown by the intermediate panel and management throughout the year, it comes following their two point All-Ireland semi-final extra time loss on Sunday. Clare’s minors managed by his predecessor David O’Brien from Cooraclare face Armagh in the All-Ireland semi-final in Pearse

Park, Longford on Wednesday July 20th at 7:30pm. Leitrim and Wicklow meet in the other semi-final. Action has commenced in the minor club campaign with the senior and intermediate championships set to begin on August 7th. Lenihan explained, “With the split season and limited weekends now until the Munster club competitions, it will be extremely busy, especially for dual Clubs right up to County Final Day. Our Fixtures Committee have liaised extensively with their camogie counterparts and while the round robin games will be on the same weekends, week in, week out, it has been agreed to alternate the Football and Camogie semi-final and final weekends with a fortnight between the semi and the final also. I know not everyone will be happy with

Clare LGFA Chairman, Seán Lenihan BurrenEye Photography

the fixtures programme but it is the optimum solution in the circumstances”.

Expressions of interest will be sought by the development committee in the coming weeks for

management teams at county level, he confirmed. The St Josephs Doora/Barefield clubman was also hopeful to hear from interested sponsors by emailing chairperson. clare@lgfa.ie. He stated, “There are considerable costs involved in building for the future. We would be particularly interested in hearing from any individual or organisation who sees the obvious benefits of being involved with females in sport in general and Ladies Football in particular. We would be particularly glad to hear from somebody that may be interested in becoming our S&C funding partner or our Physio funding partner as the costs can be quite extensive in these areas. All sponsorship or contribution would be greatly appreciated, officially receipted, and suitably acknowledged”.

TG4 ALL-IRELAND LADIES INTERMEDIATE FOOTBALL CH’SHIP SEMI-FINAL: CLARE 2-19 LAOIS 2-21 (after e/t) AT KILTOOM, ROSCOMMON

‘Unbelievable character’ in defeat EVAN TALTY, CLARE MANAGER: “We had 20 wides and they had ten, that’s outside of goal scoring, I think we created ten goal scoring opportunities, we took three and ultimately we never put them out of sight which is the reality. “In extra time we went four points up but it could easily have been eight or nine points, big games and we missed easy enough scores. For me, I think, I said to the girls when we went in at full-time before extra time, I said win, lose or draw we’re proud of ye because everything was against them, momentum and we were down to 14 but we kicked six of the last seven scores to draw the game, that is unbelievable character from them girls to do that, it could easily have been a ten point loss but to bring us to where we brought it and I think the momentum carried through. I said to the girls not to fear the finish line and I think Laois showed great mental strength to fly out of the blocks to kick those two scores.” “We were four up before Orla [Devitt] went [off injured with a suspected broken collar bone], it was a big momentum swing, Orla was coming out with the ball and flying, we were on the attack, it was a free, she went off and lost the next ball, thy turned it over and got the next score. Small margins in tight games”. “I thought it was a great advertisement for ladies football, it was a super game to be involved with, the heart isn’t great after it. Overall, I’m disappointed, I thought we deserved to get to the All-Ireland final but I’m

still very proud of them”.

(left) Emma McMahon collides with Rachel Williams and (above) Siofra Ní Chonaill at the final whistle

BurrenEye Photography

SCAN HERE FOR MATCH REPORT

pg 27

27-07-22

16 apply for Clare H.O.O. role as Pat Fitz skips his final meeting SEAMUS HAYES TERENCE Fahy and Dermot Coughlan have been reappointed to their roles as Clare U20 hurling and minor football managers, 16 applications have been received for the new HOO role within Clare GAA and outgoing secretary Pat Fitzgerald chose not to attend his final meeting in the post. Sixteen applications for Clare H.O.O. post: As of last Friday, 16 applications for the position of HOO (Head of Operations) of Clare GAA had been received at Croke Park, Clare GAA chairman Kieran Keating told the July meeting at Caherlohan on Tuesday night. Expressing hope that the new post will be filled by September, the chairman said, “Croke Park will decide the process. They will have two, the County Board will have two and Munster Council

Outgoing secretary Pat Fitzgerald did not attend his final meeting in the post Photo by Gerard O’Neill

will have one on the interview panel. The final decision will be with us as we are hiring here.” Colm Browne (chairman of the masters fixtures committee) told the meeting that “it is more likely to be October before the position is filled.” He told the meeting that he “had

hoped that Pat [Fitzgerald] would be here tonight but he didn’t want a fuss. He has given 32 years service and I want to express the county committee’s thanks and appreciation to Pat for all his hard work”. The chairman also informed the meeting, “Eve Watkins is also finishing up this week. She was always

Clare GAA ‘out of tune’ in choice of pre-match music CLARE GAA is out of tune when it comes embracing the county’s reputation as the home of traditional music, writes Páraic McMahon. A request is to be issued to the Association for them to utilise “local bands like Ennis Brass Band or the Tulla Pipe Band” to play the national anthem, Amhrán na bhFiann “before important home games”. It follows a proposal before Clare County Council from Cllr Mary Howard (FG), Cllr Alan O’Callaghan (FF) and Cllr Donna McGettigan (SF). Earlier this year, some games in the National Hurling and Football Leagues featured Ruan’s Denise Whelan singing Amhrán na bhFiann prior to throw-in. Speaking at Monday’s meeting, Cllr Howard offered assurances that she was “not lambasting the GAA, my colleagues thought I was having a dig at them” in reference to the involvement of her party colleagues with the sporting body. “Back on May 15th, Clare were playing Limerick in a packed Cusack Park and a

packed town, then we had the national anthem and it was played on some old tape”. “I’d say it was a gramophone because someone was above winding and it was scraping for three minutes,” Cllr O’Callaghan remarked. “Town was packed for both games, there was a huge buzz with drinks before, during and after, to hear this yoke scraping and tearing was awful,” the Kilmurry publican added. He pointed to the Artane Boys Band as an example of how musicians can be nurtured and felt a full Cusack Park would aid the growth of the county’s young musicians. Cllr Joe Cooney (FG) admitted he was “disappointed” with some of the comments and the motion itself. Cooney said that the idea of bringing in a singer was put on the table during his five year term as Chairman and was set to be introduced before COVID-19, and argued that there would be a cost associated with inviting bands to play prior to matches.

Photograph: Ruth Griffin

helpful and dutiful and she worked many hours longer than she was required to”. Eve had worked as an administrator at Clare GAA’s headquarters in Clareabbey. He confirmed that recently appointed Assistant Secretary of Clare GAA, Deirdre Chaplin will be acting secretary on a voluntary basis. Tributes: After asking if there would be an opportunity “to pay tribute to the secretary”, the chairman told Clondegad delegate Seamus O’Reilly to “go ahead”. “There is a lot to cover and it would be remiss of us not to highlight his colossus contribution for almost five decades through Bord na nÓg, the hurling board and the County Board. He was at the centre of a golden age for Clare GAA during which 3 All-Ireland senior hurling, three Munster titles, All-Ireland and Munster under 21 titles, National league successes, minor All-Ireland success, senior B football, Munster senior football, the Tommy Murphy cup, divi-

sion 3 and 4 football leagues were all won. “Properties were purchased at Crusheen, Clareabbey and Caherlohan that will stand to us in the future. Maybe there were some mistakes but any one that never made a mistake made nothing. He did not seek the limelight. He spoke frankly. It’s sad that he is not here tonight. We let him down at times. It will be a major black mark if there is not some honour or recognition for Pat after 50 years. Ni beidh a leithéid ann arís”, O’Reilly told the meeting. Clonlara delegate Flan Mullane told the meeting that Pat came from “a great family” in SCAN HERE FOR Truagh. “I FULL ARTICLE wish him nothing but health and h a p p i n e s s”. Tulla’s Brian Torpey also wished him well.

14-07-22

pg 28

Off-field controversies referenced in proposals for CDSL AGM by PÁRAIC McMAHON CONTROVERSIES that occurred earlier in this year’s soccer season have inspired proposals that will be discussed by clubs this week. On Thursday evening, Treacy’s West County Hotel will host the Annual General Meeting of the Clare District Soccer League (CDSL). As first reported by The Clare Echo, Jason Ryan (Kilrush Rangers) will be returned unopposed as Chairman with contests on the cards for the roles of Fixtures Secretary and Delegates. Off the field drama had an impact on the final destination of the Premier Division and Second Division titles this season and it has been noted by clubs and the CDSL committee in some of the rule changes put forward. Five rule changes have been proposed by the CDSL committee including an increase in a fine from €100 to €150 for clubs guilty of playing suspended or eligible players or those using a false name, the deduction of three points will also be removed from Rule 51. Clubs will also have to make note on a team sheet if an underage player is lining out at junior level. Committee members of the CDSL have also proposed that twenty rather than twenty five medals be provided for league and cup winners. The CDSL also wish for the Premier Division to start with the League Cup matches at weekends and midweek with this competition to be ran off in two to three weeks. An officer who fails to attend four

Committee meetings in one season will have to automatically step down from their role and be prohibited from standing at the next AGM, is the final change recommended by the CDSL. Connolly Celtic who were disgruntled with the handling of the Second Division’s conclusion will seek changes as a result. They have proposed that where a club or team fails to complete a fixture, that three points be awarded “to the disappointed teams for each of the un-played matches, except when a team has played less than half its scheduled matches, then it’s record shall be deleted completely”. Where a member of the CDSL Executive is involved with a team or club who breaks Rule 51, the fielding of a suspended, illegal or ineligible player, Connolly have proposed that the “executive committee member must step down immediately from the executive committee once the disciplinary process has concluded. We feel if this was to happen then that person’s position on the executive committee will be untenable so would like to see this attention to the rule”. Three other amendments have been tabled by Connolly. They included having a minimum of 25 percent of both genders on the CDSL committee, for a maximum term of five years for any CDSL official and for no CDSL committee member to be involved with the management of a team in the league. Avenue Utd are requesting a

minimum of 18 hours when switching game from an astro pitch or vice versa. They are also tabling an amendment so that when a pitch is deemed unplayable that a pitch inspection be done by the referee at least two hours before kickout “to avoid unnecessary travel for the teams involved”. Scrapping of the winter break has been proposed by Kilkishen Celtic, the seasonal break is currently scheduled from December 11th to January 6th.

Mountshannon Celtic have suggested the introduction of a ‘for referee use only’ shading distinction tag for the initial section of the official team sheet used on match days where the designated match referee signs. The East Clare club is also asking the CDSL to allow the provision of a copy of filled out team sheets to the opposing team on matchday. FAI Football Development Officer, Denis Hynes has put forward a number of interesting proposal

for the AGM. He has called on the CDSL to enter into a facility usage agreement at The People’s Park in Kilmihil at an estimated cost of €1500 to €2000 by subsidising the venue hire for a minimum of thirty games. The absence of Oscar Traynor costs and a FAI CDO contribution leaves the CDSL with a €5000 extra spend, he calculated. Hynes has also recommended moving the scheduling of adult games from Sunday mornings to Friday nights (7:30pm – 9pm) and Saturday evenings (5:30pm – 7pm or 7:30pm – 9pm). Youths games could also be played in these slots or from Monday to Thursday, he believed. A shortened CDSL season from October to April 1st would allow for a clean break between seasons, make clubs stronger and avoid a clash with the GAA championships. Such a change is necessary according to Hynes, “some clubs in all divisions went eight to fourteen weeks without a game last year,” he highlighted. “The traditional Sunday format of grassroots football is not attractive anymore,” the Ennistymon man said. He cited a CDSL Development Survey whereby 71 percent of respondents expressed an interest in playing on midweek, Friday or Saturdays. Co-ordinating with the CSSL window can improve continuity of activity, Hynes noted while arguing the U17 and Youths competitions could be played in a tighter six to ten week period. The addition of standout games on Friday and Saturday nights could also heighten local media coverage, he said.

‘We made progress but 2022 was not a success’ - Kelly PÁRAIC MCMAHON paraic@clareecho.ie

CLARE’S senior hurling captain, Tony Kelly has admitted he is at a loss to explain their exit from the All-Ireland SHC. Kelly was named as the PwC GPA Player of the Month for June following an outstanding provincial campaign which resulted in Clare reaching the Munster final where they lost out to Limerick following extra time. Despite the progression of the Munster bid, Clare fell short in the All-Ireland semi-final with a heavy 2-26 0-20 defeat to Brian Cody’s Kilkenny. On that occasion, the Ballyea sharpshooter was kept scoreless from play as the Cats managed to success nullify the Banner’s key threats. Speaking after picking up his latest accolade, Tony said the Kilkenny display was “below par”. “It’s hard to put your finger on it right now as to why. We haven’t really dissected it as a team yet, we probably won’t do so until we meet back up for next year, whenever that is. It’s hard to pinpoint exactly what went wrong for us, obviously a lot did go wrong. In terms of accumulating everything that went wrong and seeing where everything did go

wrong and how we could have addressed it won’t happen until later down the road”. Kelly continued, “It’s probably hindsight when you look back. Look, we know the round-robin series, we’ve played in it ’18 and ’19 and this, the first year back after Covid, it is obviously a tough championship, if you do pick up injuries, you have to adapt to it”. Undoubtedly the absence of centre-back John Conlon was a massive blow to Clare but the 2013 Hurler of the Year pointed to how Limerick were “able to adapt and still perform at a very high level” when without Cian Lynch and Peter Casey while retaining their Munster title. “I suppose you could dwell on it too long but the main thing for us is we’ve just got to try and get better — individually, collectively, we all have to get better in every facet of the game really”. “There’s no point in feeling sorry for yourself or dwelling on it too much, you have to get straight back up and get back into it with your club, brush yourself down and look forward to a new inter-county season even though it’s probably a good few months away. That’s the nature of it. We’ve had crushing defeats before, and you’ve just got to try and get better and keep going”. Year three of Brian Lohan’s tenure was positive but not necessarily a success, the St Flannan’s teacher surmised. “There has been

progression this year in terms of our performance levels for the majority of the year and getting back to a Munster final for the first time since 2018, and a semi-final, so there has been progression and that’s down to the savage work that the players, and obviously Brian [Lohan] and the management, are doing. There’s obvious progression there. You probably don’t look back [on the good days] when you don’t win a piece of silverware. You don’t look back unless you’ve something concrete to show for your efforts really”.

“I wouldn’t call it a success. You can have a barometer or a measuring stick on success, it depends what you call it. I think success is when you actually win a Munster championship or win an All-Ireland. I think it’s progression, in terms of we’ve improved on where we were last year”. His next season as an inter-county hurler will mark a decade since he won an All-Ireland title, in what was his second year as a Clare senior hurler. “Every hurler in the country is chasing it, and only 33 or 34 can get at it every year. But I suppose that’s the challenge that you like. You like trying to get better, you like trying to improve yourself again and try and have another cut off it next year. That’s just the nature of hurling,” he said of the ambition to win a second medal”. The three-time All Star said this desire gets stronger the longer the wait. “It’s like a drug, you just become addicted to trying to get to an All-Ireland and win an All-Ireland. We’re no different in Clare, we’re trying to get back there. I suppose that 2013 team, I think there’s only five or six lads left from that panel. We have a completely new group. You’re basically trying to chase that feeling, to be totally honest. At the minute, we just have to get better and improve and have a cut off trying to get that again next year”. Photo by David Fitzgerald/Sportsfile

pg 29

14-07-22

2,500 cyclists to wheel in Ladies Captain’s Prizes claimed for Skoda Ring of Clare by SEAMUS HAYES

THE return of ŠKODA Ring of Clare Cycle will see 2,500 cyclists visit Ennis this weekend. The event is one of the largest mass participation events in Ireland bringing visitors from multiple countries. The event returns for the first time since 2019 and is estimated to be worth €1m to the local economy. The ŠKODA Ring of Clare Cycle is part of the international ŠKODA Celtic Cycling Series, starting and finishing in Ennis. Cyclists have the option of 160km and 120km routes that brings the event along the Wild Atlantic Way, Loop Head Peninsula and back to Ennis by the newly developed Shannon Estuary Way. Damian Hayes of ŠKODA Al Hayes Ennis explained how the Clare cycle continues to be among the most popular events on the leisure cycling sportive calendar. He outlined "this is the fourth year of the event

Donnacha Halpin

LADY Captain’s Prizes in East Clare and Kilrush were claimed by Rachel Whelan and Anne Cooper respectively taking the spoils. EAST CLARE GOLF CLUB: East Clare lady captain Maureen Clune’s prize was played for in glorious sunshine, last Sunday with large numbers taking part. Rachel Whelan emerged as the winner with 42 points and she had one to spare over Loretto O’Donnell with Noreen O’Grady in third place with 37 points. Eileen Donnellan won the gross with 22. Catherine Murphy with 36 points won the past captain’s prize while Nadine Fox with 25 points and

and it has sold out for the past three years. The event started in 2016 with 800 cyclists and has trebled in a short space of time to attract 2,500 participants annually. "The feedback from participants have highlighted the spectacular route around Clare from the coast, Loop Head Peninsula to the estuary journey back to the finish. The reputation of Ennis as a great host town provides another reason for so many visitors to take part." He added, "this year we

are also delighted to carry the HPV Vaccine Awareness logo on the event jersey. It is important that we continue to support the efforts of the late Laura Brennan and the Brennan family in encouraging clubs and events to use their influence in keeping awareness of the HPV vaccine to the fore. Between all the ŠKODA cycling events, thousands of cyclists will carry the logo and message around the country and further afield".

Noreen Skehan with 17 points won the front and back nines respectively. Celia Moloney won the award for nearest the pin at the 8th hole while Catherine Minogue had the longest drive on the 15th hole. The winner of the 9 hole competition was Noreen Nugent with 17 points from Mary Stritch with 14 points. The lady captain’s prize to the men was won by Seamus Mason with 43 points from John Punch with 41 points, Ray K. McInerney with 40 points. Ben Rittweger won the gross with 34 points. Mike Hayes with 45 points won the lady captain’s prize to the senior men from Denis Corcoran with 41. In the men’s open on Thursday Darren O’Sullivan was the winner with 38 points from Tony Fitzgerald with 35, Ben Hynes with 34. The senior men’s competition last week was won by Terry Coughlan, John Farrell and Jimmy Nagle. The ladies competition on Wednesday was won by Mary Hogan, Marie A. Kelly and Helen Conway. LAHINCH GOLF CLUB: While the visit of a number of the world’s best golfers resulted in a lot of activity around Lahinch Golf club last week, pride of place must go to the men’s and ladies senior cup teams who defeated Limerick (3.5 to 1.5) and Nenagh (3/2) respectively to qualify for the West Munster finals hosted by Killarney. While the ladies senior cup team has had a great run of success over recent years, this will be the first Munster final appearance for the men for quite some time. On Saturday the men’s team will line out against Dooks on Mahony’s Point golf course while on Killeen, the ladies will play host club, Killarney. This Friday the Pierce Purcell team are at home to Woodstock in the West Munster quarter-final.

Photo by Joe Buckley

Marvellous Munster win for Donnacha Halpin SHANNON’s Donnacha Halpin has won the 2022 Munster Under-13 Boy's Close. Halpin a member of Shannon Golf Club won the eighteen hole event at Adare Manor, scoring 31 points. It was a dominant win for Donnacha as he picked up points on 17 of the 18 holes, finishing with a fantastic score of five over gross. Goldcoast's Rory McKeown and Tramore's Ronan Dawson finished in a tie for second place on 22 points. Fresh from his success, Donnacha has

Maureen Clune with Rachel Whelan

been selected to represent Munster at the U14 Interprovincial Championship at the Hilton Templepatrick in Belfast this coming Monday and Tuesday. “This win in itself is an incredible achievement, and his selection to represent Munster is a fantastic validation of all the hard work and thousands of hours of practice he has put in. We are all so proud of Donnacha and the work he and his family have put in to get this far,” a spokesperson for Shannon Golf Club stated this week.

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Over the past week, the club welcomed some of golf’s greatest names to Lahinch. Last Friday, 9-times major champion, Gary Player, played the Old Course for the first time and spent the day engaging with members and visitors. On Saturday morning, Adam Scott and his father, Phil, played the Old Course while Jordon Speith, Scottie Scheffler, Sam Burns and Teddy Scott enjoyed the links. Adam Scott and Jordan Spieth indicated their intentions to return some day with Speith ranking the Old Course in his Top 5. WOODSTOCK GOLF CLUB: Mags Nash with 66 nett won the Lady Captain Mary McNamara’s prize from Eilis Neville with 70 nett followed by Aine Burke with a similar score. Fran Feighery won the past captain’s prize while the nines were won by Marianne McGough and Chaye Kelly. Mary Howard won nearest the pin at the 6th hole while the long drive winners were Marie McNamara (2nd hole|) and Chaye Kelly (9th hole). Ann White, lady captain at Ennis, won the guest’s prize. In the 9 hole competition Anne Kilker won with 21 points from Breda Hansbury with 20 points. The lady captain’s prize to the men was won by Jim Dunne (20) with 67 from Vincent McInerney (21) with a similar score. Derek Deegan (16) was third with 68 followed by Niall Reynolds (15) with 68. Brian Gilligan (3) won the gross with 71. Last week’s open singles at Woodstock was won by David Forde (20) with 47 points. ENNIS GOLF CLUB: Last week’s 18 hole stroke July medal competition for ladies at Ennis resulted in victory for Patricia Moroney (20) in the silver medal section with 72 nett from Mary Lenihan (18) with 78. Monica Finnerty (24) won the bronze medal section with 68. In the 9 hole competition the overall winner was Ann Casey (14) with 20 points. Last week’s senor ladies competition was won by Ann White, Ann Casey and Kathleen Pyne with 49.3 points. KILRUSH GOLF CLUB: The lady captain’s (Peggy Mulqueen) prize resulted in victory for Anne Cooper (35) with 69. Ailish Lorigan (19) with a similar score was second followed by Mary O’Sullivan (27) with 70. Mary Nolan (20) won the front nine with 34 while the back nine was won by Mary Keating (32) with 35. The 9 hole competition was won by Stephanie Roughan with 18. Seamus O’Doherty (15) with 43 points won the lady captain’s prize to the men from Brendan Carrig (29) with 40 points. The weekly ladies competition was for the Mary Gleeson prize was won by Edel Crowley (42) with 42 points. Mary Bolton (18) was second with 36 points followed by Miriam Saunders (29) with 35 points. DROMOLAND GOLF CLUB: Enda Finnucane won the men’s singles stableford 18 hole competition at Dromoland at the weekend with 46 points. He had three to spare over Noel Stapleton with P.J Conway in third spot with 42 points followed by Shane O’Doherty with 41. Brian Arthur won the gross with 32 points. The ladies 18 hole strokeplay competition was won by Mairead Toomey with 65 nett from Mairead Bergin with 75.

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pg 30

Show jumping win, the stuff of dreams for Michelle by PÁRAIC McMAHON

CLARE’S Michelle Kelly has been crowned a National show jumping Champion.

In Mullingar, Michelle and her horse Donatelloe Dreamer partook in the Connolly's RED MILLS National Show Jumping Championships, claiming top spot in the national

Stream Of Sydney, winner of the John Whelan Memorial Kennedy Cup A3 525, 1st Semi-Final winner pictured with James Corden and Emma Buckley

Big Clare interest in Memorial Kennedy Cup by MICHAEL MAHER

The Final of the valuable John Whelan sponsored Memorial Kennedy Cup at Limerick Greyhound Stadium is the main focus of attention for Greyhound people this coming weekend. Clare hold a strong hand in this €5,000 to the winner. Although Stream Of Sydney maintained his unbeaten run with another sparkling performance in the semi-finals, it was the other unbeaten bitch in the stake, Tromora Rocket, who went narrowly quickest. After making an incredible recovery from a tardy start in last week’s second round, Killahan Sydney was the understandable favourite heading into the second semi-final, but the black jacketed runner broke poorly and the 4/5 shot was again playing catch-up as Tromora Rocket owned by Quilty’s David Hogan took full advantage of some first bend traffic to shoot clear. Left with an unassailable lead after both Hello Sydney and Liosgarbh Lily collided, it was all one-way traffic for Tromora Rocket, and Hogan’s charge didn’t need a second invitation as she set an electric gallop down the back straight. Showing no stamina worries, the daughter of Ballymac Bolger and Ballymac Cameo was nine lengths better off than Killahan Syndey crossing the line, with Jackals Jewel a further four lengths back in third. The time was a rapid 28.53. Although the second semi final proved to be an upset in the betting market, there was to be no such shocks in the opening semi as Stream Of Sydney once again dominated the contest. Installed as the 4/6 favourite, Stream Of Sydney was bidding to secure a hat-trick for Austin Whelan and Pat Buckley and despite not coming away too fluently from the inside, she showed immediate early gears to zoom up the inside and take control. Rounding the opener with a clear lead, Joeys Champ was next best upon entrance to the back straight, however, numerous greyhounds were making their move, one of which was Maireads Rocket, who had improved into second after a moderate start. However, it was all one-way traffic up top

as Stream Of Sydney continued to set a frantic gallop and she maintained her lead all the way home as the October daughter of Droopys Sydney and Jet Stream Proof crossed with three lengths in hand over Maireads Rocket in second. The time was 28.55 as Brickfield Cody recovered from an early bump to book his spot in the decider in six days’ time. Interestingly, Stream of Sydney’s owner Austin Whelan is the brother of the memorial’s sponsor. Confused Fitzy returned to winning ways in an Open sprint in race five at Limerick as the Gerry Manley of Cratloe owned greyhound scored an emphatic victory. A 3/1 chance at the off, Confused Fitzy trapped brilliantly from four and he showcased some lovely early speed to race into the opening corner in control. Tracking expertly thereafter, the son of Confident Rankin and Confused Breda kept on well close home and he was three lengths clear of Dubh Gasta crossing the line. The time was a very good 18.85. From the 12 races on offer from last Thursday night at Limerick Greyhound Stadium, five of the Clare brigade made it to the winner’s enclosure. Getting the banner flag flying was Alberta Billy for the Cooney clan from Broadford, trained by Donal Cooney, this son of Kinloch Brae and Tullovin Fire made it a ninth career success in 29.49. Next up Gower Lottie brought the honours to Cooraclare for Anne and John Carey, a daughter of Greenwell Hulk and Gower Lady, she landed the spoils in a career best run of 29.13 for a third career success. The third race an A3 contest, went to Mary Crotty from O’Briensbridge with Inislosky Urchin. A daughter of Romeo Recruit and Inislosky Swift, this consistent lady, brought her career wins to 12 in a time of 29.25. Next for the Banner was Upland Glen, for Cratloe’s Harry Galvin, a son of former Derby Champion Good News and Star Princess, career win number seven was obtained in 29.98. And Avoid the Clash for Mountshannon based Pat Curtin, recorded a first career success, a son of Droopys Cain and Royal Highflyer, he stopped the clock in 29.44.

RC70 championship and sixth in the accumulator class. Now based outside Cranny, Michelle told The Clare Echo that the success was “a dream come true”. She said, “Dreamy is the kindest, most honest horse. I only started horse riding as an adult so the riding club was a great way to get out and compete every week. They travelled to Westmeath “hoping to hoping to have a good day out” but not expecting the success that followed. Michelle outlined, “Having won the Derby league and show jumping league in the west midlands with Dreamy I knew he was capable of doing it, he's a great horse, but on the day you never know how things will go...I am beyond thrilled to bring home the silverware on the day.” Dreamy jumped clear in both rounds to qualify for the jump off, they were balloted last to go in this with another superb showing seeing them claim the national title. Michelle had another big win with Dreamy’s stable mate, Drumsey to bring the Frank Mangan Memori-

al Cup to West Clare. Newmarket-on-Fergus native, Michelle said, “He’s the horse of a lifetime and never puts a hoof wrong. We do joke that he wasn’t going to be outdone by his stable mate Drumsey who also won big for me at the national AIRC riding club festival a couple of weeks ago, winning the supreme champion in the showing, bringing home the Frank Mangan Memorial cup, but I have to credit my husband Derek for all the work he puts in to have both of the horses going so well.”

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OBITUARIES 31

THURSDAY, JUL 14 2022

Recent Deaths Vet (née Flynn), Mary Killaloe, Clare Date of Death: Tuesday, 12th July 2022 Meere (née O’Halloran), Christina Ruan, Clare Date of Death: Monday 11th July 2022 Tubridy, John Joe Cree, Clare Date of Death: Monday 11th July 2022 Nolan, Michael (Mick) Lahinch/ Killaloe, Clare Date of Death: Monday 11th July 2022 Moloney, Matthew Limerick / Sixmilebridge, Clare Date of Death: Monday 11th July 2022 Halpin, Thomas (Tom) Kilkee, Clare Date of Death: Monday 11th July 2022 Ryan, Liam Miltown Malbay, Clare

PLANNING CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL CLONTEEN, BALLYALLIA, ENNIS, 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 Hugh Rice for permission to (a) construct a dwelling house and detached garage (b) install an advanced 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. CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL QUILTY WEST, QUILTY, CO. CLARE Take notice that Kieran O Boyle intends to apply for permission to retain and complete the carport/ garage & 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 LOUGHLOON, LISCANNOR, CO. CLARE Take notice that Ann and James F. Durack intends to apply for permission to extend and renovate the existing dwelling, upgrade/ replace the existing sewerage, improve the existing

Date of Death: Sunday 10th July 2022 Ralph, John (Benji) Dublin / Kilkee, Clare Date of Death: Saturday 9th July 2022 Kennelly (née Frazer), Margaret (Peggy) Newmarket-on-Fergus, Clare Date of Death: Saturday 9th July 2022 O’Brien (née Adams), Margaret Shannon, Clare Date of Death: Saturday 9th July 2022 Heinrichs (née O’Shea), Maureen Miltown Malbay, Clare Date of Death: Friday 8th July 2022 Coyne (née McManus), Philomena (Phil) Ennis, Clare Date of Death: Friday 8th July 2022 Hayes, Paul Clarecastle, Clare Date of Death: Friday 8th July 2022 Kinneen (née O’Donoughue), Jacqueline Ennis, Clare Date of Death: Friday 8th July 2022