The Clare Echo 14/09/2023

LAST OF THE SUMMER SUN

Garda numbers dwindle in Clare

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

CLARE HAS 33 less Garda members than it had in 2018 while the newly amalgamated Garda Division with Tipperary sees just one of the six superintendents based out of the Banner County. Effective since the end of the August, the amalgamated Garda Division of Clare and Tipperary has six Superintendents but just one of these, Supt John Ryan is based in Co Clare, out of Ennis Garda Station.

Chief Superintendent Colm O’Sullivan’s main base is out of Ennis Garda Station but he is also working out of Tipperary. He defended the new model which sees more inspectors in the county. “The

way we do our business is changing but the service that has been provided has actually improved because we have teams of dedicated inspectors to deal with the crime,” he said.

Since 2018, Clare has 33 less Garda members. “Overall it is down 23 Garda members across the Clare Division, yes at Garda rank we’re down 33 guards but some of those were promoted into the rank of Superintendent and remained within the Clare Division or if they were transferred out they were replaced with Sergeants. We increased the number of Sergeants and Inspectors but we lost overall 23 people,” he told The Clare Echo.

l Fionn Hegerty enjoying the sunshine and the hurling at the meeting of Whitegate and Ruan in the Clare intermediate hurling championship in Dr Daly Park, Tulla Photo by Ruth Griffin

CONTENTS NEWS ENNIS COLUMNISTS GREENER CLARE BUSINESS PROPERTY SPORT CLASSIFIEDS .............................2-12 ................................14 ...................16 ......18-19 ...................20-21 ........................22 ..........................23-26 ..............27-29

Family of Liverpool legend praises store

OWNERS of a Doolin store were left blown away when they received a letter of thanks from the family of a Liverpool legend, writes Páraic McMahon.

Tractor run for charity

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Staff at Garrihy’s Aran View in Doolin received high praise from the Gough family of Aintree in Liverpool for the manner in which they came to their aid after their campervan broke down on the side of the road.

On Friday, a letter arrived in Doolin from the Gough family.

It read, “you all really set the tone for a fantastic week in your beautiful country, everyone was so helpful and so friendly. To everyone at Garrihy’s, we just wanted to thank you all for being so kind and helpful when our Volkswagen campervan broke down by your garage last month. You were so kind, bringing us water and biscuits and sorting us out with Pat who towed us to Nagle’s”. Feedback is common for businesses across the county but making this piece of

correspondence extra special was the fact that it revealed the family were in fact grandchildren of Bill Shankley who during his time as Liverpool manager from 1959 to 1974 gained promotion to the First Division, won three League Championships and the UEFA Cup.

This link is made more special given that Donie Garrihy is coowner of the store alongside his wife Breeda. A two-time Oscar Traynor winning manager, Donie is a former Chairman of the Clare District Soccer League, a keen follower of the Republic of Ireland, he has previously drove from Doolin to Italy supporting the national team.

Speaking to The Clare Echo, Donie admitted, “I was put back in my pants when the card arrived, you couldn’t make it up, he won three league titles and set the tone for preparation on dietary, comradery and travelling together”.

A TRACTOR run in aid of Down Syndrome Clare takes place this Sunday in Newmarket-on-Fergus, writes Páraic McMahon. Tractors, trucks, motorbikes and cars will all form part of the cortege. Cars including vintage motors and brand-new wheels will all be passing through Newmarket-on-Fergus. Registration begins at 11am with the run getting underway at 12:30pm, the entry fee is €20. All vehicles must have insurance to enter. The meeting point is the Showfield in Dromoland.

The Town Hall Bistro

Providing a welcoming environment with great value food championing local ingredients.

lHELP!: The card received by Donie Garrihy

The Poets Corner Bar

He added, “I’m privileged to have a piece of ink in our house from Bill Shankley’s daughter, it is powerful, I am going to make a Liverpool corner in the shop. I’m flying out on Friday night to watch Celtic versus Dundee in Glasgow but I’ll be flying back to watch St Breckan’s versus Lissycasey on Sunday”.

Organised by the Agricultural Show committee, the annual tractor run has proven to be an invaluable fundraiser for charities. In 2021, over €11,000 was raised for Ronald McDonald House in Crumlin Hospital while last year the beneficiary was Temple Street Hospital. At Down Syndrome Clare, families and individuals are supported through a range of social, educational and development activities.

The Brendan O’Regan Restaurant

Book now on +353 65 682 8127 or email sales@oldgroundhotel.ie | Find out more www.oldgroundhotelennis.com/dining

The Poet's Corner Bar is a traditional Irish pub that opens its doors onto the main town street of Ennis. Perfect for a pint, a bite to eat or traditional Irish music session.

33 less Garda members in Clare following amalgamation

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

CLARE’S newly amalgamated Garda Division with Tipperary is comprised of six Superintendents but just one of these will be based in Co Clare while there are 33 less Garda members since 2018.

Effective since August 27th, the Division is led by Chief Superintendent Colm O’Sullivan who is primarily based in Ennis. He told The Clare Echo that he will also be working out of Tipperary, “I can’t expect a person in Clonmel to travel all the way to Ennis to see me and likewise I couldn’t expect a person from Loop Head to travel all the way to Thurles to see me. I’ve more time here, my base is here”.

The six Superintendents attached to the Division are Supt Edmund Golden, Supt Ollie Baker, Supt Kieran Ruane, Supt John Ryan , Supt Conor Dillon and Det Supt James Tierney.

Of these six only Supt John Ryan will be based in Co Clare, the former Kilrush Superintendent is now working out of Ennis Garda Station with responsibility for the Clare Community Engagement area which stretches from Ennis to Kilkee to Ballyvaughan and Shannon.

Two-time All-Ireland winning Clare hurler Ollie Baker though he has responsibility for the East Clare and Tipperary North Community Engagement area which includes Killaloe, Scariff, Ogonnelloe, Tuamgraney, Mountshannon and Whitegate will be based out of Nenagh. Killaloe has not had a Superintendent since 2012.

Supt Golden and Supt Ruane will be working out Thurles and Clonmel Garda Stations respectively. Supt Dillon is leading the performance assurance functional area while Detective Supt Tierney is overseeing the crime equivalent. Neither of the duo will be working

out of stations in Co Clare but will be covering the county.

At Tuesday’s meeting of the Clare Joint Policing Committee, Cllr Alan O’Callaghan (FF) questioned the implication on policing resources in East Clare with the area now under the governance of a Superintendent based in Nenagh.

Speaking at the JPC meeting, Chief Supt O’Sullivan stressed that the amalgamation came about following a Government decision. He offered assurances to Cllr O’Callaghan that the quality of service in An Garda Síochána will not be impacted.

Although parts of East Clare are split under the model, O’Sullivan

said the public can still bring their issues to any Garda Station. “Tulla is under the responsibility of John Ryan but they could be happy to pass Tulla on the way home and go to Scariff, it could be dealt with in same way, there will be no change in the delivery of these services. The rumours that Garda stations will close, that won’t happen. If a person is living in Scariff or close to Scariff, their local Garda Station is Scariff, the only thing that has changed is the Superintendent is now in charge of a larger area and it is a larger functional area”.

He said the Garda Division now has a Detective Superintendent which it hadn’t previously. The changes will allow Gardaí “more

time to do what they are supposed to be doing, we have four superintendents involved in community engagement and two with a divisional portfolio”.

O’Sullivan insisted, “Clare is not getting a different service to Tipperary”. He added, “it is important to have Gardaí with a divisional portfolio in the centre of the division, it wouldn’t make sense to have one in Loop Head where they could be in Clonmel one day a week, they are in the centre of a geographical area where they have sensibility to get to an area far quicker”.

When it was pointed out by Clare TD, Cathal Crowe (FF) that the majority of senior positions

are “still in Tipperary”, the Chief Supt replied, “that has to be got away from, this is a Government policy, these are the function areas recommended by the Commission of Future policing”.

With Kilrush and Ennistymon no longer having a Superintendent, “there needs to be confidence in the system introduced,” Cllr Joe Killeen (FF) stated.

“A couple of years ago, there was two Inspectors in Clare, there are now detective inspectors with responsibility for crime, an inspector based in Shannon for roads policing, we have four other inspectors based in Clare, one of which is in Kilrush. We have more inspectors than we had in 2011,” O’Sullivan responded. He continued, “the way we do our business is changing but the service that has been provided has actually improved because we have teams of dedicated inspectors to deal with the crime”.

There has been a reduction of 33 Garda members in Clare since 2018, Chief Supt O’Sullivan stated. “We are no different to any organisation, in Dublin they can’t get people to go in as teachers, COVID hit us bad, the Garda training college in Templemore closed for two years and we had a reduction in numbers, people coming up to retire did and people reaching threshold for retirement, every Garda has to retire at 60 but some choose to retire at 52 or 54, they are entitled to do that and they have left”.

Speaking to The Clare Echo, he elaborated on this point, “When I say 33 less Gardaí, overall it is down 23 Garda members across the Clare Division because some of those, yes at Garda rank we’re down 33 guards but some of those were promoted into the rank of Superintendent and remained within the Clare Division or if they were transferred out they were replaced with Sergeants. We increased the number of Sergeants and Inspectors but we lost overall 23 people”.

l THE LAW: Only one of the six Superintendents will be based in Co Clare

Ban won't damage 'Badass' business

by Adam Maloney news@clareecho.ie

PARIS became the first European capital to ban rented electric scooters but Ballyea native Mark Daly who runs ‘Badass Tours Paris’ which provides a 12km E-Scooter tour around the city is confident it will not negatively impact his business.

Earlier this month, Paris became the first European capital to outlaw electric scooters following a vote in April in which Parisians overwhelmingly supported a ban. Privately owned e-scooters, which the city cannot regulate, are exempt.

This is of relief to Clare man Mark Daly who started the enterprise in June of this year. “I have been in tourism for a decade, obviously COVID messed with that, but I

just said, ‘I want to start my own business and am just tired of seeing other people do it, Why can’t I do it”. He is confident ‘Badass Tours Paris’ will not suffer a hit as a result of the ban. “It was worrying when they were debating it but it seems to only be for the rental ones, whereas for me no one is renting a scooter off me, I lead you around the designated track and at the end those scooters are put away again. I fully support it (Rental E-Scooter ban), because when E-Scooters came out and arrived in the city, anyone could take them, and there were no designated zones to drop them off”.

France hosting the Rugby World Cup follows what Mark observed as an unusual minor subside in tourism towards the end of summer. “I’ve had a couple of tourists that were rugby related but not so much yet but were only in the first weekend of it now”.

l Badass Tours

Cyril Crowe selected to join Cooney and Burke on Fine Gael election trail

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

FINE GAEL have finalised their East Clare ticket to contest next year’s local elections.

At Monday’s selection convention held in Cnoc na Gaoithe in Tulla, ironically the same location was used when Fianna Fáil voted to decide their trio in the Killaloe Municipal District, the party reached agreement on the three candidates they would field in the 2024 local elections which will take place in June.

Mayor of Clare, Cllr Joe Cooney (FG) and Cllr Pat Burke (FG) will be joined on the ticket by first-time candidate, Cyril Crowe. Ger O’Halloran, a candidate in 2014 and 2019 had been nominated but the parliamentary assistant of Clare TD, Joe Carey (FG) announced at Monday’s convention that he would not be standing and voiced strong criticism of the party.

Party members travelled to Tulla unaware as to if there would be a vote as O’Halloran’s intentions were not clear since the close of nominations at the beginning of August. Indeed there was a huge turnout which required the first floor of the East Clare venue to be used to offer additional seating.

Government Chief Whip, Hildegarde Naughton (FG) chaired the convention which also had Senator Martin Conway (FG), the Chair of the party branch in Clare, former TD Madeline Taylor-Quinn and constituency organiser Geraldine Gregan at the top table.

Viewed as a potential Dáil candidate for Fine Gael, Cllr Cooney was a poll-topper in the Killaloe MD for local elections in 2009, 2014 and 2019. The O’Callaghans Mills man is also a former Chairman of Clare GAA and currently serves as Chairman of the Mills club.

First elected in 2009, Cllr Burke will be vying to be re-elected for a fourth term on Clare County Council. The Whitegate man showed a first preference increase of 211 votes at the 2019 local elections. Since then, he has served as Leas Cathaoirleach of the County Council and also Cathaoirleach of the Killaloe MD.

Cyril who represented his county at minor and U21 level in hurling also claimed a Clare SHC title with

his native Sixmilebridge in 2002. For the past eleven years, he has lived in Quin where he now resides with his wife Margaret and three children, Daniel, Anna and Sam.

A farmer and shopkeeper, Cyril is involved in the Crowe’s chain of stores in the Minister’s Cross, Sixmilebridge, Quin, Kilkishen and Mountshannon which have an estimated total employee count of 94.

ry will show what Joe has achieved”. He predicted that “leave it with me and I’ll get back to you” could be written across his epitaph. “He is a huge asset to the party and has given us huge profile”.

Michael Cooney of the Bodyke cumann in seconding this proposal stated, “Joe is a man of the people, I have worked with him since I was knee high, there is nothing I haven’t done with him, he will do what is necessary to keep the community going, he has done wonders for the Fine Gael profile, he is always on the phone”.

through the furnace of Clare politics, it is rough politics and we want the strongest of people to participate, that is the type of candidate Pat Burke is”.

Geraldine Tuohy of the Bridgetown and O’Briensbridge branch stated, “Fine Gael celebrated its 90th anniversary last week and it is safe to say the Burke family have been immersed in Fine Gael since its foundation”. She said he was a “highly effective and diligent councillor, he is at all times a team player”.

Former Clare FM commentator, Matthew McMahon proposed the nomination of Cllr Cooney and remarked, “there is no show in the Mills like a Joe show”. He admitted that he was left “shook” when he realised earlier that evening that it was twenty years ago since the Mills branch of the party first approached Cooney to go forward for election, “we felt we had a good candidate and subsequent events have proved to be correct”. Matthew said, “histo-

Former councillor Paul Bugler spoke of the importance of members having their say when endorsing Cllr Burke’s nomination, “this function is really important and is critical in a lot of ways, it is repeated all over the world, it will be repeated in New England and it is happening in Cnoc na Gaoithe tonight and it is important we as Fine Gael members express that right”. Recounting the three elections that Burke has prevailed in, Paul noted he had a fair wind in 2009, he survived the difficult “medical card election” of 2014 and once again succeeded on the hustings in 2019. “He has been

Michael O’Halloran proposed the nomination of Cyril Crowe who he described as “a young, vibrant, solid person whom I would have known since he was a child”. He recalled an observation made by Taylor-Quinn in Sixmilebridge in recent months, “in the tough times in the Bridge in the 50s and 60s when it was not popular to be supporters of Fine Gael, three families stood out, Ms Hogan, Andrew Hogan and the late Cyril Crowe. When Fianna Fáil dominated this county and Council into the 50s and 70s until such time as Madeline Taylor-Quinn and Donal

Carey changed the direction of politics in this county, people like Cyril’s grandfather kept politics flying”.

O’Halloran noted Cyril’s involvement in the elections of his uncle John to the Council as added further insight to the task that awaits him. “the Crowe conglomerate brings him into dialogue with people on a daily basis, people are the name of the game, the Crowe’s are now like Shaws, they almost nationwide”. This nomination was seconded by Peadar Lynch of the party’s branch in Newmarket-on-Fergus.

Shannon Airport campaign shortlisted for award

A SUMMER campaign by Shannon Airport is in the running for a national digital marketing award, writes Páraic McMahon Shannon Airport’s campaign is shortlisted in the ‘Best Search Campaign’ category in the 2023 Digital Media Awards.

Produced by global PR firm, Havas Media who are headquartered in Paris but have offices in Dublin, the search campaign was done in collaboration with the Shannon Airport Group marketing team and ran across

Google, Yahoo and Bing search engines. Businesses and agencies who completed a comprehensive search marketing campaign including Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) and Pay Per Click (PPC) and who demonstrated the effectiveness of their campaign in accessing their target audiences and generating business are recognised in this category.

Commenting ahead of the awards, Marketing Manager at The Shannon Airport

Group, Trevor Curran said, “It’s great to be shortlisted for this category in the renowned Digital Media Awards.

“We are amongst some incredible brands and agencies including ESB, National Lottery, Wolfgang Digital, Core Optimisation and more”.

Hannah Keller, Account Director with Havas Media stated, “It is great to work with the Shannon Airport marketing team, who have such a strong vision and passion for the

growth of the airport, and the results to date have been proof of a collaborative effort to build the Shannon brand throughout Ireland”.

Celebrating its 20th year, the Digital Media Awards recognises the creativity and innovation across multiple areas which include digital content creation, advertising, mobile media and more. The winners will be announced at a gala dinner on the 29th of September at the Clayton Hotel, Burlington Road, Dublin.

lTICKET: Fine Gael local election candidates Cyril Crowe (left), Cllr Pat Burke (above) and Cllr Joe Cooney (right)

Crowes are almost nationwide

“ “

O’Halloran hits out at Fine Gael

by Paraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

QUIN’S Ger O’Halloran has hurled strong criticism in the direction of Fine Gael headquarters and party officials locally.

A two-time local election candidate for the party in 2014 and 2019, O’Halloran had been nominated for Monday’s selection convention for the Killaloe Municipal District. It wasn’t until this gathering that he confirmed he was not allowing his name forward at the present time.

Recounting his decision to put his name forward in 2014 when both Quin and Clooney were part of the Ennis Municipal District, he said the move followed Sonny Scanlan’s (FG) decision to retire after 30 plus years in local politics, “Fine Gael were ill-prepared for his decision” which left O’Halloran with an 11 week window to put a campaign together. Memorably for that election, just three votes separated him from the final seat which was won on the 20th count by then firsttime candidate Clare Colleran Molloy (FF).

Five years on, he noted that the redrawing of the electoral boundary saw Quin and one half of Clooney move into the Killaloe Municipal District “leaving 400 votes behind in my native hinterland, this decision was done by a Fine Gael Junior Minister but we got on with it”. He said that despite the “loss of a significant portion of my native parish”, his first preference vote grew by 20 percent from 804 to 1,032. Lack of transfers were cited by the former Clare camogie manager as a key

reason why he didn’t win a third seat for Fine Gael. His party colleague, Cooney topped the poll with 2,697 first preferences and was elected on the first count. Of his transfers, 72 went to O’Halloran and 244 to Burke while Cllr Pat Hayes (FF) got 262, Cllr Alan O’Callaghan obtained 164 and Cllr Tony O’Brien (FF) received 104. A review held following the 2019 elections “afforded me the opportunity to deal with the facts of the election and the most important question for me was the absence of an agreed strategy, wouldn’t any genuine member of the party look to get answers, in fact the constituency chairperson at the time stated on local radio it would need to be carefully looked at”.

Renewed appeals to get a

strategy were sought again by Ger six months ago. He was approached in March about his intention to run in the local elections and confirmed a month later he was interested, “however their lack of knowledge was apparent, all Fine Gael officials are either refusing, unable or ignoring a simple request”.

“Given the current constituency chairperson’s statement that Fine Gael is expecting to retain but grow numbers, the absence of any strategy is bemusing,” Ger commented. O’Halloran added, “I won’t be repeating the process without the same discussions, if Fine Gael want Ger O’Halloran as candidate, Fine Gael kow where to find me”. Following this statement, he left the Tulla venue.

Samaritans on hand at Lisdoonvarna festival

Volunteers from Samaritans’ Festival Branch will be at Lisdoonvarna Matchmaking Festival this weekend to offer emotional support to anyone in need.

Thousands of people are expected to attend the Festival but for some the weekend may be challenging. Volunteers from Samaritans Festival Branch will be available throughout the weekend of September 15th to 17th Sept to anyone who wants to talk. Last year, volunteers supported 95 people over the weekend, some who expressed suicidal feelings.

Samaritan Festival Director Tony Leech believes it is important that people have a chance to talk about their feelings.

“There is a saying ‘A burden shared is a burden halved’. As Samaritans, we know from experience that it is helpful to talk and to share feelings. We are trained to listen. We do not advise. We do not offer solutions. We give people time and space to talk, to express their feelings, and we help them to explore options in dealing with any issues facing them,” said Tony.

Those who are struggling can call their free to call number 116 123 to discuss a very wide range of issues - you don’t need to be suicidal to contact us. There is a volunteer at the end of the phone 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 52 weeks a year ready to listen.

l BEMUSED: Ger O’Halloran Photo by Natasha Barton

Best in Kilrush Show & Sale

West Clare will be ‘wiped out’

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

WEST Clare “will be wiped out” if a directive issued to Clare County Council over its County Development Plan proceeds, an elected representative has claimed.

In August, Minister of State at the Department of Local Government and Planning, Kieran O’Donnell (FG) issued a directive to Clare County Council to reinstate 19 zoning objectives and amend one zoning objective as set out in the Clare County Development Plan 20232029 and to also delete a subsection of the plan.

As a result lands in Kilrush, Killaloe, Liscannor, Mullagh, Broadford, Cooraclare and Ballynacally which had been zoned for residential under the County Development Plan have been dezoned.

It also means houses cannot be built adjacent to the N67, the N68 and N85 and also places the inclusion of Broadford and Cooraclare in the a national wastewater pilot scheme under threat.

Cllr PJ Kelly (FF) in a proposal before the Council this week asked that the county’s Oireachtas members attend a Council meeting “with a view to giving an explanation of their plan which would ensure that Minister O’Donnell would reverse his decision on his amendments to the County Development Plan and thereby undo the potential damage to the county and its people”.

Data provided by engineers in the Council detailed that 115,000 miles are covered across the three roads and Cllr Kelly said 105,000 of that is in West Clare.

“It is RIP for West Clare and that cannot be tolerated, the Oireachtas members have to move in and take action,” the Lissycasey representative stated. “It is crazy and cruel, if the rule applies to West Clare it is going to be closed up. Broadford and Cooraclare are taken out therefore their chance of getting wastewater is gone, this interference has to stop”.

Kelly remarked, “this planned obsolesce for rural Ireland is legalised lunacy”.

Mayor of Clare, Cllr Joe Cooney (FG) admitted he was “very concerned” and said he would contact the county’s seven Oireachtas members with a view to holding a special meeting.

Clare has always tried to deliver on its housing need yet the directive goes against this, Cllr Johnny Flynn (FG) maintained. He cited 2020 research, “60 per cent of households in Clare are detached because people have taken it on themselves to build houses, the type of national policy is to drive people into compact areas which has its own social issues”.

Huge disappointment has been caused, Cllr Pat Daly (FF) said as he pointed out no houses are for sale in Ennis. That the county town is struggling to provide housing “beggars belief,” Cllr Paul Murphy (FG) felt. Delays in providing housing because of bat studies was criticised by Cllr Mary Howard (FG), “bats are taking precedence over humans, this is ridiculous”.

Further implications mean that a gateway from a farm cannot be used to access either the N67, N68 or N85, Cllr Joe Killeen (FF) highlighted, “it is unjust and there is something really wrong”. Cllr Pat Burke (FG) commented, “the Oireachtas members were asleep at the wheel but maybe they could wake up, it is not too late. It is a downright shame”. Cllr PJ Ryan (IND) observed, “it could be described as a way of shutting us down”.

Concluding the discussion, Cllr Kelly outlined that a planning bill will come before the Dáil next week with implications on the length of time An Bord Pleanála have to make decisions. “I’d imagine West Clare will be wiped out, there is no doubt in the world about it, our members of the Oireachtas have the ability to change the Minister’s mind, I know it can be done but I won’t insult their intelligence by telling them how”.

‘Hamstrung’ councillors hit out as no questions allowed during Estuary taskforce presentation

LOCAL democracy has been “sterilised,” elected members of Clare County Council have claimed, writes Páraic McMahon

A briefing on the report of the Shannon Estuary Economic Taskforce was given at Monday’s meeting of the local authority. Chairperson, Barry O’Sullivan led the presentation with contributions from Mary Considine and Siobhan Dolan Clancy, both of whom sit on the taskforce.

While the quality of their presentation was praised, councillors were vexed that they were no afforded the opportunity to question the trio.

Cllr Ian Lynch (IND) stated, “it is extremely disappointing that we didn’t get to ask questions”. He suggested they be invited to attend either meetings of each Municipal District or Strategic Policy Committee to allow for further discussion. “It is too important to just get a 40 minute presentation and no questions, something so important needs to get the right time to have it discussed”.

Mayor of Clare, Cllr Joe Cooney (FG) explained that the briefing had to be finished at 2:50pm to allow time to set up for the September meeting of the Council which was to commence at 3pm.

“It was outside of our control to give time for questions, how many could ask questions in 10 minutes, it would be a waste of time to open up for 10 minutes”.

What unfolded was “a sanitised discussion with no questions and answers,” Cllr Gerry Flynn (IND) said. “In democracy this is not acceptable, they made sure they used up every scrap of time so there was no Q&A, that is disgraceful, the system was already set up, it is disgraceful and it shouldn’t happen again”.

Members of the Taskforce did not deliberately waste time, Cllr Pat Burke (FG) responded, “We’ve had important briefings in the past, I can’t understand why it wasn’t on from 11am to 1pm and allow for time for questions, it is too important”.

“This is so important, we had 50 minutes, a poor waste of time is how it was done, the document is online, we could have had it sent beforehand and read it, then question the people during the briefing. I’ve more cynicism on how it was delivered, we were deliberately given no time to raise matters of concern to us, if we cannot question this, when will we get the three people in front of us again,” Cllr Cillian Murphy (FF) stated.

Potential to create 50,000 jobs clearly highlights the report’s importance, Cllr Johnny Flynn (FG) felt, “their presentation today was world-class but we needed a longer meeting”. That the matter is “too serious” should make a return of the taskforce members mandatory, Cllr Pat McMahon (FF) felt.

Mayor Cooney asked Cllr Flynn to call a meeting of the standing orders committee to review the criteria behind presentations.

“It was in breach of Standing Order 62,” the Shannon representative advised Cllr Cooney, “they breached the standing orders, it is an

unpaid job as Chair of Standing Orders, there is no point having it if we are going to ignore it,” he added.

“There is no point rushing it,” Cooney responded. Elected representatives are hindered, Cllr Flynn maintained, “if a special meeting is to be called let you as Cathaoirleach call it, we have a good set of standing orders in place, look at 62, I’m quoting from it, they were in breach of standing orders, they made a deliberate attempt to just do the presentation, we’re the voice of the people and we’re hamstrung”.

Director of Services, Anne Haugh said a special meeting or a briefing could potentially be arranged and confirmed that the delegation would be invited back again.

“I appreciate the concerns on not getting to put very relevant questions to the delegation. You will also appreciate the details they gave us, we needed to let them speak, unfortunately the time didn’t allow for both things to happen”.

Johnny Browne, Farrihy, Kilkee, winner of 1st and 2nd in Two or more Beef Bullocks, NonContinental Breed at Kilrush annual cattle Show & Sale. Also pictured is Conor Nugent of Clare Marts

CLIFFS OF MOHER STRATEGY 2040

A long-term vision for the sustainable development of the world-class visitor attraction over the next 20 years.

The Preliminary Draft Cliffs of Moher Strategy 2040, available to view on www.cliffsofmoher.ie and Clare County Council Office and in main Libraries around County Clare.

Public Information Evening on Wednesday 20th September at 6.30pm at the Falls Hotel in Ennistymon offering members of the community the opportunity to hear directly from key personnel involved in the development of the Cliffs of Moher Strategy 2040. For more information, please visit www.cliffsofmoher.ie

Crowe leaves Clare JPC meeting after clash with Chief Superintendent

CLARE TD, Cathal Crowe (FF) stormed out of this week’s Joint Policing Committee (JPC) following a clash with Chief Superintendent Colm O’Sullivan, writes Páraic McMahon

Crowe’s feathers were ruffled when he struggled to get answers from the Chief Supt to questions he had submitted three weeks in advance of Tuesday’s meeting. Of Clare’s seven Oireachtas members, Deputy Crowe and Violet-Anne Wynne (IND) were the only ones present. Meelick native Crowe had tabled queries on illegal encampments and the application of a Section 24 notice, the use of scrambler bikes by youths without helmets and the licences issued to coach tour operators.

Chief Supt O’Sullivan said the first question did not fall within the jurisdiction of the JPC. He noted that Deputy Crowe had raised the issue of scrambler bikes in Limerick, “it is not a problem within the Clare area”.

Deputy Crowe responded, “The first question is very relevant to the business of policing, there is no reason why it should be excluded”. O’Sullivan said he might engage with the TD on the matter after the meeting but warned that some issues were sensitive to discuss while

the meeting was ongoing.

“This is a huge issue in our county, I’m not going to go into something that is case specific,” the Clare TD stated. “It is before the courts so I’m precluded from discussing it,” Chief Supt O’Sullivan explained to which Crowe answered back that with a population of 120,000, all issues discussed at the JPC could refer to matters currently before the courts. The county’s most senior Garda official insisted he would not be discussing the matter, “this specific question you’ve asked is very particular to one specific area”.

Crowe said, “I put down three questions and none of them were answered”. O’Sullivan then advised that Gardaí enforce the law to have persons on bikes wear a helmet “the same as seatbelts in a car”.

According to Deputy Crowe, different instructions were issued by Garda headquarters. “My understanding is that there is a very deliberate intent on these guys not wearing helmets, they are wearing balaclavas, my understanding is a direction was given from headquarters to not pursue these guys”. He claimed that they were doing “drug runs for €150 a pop”.

“That is a different question completely,” Chief Supt O’Sullivan

pointed out. Following this, Deputy Crowe picked up his belongings and vacated the Civic Room of the Buttermarket Building in Drumbiggle, ironically his first occasion in the room.

Speaking to The Clare Echo, Deputy Crowe confirmed he departed in protest. “I left the meeting in frustration that none of the questions were adequately answered, I cancelled a load of things to attend the meeting, I came back early from the Fianna Fáil think-in. In the past four weeks there have been some very serious issues in the county which I tried to encapsulate in my questions, we have ongoing issues with an illegal encampment, a road fatality in the county and scrambler bikes used to transfer drugs, I’d be cautious not to get into specific examples but I think general debate and discussion required, I couldn’t get sufficient answers so there was no sufficient debate”.

He said he would be seeing answers in the form of parliamentary questions to the matters and praised the “very strong line of questioning” from his party colleague, Cllr Alan O’Callaghan (FF) at the meeting. “I left with more questions than answers but I’ll get in contact with the Minister for Justice,” he added.

Clarins – Natural Beauty

Style, Beauty and Lifestlye

Rachel Porter @rachels_day_

There is no better time to make Clarins a part of your skincare routine as they have released some stunning new products! Haven Pharmacy Hollys Ennis have a huge range in stock along with a fan - tastic Clarins promo!

Have you got an event coming up? You must try the Beauty Flash vitamin C complex (€40) 7-day facial radiance treatment!

This treatment contains highly concentrated vitamin C to help revive the skin’s radiance and even out the complexion. Be sure to follow the morning application with your high strength SPF. This complex is perfect for anyone looking for a radiance boost.

Clarins have released their first ever tinted skincare serum Tinted Oleo-Serum (€38). Its fluid texture is easy to apply and melts into the skin leaving a glowing, natural-

ly radiant complex- ion, without shine. What’s even more amazing is that you will find that the quality of your natural skin improves over time, becoming more supple and luminous due to the 80% skincare formula. Tinted

Oleo Serum is suitable for all skin types and adapts to all skin tones with 11 shades available. A makeup look is not complete, in my opinion, without And the Joli Rouge finish lipstick (€29) colour and lip care bined. What I love about this lipstick is its flawless satin finish and the caring formula that melts into the lips. My favourite shade is Soft Berry.

Having dry-skin myself, I adore the Clarins Hydra-Essentiel Night Cream (€47). This gorgeous cream

(€52). This cream feels amazing on the skin, and you can almost feel it working as it leaves a tingling sensation that I adore. This is a day and night body cream that intensely moisturises the skin, aiding to a soft and silky feel.

Be sure to call into Haven Pharmacy Ennis to check out the Clarins promo currently ongoing which you can choose 3 from a selection of 10 beauty gifts when you purchase two Clarins products*

intensely hydrates and plumps the skin by reinforcing the hydrolipidic film as you sleep. It can be hard to find a cream for dry skin that isn’t too heavy, but this has an airy, creamy texture that melts instantly into the skin with a lightweight feel. When speaking about Clarins we cannot leave out their Masvelt Advanced Body Shaping Cream

*T&C’s apply

lFRUSTRATED: Cathal Crowe TD (FF) Photo by Natasha Barton

Notes

CROSS COUNTRY RACING

THE North Clare Primary Schools Cross Country will be held in Lees Rd on Wed 27th September. First Race at 10.30 a.m.

The East Clare primary Schools Cross Country will be held in Lees Rd on the following day Thursday 28th September. First race at 10.30 a.m.

CONCRETE JUNGLE BROADCAST

TO COMMEMORATE the 22nd anniversary of the infamous 9/11 attacks, Clare FM have broadcast a special documentary.

‘Concrete Jungle’ offered first-hand accounts of Clare natives and personnel with ties to the county as they recount the harrowing events that unfolded on that dark day. The documentary aims to pay tribute to the lives lost and showcase the resilience of the human spirit amidst adversity. Broadcast on Monday morning at 11am on Clare FM and now available on all podcast platforms, the documentary promises to provide a poignant and insightful perspective on how the events of 9/11 touched the lives of those who call Co Clare their home.

Clare FM’s Programme Director and producer of ‘Concrete Jungle’ Padraic Flaherty said, “The impact of the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center towers in New York was felt by all. Among those affected were friends and family from Clare, who either witnessed the events as they unfolded or were involved in the rescue operations that followed. In this documentary, we seek to shed light on their perspectives and experiences”.

Contract signed for €11.5m Ennis public realm regeneration project

A CONTRACT has been signed this week by Clare County Council with Sharelidge Ltd to deliver an €11.5m upgrade to the streetscape of High Street, Bank Place, O’Connell Square, O’Connell Street, Old Barrack Street and Barrack Square, writes Páraic McMahon

Phase two of the Ennis Public Realm Regeneration Project is set to get underway in the autumn. The project will be delivered in phases to minimise disruption to local business and traffic flow through Ennis and is expected to be completed in late 2025.

Funding totalling €8,576,920 has been approved for the project which follows the successful delivery of significant public realm enhancements at Parnell Street and the Town Laneways and Bow-ways in 2020 and 2021.

It is funded under the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund (URDF) with 25% match funding from Clare County Council.

Barrack Square and Old Barrack Street will be developed as a ‘café quarter’ which is proposed to deliver a higher-quality civic space encouraging people to meet, relax and avail of local retail. O’Connell Square, High Street and O’Connell Street will become more attractive to pedestrians through the delivery of an expanded plaza incorporating seating and planting, an interactive public fountain and a removable marquee at ‘The Height’.

Mayor of the Ennis Municipal District, Cllr Pat Daly (FF) stated, “Planning and consultation with the public and wider business community regarding this project has been ongoing for a number of years. The level of engagement and positive feedback received has been extremely positive and I look forward to this transformational project for Munster’s largest town having a positive impact”.

Pat Dowling, Chief Executive of Clare County Council commented, “Developing an attractive town centre can contribute significantly to its competitiveness from a retail and economic growth perspective, and a prosperous and attractive county town benefits all of Clare. The benefits of an enhanced public realm are improved accessibility, increased pedestrian footfall, street activity and property value, and a longer stay by shoppers and visitors. This aligns to Town Centre First policy

The Brendan O'Regan Restaurant is ideal for special occasions. The menu features traditional cuisine with a modern day creative twist.

The Town Hall Bistro

Providing a welcoming environment with great value food championing local ingredients.

The Poets Corner Bar

A traditional Irish pub that opens its doors onto the main town street of Ennis. Perfect for a pint, a bite to eat or traditional Irish music session..

which recognises that successful settlements are characterised by an attractive public realm, including streets, spaces and parks, that is designed to invite people to meet, mingle and dwell”.

Clare County Council has this week published a Road Closure Notice which can be viewed at https://www.clarecoco.ie/ along with details of the Ennis Public Realm Regeneration Project.

The Poet's Corner Bar

is a traditional Irish pub that opens its doors onto the main town street of Ennis. Perfect for a pint, a bite to eat or traditional Irish music session.

The Brendan O’Regan Restaurant

Ideal for special occasions. The menu features traditional cuisine with a modern day creative twist.

lUPGRADE: An artist’s impression of Cathedral Place and O’Connell Street following the completion of the regeneration project

SHANNON NEWS

in association with

Delight for DJ as XIII Doors top chart

SHANNON singer and guitarist, DJ O’Sullivan has said he is overwhelmed to reach the top of the iTunes charts in Ireland.

XIII Doors which is the band DJ is part of have reached number one in the Irish iTunes charts with their debut single ‘Lead The Way’.

DJ who leads the way with the band on vocals and guitar, has been playing music since his childhood as he was influenced and raised in a house full of music where his mother and father both participated in the Shannon Musical Society. “My Dad plays the guitar and he would’ve taught me, I think he got me my

first guitar when I was four, and my Mam sang.”.

He explained, “The idea of the band has been around for ages; I think 2015 we had the name floating around and myself and Ed (Hannigan) were kind of looking at doing a few bits and pieces but it just kept being put on the long finger”.

It was not until 2020 where the band would establish its place as XIII Doors as bass guitarist from Limerick, Pat Byrne, and Spanish drummer Alex Sanchez de Orduna united with the group and began laying concepts together. “Then coming into 2021, we started actually sitting down putting songs together and then we stated recording. We’ve been

recording over the last year bits and pieces, here and there and then started releasing it on the 1st of September”.

‘Lead The Way’ for O’Sullivan offers an essence of inspiring yourself to undertake activities and affairs. A past pupil of St Caimin’s Community School, DJ and his bandmates have been thrilled with their achievement so far. “It was great to see that their people supporting us. I know my Mammy was buying it and my Dad was buying it but it obviously means other people were buying it as well which it’s a cool feeling”.

Plans to launch a debut album in March remain in the works for XIII Doors.

Toastmasters celebrate 27 years with push to attract new members

SHANNON Toastmasters are celebrating 27 years and will be holding an open night on Wednesday (September 20th), writes Páraic McMahon

Following a summer break, Shannon Toastmasters returned to Treacy’s Oakwood Hotel for their first get-together since the summer recess. President of Shannon Toastmasters, Patrick Hynes outlined, “Having received Distinguished Club status from Toastmasters International this year, we are delighted to continue with our communication and leadership programme in our club”.

Part of Toastmasters International, Patrick was hopeful their open night would lead to an increase in members which currently stands in the region of 20 ranging from people aged in their twenties to those in their senior years.

He described it as a vibrant and fun club where “you develop many public speaking skills. This can include for example preparing a speech for a Best Man’s speech at a wedding, or a college presentation. We would encourage anyone who is anxious about public speaking to come to Toastmasters. Other aspects of Toastmasters include impromptu speaking, critiquing and evaluating speeches, and practicing leadership skills such as chairing a meeting or producing the meeting agenda.

“The skills that members develop are wide ranging. There is a space for creativity at meetings and some members have commented that their ability to articulate themselves has developed both from a speaking perspective and from a written perspective,” he added.

Patrick said, “We would be delighted to have some new members join. While it may sound daunting to come to a meeting that has public speaking as part of it, the consensus of new members is that after the initial step of going to the meeting, it is fun, easy going and interesting”.

Shannon Toastmasters meet on the first Wednesday and third Wednesday of every month (except July and August) at Treacy’s Oakwood Hotel, Shannon at 8pm.

lDJ O’Sullivan

Thought for the week: Learn to listen

Spreading the word of positivity

RONAN SCULLY

LIFE is a gift. Life is an adventure. Life is also hard. We’ve all had tough times and the honest truth is there will more than likely be more to come.

At times like these we want our loved ones, friends, neighbours and colleagues to be there for us. Showing empathy and compassion to a family member, friend, neighbour or colleague is a practice we can all tune into, to connect better with each other and even to help ourselves to stop being our own worst critic. True empathy and compassion means not only feeling another’s pain but also being moved to help relieve it.

CAN I TALK TO YOU

Saint Augustine used to encourage listening with the heart, to receive words not outwardly through the ears, but spiritually in our hearts: “Do not have your heart in your ears, but your ears in your heart,” St Augustine said.

Often, we fail to recognize the ‘danger zone’ hidden in those who approach us with the request, ‘can I talk to you?’ They may be family, friends, neighbours, colleagues or strangers. We fail to realize the desperate situation they are in, to bare themselves with a trustworthy person. Mental stress takes away the reasoning power and leads one to take ultimate steps. The stories of many people who struggle in their lives

due to stress or family feuds or financial situations or work related misunderstandings, make us reflect on our life in society, workplaces, and families. Pope Francis reminds us that one needs an atmosphere to share the good and bad moments of life with someone who can be trusted.

They need no advice, no suggestions. They want only a listening ear and a compassionate and empathetic heart. When confused, or distressed, one is not even able to think of the medical help available. In such moments, the intervention of friends can bring in life. Have you time to spare for me? is the oft-heard request these days.

PLEASE LISTEN

Victor Frankl, an eminent Austrian psychiatrist and Holocaust survivor, once had a depressed patient ringing him late at night to tell him that she was about to commit suicide. Frankl spoke to her until dawn, giving her rationale after rationale to embrace life anew. After a whole lot of persuasion, she assured him that she won’t take her life. Later when Viktor met his patient and asked her what among his suggestions made her reverse her decision she simply said, “None of them.”

The nonplussed doctor pressed her further and was then told that his willingness to listen for long without passing judgment was what made her change her mind and understand that it was still worthwhile to live. Pope Francis reminds us, “The ability to listen to society is more valuable than ever in this time wounded by the

long pandemic. So much previously accumulated mistrust towards “official information” has also caused an “infodemic” within which the world of information is increasingly struggling to be credible and transparent. We need to lend an ear and listen profoundly, especially to the social unease heightened by the downturn or cessation of many economic activities.” Friends, please listen with your heart.

MIND YOU AND OTHERS

I attended a prayer service on world suicide prevention day which was held just a few days ago for all those in need of help and support. Mind yourself, look after

yourself and your loved ones and friends and love others.

Mind others, look after others and love others. Let’s smash the stigma that surrounds us all! Talk to a family member, a friend, a neighbour, a relative, a colleague and ask them if they’re doing ok. Mental illness is often easy to conceal, but never easy to escape.

The purpose of the suicide prevention day is to raise awareness around the world and around our country that suicide can be prevented.

Remember that Suicide, depression, anxiety and all other forms of mental health issues are not just confined

to one day. Everyday look after your own mental health and also try to be supportive to those who struggle. Be a friend. Be a listener. I cannot emphasise enough how important it is for anyone suffering with mental health problems to talk to others.

But, yet more importantly, for anyone who thinks they know someone who is struggling with their mental health, be an ear to listen, a shoulder to cry on, a hand to hold and the person to help them understand that they are not alone, and that once they start talking they will feel better that they’ve opened up to someone. There are so many resources and supports out there

for those battling suicidal thoughts, those who have survived an attempt and those who love someone in either situation so please remember that you are never alone and that there is always help available. Taking a minute to reach out to someone in your community, a family member, friend, colleague or even a stranger could change the course of another’s life.

We can beat this epidemic by ending the stigma’s attached to mental health and suicide, and we can beat this epidemic by working together. Your effort can save someone’s life.

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK

As your thought for the week, always remember, everything will be okay if we love and believe in ourselves, and understand that hope floats around us and when we can we should always spread that hope and love with others especially those who mean the most to us.

Also know that the best of help can be got from contacting some of Ireland’s best charities and organisations in the Samaritans, Pieta House, Aware, Jigsaw, Let’s Get Talking, St. Vincent de Paul, your local GP’s, your local religious, Chaplain’s, HSE groups and various qualified counsellors, your close friends and family members who love you. Please remember to check in on your family, friends, neighbours and colleagues, including the strong ones. Hope is real, you can help to give hope, and help exists. You are valued and you are important.

Irish classes starting on Wednesday in Ennis

Macalla an Chláir

LE MACDARA Ó CONAOLA

SPRAOI le Gaeilge will commence Irish conversational classes in Clare Education Centre on The Kilrush Road on Wednesday evening, 20th September.

Accepting reservations for classes: ABSOLUTE BEGINNERS (6pm), INTERMEDIATE (7pm), and ADVANCED (8pm). Price for the 8-week course is €60. To reserve your place/further information, please contact: spraoilegaeilge@ gmail.com or call/glaoigh 085 – 1295594

lBoth Michael Collins and Eamon de Valera saw the Irish language as a very important part of an independent Ireland

Imeachtaí/Events:

• INIS – 21ú Meán Fómhair, 11-11.30am, ‘’Scéalta agus Rannta le Ceri’’, (Páistí 0-5) Leabharlann De Valera

• INIS – CAINT AGUS COMHRÁ, chuile Dé Luain ag 11am sa gCopper Jug, Dé Céadaoin ag 11am in O’Brien’s, oíche Déardaoin sa Temple Gate (8pm), agus Dé Sathairn i nGlór, 11am-12pm Déan teagmháil leo ag: caintaguscomhra@outlook.com

• INIS DÍOMÁIN – 22ú Meán Fómhair, 4.30pm, sa Leabharlann, ‘’Ceol agus Filíocht - Teach’’ le Emer O’Flaherty agus Joanne Callinan

• INIS – 16ú Meán Fómhair, The Planet, 11am, ‘’Seisiún Bogshúgartha (softplay session i nGaeilge)’’, Cláraigh le elaine@glornangael.ie

• SRÁID NA CATHRACH - 20ú Meán Fómhair, 10.30 -11am, ‘’Scéalta agus Rannta le Chéile’’, Leabharlann Phoiblí Shráid na Cathrach

• RAIDIÓ CLARE FM - ‘’Cúl-chaint’’ le Domhnall Ó Loingsigh chuile mhaidin Dé Sathairn, 9am. Seol nuacht chuig: Donal@clare.fm

l Talking with friends

Ranganna oíche Gaeilge ag tosaigh dé Céadaoin, 20ú Meán Fómhair

Make a difference by wearing a green ribbon this September

by Stuart Holly editor@clareecho.ie

SEPTEMBER marks a very important month for suicide prevention.

Multiple communities are impacted by suicide each year with in the region of three to four hundred deaths by suicide recorded in Ireland each year. While the statistics don’t paint a fully accurate picture due to reasons such as difficulty in delivering verdicts in many cases, they give us a barometer of the magnitude of the issue. This month, people across Ireland are being urged to wear a green ribbon as part of a campaign run by See Change, which is supported by the HSE.

Michael Collins, Resource

096). Michael explains, “The reality is, suicide is everyone’s business and unfortunately it comes to many people’s communities in a very unexpected way. But it is unfortunately part of the world that we live in but we can all do something about it, albeit small steps. Raise awareness, wear a green ribbon, reach out to somebody who might be in difficultly, reach out if you are struggling yourself. Messages like that are really important.”

It follows World Suicide Prevention Day which took place last Sunday. “The message we are supporting this year is to reach into somebody you know that might be vulnerable. If you’re aware of somebody in your family

ties, organisations and clubs that have been impacted by somebody taking their own life. Michael explains, “In conjunction with a Pieta Suicide bereavement liaison officer, we deliver our community response programme to discuss the aspects of suicide bereavement and the impact that can have on individuals and community. It also gives us an opportunity to signpost people to the bereavement supports that are out there, it’s really important to highlight those to the communities in Clare.”

Michael, who has been in the role for five years, explains that the Connecting For Life, the national suicide reduction strategy, “informs the work that we do” and is implemented in County Clare by a range of agencies from the HSE, County Council, and Gardai, to youth centres and groups such as Clare Suicide Bereavement Service. With a new strategy to be rolled out at the beginning of 2025, says the HSE is welcoming “anyone with any interest, knowledge or experiences they would like to share with us in terms of developing our next strategy”.

able, to be able to ask the question, ‘are you having thoughts of suicide?’ because that sometimes can be the opening point in a person being able to acknowledge that they’re really struggling and they’re having a lot of difficulties dealing with whatever is going on in their life. So, if they can start to have that conversation, you may be able to open up and offer them alternatives to that as an option.”

To this point, the HSE’s training programmes have been a huge success with

more than 3,000 people partaking in a course since 2017.

To register for upcoming training programmes, visit https://bookwhen.com/suicidepreventiontrainingmw

To contact Michael Collins about any issues raised in this article call 061 492 096

SUICIDE BEREAVEMENT

SUPPORTS

• Pieta Suicide Bereavement Liaison Officer Jerard Enright 085 856 8081. He will support individuals, families, communities .

• Clare Suicide Bereavement Support Service 086 056

5373, or 087 369 8315. They will support individuals and groups.

• HUGG (Healing Untold Grief Group) www.hugg. ie

Officer in Suicide Prevention for County Clare and North Tipperary, tells The Clare Echo that it offers an opportunity for people across the county to make a difference.

“The aim of the campaign is stigma reduction, and specifically mental health stigma reduction with the message very clearly that there is no shame in having a mental health difficulty,” Michael outlines.

“The wearing of the green ribbon signifies your ability and willingness to have a conversation with somebody in relation to your mental health.”

Green ribbons are being distributed through a wide range of areas such as through libraries and are available from the office for suicide prevenetion (061 492

or community who might be struggling for some reason or with some challenge, you reach out to them and say ‘how are you? How are things, can I offer you any help?’ The next point is reaching out yourself if you’re feeling low – you can do that through a range of ways, by your GP, calling the Samaritans, you can ring Pieta. There’s also a service from Spunout which is for young people, they have a text support line.”

Suicide can affect anyone however Michael stresses that it targets those with mental health difficulties, drug and alcohol problems, and those from minority groups are vulnerable “because of isolation and stigma”. On this side, the HSE offers supports to communi-

“There will be people reading this that are likely to be bereaved by suicide and I want to offer my condolences to those people and those communities who have had those losses and experiences.”

Michael continues, “The whole subject of suicide is a very complex and sensitive subject to talk about and it’s really important that we use the right language when we talk about it. The language we use is that somebody dies by suicide or takes their own life.”

The HSE also delivers a number of suicide awareness and prevention trainings across the region in a bid to support communities, to raise awareness and to develop skills and help people to be able to deal with somebody that might be in suicidal distress.

“The real challenge for people is to be able to have the conversation with somebody who might be vulner-

GREEN CLARE Action needed on invasive species

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

INVASIVE species’ growth across Co Clare is continuing but this has not been matched by adequate funding to tackle the issue.

In a motion before Monday’s meeting of Clare County Council, Cllr Michael Begley (IND) urged the local authority to “urgently seek adequate funding specifically for the eradication of invasive species, particularly Giant Hog Weed and Japanese Knot Weed, throughout the county before this issue gets completely out of control”.

John Leahy, senior engineer with the roads and transportation department of the County Council in a written reply explained that funding for the eradication of invasive species on the national secondary road network is provided by Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII). “Municipal Districts can highlight locations for treatment and provide cost estimates to Roads and Transportation and we will then apply for the requisite funding. At present there is no ringfenced funding for the non-national network. We will raise this funding issue with the Department of Transport”.

Cllr Begley who has regularly highlighted issues pertaining to giant hogweed in South-East Clare told Monday’s meeting, “I don’t want this to sound like its senior engineer bashing day but I’m totally disappointed with the reply. This is more than a roads problem, it is an environmental and a health and safety issue, the growth along the road isn’t just the problem”.

Clonlara based Begley felt an application to secure specific ring-fenced funding to deal with the matter was necessary. “It is not an easy problem, it will take three to five years of concentrated attention to bring it under control. Clare County Council needs to lead

on this but it should liaise with Limerick City and County Council, the contact person there is a former employee of Clare County Council”.

Public awareness on the dangers associated with the invasive species is scant, Cllr Donna McGettigan (SF) flagged. “I know someone who tried to cut this themselves and was left with a permanent burn mark. By cutting it yourself, you don’t know if you are carrying the seeds further down”.

A scheme emerged last year “where the Council was to take over the management of this but it hasn’t progressed, it needs to be looked at as a matter of urgency,” Cllr Joe Garrihy (FG) maintained. Cllr Tom O’Callaghan (FF) admitted he was unaware of the dangers associated with Giant Hogweed. “I am delighted to see this motion on the clár, it can give really nasty burns,” Cllr Mary Howard (FG) said.

Launching a media campaign and a coordinated approach is the first step the Council needs to take, Cllr Gerry Flynn (IND) insisted. “They need to put in a place an index on where the problem is, while the Council is waiting the fungus is growing and the problem is getting bigger and bigger. These are serious issues put forward by elected members, they need due care and diligence”.

Action is required, Cllr Cillian Murphy (FF) agreed, “a stitch in time saves nine, we’ll wait three years until the problem is much worse”. He queried if a GIS map exists on where in Clare invasive species are most

Concluding the debate, Cllr Begley re marked, “Japanese knotweed a health hazard to buildings, giant hogweed a health hazard for humans”. He added, “This won’t be cheap but in the interest of the whole population it

l Giant hogweed

Save Our Rivers campaign commit to hold further rallies water quality

ORGANISERS of a poorly attended rally aimed at highlighting the water quality in North Clare have said their campaign is only in its infancy, writes

Páraic McMahon

Less than a dozen people attended Saturday’s rally outside the Ennistymon offices of Clare County Council. Organised by Save our Rivers which is led by Denis Vaughan, the gathering was attended by local residents, swimmers and holiday makers.

One of the women in attendance suggested that the power of the group would be greater if they pooled their resources with the Restore Ballymacraven River Committee and admitted she was unaware that this rally was organised by a separate group. Vaughan did not seem amenable to the idea, “They have small numbers as well, they don’t seem to want to go too public, it is gently gently and I don’t think that will work in this organisation, we’ve had other

campaigns in the past, unless you put a lot of attention in you don’t get anywhere”.

Speaking at the rally, Vaughan expressed his “disgust with the local water situation, our rivers are polluted but the powers that be are hoping the problem will go away, they have got to be directed into action”.

Cllr Shane Talty (FF) was the only elected representative present on Saturday. He advised the rally, “The responsible authority for sewage treatment is Irish Water”. A preferred option identified by Uisce Éireann is a shared wastewater treatment plant between Ennistymon and Lahinch, work is underway on identifying a site and its procurement, Talty stated. “Identifying a plan and getting it over the line means land acquisition which will take a hell of a lot of time,” he flagged.

Land on which the current treatment plant in Lahinch is located was de-

scribed as “essentially a flood plain” by Cllr Talty, “it simply can’t work there Ennistymon is simply deficient, work is taking place in Ballymacraven”. An official acknowledgement of the fish kill at the beginning of May which killed over 2,000 fish has not been issued by Uisce Éireann, he noted. “We all have to drink the water and swim in Lahinch, we all want better water”.

Officials in Uisce Éireann have previously advised that the average time is seven years from land acquisition and planning consent to officially opening a new treatment plant.

Speaking to The Clare Echo, Vaughan acknowledged that the crowd was below what they had hoped for. “It could have been better but I think we got the message across. There was quite a few people who turned up for a couple of minutes and left including swimmers and local residents, the campaign will continue”.

lDenis Vaughan, Neil Thomas, Kate O’Hanlon, Su Powell, Aloma McKkai, Gordon Baylor and Shane Talty

The National INStone Symposium

Boston, Tubber

CONSERVATION and heritage experts gathered last Wednesday in Boston in County Clare for the inaugural National INStone Symposium.

The event was hosted by Burren-based Irish Natural Stone (INStone), the company responsible for delivering the Irish Hunger Memorial in New York City, the restoration of the Four Courts in Dublin, St. Mel’s Cathedral in Longford, St. John’s Cathedral in Limerick, the

O’Connell Monument in Ennis, the Irish Cultural and Learning Foundation in Phoenix (USA) and Hope House in Bath (UK).

The theme of the on-day event was ‘Preserving Our Built Heritage And Traditional Skills Development, focusing on the need to improve the traditional skills required to restore and conserve Ireland’s built heritage. See www.irishnaturalstone. com.

The National INStone Symposium featured keynote addresses from a range of experts from academia, government, local government and the private sector

Tim Madden, Manager of the Michael Cusack Centre and Dr. Eamon Doyle, Geologist with the Burren and Cliffs of Moher UNESCO Global Geopark

Frank McCormack of Irish Natural Stone and Councillor Joe Cooney, Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council, pictured with a carved stone capital that has been produced for The Four Courts in Dublin

Peter Cox FRSA (Carrig Conservation) delivering a talk at the INStone Symposium

Dr Rosanne Walker (UCD), Frank McCormack FRSA (Irish Natural Stone), Peter Cox FRSA (Carrig Conservation) and Hilary Vandenberghe (OPW) pictured at the INStone Symposium

Photo by Eamon Ward

Al Hayes Motors ‘feel right at home’

by Stuart Holly

AL HAYES Motors is a family business, through and through – and despite its roots in Galway, the company has strong familial links to Clare where it continues to blossom.

Established in Portumna in 1981, Al and wife Noreen grew the business from a stock of just three cars in their back yard. The Hayes reputation grew – along with the family of seven children – and today they proudly serve customers across Clare and Galway with a Skoda dealership in Ennis, their state-of-the-art showroom in Portumna and a used car dealership in Tuam.

In Ennis, Damien runs the business on the Gort Road alongside his youngest brother Ronan and their sister Orla who is over the workshop. Damien is known for his hurling exploits in the maroon of Galway and Portumna, with whom he won four All Ireland Club championships. The three-time All-Star hung up his boots in 2014 and the following year, Al Hayes Motors Main Skoda Dealer in Ennis was born.

Damien sold 41 used cars in his very first month operating in Ennis and he admits

that his profile as a hurler –and indeed his avid interest in farming – instantly helped the people of Clare relate to their business. However, to this day, it’s the family link to Clare – with their mother Noreen (nee Melican) hailing from Lissycasey – that continuously gets brought up by their loyal customer base.

Damien was joined by Ronan in the business in 2017, after the youngest Hayes returned from the USA where he worked with Audi in Santa Monica. It didn’t take long for Ronan to make his mark and in 2018 he won Skoda Salesperson of the Year. Ronan, who spent two years with Éire Óg and Lifford FC, says that the family working relationship is a good one.

The Hayes clan includes Derek, Niall, Orla, Keith who sadly passed away in 1999, Damien, Alan and Ronan. Ronan quips that he “always has been” lowest in the chain of command.

“We get on very well,” he tells The Clare Echo. “I never go over Damien’s head, he is the boss at the end of the day. There has to be respect, just as he would never go over Al’s head. I think there’s a great working relationship. And that goes as far as our

staff, they’re very respectful and we’re very respectful towards them and I think this could be the best staff we’ve ever had. Everyone is interested and enthusiastic.”

Damien adds that there are 20 on the team in Ennis from reception, sales and finance, across to mechanics, “We have fantastic, loyal staff.”

Damien notes that Skoda has been the perfect fit for the Hayes family in Clare. “We’re very lucky that we got the opportunity to get Skoda. We’ve hit the ground running. For example, in August for the first time ever in the history of car sales in Ireland and Skoda, Al Hayes Motors and the Skoda brand became the number 1 seller in the month of August - that has never been achieved. You have to remember that, Skoda and Al Hayes Motors started at zero. Now, we have a 13.2 per cent market share of cars being sold into the county. The slogan was ‘Skoda, made for Ireland’ but definitely driven in County Clare. And it really is, Skoda is very well supported in County Clare.”

Certainly, the growth of Skoda’s reputation as a brand has helped with a wide range of models available at Al Hayes Motors including the Scala, Fabia, Superb, Octavia, up to their SUV line which includes the Kodiaq, Karoq and Kamiq. The electric models are quickly becoming very popular also, however, the family operation is also an integral part of that success. “Our dad was always the type to say, ‘anyone can sell a car but it’s to provide a service’,” says Damien. Ronan continues, “Skoda do have beautiful cars and they’re well priced as well. Also, once people buy off us, they tend to return. We have a saying here, ‘If they like you, they’ll trust you and they’ll buy from you’. Damien has always been echoing that. We have a lot of returning customers and not just that but a lot of returning family members, and friends. Word of mouth is the best advertising you can have and we have a lot of

very, very good, faithful and loyal customers who send people to you left, right and centre. Customers coming in know they’re going to get a good service, a good price, and they’re getting a good car.”

Married to Claire and dad to Éanna, Barry and Ruth, Damien is still involved in hurling but now as a manager to his son Éanna’s U11 Community Games side, who recently defeated Crusheen in the All-Ireland final in Carlow where Éanna scored 2-04. Damien adds that to this day, grandad Al is working as hard as ever in his 70s, and when not working he can often be seen cycling his bicycle on a Sunday when he’ll often clock up

150km on the roads of Galway and Clare. “Dad can’t get over how much the people have supported us down here with Skoda. I think the reason for it is, we’re just ordinary people.” He notes that some of their loyal customer will arrive with an apple tart in hand, who will sit down over a cup of tea with Damien or Ronan to discuss their next purchase.”

Ronan concludes, “Damien and I would love to say, since we came to Clare we’ve been taken by the people but we’re very fortunate to have the customers. We genuinely think we have the best customers out of any car brand, if anyone has a problem they’re usually very understanding. The people of

Clare have been brilliant, we are singing their praises left, right and centre. Especially with our mother being from here; it’s gas to say, everyone knows Al Hayes in Galway but when you come into Clare, people just want to talk about Noreen Melican, a Clare woman. At this stage, Clare is our second home as well and we feel really part of the community and the county and that’s down to the people of Clare and we just want to say thanks for that.”

Al Hayes Motors in Ennis carries a wide range of new and used vehicles. Visit them on the Gort Road, Ennis or call 065 68 22400.

lGOOD CAR-MA: Damien and Ronan Hayes Photo by John Mangan

lSKODA DEALERS: Ronan Hayes Photo by John Mangan

editor@clareecho.ie

In the first of our Families in Business series, The Clare Echo sits down with Damien and Ronan Hayes, who discuss their strong connection to the people of Clare

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Contact: DNG O’Sullivan Hurley

Tel: (065) 684 0200

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The house and lands are located approximately 500 meters off the main R476 Ennis/Corofin road and approximately 2kms from the town of Corofin. The house itself is located on a quiet secondary road known as the Killeen Road that has a number of one-off properties across the road from it. The lands are all surrounding the house with approx. 1km of road frontage onto the main Corofin/Ruan road and the Killeen road. The house itself is an old single storey farmhouse with a number of extensions to the front and to the rear. Overall size is approximately 106 sq. meters with a number of old stone sheds and outbuildings also with the property.

Contact: DNG O’Sullivan Hurley

Tel: (065) 684 0200

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Contact: DNG O’Sullivan Hurley

Tel: (065) 684 0200

PSL 002295

Scariff happy with draw

CLARE SHC GROUP 1, ROUND 5

Kilmaley 0-21 Scariff 1-18

Venue: Cusack Park, Ennis

Compiled by Eoin Brennan

STORY OF THE GAME

KILMALEY

Frees For: 14 (9/5)

Wides: 14 (7/7)

Scores from Play: 0-13

Spread of Scorers: 7

Top Scorer: Mikey O’Malley (0-10 7f 1’65)

Own Puck-Outs won: 12 from 23 (52%)

REFEREE: Joe Mullins (Clonlara)

SCARIFF

Frees For: 10 (5/5)

Wides: 4 (2/2)

Scores from Play: 1-13

Spread of Scorers: 7

Top Scorer: Mark Rodgers (1-10 4f)

Bookings: Patrick Ryan (19)

Own Puck-Outs won: 24 from 35 (69%)

MANAGER COMMENT “

“We’ve achieved our aim to get out of the group and that is very pleasing. Everyone called this the group of death and it was far from straight-forward. There were ups and downs and even today this tie could have gone either way so weighing all that up and the way that results have fallen, we’re obviously delighted.

“We missed a bit in the final quarter but Scariff had good chances late on themselves, with Mark Rodgers’ shot there at the end just going a couple of

inches over the crossbar. Today was all about getting through by whatever means necessary and getting into the draws for the quarter-finals. We’ll see where it takes us as we’re going in as second seeds and all the group winners have huge form and are unbeaten so far so we will be up against it but being there was the main thing.

“We wanted to see a fight today and I think overall we did. There were plenty of mistakes and plenty to work on but at least we saw that fight.”

“We’re happy with the draw. People were asking were we happy the last day to draw with Ballyea but we actually weren’t because we thought that we should have won it. But today there seemed to be a lot more tension and more at stake.

“We were outworked for much of the first half which

Heavyweight showdown in quarter final

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

ONE of the favourites to lift the Canon Hamilton will be eliminated at the quarter-final stage.

Clonlara and Éire Óg have been paired together in the last eight of the Clare SHC meaning one of the tipped sides to claim the honours will bow out in the next fortnight, it certainly stands out as the top billing game of the quarter-finals.

Scariff who emerged from a very competitive Group 1 have been paired against Clooney/Quin with both sides confident of their chances of making it to the semi-finals.

Heretofore unbeaten Feakle will take on Kilmaley while Newmarket-on-Fergus and Crusheen do battle.

In the relegation series, it is simply win or bust for the four teams with two to drop down to the intermediate grade. St Joseph’s Doora/Barefield meet Wolfe Tones while Clare Cup champions O’Callaghans Mills are up against Clarecastle.

was the most disappointing thing but we knew Kilmaley would bring fire today and we just failed to match for almost the last 20 minutes of the opening half. We addressed the issues at halftime and came out to score the first five points of the second half which I felt set a tone for the remainder.”

Inagh-Kilnamona hit form too late

CLARE SFC GROUP 1, ROUND 5

Inagh-Kilnamona 4-25 St Joseph's Doora-Barefiled 1-16

Venue: Cusack Park, Ennis

Compiled by Páraic McMahon

STORY OF THE GAME

INAGH/KILNAMONA

Frees for: 9 (7/2)

Wides: 9 (5/4)

Spread of scorers: 8

Scores from play: 4-19

Top scorer: Aidan McCarthy (1-12 6f)

Bookings: Damien Lafferty (46)

Own puckouts won: 22 from 25 (88%)

ST JOSEPH’S DOORA/ BAREFIELD

Frees for: 7 (4/3)

Wides: 8 (4/4)

Spread of scorers: 6

Scores from play: 1-8

Top scorer: David Conroy (0-11 8f)

Bookings: Brian Clancy (29), Own puckouts won: 29 from 38 (76%)

REFEREE: Chris Maguire (Wolfe Tones)

MANAGER COMMENT “

“We were a little bit at sixes and sevens for the last 10 minutes of the first half but I was watching and saying we’d adjust at half time. David Conroy was causing havoc moving out the field and was responsible for six or eight points. For the second half, we put Shane Woods on him and reorganised, we reverted to long puckouts and when Aidan McCarthy gets ball and it sticks he is lethal.

“We hit form too late, the last two performances have been savage and with a great scoring rate, the year came unstuck in a fortnight, we hit Ballyea the first day, they were ready for us but we weren’t ready physically or mentally, we got it to a point but they got over the line in

Shannon because they needed to, we were a bit lackadaisical starting the campaign. When it came to Scariff, they had three weeks waiting for us, we had football matches in between, they were chomping at the bit and we were 2-4 0-1 down after ten minutes, we chased and pulled it back to a point but that fortnight knocked Inagh/Kilnamona out of the championship. If they were still in it they would be contenders based on today’s performance.

“I’ve told a few home truths over there with the players and they’ll be documented at some stage, they are a fabulous bunch of players, there is an awful lot going on, some of them are playing hurling and football

and when you look at it, that takes an awful toll on the body, week in week out, we couldn’t play Keith White because of an injury, Sean Rynne played the Ballyea game with a torn groin and we had Aidan McCarthy coming back from injury and were without David Mescall. In-

juries affected our start but not the finish, they are a fabulous bunch of lads, a little bit of fine tuning can make them a serious operation”.

“If you’re looking at it, we’ve gone off on a positive note with our last two games but there is still Senior B to be played."

Reigning Clare SFC champions Éire Óg face neighbours St Joseph’s Doora/Barefield in the quarter-finals while the familiar pairing of Kilmurry Ibrickane and Cratloe will reignite their rivalry.

Kildysart’s first campaign back at the top tier continues and their next assignment is St Joseph’s Miltown while the last pairing pits St Breckan’s against Lissycasey.

Football sides will have little time to reflect on Monday’s draw with all Clare SFC quarter-finals down for decision this weekend.

East Clare rivals Whitegate and Tulla face off in what has the makings of a fiercely competitive game in the Clare IHC quarter-finals while leading contenders Corofin meet Smith O’Briens who were relegated from the senior ranks last year.

Unbeaten Bodyke will be expected to account for Sixmilebridge while Parteen/Meelick who topped Group 3 with flying colours come up against Ruan.

Clare SHC quarter-finals:

Clonlara v Éire Óg

Scariff v Clooney/Quin

Feakle v Kilmaley

Newmarket-on-Fergus v Crusheen

Clare SHC relegation play-off finals: St Joseph’s Doora/Barefield v Wolfe Tones

O’Callaghan’s Mills v Clarecastle

Clare Senior B hurling quarter-final: Inagh/Kilnamona v Broadford

Clare Senior B hurling semi-Finals: Inagh/Kilnamona or Broadford v Cratloe

Ballyea v Sixmilebridge

Clare SFC quarter-finals: St Breckan’s v Lissycasey

Éire Óg v St Joseph’s Doora/Barefield

Kildysart v St Joseph’s Miltown

Kilmurry Ibrickane v Cratloe

Clare IHC quarter-finals: Bodyke v Sixmilebridge

Parteen/Meelick v Ruan

Corofin v Smith O’Briens

Whitegate v Tulla

Clare IHC relegation semi-final: Newmarket-on-Fergus v Killanena

Loser v O’Callaghan’s Mills in relegation final.

Junior A hurling quarter-finals: Clooney/Quin v Clonlara

Broadford v Éire Óg

Cratloe v Sixmilebridge Banner v Kilmaley

Conor McMahon, Kilmaley selector:

l Seamus McCaul chases after Aidan McGuane

Photo by Gerard O'Neill

Mark McKenna, Scariff:

Louis Mulqueen, Inagh-Kilnamona: SCAN HERE FOR MATCH REPORT

l Aidan McCarthy gets away from Darragh O’Shea

Photo by Gerard O'Neill

Lissycasey live to fight again

CLARE SFC PRELIMINARY QUARTER FINAL

Lissycasey 2-13 Doonbeg 1-06

Venue: Cusack Park, Ennis

Compiled by Páraic McMahon

STORY OF THE GAME

LISSYCASEY Frees for: 6 (3/3)

Wides: 13 (8/5)

Spread of scorers: 6

Scores from play: 3-9

Top scorer: Aaron Griffin (1-7)

Bookings: None

Own kickouts won: 11 from 13 (85%)

Fitzgerald appointed Clare boss

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

DOONBEG Frees for: 9 (4/5)

Wides: 6 (3/3)

Spread of scorers: 3

Scores from play: 2-2

Top scorer: David Tubridy (1-2 1f 1M)

Black Card: Cian O’Mahoney (42)

Own kickouts won: 20 from 28 (71%)

REFEREE: Chris Maguire (Wolfe Tones)

MANAGER COMMENT “

Aiden Moloney, Lissycasey:

“I think we got a good start, we controlled Doonbeg quite well today, our defence was good and our forwards worked hard, we got the scores, the first half was outstanding from us.

“We’ve a very young side with a few old campaigners, we don’t need to get into a big physical battle with a strong team like Doonbeg, we’ve good footballers and a lot of pace upfront, if we get the ball to those guys we cause a lot of issues.

“We sorted out a few things

in our forward line. I thought we stood off a lot last week and we allowed the opposition to go through us, we stopped Doonbeg at the halfway line and they couldn’t break us down too easy. They were under pressure and we won a lot of turnovers in that area of the field which was our plan going out, we contested midfield and our backs were solid. We had the bit of class up front which was the difference on the day, Aaron Griffin was outstanding”.

l Cyril Sheehan takes the ball past Eamon Tubridy for Lissycasey's second goal Photo

“I wouldn’t be at all impressed with the second half, we fell off a bit and got lazy, we always had the cushion but the goal at the start of the second half focused us a little but I have to say I wasn’t impressed with our second half, there was a lot more in us, we had the opportunity to push on.

“Where there is life there is hope, we know our position, we have a lot of young good footballers and maybe we don’t have the physical ability but we have a good level of fitness and a threat up front, overall we have a decent plan in place and fellas are working to it so we look forward to next week”.

New-look management for Lohan

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

BRIAN Lohan's fifth year in charge of the Clare senior hurlers will see him joined by a new-look management.

Lohan is finalising his management for next season as Clare look to bounce back from a successive season where they contested the All-Ireland semi-final and Munster final, coming up short to Kilkenny and Limerick in both instances for 2023 and 2022.

Four-time All Star Lohan as he has done throughout his tenure, has used the club campaign to scout new talent to add to his panel. The two-time All-Ireland winner is also forming a new-look management for when preparations commence for the 2024 campaign.

Sean Treacy, a two-time All Star and former full back on the Galway senior hurling team will be exiting as coach. The Portumna man was coach of Kiladangan when they won the Tipperary SHC in 2020. He had been the

BODYKE UNBEATEN, RUAN & WHITEGATE INTO QUARTERS

side’s main hurling coach throughout Lohan’s first four seasons.

Shortly after Clare’s semi-final loss to Kilkenny, James Moran informed the manager that he would be bowing out as selector. A League winner with Limerick in 1997, Moran has worked with Lohan for many years and is a close ally of the Shannon native. He was a selector during Lohan’s tenure as manager of the UL Fitzgibbon team, the highlight coming when they won the competition in 2015. Moran was one of the first names added to Brian’s ticket when he was named as manager in October 2019.

Shane Hassett who initially came on board in the capacity as a strength and conditioning coach plus sports scientist but grew to have an input in the coaching along with Treacy is also understood to be departing. A hurler with Drom & Inch, Hassett played under some of his outgoing management colleagues when studying in UL. During the current club season, the Tipp man had been involved with Sixmilebridge and Toomevara.

Other members of the backroom team for the past season included fitness and speed development coach, Michael Carmody and S&C coach Adrian O’Brien. Carmody this season has taken on a new role with the Éire Óg senior footballers while O’Brien who coached Ballyea’s hurlers to win the Clare SHC last season and was involved with St Finbarr’s success in Cork. The involvement of the duo with the Clare senior hurlers for 2024 is unknown at this stage.

Confirmed to be back involved next season is selector Ken Ralph. The Tipperary native has been part of Lohan’s ticket from the get-go and is committed to return for a fifth season.

Chairman of Kieran Keating told the September meeting of the Clare County Board that the full Clare senior hurling management is to be announced when they convene for their October sitting.

MARK Fitzgerald has been appointed as Clare senior football manager on a two year term.

Delegates ratified the appointment of the Kerry native at Tuesday’s meeting of the Clare County Board. He takes over from Colm Collins, the Kilmihil man having served for 10 seasons in the role, leading Clare from Division 4 of the Allianz National Football League to Division 2 and reaching two All-Ireland quarter-finals.

Tralee man Fitzgerald emerged as a surprise candidate for the vacancy in the past fortnight after he was overlooked to remain on as Limerick manager. He had been part of Ray Dempsey’s management with the Treaty County last year, Dempsey’s departure in March led to Fitzgerald becoming interim manager.

He was one of three candidates for the Limerick job with the selection committee opting to give Jimmy Lee of Newcastle West the nod ahead of Fitzgerald and former Lissycasey manager John Ryan. Among those joining Lee’s management is Micheál Cahill who had returned as S&C coach to the Clare footballers this season.

Correspondence was issued to clubs on Friday informing them of the Board’s proposal to nominate Fitzgerald, however details on the make-up of his management were not provided to clubs.

Mark follows in the footsteps of Páidí Ó Sé and Mick O’Dwyer, who were the last Kerry men to manage Clare.

Ex-Limerick captain, Seanie Buckley has been unveiled as head coach of the county senior footballers, as reported by The Clare Echo prior to Tuesday’s meeting. Buckley is currently coach of the Éire Óg senior footballers and has helped them to win back-to-back Clare SFC titles. During a 13-year inter-county career, he made 40 championship appearances for Limerick. The Dromcollogher-Broadford man captained his county to two Division Four League titles in Croke Park, beating Waterford in 2010 and overcoming Offaly in 2013.

Kilrush’s Owen Tarrant is on board as strength and conditioning coach, a role he held with the Mayo footballers last year. He brings with him plenty of experience, having been and S&C coach and assistant sports scientist with the Chiefs Rugby Club in New Zealand. He has been lead S&C coach with Young Munster and Garryowen and for close to two years he was an academy S&C coach with Munster Rugby. Before the Mayo post, he was Head of Performance with Kobe Steelers Rugby and Japan RFU.

Former Clare minor football manager, Joe Garry who is a co-commentator on Clare FM for their football coverage had been linked with a selector’s role but he has confirmed to The Clare Echo that he was not approached. Fitzgerald’s selectors and the remainder of his management and backroom team has not been finalised.

Current St Breckan’s boss and former Clare goalkeeper coach, Declan O’Keeffe was also interviewed for the position of Banner boss. The two-time All-Ireland winner was quizzed for the role on Thursday but within less than 24 hours, the correspondence was issued to clubs recommending the proposal of Fitzgerald.

A four-person committee comprised of Clare GAA Head of Operations Deirdre Murphy, Clare GAA Chairman Kieran Keating, ex-Clare forward and selector Ger Keane and leading National Football League scorer David Tubridy were tasked with finding Collins' replacement.

The Clare Echo understands that in their work they met with Mick Bohan who guided Dublin’s ladies footballers to four All-Ireland titles in a row, he has also served as a coach to the Dublin footballers under Jim Gavin and Clare under Colm Collins in 2016. A nephew of Fr Harry Bohan, Mick is reported to have turned down any potential offer owing to time commitments.

Clare U20 football manager Michael Neylon and twotime Clare SFC winning manager of Éire Óg, Paul Madden were also approached about the position but are said to have declined the role.

Fitzgerald was part of the Kingdom’s senior panel in 1997 when they were managed by Páidí Ó Sé and was a minor selector for Kerry under James Costello.

SCAN HERE FOR MATCH REPORT

by Gerard O'Neill

Adam Sheedy in action against Jamie Power

Photo by Gerard O'Neill

GAA: Clare to oppose Munster hurling final proposal & clubs reject U21 knockout format

by Seamus Hayes news@clareecho.ie

ALL-IRELAND winning minor manager

Brian O’Connell has been reappointed for the coming year along with Clare U20 football boss Michael Neylon and minor manager Dermot Coughlan - while Clare will oppose a proposal to have the venue for the Munster senior hurling final rotate.

Tuesday’s meeting of the Clare County Board also saw the appointment of Mark Fitzgerald as Clare senior football manager.

Brian O’Connell and Michael Neylon are to finalise their respective minor hurling and U20 football managements in the coming weeks.

Prior to their re-appointments, end of season reports from O’Connell and Neylon were read to the meeting with both listing the performance of the team during the year before paying tribute to the various groups that had assisted them on their efforts.

Former Clare hurler John Callinan said, “The minor team was the best

coached and trained Clare team that I have seen at any grade”.

Details of Dermot Coughlan’s management was unveiled to delegates with former Clare goalkeeper Joe Hayes joining the set-up as coach. The Lissycasey native was goalkeeper coach to Colm Collins’ senior side last season.

Peter O’Dwyer (goalkeeping coach), Pat McMahon (selector). T.J. Carey (stats) Martin Cahill (selector), Derry O’Donoghue and Dermot O’Mahoney (video analysis) complete the management.

Chairman of Clare GAA, Kieran Keating informed the meeting that senior hurling manager Brian Lohan will have his end of year report finalised for the October meeting as he is in the process of finalising changes.

Clare to oppose Munster proposal

A proposal to have the Munster hurling final venue rotate will be opposed by Clare. “To pick a venue before the finalists are known is not fair.

Clare and Waterford are on the periphery in

the province,” Bernard Keane, one of Clare’s delegates to Munster Council told this week’s board meeting.

“There appears to be a cosy cartel developing that we are not in favour of”, he said.

According to John Fawl, Clare’s second delegate to the provincial body, “This could mean that Clare would be travelling to the opposition’s venue three years in a row if they qualified to play Tipperary, Cork and Limerick. If there was a similar proposal for football no one would agree”.

Head of Operations

Deirdre Murphy told the meeting that “it is not practical to develop a 50,000 seater stadium for that”.

Former Munster Council delegate Robert Frost strongly opposed the suggestion to rotate the final venue between Cork, Tipperary and Limerick. “It’s a pure dictatorship and I am very disappointed that the Munster Council are going down that road”, he said.

Clonlara delegate Flan Mullane asked, “where

AVENUE UNBEATEN AS SHANNON TOWN, NEWMARKET CELTIC & LIFFORD GET OFF TO WINNING STARTS

do Kerry stand in relation to this”. While Cooraclare’s P.J McGuane said that Clare and Waterford should insist on a neutral venue for the final.

Three new coaches appointed:

Three new coaches have been appointed to Clare, coaching officer Micheál Duffy told the meeting. Mark O’Donnell from St. Breckan’s, David Thornton from Kerry and Liam O’Grady from Clonlara will be working with clubs and schools in the county. They will be involved with coaching activities, Go Games, summer camps and development squads.

Clubs say no to U21 knockout format: The recommendation from the CCC that the upcoming under 21 championships be played on a knockout basis was strongly opposed by a number of clubs at this week’s board meeting.

Chairman Kieran Keating told the meeting that “it is not feasible to have a league format given the time frame for

the competitions and taking into consideration college fixtures”.

According to Clonlara’s Flan Mullane “it is grossly unfair to train for two months and be guaranteed just sixty minutes. It shouldn’t happen and I would rather to play two matches in one week”.

St. Josephs’ Tom Duggan supported that view saying “teams need a second chance”.

Clondegad’s Sea-

mus O’Reilly said his club were of the same view while Newmarket-on-Fergus Chairman Freddy McInerney also felt that one game wasn’t enough, “there are a lot of players who are not getting any game time”.

Informing the meeting that Wolfe Tomes will be fielding two under 21 hurling teams this year, Dermot O’Donnell said “teams have to have a second chance”.

Ballyea’s Fiona Whelan expressed a similar view and she also told the meeting that her club will have two teams this year. For a full, detailed report on the monthly County Board meeting, subscribe to www.clareecho.ie

Lady captain's prize in Dromoland for Mairead Twomey

by Seamus Hayes news@clareecho.ie

Dromoland Golf Club:

Michelle Bennett’s lady captain’s prize at Dromoland was won by Mairead Twomey with 40 points.

Joan Dunne was second and she also scored 40 points. They were followed by Dorothy Brennan with 39 points, Lisa McKnight with 38 points, Mairead Bergin with 37 points, Katrina O’Neill with 37 points, Sheila Kent with 37 points, Deirdre Cooney with 36 points, Cathy Casey with 35 points, and Carolaa Wixted with 35 points.

Ellie Cotgreave won the gross with 28 points while the nines were won by Jean Colleran with 19 points and Shauna Moylan with 20 points. Cathy Casey was nearest the pin and Lisa McKnight won the long drive.

Paul English with 64 was the winner of the men’s September medal at Dromland at the weekend. He had one to spare over James Purcell with Edward Egan two strokes further back on 67 in third spot. Sean Burns won the gross with 71 while the over 22 category was won by Marvyn Frazer with 70.

Ennis Golf Club:

Mary Nagle (27) won the 18 hole hampers competition at Ennis last week with 38 points. She had four to spare over Sinead O’Sullivan (49) with third spot filled by Bridie Hanrahan (22) who also had 34 points. Ann A. Gallery (15) won the gross with 16 points.

The overall winner in the 9 hole stableford

competition was Clare Pyne (12) with 18 points. Kate Keohane (10) won division 1 with 16 points, Celia Reilly (16) won division 2 with a similar score while Marian Irwin (20) won division 3 and she also had 16 points.

The winner of the get into golf category was Valerie Wall (21) with 11 points,

Last week’s senior ladies competition winners were Brid Cunningham, Mary Jeans and Alice D'Arcy with 49.94 from Mary McMahon, Bernie Brooks and Maureen Moloney with 50.5

Kilrush Golf Club:

The men’s competition at Kilrush at the weekend was the ESB open which was won by Tom Cleary (23) with 45 points.

Category 1 was won by David Keane (10) with 39 points from Pat Brennan (7) with a similar score. Category 2 was won by Patrick Coleman (13) with 41 points from Gearoid Williams (16) with 38 points. Category 3 was won by Michael D. Kelly (20) with 40 points from Martin P Brennan (22) with 39 points.

John McNeilis (19) won the front 9 with 21 points while Geremiah Brennan (14) won the back 9 and he also had 21 points.

The ladies competiion was for the Central Sports prize and it was won by Ursula Lineen (29) with 37 points from Anne Gallagher (11) with 36 points with third place filled by Mary Nolan (18) with 35 points.

Category 1 was won by Ann Marie Donnellan (13) with 35 points, category 2 by Celia O'Grady (27) with 33 points and category 3 by Peggy Mulqueen (33) with 35 points.

The 12 hole winner was Loretta Browne with 20 points

East Clare Golf Club:

It was a quiet week at East Clare golf club as the course was closed for a few days to allow for the hollow thinning of the greens.

The past lady captain and president’s champagne scramble was the competition on Sunday when Catherine Minogue, Marie Kelly and Ann Harte were victorious with 40 points.

The men’s open on Thursday was won by Karl Powderly with 42 points. There will be another men’s open day on this Thursday, September 14.

Woodstock Golf Club:

Woodstock’s Aideen Walsh has reached the last 32 of the US Women's Mid amateur championship.

In Stonewall (North Course) Elverson Pennsylvia. Aideen beat the 2019 winner of the US Women's Mid Amateur, Kim-Schaad. Two down with four to play Aideen won the 15th,16th and17th for a 1 up win.

The weekend’s club championship competition at Woodstock was won by John Dempsey (17) with 62 while the gross was won by Tony Nugent (3) with 74.

Category 1 was won by Michael Guerin (9) with 66 from John O'Connor (8) with 71. The category 2 winner was Frankie Garrihy (11) with 63 from Niall Reynolds (15) with 66 while category 3 was won by Joseph Kennedy (23) with 71.

The open singles continues on this Thurs-

day while the September medal, sponsored by Sweet N Green cafe in Ennis will be the competition on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

The top 30 plus ties have qualified to play in the Woodstock Masters on the weekend of September 22/23/24.

The golfer of the year has yet to be determined, with the final medal, the foursomes and fourball matchplays to be completed. The masters finalists will also compete for golfer of the year points.

Gort Golf Club:

The men’s 18 hole singles stableford competition at Gort, sponsored by Connor Engineering, Tubber was won by Johnny Joyce (25) with 41points.

Gavin Lally (2) won category 1 with 39 points. Category 2 was won by Brian Monaghan (18) with 41points while category 3 was won by Pat McNamara (26) with 40 points.

Noel O Shaughnessy (9) was the winner of the Friday open singles with 36 points

In the ladies Friday open singles the winner was Dympna Lambert (55) with 38 points while the previous week’s singles competition saw Anne Connolly (21) with 39 points win category 1, Patricia Wynne (39) with 27 points win category 3 and Bernadette Burke (47) win category 4 with 20 points.

The 9 hole singles stableford winner was Margaret Coleman (27) with 24 points.

SCAN FOR ROUND-UP

SOCCER: CDSL ROUND-UP

Stephen Jordan was a standout performer for Avenue Utd

Photo: CDSL / Natasha Barton

Ennis RFC Seniors and U14s start season with wins

by Dearbhla Parry

U14: Ennis RFC 50 Bruff 10

The Ennis U14 team successfully began their North Munster League campaign with a dominant victory over Bruff RFC in the Ennis RFC Showgrounds on Saturday 9th September.

The Ennis team were dominant from the beginning, allowing the scrumhalf, Steven O’Neill, to deliver the ball wide early. It wasn’t long before Alex Pelczar scored the first of his three tries with a touchdown in the corner.

Their determination continued throughout the first half of the game, with further tries by Alex Pelczar, Jake O’Donoghue and Steven O’Neill. Captain O’Donoghue’s second try was one of many highlights of a productive first half for the Ennis U14 boys.

The Bruff team deserve credit for their reluctance to drop their heads and their competitive flair in the second half of the Rugby game. One highlight of the second half included O’Neill’s mazy run, who had the wherewithal to offload just before

the line to flanker Cormac Dinan, who finished after tracking throughout.

The Ennis Rugby team worked diligently, resulting in a successful match. A special mention goes to the pack leader Raphael Yabre, prop Reece Yeung and back-row brothers Cillian and Cormac Dinan, who all helped the U14 to their victory.

Ennis RFC: Oisin Egan, Shaun Woods, Reece Yeung, Raphael Yabre, Colm Griffin, Cillian Dinan, Cormac Dinan, Josh Flynn, Steven O’Neill, Jake O’Donoghue, Eoin Keane, Alex Pelczar, Conor Owens, Fionn Molony, Josh O’Halloran, Jamie Culleton, Luke O’Connor, Dan Holly, Reece Corbett and Ronan O’Leary.

Senior: Ennis RFC 43

Presentation RFC 14

The Ennis Senior Men’s RFC team came out victorious in their match against the Presentation RFC in Limerick on Saturday the 9th of September.

7 tries for the Ennis team were scored by Calum Barrett (x2), Brendan Keane (x2), Oisin Mangan (x1), Ben Quinn (x1) and Ben Gearthy (x1). Furthermore, 4 out of 7 conversions were scored by Oisin Mangan.

With only 16 players in the squad and high tem-

peratures, their success marks the second win for the Ennis RFC on this day.

U16: Ennis RFC 15

Shannon RFC 17

On Sunday, an U16s match took place in Coonagh, where results of Ennis 15 – 17 Shannon were seen.

Starting from the kick-off, Ennis took a 5 – 0 lead after giving Shannon territory.

The first half of the game belonged to Ennis, consisting of 2 tries from Malachy O’Halloran and Ruairi Keogh, and a conversion and penalty from Ruairi Keogh. Results were looking at Ennis’ lead of 15 – 5.

Things for Shannon began to look up when they scored 2 late tries in the last 8 minutes to seal their win in the U16s game.

U18: Ennis RFC 14 Shannon RFC 17

Lee’s Road in Ennis was the venue for the U18s match on Sunday.

Beginning with an explosive start, fiery exchanges were seen in the first quarter of the game. Shannon was first over the Ennis line and an unconverted try led

Glory Kilmihil for Keane & Collins

by Michael Maher news@clareecho.ie

KILMIHIL OWNERS Thomas Keane and John Collins were among those in the winner’s circle in Galway over the weekend Miltown Malbay and Feakle had reason to shout in Limerick.

The concluding A1 graded contest over 525 yards was the feature event on Saturday night’s card at Galway Greyhound Stadium with the heats of the Talking Dogs A2 Tri-Distance Stake also down for decision these opening heats all over the 525 yards trip.

In the featured A1 finale Heathlawn Polly was best away in the centre of the track but racing towards the opening bend the Thomas Keane of Kilmihil owned Glynnscroos Liz took command towards the inner and the daughter of Droopys Sydney and Glynnscrosstyler led round the opening bend from Cloonturk Bruno. Racing towards the halfway mark the leader set sail for home as Cloonturk Bruno and Grangeview Lolo gave chase. Tracking well around the final two bends Glynnscross Liz stayed on powerfully all the way to score by two lengths from Cloonturk Bruno in 29.18.

Friday night’s Galway card featured the semi-finals of both the Galway Greyhound Stadium A7 525 Yards Stake and the RCETS APP S5 350 Yards Stake on a nine race programme that had the concluding A3 graded 525 yards contest as the top graded contest of the night .

As the traps rose for the finale, Joeys Girl was best away and she led on the run to the opening bend with Heathlawn Bullet and Fast Fit Lucky close up along the inner. Rounding the bend the trio had a slight coming together and this allowed the Kilmihil native John Collins and Mark Patterson owned Brickhill Buster to slip through and take over in front entering the back straight. Racing along the back, Brickhill Buster continued to show the

way as Joeys Girl tried to get back on terms and Lillys Beauty closed in third place. Off the home bend Brickhill Buster (Ballymac Best and Brickhill Sharon) was still in front and he dug deep to see off the challenge of Lillys Beauty by a length in 29.37.

Last Saturday night there was a large attendance at Limerick Greyhound Stadium to view the twelve races on view. There was delight for Carmel and Paddy Egan from Miltown Malbay when their Waveofthesea, recorded a fourth and a career best with an eye-catching 28.74 victory for an A2 graded contest, she is a daughter of Pestana and Last Lady.

The finale of the evening was an A0 550 yards contest, and honours went to the ever-consistent Wizard, who notched career win number fourteen for Feakle’s Gary Pepper, a son of Magical Bale and Coolavanny Park, he stopped the clock in 30.12, he is trained by Tipperary’s Pauraic Campion.

The Other Kobe was crowned 2023 Boylesports Irish Greyhound Derby champion. At a packed Shelbourne Park on Saturday night last soon after the brilliant tracker had produced one of the most perfect displays ever seen on the biggest stage of all. For Jennifer O’Donnell from Killeanaule in Tipperary it was a case of déjà vu as her star emulated his brilliant litter brother, Born Warrior, by racing to Derby glory.

Owners Brian Clare, David L’estrange and Aidan Walsh purposely bought their star, on the recommendation of Teddy Hegarty, to win a Derby and their dream came true in the most emphatic fashion. Bockos Crystal and Bens Teddy both played their part in making this a truly memorable contest but the Other Kobe was imperious on the night that mattered and his name will go into the record books as the fastest ever Derby winner in a time of 29.11.

to an Ennis 0 – 5 Shannon result. A strong start for the Shannon rugby team.

A strong second quarter performance was witnessed from Ennis RFC when Marco Cleary performed a cross field kick. This was capitalised on by Oisin O’Donoghue and before long, Ennis was over the line. Marco Cleary converted this, leaving the results so far with Ennis 7 – 5 Shannon.

A timely block down from Cian Enright showed a great display of individual ingenuity and courage in the third quarter. Enright scored En-

nis’ second try which was converted by Marco Cleary, and the score showed Ennis 14 – 5 Shannon.

The ruck began with excellent jackalling from Jonno O’Donoghue, resulting in a penalty for Ennis. Marco Cleary attempted to extend Ennis’ lead, but was denied by the post.

The Shannon team showed Ennis that they were not going down without a fight. Changes were made to their personnel throughout the pack and they set up their attack on the Ennis try line for a significant period of time.

A converted second try resulted in Ennis 14 – 12 Shannon.

Shannon were on the attack again following the kick off. Tired bodies in searing temperatures ensued a 4 on 1, which the Shannon team capitalised on. Marco Clearly managed to push their man out, but a crucial Ennis line out won by the Shannon RFC saw them breach the Ennis line one more time.

Fixtures

U15 friendly: Ennis v Shannon

Saturday 16th September 12:30, Lee’s Road

Senior men’s: Ennis v Fethard

Saturday 16th September 14:30 in Ennis

U13: Ennis v Thomond/ Richmond

Sunday 17th September

11:00 in Fitzgerald Park

U15/16: Ennis v Thomond/ Richmond

Sunday 17th September 12:00 in Lee’s Road

U18: Ennis v Thomond/ Richmond

Sunday 17th September 12 in Thomond/Richmond

l Daniel Humphries of the Ennis RFC U18.5 trying to steal a line out against Shannon

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL NOOAN, RUAN CO.CLARE

We, Diarmuid Killeen & Natalie Kennedy, wish to apply to the above named local authority for planning permission to construct a detached two storey dwelling house, access road, wastewater treatment system, percolation area, domestic well and all ancillary site works at Nooan, Ruan Co.Clare The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the office of the planning authority during its public opening hours and that a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL

ing, repurpose it as a residence, upgrade the waste water treatment system & all other associated site and ancillary works AT Old National School, Kinturk, Connolly, Co Clare.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL

ILAUNE, MILTOWN MALBAY, CO CLARE

Take notice that Sheila Malone & Brendan Keegan are applying to Clare County Council for planning permission for amendments to planning granted under P2360130. The amendments include altering the position of the house, the garage and the site boundaries along with any associated works at the above address. The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the offices of Clare County Council during its public opening hours and a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

A NEW PRIVATE HOUSE WITH ATTACHED GARAGE/ SHED, INSTALL A WASTEWATER TREATMENT SYSTEM & ALL OTHER ASSOCIATED SITE & ANCILLARY WORKS AT BALLINGADDY, ENNISTYMON, CO CLARE.

ceipt of such notices by the planning authority

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL FITZ’S CROSS, DOOLIN, CO. CLARE

Take notice that Hilda

FURTHER

INFORMATION/REVISED

PLANS PLANNING REFERENCE: P23/285; permission to build an extension to the build-

Take notice that Linda and Graham Solan have lodged significant further information in respect of planning application P23/285. This information and planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the Planning Authority of Clare County Council, Planning Department, Aras Contae an Chlair, New Road, Ennis, Co Clare during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the further information or revised plans may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee, not later than 2 weeks after the receipt of the newspaper notice and site notice by the planning authority or in the case of a planning application accompanied by an EIS within 5 weeks of receipt of such notices by the planning authority.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL

FURTHER INFORMATION/REVISED PLANS

PLANNING REFERENCE: P23/164; PERMISSION TO BUILD

O Dwyer has lodged significant further information in respect of planning application P23/164. This information and planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the Planning Authority of Clare County Council, Planning Department, Aras Contae an Chlair, New Road, Ennis, Co Clare during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the further information or revised plans may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee, not later than 2 weeks after the receipt of the newspaper notice and site notice by the planning authority or in the case of a planning application accompanied by an EIS within 5 weeks of re-

Take notice that Ahakista Property Development Ltd intends to apply to the Planning Authority for permission to extend site boundaries Ref P22/283, for permission concerning protected structure (RPS No 548 Stone Slate Cottage) to demolish part structures, to extend & convert existing structures, comprising of bar area, bar service area, cool room, storage area, toilets, to extend car parking area, to connect to existing surface water mains and to connect to proposed foul sewerage plant + percolation area at the above address.

The Planning Application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee,

€20, within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application and such submissions or observations will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions or may refuse to grant permission.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL CARNAKELLA, NEWMARKET-ONFERGUS, CO. CLARE

Planning permission being sought by Gordon & Shirley Earle to renovate and extend existing private dwelling house, construct detached garage and all associated site works at the above address. The Planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours.

A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of

receipt by the authority of the application.

Opening hours 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL, SITE NO. 8, SPANISH POINT, LEAGARD SOUTH, MILTOWN MALBAY, CO. CLARE

Take notice that C. Curtin intends to apply to the Planning Authority for permission to construct a dwelling house and proprietary waste water treatment system along with ancillary site works at the above address.

That 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 and that a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

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ANNIVERSARY

Recent Deaths

MADIGAN (née TORPEY), MARY Kilrush Clare

Woulfe, Michael Kilkee Clare

PRAYER

SHANNON Nancy & deceased members of The Shannon & Hewitt Families (16th Anniversary)

In Loving Memory of a dear wife, mother,grandmother, sister, sister in law aunt & friend, Nancy, of 86 Hermitage Ennis, who died on the 19th September 2007. As we sit here with our memories, we think of days gone by, of times we had together, our ups, our downs, our joys. The home you left is lonely now and we are lonely too, those left behind are good and kind but no one replaces you. If we could visit heaven on this your special day, maybe for a moment our pain would go away. We’d wrap our arms around you and kiss your precious face and tell you no one in this world would ever take your place.

Rest in peace dear loved one and thanks for all you’ve done we pray that God has given you, the crown you’ve truly won.

Will those who think of Nancy today, a little prayer

to Jesus say Sadly missed by your loving family. Anniversary Mass in the Cathederal on Saturday 16th September at 6.30pm.

Breen (née Conway), Kathleen (Kay) Cooraclare Clare

Clohessy, Brendan Lisdoonvarna Clare

Byrne (née Hoare), Vera Shannon Clare

Kelly, P.J. Ennis Clare Kelly, Michael Kildysart Clare

Murphy (née Flanagan), Ann Kilmurry McMahon Clare

Power(née McMahon), Theresa (Tess) Kilrush Clare

Clancy, John Clare

WHITE, WILLIAM (Willie) Meelick Clare

Halpin, Patrick Newmarket-on-Fergus Clare

HARRIS, David Lahinch Clare

Kearns, Paul Killaloe Clare

Casey (née Cullinan), Patricia Newmarket-on-Fergus Clare

COONEY (née Hassett), Imy Kilmaley Clare

Kearney (née Devitt), Peggy Miltown Malbay Clare

The Clare Echo Quiz

1Dr. Moosajee Bhamjee came to Clare from which country?

a. India

b. Sri Lanka

c. South Africa

2 Dr. Moosajee Bhamjee later became involved in which political party in Clare?

a. Fianna Fail

b. Labour Party

c. Fine Gael

3 Marty Morrissey lived in which American state before moving to Clare at age 10?

a. New York

b. Chicago

c. Boston

4For how many years did Marty Morrissey play with the Clare Minor Football Team?

a. One

b. Two

c. Three

5In which country did political leader Daniel O’ Connell die?

a. France

b. Italy

c. England

6What happened between O’ Connell and D’Esterre in County Kildare in 1815?

a. A political debate

b. A gun dual

c. Public trial

7Gene Kelly was a famous American ____ who’s grandparents came from Clare.

a. Baseball player

b. Singer

c. Actor

8Robert McNamara who’s grandfather was from Clare was the U.S ________?

a. Secretary of Defence

b. President

c. Vice President

9He was an architect of which famous war?

a. Korean War

b. The Gulf War

c. Vietnam War

10Which famous Australian Actress grandparents originate from Clare?

a. Margot Robbie

b. Nicole Kidman

c. Kate Blanchett

Spot the Difference

Can you spot the 7 differences

10. Nicole Kidman

9. Vietnam War

8. Secretary of Defence

7. Actor

6. A gun dual

Last weeks answers

. 3 missing on sign

. Part of symbol missing (right)

. Part of the KPMG logo missing in background (top)

5. Italy

4. Three

3. New York

2. Labour Party

1. South Africa

. Part of the KPMG logo missing in background (left)

. Person missing in background

. Letter missing on cap

. ‘ missing in title (women’s Irish Open)

Inagh/Kilnamona vs Doora/Barefield

Photo by Ger O’Neill

l QUESTION 5 : In which country did political leader Daniel O’ Connell die?

WORD SEARCH

The Clare Echo Crossword

ACROSS

3

10

11

HOW TO PLAY

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

1 Memento (8)

2

CROSSWORD ANSWERS

4 Soak (6)

5

6 Nomadic Arab (7)

7 Terminates (4)

8 Perplex (6)

13 Magnificent (8)

15 Prickly plant (7)

17 Northern Ireland (6)

18 Tyrant (6)

20 Eat gluttonously (5)

22 Last Greek letter (5)

23 Nought (4)