The Clare Echo 15/02/24

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Feb 15 2024

JACK IN THE BOX Wind farm

plans ‘tearing families apart’ in East Clare

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

FAMILIES have been “torn apart” over proposals for six separate wind farms in East Clare according to one county councillor.

A total of 66 wind turbines could be erected across in East Clare in six different applications.

Some turbines are to be 185m in height with local residents fearful they will dominate “the skyline” across East Clare.

On Monday, elected members of Clare County Council were unanimous in their opposition to the Oatfield windfarm.

An “awful impact” has already been experienced in East Clare, Cllr Pat Hayes (FF) cautioned.

“We are putting communities under stress, families are falling out with each other and l Jack Daly celebrates scoring the winning goal to put Bridge Utd’s U17s into the FAI semi-final

Photo by Joe Buckley

PJ’s putting politics to bed

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

CLARE’S LONGEST serving politician, Cllr PJ Kelly (FF) will be retiring from politics.

Lissycasey native Kelly has confirmed he will not be seeking a nomination for Fianna Fáil’s selection convention in the Kilrush local electoral area and will not be in the ring for the local elections in June.

First elected to the local authority in 1974, Cllr Kelly prevailed in nine elections, topping the poll and winning his seat on the first

count in 2019. “I’ve fifty years done and am one of three in the country. It is time for new blood, I’ve been honoured to have survived fifty years”.

The Clare Echo completed what was PJ’s most in-depth interview since announcing his decision.

This is available to read on page twelve with further material available for online subscribers of The Clare Echo.

More on Page 12

communities are in turmoil”. He stressed the need for proper guidelines at a national level on wind energy and said this opportunity has never been given to councillors.

Cllr Pat Burke (FG) flagged, “There’s enough challenges in rural Ireland without these applications splitting communities”.

More than one windfarm will manifest in Oatfield, Cllr Alan O’Callaghan (FF) predicted.

“I’d say their goal is to go from Meelick to Bodyke,” he said. “There is “a necklace of windfarms” forming in East Clare, Cllr Gerry Flynn (IND) observed. Cllr Tony O’Brien (FF) warned that the area is facing “a proliferation of windfarms”.

Full story Page 8-9

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Thursday, Feb 15, 2024 THE CLARE ECHO

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CONTENTS

NEWS .............................2-17 GREEN CLARE.............18-19 COLUMNISTS ..............20-24 BUSINESS ...................25-27 SOCIALS ...........................28 SPORT..........................29-34 PLANNING ........................35 CLASSIFIEDS ..............36-37

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

Feakle sessions celebrated in new SBCR documentary

by Páraic McMahon @clareecho.ie

ONE of the longest running Thursday night sessions will be celebrated in a feature length radio documentary and podcast.

‘The Long and the Shortt of it – A Thursday Night in Feakle’ is the new documentary by Scariff Bay Community Radio.

Musicians, singers, dancers and storytellers from the very beginning of the sessions which kicked off in the 1970s feature in the documentary along with younger children and present adult players.

Recorded at Shortt’s Pub from September to December 2023, the documentary is produced by Clíodhna Donnellan.

An official launch will take place at 8pm on Thursday 15th February, in Shortt’s Bar where a short audio-visual trailer will whet the appetite for the hour long documentary which will air on Scariff Bay Community Radio at 1pm Sunday 18th February.

The longer version of the documentary will be available as a three part podcast series.

The first two episodes will be

lFEATURE: The podcast was recorded at Shortt’s pub available to download on all Mountshannon native podcast platforms from Mon- Clíodhna explained, “At the day the 19th of February 2024, outset the aim of this docuand the third episode will be mentary was to capture the available from Thursday 22nd essence of what takes place in February 2024.

Shortt’s on a Thursday night. It

is a unique space for those who attend, providing a warm sense of inclusiveness, connection and community whether you are 9 years of age or 89, whether from Feakle or Australia”.

Station manager with SBCR, Jim Collins stated that they were “very pleased to shine a light on a marvellous example of our musical heritage, in a village synonymous with traditional music”.

Musician Tara Breen commented, “Any Thursday I have free, I make my way to Feakle to play at one of the oldest and best sessions in Ireland.

Playing there brings such joy to life where musicians, young and old are given the warmest welcome. I have played all over the world but the music played in Shortt’s bar is special and the best you will find”.

Lena Hanrahan ran the pub, formerly known as ‘Lena’s’ from the 1950s. It was in 1970, when she built on the extension, that the Thursday night regular session began. The current proprietor, Gerry Shortt, took over the reins 27 years ago and has not let go since.

‘Everyone is delighted to have a brand-new festival’ FIRST ACTS have been announced for the second annual Vandeleur Festival Kilrush which takes place from June 27th to 30th, writes Páraic McMahon.

Irish-American supergroup Cherish The Ladies, the world-famous Kilfenora Céilí Band and country music star Robert Mizzell will be headlining at the Vandeleur Walled Garden and Visitor Centre with further acts to be confirmed in the coming weeks.

Supported by Clare County Council, the Kilrush Town Team, Kilrush Amenity Trust CLG and Kilrush Credit Union, the four-day festival also will feature street entertainment in Kilrush town centre.

A park and ride service will operate every fifteen minutes between Kilrush town centre and the Vandeleur Walled Garden and Visitor Centre to accommodate evening concertgoers.

Cathaoirleach of the West Clare Municipal District, Cllr Ian Lynch (IND) stated, “Everyone in Kilrush is delighted to have a brand-new festival right on their doorstep”.

The Kilrush native added,

“Our experience from 2023 shows that this event brings new life into the town and complements the hugely successful annual Kilrush Traditional Music & Set Dancing Festival. We look forward to establishing it as a permanent fixture on the Irish festival calendar that also shines a spotlight on the arts and culture community in West Clare”.

Noel Kilkenny, Chairperson of Kilrush Amenity Trust CLG commented, “Creating a community-focused attraction is a key priority for the Vandeleur Walled Garden and Visitor Centre. We are committed to supporting a programme of events that contains something for everybody with performances and activities that can be enjoyed by people of all ages”.

Leonard Cleary, Director of Tourism Development and West Clare MD noted the positive support that has been received from the wider community for the festival. “Vandeleur Festival Kilrush was a huge hit for the town and the wider county during its inaugural year and we are excited about its return this summer”.

A programme of events around the three main concerts are planned, Colette Costello, Head of Operations for Vandeleur Walled Garden and Visitor Centre outlined. She confirmed this includes “street family entertainment in the town centre and other events that highlight and promote the vibrant and arts and culture community of West Clare. We are very much looking forward to welcoming people from near and far to Kilrush this summer”.

One of America’s most acclaimed Irish music ensembles, Cherish The Ladies will headline the opening concert of the festival on Friday, 28th June. The Kilfenora Céilí Band, supported by special guest Ger O’Donnell, will perform on Saturday 29th June, while Robert Mizzell will be bringing the curtain down on the festival on Sunday 30th June. All concerts begin at 7.30pm and are ticketed events.

Further information on the Vandeleur Festival Kilrush is available from www.vandeleurwalledgarden.ie.

Thursday, Feb 15, 2024 THE CLARE ECHO

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Thursday, Feb 15, 2024 THE CLARE ECHO

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Ennis armadillos & bollards causing more accidents rather than preventing them, claim residents & business owner

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

RESIDENTS and business owners in Ennis have voiced their frustrations at the difficulties that armadillos and bollards continue to pose in their daily lives.

Installation of traffic calming measures in August 2019 on the Clon Road in Ennis along College View, College Green and St Flannan’s Drive has been a controversial subject in the locality with strong opposition to the bollards and armadillos which surround the double cycle lanes.

At the February meeting of the Ennis Municipal District, Cllr Pat Daly (FF) had tabled a motion which sought the removal of “one side of the cycle lane, the bollards and armadillos on the road from Éire Óg GAA grounds to St Flannan’s College mainly due to health and safety grounds on a daily basis”.

This motion was later withdrawn by the Mayor of the Ennis MD following opposition from Cllr Paul Murphy (FG), Cllr Clare Colleran Molloy (FF) and Cllr Mary Howard (FG).

Ennis hotelier, John Madden told The Clare Echo said he narrowly avoided a serious accident on the stretch of the road in the past week.

The proprietor of The Temple Gate Hotel stated that he

had to take a sudden turn to avoid a car coming against him at speed, he said he was very fortunate this was at a section where there was no bollards as if it was further up or back the road the damage would have been substantial.

Madden had not been aware of the matter going before the Ennis MD prior to speaking to The Clare Echo.

Residents have highlighted how dirty the bollards have become and that a road sweeper has rarely been sighted on the 1.2km stretch in the last four years.

Mark Sutton of Sutton’s Lighting told The Clare Echo that the installation of the bollards and armadillos has impacted his business. “It has hit my business, there’s no doubt about it and it is no different to what they are doing in town, it hits people’s businesses. When people are used to driving on a road and next thing it is more narrow and bollards are there which they are hitting off, they will only come once and then they will go somewhere else, that is human nature and we can’t stop there. I was told from day one by a customer they are trying to stop trucks coming down but how are we and Mangans supposed to get our stuff, it is not working and it is proven that it is not working by the state of the road now with armadillos

l Local resident and former councillor, Tommy Brennan shows a worn-out bollard by St Flannan’s Drive in Ennis all over the place, bollards are hanging and are on the ground, there is no maintenance done of it, who is cleaning them, they are filthy, they look disgusting and the road is disgusting”.

Acting senior executive engineer in the Ennis MD, Paddy Tiernan confirmed that the current cycle lanes on Clonroadmore will be upgraded as part of the Clarecastle to Ennis Active Travel Scheme.

“This project will be the next to be undertaken following the completion of the Tulla

Road Cycle Scheme. The Clarecastle to Ennis scheme will be designed to modern standards with all existing bollards and armadillos removed. These will not be replaced”. Speeding issues led to the installation of the infrastructure in Clonroadmore, he said, “the current scheme has achieved these goals.

The removal of any or all of the elements of the current scheme at this time is likely to result in increased traffic speed leading to potential accidents”.

Residents have argued that very few cyclists are using the infrastructure.

Mark had been involved with Clare Cycling for years and his brother Barry continues to have an involvement.

“There’s very few people using them but don’t get me wrong there is some people using them and kids using them which is great to see but most of them go outside the lane or on the footpath which is what they’re doing, they will say different but all anyone needs to do is come here and watch them. Nobody is against the cyclists and we never were, I’ve been involved with Clare Cycling for years and my brother still is, we’re not against cyclists”.

He added, “Personally speaking I think the cyclists are not in favour of it, you will get a few kids using it but that is no problem and there is room for everybody. At the moment they are causing a lot of hassle for business but also for elderly and young people driving, they are hopping off cars and the Council have recognised this but they are not saying how many wing-mirrors or tyres have been damaged. Accountability is the biggest problem here, we never got to discuss what was going ahead we were told what was happening. We had a meeting with Clare County Council

and some councillors but the Council brushed us off a small bit, they didn’t want to know what we were talking about. I asked why didn’t St Flannan’s College open up their car park to clear up the car parking and the road but no they put a zebra crossing and a railing around to back up the whole traffic. Accountability is a big problem with Clare County Council, they have to stand up and say who decided to do this, why were people not consulted from day one but it was never done”.

E-scooters are posing a further safety risk, Sutton warned. “We now have e-scooters coming up and down the road, they are hitting bollards and somebody is going to get killed here by an armadillo, a car can’t go anywhere here, they can’t go left or right”. He said, “A person ran across the road here one day, he ran across the road to avoid two cars coming, he hit an armadillo, bust his nose and teeth, he ended up breaking his nose, he was in an awful way, he got to hospital and as far as I know he has gone further with this.

People are not comfortable walking this road”.

Cllr Murphy’s comments on older drivers angers ‘disgusted pensioner’

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

CLARECASTLE representative, Cllr Paul Murphy (FG) has come under strong criticism for singling out elderly drivers in his defence of traffic calming measures along the Clon Road in Ennis.

As reported by The Clare Echo, Cllr Murphy was critical of “licences for life” and “incompetent driving” when voicing strong opposition at last week’s meeting of the Ennis Municipal District to a call from Cllr Pat Daly (FF) to remove one side of the cycling lane, armadillos and bollards on a 1.2km stretch of road in Clonroadmore, Ennis.

In a strongly worded letter issued to this paper, a self-described “disgusted pensioner” admitted they were left angry and dismayed by Cllr Murphy’s remarks.

“Mr. Murphy’s ageist denigration of the driving skills of so many of our population that have gone their whole lives without accident or incident on the road was an outrageous insult to skills garnered over many years. I wonder could he or any of his supporters in the Council Chamber have such clean records

l Councillor Paul Murphy

to boast?

“Mr. Murphy, would you make such ignorant generalisations against immigrants and other eth-

Photo by Eamon Ward

nic communities in our midst? I think not - You should think hard before making such comments. If the said complainant spared time

to read the newspapers or watch the TV news, any day of the week he would see that most of the accidents and fatalities on our roads are not the result of pensioner negligence but can sadly be attributed to carelessness of a much younger generation”.

College Grove resident Paddy Smyth told The Clare Echo that he thought the comments of Cllr Murphy were “disgraceful” and “very unfair”.

He stated, “The bollards speak for itself, every time we see one knocked it is a reflection of poor planning”. He recalled meeting Cllr Clare Colleran Molloy (FF), Cllr Mary Howard (FG), Cllr Daly and former Cllr Mark Nestor (FF) with residents in 2019 where strong opposition was made known to them.

Mark Sutton of Sutton’s Lighting felt it was inappropriate of an elected representative to single out elderly drivers.

Elected members of Clare County Council who do not sit on the Ennis Municipal District expressed disappointment that the Clarecastle native was not forced to withdraw his remarks.

Political pundits in the county have questioned the ill-advised nature and timing of the remarks.

The Local Media Show on Scariff Bay referenced how the elderly are often the most active when it comes to travelling to the ballot paper at the time of an election, when discussing the Ennis MD meeting.

Speaking at Monday’s meeting of Clare County Council, Cllr Murphy referenced plans for the Limerick Rd and St Flannan’s Drive in the monthly management report.

“I look forward to clarity being provided in the coming days on comments that were attributed to me”, he stated. The former Mayor of Ennis said he received “unfair abuse” and had a difficult few days since his initial comments were highlighted in the media.

In an online post on our Facebook page, Cllr Murphy said the article by The Clare Echo and this writer was “shoddy journalism, taking cheap shots and stirring a negative agenda”.

Cllr Murphy declined to engage with this reporter when contacted

by The Clare Echo on Wednesday.

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Soothing words heighten tensions within Clare Fianna Fáil

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

AN EMERGENCY meeting of Fianna Fáil members took place late on Wednesday night with one item on the agenda, that to discuss comments made by the party’s Clare chairman.

Chairman of the Fianna Fáil Comhairle Dáil Ceantair in Clare, Mike Enright took a swipe at the party’s only TD in the county, Cathal Crowe (FF), it follows the omission of the TD from the guestlist to an energy forum that almost all party members in the county received invites to.

The Clare Echo reported last week how local party members were disgruntled over Deputy Crowe’s delay in receiving an invite to an to ‘Powering the Future: Liberal Energy Forum’ which was organised by ALDE and Senator Timmy Dooley (FF).

Speaking to The Clare Echo on Friday about the controversy, Enright stated, “Everything was done through headquarters. To my knowledge, every member was asked to attend, Cathal

Crowe the TD is a member of Fianna Fáil and I presume he was asked to attend like everyone else so I don’t know what the controversy is. I think maybe it might be no harm if he went to Mothercare and got a soother it might help him a small bit”.

Deputy Crowe expressed his disappointment with the remarks from his party colleague. “That is a very disappointing and unchairmanlike comment, and it is not befitting of the most senior figure in the Clare Comhairle Dáil Ceantair, Enright’s comments have sparked plenty of discussion among members of the party and across the political sphere.

Party members in the Ennis Comhairle Ceantair took place in Hotel Woodstock late last night to discuss the Chairman’s remarks.

Newmarket-on-Fergus native Enright who would not be present at this meeting told The Clare Echo that he stood by his comments. “I don’t regret making the comments at all, it deflected from the event which I attended

and it was very good”.

He added, “It is a pity the TD didn’t embrace it and help promote what we can do in the county with renewable. Hopefully he won’t throw the dolls out of the cot anymore”.

Killaloe based member of the party, Matt Moroney called for Enright and his officials to step aside following the comments. He believed Fianna Fáil headquarters will not tackle the issue. He said the current officer board “does not represent the grassroots thoughts on the party structure despite calling on numerous occasions for meetings both CDC and Comhairle Ceanntair level.

No meetings are being had and no AGM has been held since the election of the officer board in 2016.

“Members are now not renewing their membership over the split in the party. It’s my belief that all elected representatives should be supported equally”.

Ennis member, Angela Coll said, “I think the Chairman’s comments bring the entire officer board into

l AT LOGGERHEADS: Cathal Crowe (TD), Mike Enright and Senator Timmy Dooley

disrepute and I’m very disappointed after what was a hugely successful event that our chair chose to issue such comments.”

All 13 Fianna Fáil councillors were contacted by The Clare Echo for their views on the ongoing controversy.

Mayor of the Ennis MD, Cllr Pat Daly (FF) said, “His comment were very un-Chairman like, I’m very disappointed to hear that tone of language being used.

That is not the way to speak of Fianna Fáil’s most senior politician in the county”.

An apology should be issued to Deputy Crowe, Cllr Tom O’Callaghan (FF) maintained. He praised Senator Dooley for organising an “an extremely worthwhile event that I expect will benefit our county and country economically long term.”

Former Mayor of Clare, Cllr Tony O’Brien (FF) said he was unaware of the context behind the Chairman’s comments. “I’m disappointed that issues which can be solved through in-house dialogue are being aired in public. There’s mechanics in the organisation to sort it out”.

When approached at Monday’s Clare County Council meeting, Cllr Rita McIner-

ney (FF) said she was “too busy” to comment on the matter. Cllr Cillian Murphy (FF) remarked, “all of that stuff is beyond my paygrade” and insisted his focus was on the upcoming selection convention in the Kilrush LEA. Cllr PJ Kelly (FF) declined to comment while Cllr Pat McMahon (FF) said he had been spent the past week in hospital and was not abreast on the controversy.

Oireachtas members should be focusing on more important matters, Cllr Shane Talty (FF) believed.

“The initial row between Cathal and Timmy was a needless distraction. The focus should be on policies that can improve things that matter to the people of Clare like wastewater infrastructure and not silly rows”.

More unity is needed, Cllr Pat Hayes (FF) said. “I would rather if the TD and Senator worked to deliver for issues that matter in the constituency, no rural area has received an Active Travel allocation is a more important issue for me than. The public don’t like to see these spats”.

He said “we’d be better off without personal comments” as issued by the Chairman.

“I don’t know the rationale

behind the Chairman’s comments, maybe it was tongue in cheek,” Cllr Alan O’Callaghan (FF) suggested. “Facing into an election campaign, my number one focus is on getting re-elected,” he added.

A determination to represent the county is fuelling the emotions behind the issue, Cllr Joe Killeen (FF) felt.

“Politics can engender high emotion and the advice from me is for everybody to keep cool and calm. It is wonderful to have two national politicians Cathal and Timmy that are so determined to look after the interests of our county.

It is all shoulders to the wheel for the people of Clare”.

Hope was expressed by Cllr Clare Colleran Molloy (FF) that the “incident will be satisfactorily handled internally within the Fianna Fáil party”.

Cratloe based, Cllr Pat O’Gorman (FF) stated, “I get on well with Mike, Cathal and Timmy. I don’t like to any controversy between us as members, I’d like to concentrate on my role as a county councillor and working hard for the people. I don’t like to see any controversies and I wouldn’t be a controversial person, I don’t like to see these spats happening”.

Thursday, Feb 15, 2024 THE CLARE ECHO

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Thursday, Feb 15, 2024 THE CLARE ECHO

News investigation

Turbines to dominate skies Six different applications could see 66 wind turbines erected across East Clare in the coming years. Páraic McMahon speaks to local residents about the potential impact on their everyday lives

E

AST CLARE is facing the possibility of becoming a wind turbine hotspot if multiple developments are given the green light.

Currently six different applications are planned for East Clare. These include Carrownagowan Windfarm in Bodyke (19 turbines), Fahybeg Windfarm near Bridgetown (8 turbines), Lackreagh Windfarm near Kilbane (7 turbines), Knockshanvo Windfarm between Clonlara and Sixmilebridge (9 turbines), Oatfield Windfarm (11 turbines) and Ballycar Windfarm in Meelick (12 turbines).

Information days have been held for the past two Saturdays by the Broadford to Oatfield Windfarm Action Group in Broadford NS. They are preparing objections for An Bord Pleanála to Orsted’s plans for eleven turbines in Oatfield before Monday’s deadline .

Speaking to The Clare Echo, Oatfield resident Jim Fitzgerald was critical of the poor engagement from companies behind the plans which have included holding events in Limerick rather than in the locality. He said the plans are contained in a 4,000 page document which is very difficult for a voluntary group to consume in a limited timeframe. “We’re

lay people who are working nine metres above sea level, by day, we have our families, the 12 O’Clock Hills is 150 we’ve gone home at night or 160 metres so you put 180 to read this until 12 or 1 at metres on top of this and you night, this has been in plan- are dominating the skyline ning since 2015 which is and what East Clare will look nearly eight years the compa- like into the future if these ny have had to put it togeth- developments go ahead. er, the submission went in on “What a lot of people the 22nd of December which wouldn’t have seen is these has given us eight weeks to projects, the Orsted one try defend our locality”. which is for Oatfield and He stated, “We’ve been part of Broadford will take asked if we’re standing eighteen months to conagainst green struct, within or renewable that there is energy or caving works communities to go in roads, gaining benthere is a grid I hate to use efit we’re not, connection we’re standing the word that will come against the protest but we from Oatfield size and magdown to Balnitude of this are trying lycar that they development. to create have allowed We went to awareness five months the commuto construct, nity engage- in a peaceful you take all ment night for manner of that and I FuturEnerg y think the figIreland which ure of 18,000 was strangely plus two-way held in Castleconnell be- journeys for large and heavy tween the hours of 12 and 8 goods vehicles are in their and 12 and 4, two working traffic management plan but days which wasn’t helpful they have other traffic related for local residents to get to studies but spaced throughwhen they were offered ev- out the report,” he added. ery facility locally in terms Signs erected by locals tiof GAA facilities, churches, tled ‘no giant wind turbines community halls and they here’ have been removed still wouldn’t accept it. and An Garda Síochána are “These are going on elevat- now involved in the matter. ed sites, Sixmilebridge and Jim said “there was some Newmarket-on-Fergus are signs removed in Oatfield

“

recently unfortunately, that was the fourth incident of it, two of the residents felt strongly enough that they had enough and they wanted to go to the Gardaí, they have reported that and in fairness the Gardaí in Sixmilebridge have indicated they are taking this extremely seriously, they have crossed a line in terms of going onto people’s properties and removing signs, I hate to use the word protest but we are trying to create awareness in a peaceful manner. There’s nobody here against green or renewable energy, it is the size and scale of the project”.

Risks of a traffic gridlock

primarily at Sixmilebridge have been flagged by the action group. “I know the company has refuted that and have said the turbine delivery route is the one they are focusing on which it is which is coming over the new bridge in Killaloe, down to Clonlara and turning up towards Truagh and we’re not refuting that but they have a spoil management report which indicates landowners will take top soil out and soil off it, there’s addresses as far back as Inagh on it, that all creates traffic congestion and problems.

Orsted were contacted by The Clare Echo for comment

but none was forthcoming at the time of going to print.

FuturEnergy who are behind the Knockshanvo Wind Farm defended holding their public consultation in another county. “The venue for the extensive two-day Knockshanvo community clinic held in late November was selected based on its size, facilities, additional on-site services, security and proximity to Clare and Limerick area commuter routes.

We thoroughly researched all options and there was no availability for two days, including evenings, with the facilities and space required, at closer venues. Based on

REPORT

‘Families falling out and PÁRAIC McMAHON

paraic@clareecho.ie

ELECTED representatives of Clare County Council have hit out at plans from energy companies to erect wind turbines from Meelick to Bodyke in six different developments.

A submission requesting the Oatfield Windfarm be refused was made by the five councillors in the Killaloe Municipal District at Monday’s sitting of Clare County Council. “The elected members consider the proposed development will have significant negative effects on the environment and is not in accordance with the proper planning and sustainable development of the area”.

This submission was included with a planner’s report by officials in Clare County Council

that will be forwarded to An Bord Pleanála who will have the final say on whether the plans proceed. Council Chief Executive, Pat Dowling confirmed he was content for the submission to be added to their report.

Listening in the public gallery for this debate were residents impacted by the various developments lodged for East Clare. Seated among them was Clare TD, Cathal Crowe (FF).

“We’re facing a proliferation of windfarms,” Cllr Tony O’Brien (FF) warned. “We have serious concerns as to what is going on and what is planned, we are certainly not in favour of the haphazard nature of what is proposed at the moment,” the Cathaoirleach of the Killaloe MD stated.

Cathaoirleach of Clare Co Council, Cllr Joe Cooney (FG) commented, “Residents in the catchment areas have serious concerns. It is important these serious concerns are dealt with”.

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Feb 15, 2024

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of East Clare?

the high engagement numbers who participated, we are satisfied that the venue suited many and did not unduly preclude or prevent those with an interest in the project from attending. We offered to provide a taxi for anyone who did not have their own transport. Some community members were unable to attend the event due to other commitments, and we have arranged to meet these individuals where requested.

Some of the commentary regarding the community clinics fails to take into consideration the broader engagement work that we have completed for the Knock-

shanvo project”.

Community engagement for the proposed Knockshanvo Wind Farm began at the end of 2022 with commitments made to write to the local community and all local political representatives in relation to an extensive programme of engagement activities. The project team has issued three newsletters, a detailed final brochure, and provided a dedicated website with comprehensive FAQs and a Virtual Exhibition.

Two Community Liaison Officers (CLOs) have been available throughout this period to call, email or meet in person. These CLOs have

knocked on doors locally to discuss the project on at least four separate occasions and met 75% of homeowners within 2km of the site.

A spokesperson for FuturEnergy said there was “a number of factors” which influenced the dimensions of their turbines which will have a tip height range between 179 metres and 185 metres. “The option for a potential maximum height of 185 metres facilitates fewer turbines with better energy output compared with a larger number of smaller turbines. This also allows energy to be produced at lower costs to consumers and supports an affordable transition to clean energy”. They expect When asked what impact the development would have on future planning applications for housing in the locality, the spokesperson stated, “The current Wind Energy Development Guidelines recommend a housing setback of 500 metres for turbines. The proposed Knockshanvo project has a property setback of 750 metres. However, this does not prevent anyone from applying for planning permission to build a property within that zone should the project receive planning permission”.

FuturEnergy plan to make their application in the first quarter of this year and if permission is granted they expect to commence construction in 2028. Delivery of the turbine components would come from Foynes via Limerick City and the R465 to the site entrance.

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More than one windfarm will manifest in Oatfield, Cllr Alan O’Callaghan (FF) predicted. “I’d say their goal is to go from Meelick to Bodyke,” he said. East Clare’s road infrastructure is not able to cater for the calculated movement every four minutes, he believed.

An “awful impact” has already been experienced in East Clare, Cllr Pat Hayes (FF) cautioned. “We are putting communities under stress, families are falling out with each other and communities are in turmoil”. He stressed the need for proper guidelines at a national level on wind energy and said this opportunity has never been given to councillors.

Criticism of the Government was voiced

by Cllr Pat Burke (FG), “The Government have a lot to answer for when asking these multi-million euro investments to come into Ireland”.

Cllr Tom O’Callaghan (FF) admitted he

would not like a wind turbine near his home. “I fully support you and know the visual impact it will have on a beautiful side of the countryside”. Flickering is a “valid” concern for impacted residents to have.

There is “a necklace of windfarms” forming in East Clare, Cllr Gerry Flynn (IND) observed. “My own opinion is that local communities are denuded fromthe process at Council level, in turn in undermines the transparency that should be at the heart of planning”. He noted that there are 88 dwellings situated within 1500m of the turbines.

Representatives of the wind industry need to know what has sufficed over the last two decades is not appropriate, Cllr Cillian Murphy (FF) maintained. “We’re here because of successive Governments failing to grab the nettle which is wind energy and its opportunities”.

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Thursday, Feb 15, 2024 THE CLARE ECHO

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Cowan’s temporary leave ‘unsurprising’

Kilrush Comhaltas support charities

Kilrush Comhaltas presented proceeds from the Wren to the Mid West Simon Community, and to Tony Henchy's Fundraising walk at a function on Friday last in Doonbeg. Pictured are Anthony Henchy, June Curtin (Mid West Simon) Anne Hayes and Vincent O'Halloran

‘We’re more likely to spot a leprechaun than a Garda on the beat’

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

THERE is a better chance of spotting a leprechaun than a Garda on the beat in Co Clare, a Shannon public representative has remarked.

Most recent figures for the amalgamated Clare/ Tipperary Garda Division show that as of November 30th 2023 there are 674 Garda members of all ranks assigned.

Clare TD, Cathal Crowe (FF) tabled a parliamentary question to the Minister for Justice, Helen McEntee (FG) to ask if she along with the Garda Commissioner would revisit the current policing model.

Deputy Crowe’s contribution came on foot of a motion before Clare County Council tabled by seven councillors which said the current model of policing was “not fit for purpose” and left people in communities feeling vulnerable.

Minister McEntee said the “new Garda Operating Model reflects and addresses the challenges of modern day policing by enabling specialisation in the delivery of key services and freeing up more Gardaí to focus on front line policing. It will particularly enhance the investigation of crime through the delivery of a greater range of specialised services in local areas such as the investigation of sexual crime, domestic violence, cyber-crime, and economic crime”.

Introducing the operating model was a recommendation by both the Garda Inspectorate and the Commission on the Future of Policing in Ireland (CoFPI), the Minister flagged. “The Operating Model introduces major changes to the structures of An Garda Síochána ensuring more front-line Gardaí, increased Garda visibility, and a wider range of policing

services for people in their local area,” she added. “I believe that most people would agree that community policing has been at the heart of An Garda Síochána since its founding over 100 years ago, and I can assure you that the Government is committed to maintaining that tradition, so that all communities feel safe and are safe”.

Speaking at Monday’s meeting of Clare County Council, Cllr Gerry Flynn (IND) thanked Deputy Crowe for supporting their motion. “I think the people in the Oireachtas and the Minister for Justice is not living in the real world, we go to a lot of trouble to sending motions, the least we should get is an acknowledgement that there has been a deficiency in policing,” he commented.

“It would be easier to spot a leprechaun than it would be to spot a policeman on the beat. They have lost connection with local communities,” the Shannon representative said. He believed the response from Minister McEntee was “more lip service to the elected members of Clare County Council”.

Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council, Cllr Joe Cooney (FG) responded, “We have Oireachtas members in the gallery, hopefully he will take concerns on board” to which Cllr Flynn interjected, “It is the Minister that needs to take them on board”.

Cllr Tom O’Callaghan a co-signatory of the motion welcomed Deputy Crowe to the meeting. He believed the amalgamation was not working. Gardaí in Clare are “short-staffed” every Bank Holiday weekend, he claimed. “When they are not on the beat they are not doing the job for the people,” he added. Support for the views of Cllr Flynn were voiced by Cllr Michael Begley (IND).

CHIEF Executive of UL Hospitals Group, Prof Colette Cowan has gone on temporary leave, writes Páraic McMahon.

Staff were informed of the CEO’s departure during a week where there was further record breaking overcrowding at University Hospital Limerick. Senior staff at UHL received an email last Friday where they were informed that Colette Cowan, CEO of UL Hospitals Group is on “leave period” but the correspondence did not specify why and for how long. Overcrowding at UHL hit record highs on two occasions last week with figures of 150 on Wednesday and 138 on Tuesday. Sonya Cotter who has worked in the HSE’s Special Delivery Unit is to become acting CEO from Wednesday. Prof Cowan remained in her role as recently as Tuesday of last week, the CEO does not work on site at UHL with management’s offices located in an industrial estate in Raheen.

Ballyvaughan native, Noeleen Moran who is one of the leading figures with the Mid-West Hospital campaign said the move was not surprising. She told The Clare Echo, “As CEO it was Prof Collette Cowan’s duty to find solutions and to make the hospital system work.

It has been evident for some time that

expecting just one hospital to support the demand of the entire population of the Midwest was unworkable. Ms Cowan’s temporary leave of absence is unsurprising. “Nobody can stand over the level of overcrowding at UHL. Those in management of the healthcare service both within the political realm and within the HSE need to be held to account for the state that it is in. Patients’ lives are being put at risk, unnecessary deaths are occurring. This is completely unacceptable and it must end. The current healthcare policy is failing the people of the Mid-West, it’s time for a complete overhaul of how the hospital system is managed in the Mid-West.

It’s time now to look again at a model 3 hospital for the region”.

Prior to Cowan’s temporary leave, Friends of Ennis Hospital had called on Clare’s Oireachtas members to summon UHL management before the Dáil to “explain why the increase in staffing has not resulted in a decrease in trolleys. We further call upon you to put a motion of no confidence in hospital management before the Dáil”.

A motion seeking the upgrade of Ennis Hospital to a model three hospital has also been sought by the Friends of Ennis Hospital.

Notes

COMMUNITY GAMES St Francis Credit Union Clare Community are very busy now preparing for the coming season under the leadership of the new Chairman Rob Stephen and Secretary Maurette Crowley. The first of the competitions will be the U11 Basketball which is scheduled for Sat 24th February.

DATES OF COMPETITIONS: • Sat 24th Feb - U11 Basketball - Gurteen @ 12.30pm • Sun 25th Feb - U16 Girls Basketball - Gurteen @ 12.30pm • Sat 2nd Mar - Futsal U13 & U15 - Corofin GAA Hall; Sun 3rd Mar Futsal U13 & U15 Girls - Corofin GAA Hall • Sat 9th Mar - Indoor Soccer U10 & U13 Boys - Corofin GAA Hall; Sun 10th Mar - Indoor Soccer U10 & U13 Girls - Corofin GAA Hall • Sun 10th Mar - Chess - Treacys West County Hotel @ 2pm • Fri 15th Mar - Swimming - Ennis Pool • Sat 16th Mar - Cross Country - John O’Sullivan Pk, Lees Rd @ 9.30am • Sat 16th Mar - Mixed Distance Relays U12 & U14 - John O’Sullivan PK • Sat 16th Mar - U10 Relays- John O’Sullivan Pk • Sun 14th Apr - Talent/Choir - Quin Hall @ 9am • Sun 21st Apr - Gymnastics - Ennis Gymnastics Club @ 6pm • Sun 12th May - Gaelic Football U10 - Wolfe Tones GAA, Shannon • Tue 14th May - Art U8 - Holy Family School Canteen @ 5pm • Wed 15th May - Art U10 - Holy Family School Canteen @ 5pm • Thurs 16th May - Art U12, U14 & U16 - Holy Family @ 5pm • Sat 18th May - Pitch & Putt - Kilnamona @ 9.30am • Sun 2nd Jun - County Athletics - John O’Sullivan Pk, Lees Rd, Ennis.

CAHEREA NS OPEN DAY CAHEREA National School is open for enrolments for the 2024/2025 school year. We would be delighted to welcome any new pupils and families to our school. We will hold an Open Day on Sunday 25th February from 11:00 to 12:00 for any families who would like to see the school and meet the staff. Please note that Before and After school Childcare is available.

MACRA WINNERS Congratulations to Stephen Mullins from Ennis Macra, Liam Hanrahan from Kilrush Macra and Lisa Quinn from Sixmilebridge/Kilmurry Macra who were up against Clonakility Macra in the National Debating Final on Saturday last. Clare macra were opposing the motion that “The Ireland of today is not Youth Friendly”. What an amazing achievement for Liam, Lisa and Stephen. Well done to Callan Macra and Awbeg Macra for a fantastic Senior debate on the night also. We have a very busy few weeks coming up between titles night, bingo fundraiser and impromptu debating county round, follow our social media platforms to keep up to date.

Thursday, Feb 15, 2024 THE CLARE ECHO

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Thursday, Feb 15, 2024 THE CLARE ECHO

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PJ Kelly to bow out of politics

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

CLARE’S longest-serving politician has confirmed he is bowing out of politics.

Cllr PJ Kelly (FF) was first elected to Clare County Council in 1974 and has prevailed in a total of nine local elections. He is one of three politicians in Ireland to have spent over fifty years on a County Council.

While he had expressed a desire to step down in advance of the 2019 local elections, efforts to secure a candidate in his native Lissycasey or surrounding parishes proved to be unsuccessful. Kelly went on to top the poll in the Kilrush local electoral area.

“The time has come, I’ve fifty years done and am one of three in the country. It is time for new blood, I’ve been honoured to have survived fifty years. Five years down the road if I’m around I’ll be a very feeble person, I might be very sharp up here (the mind), physically I get around no problem at the moment. I did indicate at the last election that it would be my last, in fact I decided to pull out the last time but they surrounded me here and they said go, you could see the vote I got,” he said.

Moving on from a lifetime of politics will take adjusting, he acknowledged. “Naturally I will miss it but I’m trying to find a different occupation. I know I’ve an adjustment to do and I won’t sit on the fence crying”.

He confirmed in the past week that he would not contest Fianna Fáil’s selection convention for the Kilrush local electoral area. There are four nominees for this con-

vention, Cllr Cillian Murphy (FF), Cllr Rita McInerney (FF) who only last month was co-opted to the County Council following the retirement of Cllr Bill Chambers (FF), Michael Shannon (FF) and Alan Troy (FF).

With the looming retirement of Cllr Kelly and the Council’s second longest serving representative Cllr Pat McMahon (FF) together with the departure of Cllr Chambers, it could pose a threat to Fianna Fáil retaining the highest amount of seats on the local authority. Despite the exit of the trio, PJ is adamant on what Fianna Fáil need to focus on. “I hope they will go back and focus on policy and implementation, follow the policy that is of benefit to the area, challenge the system, that to me would be very important to challenge the system because the system is beating us and there is no doubt in the world about it.

“There’s so many schools closed back the West, there is more and more but they are doing nothing about it, you can do cosmetic work and denude yourself into believing you are doing something but to get something done is another day’s work, how are we going to get people to settle in Cross, I’d say change the County Development Plan, forget the local rule, every civil servant that settles in West Clare should have no planning contribution instead of keeping them out, if we got 100 retired civil servants living in West Clare with 100 fam-

ilies what will it mean for the economy of West Clare, their sons and daughters might decide to move down, have a family and change the circle, intervention is going to be very important rather than tolerance. We have to replace tolerance with intervention”.

Positive discrimination is needed in this regard, he argued. “I can’t see anybody coming up with an idea to revive West Clare, there would be a riot if we said let Dubs come down and build there but it is part of the solution.

They haven’t to worry about a mortgage, if they sell a house in

Dublin they could buy two in West Clare, I know a Dublin civil servant who can’t get planning permission in Doonbeg, he is on €106k a year, what would he mean to Doonbeg”.

Tackling this decline in West Clare must be the central focus for all candidates in the Kilrush and Ennistymon local electoral areas, Kelly insisted. “The challenge for our successors is how do they reverse the decline in West Clare, there is a massive challenge, standing idly by is not going to get you anywhere. A coffee shop was opened over the road here, it has taken off, there’s always three or four cars around it and that is to do with numbers. Before you stop a reverse, you have to come to a stop to go forward, you have to stop and then decide to change gears and move forward. Let’s throw the question to the candidates, what will West Clare look like in twenty years, it will be gone”.

‘Slow learner’ Kelly mastered the art of a takedown in one sentence

PJ Kelly with a book that has been an important part of his political career

SELF-DESCRIBED as “a slow learner”, Cllr PJ Kelly (FF) certainly had the ability to take someone down in one sentence during his storied political career writes Páraic McMahon.

His pending exit from local politics will see Fianna Fáil lose their most experienced public representative, he is one of only three people to have served over five decades on a local authority but it will also deprive Áras Contae an Chláir of a man with a remarkable turn of phrase.

First elected to Clare County Council in 1974, PJ had to run as an Independent candidate as he was “thrown out” of Fianna Fáil. He recalled, “The field was crowded, the locals reared up and I got 100 percent in that box, 99.1 and 99.2 percent in the other boxes (in Lissycasey). I came from a very Fianna Fáil family, they saw me as a threat”.

One local priest described the tactics of Kelly in advance of his first election as “psychological warfare”. PJ himself admitted it was “an unusual campaign”, his stint in amateur acting certainly was a help. It was centred on church gate blitzes and short sentences which kept people talking about the retired school teacher for the week.

“I had Francie Daly ar-

ranged to come up and tap me on the shoulder when I had about a minute spoken and I’d say ‘Oh God, I never saw you there’ to the local councillor, I’d ask him across to say a few words and then the story would go home after mass that he declined to talk, we tormented people and played a lot of those games.

At another church there was nine posters up on a pole (of another candidate), I started talking then I was tapped on the shoulder and I’d say ‘go way that says nothing about Duffy’s Circus, it is something else that is happening’. So a lot of this acting went on and people went home talking about it, it was very effective, it shows the change in tactics,” Kelly recounted.

During his five years as an Independent he stayed a member of Fianna Fáil. “I turned up at the Ard Fhéis with my good-looking wife who always appeared in the national papers, it used to annoy them”. In 1979 he returned to the party, retained his seat and for the next twenty years was Chair of the Fianna Fáil grouping in Clare.

If he was starting off in politics, Kelly admits he would follow “the rural development agenda. My location dictates my policy, if I was living in Ennistymon where there is

a housing problem then I’d possibly be talking about social housing, I’m very much in a middle class rural area, I believe people are important so I’d be talking about rural development and planning, more general planning across the wider area of West Clare”.

Minutes into the interview, Cllr Kelly quotes WB Yeats, how he manufactures sentences has left his colleagues astonished and civil servants bamboozled on several occasions. “Tony Killeen would have said to me ‘you’ve mischief in your language’,” he recounted. “I deliberately throw in trip questions so whatever way they answer it they are wrong. Everyone has a little aptitude, I can’t sing for instance, on the track I was okay but as a hurler or footballer I got my place only when fourteen showed up.

Any little bit of ability I had would appear to be up here”.

More recent years have seen PJ create the fictional character of John-Joe when criticising Ministers and planning legislation in Ireland.

“John Joe was brought in by weak ministers, there are two reasons, first of all is legislation has got very complex and certain documentation drawn up by the civil servants is often beyond so called ministers, rather than make a mis-

take they comply with their civil servant handlers. There are very few ministers that are willing or capable of taking on their civil service handlers, the result is we have this JohnJoe phenomenon. Equally in the Council we are reluctant to challenge decisions”.

He added, “Ministers had more influence in the past, they haven’t today, most of the lads in the Council Chamber laugh when I say John Joe but they all accept it is true. In the next six weeks, I believe John-Joe is retiring to become a consultant, he is handing over to Mary-Kate, the reason he wants a handover to Mary-Kate is he is afraid Máire Leithreas is going to take over”.

His remarks have seen him earn international and national coverage. They include his description of potholes as ‘subterranean tunnels’ and when questioned on why he had no election posters his line was that he was “allergic to airbrushing”.

Although John-Joe and his colleagues may be very pleased to see Cllr Kelly go, even his biggest opponents will miss the Lissycasey man when his time on the County Council concludes in the coming months.

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Thursday, Feb 15, 2024 THE CLARE ECHO

Ennis: Talk of the Town

Coláiste Muire students revved Traffic woes up for Formula 1 project continue

by Stuart Holly editor@clareecho.ie

A GROUP of ambitious County Clare students who are designing their very own miniature Formula 1 car are looking for backing from local businesses.

“Hot-Shots Racing” is an all girls team of Transition Year students from Coláiste Muire, Ennis, who are participating in this year’s F1 in Schools competition. F1 in Schools is a highly esteemed STEM competition for secondary school students in Ireland, where participants design, race, and manufacture their own miniature F1 car. The Coláiste team comprises of Caoimhe Collins, Ava O’Connor, Ellisha Kelly, Leah Griffin, Aoibheann O’Connell, Aine Comyns and Juliette Purcell.

Team member Caoimhe Collins

lHOT-SHOTS RACING: Aine Comyns, Caoimhe Collins, Leah griffin and Ava O Connor. Missing from picture is Aoibheann O Connell, Elisha Kelly and unofficial team member Juliette Purcell

said that the girls are striving to showcase their skills and passion for engineering, teamwork, and innovation. “Our team comprises of talented individuals, each with their specific roles within the team,” said Caoimhe.

“To succeed in this competition, we need to establish partnerships with businesses and organisations, secure sponsorships, utilise various advertising platforms and most importantly collaborate seamlessly to ensure the team’s success throughout the competition. If you are interested in supporting our team in any way at all, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us, we would be immensely grateful for any support provided.”

If you would like to contact “HotShots Racing” email hotshotsracingf1@gmail.com.

TRAFFIC restrictions will continue on the Lifford Rd for the next five weeks while Uisce Éireann carry out works.

While Uisce Éireann have said the project is part of a €250m investment nationwide, they were unable to provide figures to The Clare Echo on how much the Ennis project is costing.

Crews are replacing aged cast iron water mains along the R352, from the Kincora Park crossroads to the T-junction at Shannon Park. Delays have been experienced by motorists as a result with the works ongoing between 09:30am until 9pm from Monday to Friday. Shortterm water interruptions may be experienced by local residents.

Ennis writer takes to the coast in print debut ENNIS author Mary Heeran is taking readers on a journey to the west in her debut short story collection, writes Elaine Tubridy.

Wild Atlantic Way Anthology: Characters Along Irelands Majestic Coast, travels the length of the Wild Atlantic Way, delving into the lives, dilemmas, and intricate relationships of families and characters across nine distinct counties.

Each story explores universal themes of love, loss, hope, and redemption against the backdrop of the stunning landscapes and cultural richness of the WAW. “I love Irish writers and am heavily influenced by all things home grown.

Of course, Maeve Binchy made an impression on me. I love John McGahern, Michael Harding, Edna O’Brien, Nuala O’ Faolain, Maggie O’Farrell, Colin Tobin, Mary Lavin… the list is endless.”

“I have a second collection of short stories ready and novels in progress, I’m grateful for the support that has fuelled my journey. I’m almost there with my second novel, “Falling for Zac: An Intercultural Love Story”—a labour of love that feels ready for the world, thanks to everyone who contributed along the way.”

The book is available at Ennis Book shop, Salmon Poetry, Ennistymon and Amazon. lANTHOLOGY: Mary’s first collection of short stories

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Feb 15, 2024

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Thursday, Feb 15, 2024 THE CLARE ECHO

Gort & North Clare

€7.7m project to build 30 social houses put on hold

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

DELIVERY of 30 social houses in Ennistymon has been put on hold.

Official confirmation was given for the first time this week that the €7.7m housing development had been paused.

In October 2022, the Department of Housing approved the thirty house development which was to be situated at Glen North in Ennistymon. It was to include one five-bedroom house, one four-bedroom house, eight three-bedroom houses and twenty two-bedroom houses, two of which were specially adapted units.

There are four stages involved in the social housing approval process.

The Ennistymon project had passed the first two – approval of the design expenditure and assessment prior to a statutory approval submission. The stumbling block emerged on wastewater infrastructure and this hurdle has not been scaled successfully.

Speaking at a meeting of Clare County Council this week, Cllr Shane Talty (FF) expressed disappointed, “the management report confirms what we suspected”. He stated, “the update says the project is on hold which doesn’t come as any great surprise”. The consequence is big for North-West Clare, he flagged, “in that locality now Ennistymon, Lahinch and Miltown Malbay are all capped with no development for the

next five to ten years”.

Acting senior engineer in the housing and integration section of Clare County Council, Adrian Headd confirmed that the Ennistymon project “is on hold owing to environmental constraints”. He offered some hope that it could “be brought back to life” in the future.

Cllr Talty told The Clare Echo “it is hugely disappointing and frustrating that the one Government department which is responsible for housing is also responsible for wastewater so the department which sanctioned the project is also the one responsible for it not proceeding because of inadequate wastewater treatment”.

CCE raise funds for Sláinte an Chláir

CCE branch members Joe Rynne, Gerard McDonagh, John Maloney, Mary Cuddihy, John Finucane recently presented a cheque for €2,000 to Sláinte an Chláir’s Marie Phelan. The funds were raised on St Stephen’s Day, as well as through sponsorship from CCE Dublin and the local CCE branch. A huge thank you to all who contributed so generously and & for the warm welcome we received from each house we visited.

Missionvale group returns to Port Elizabeth for first time since Sr Ethel Normoyle’s death SECONDARY school students and their teachers have embarked from Shannon Airport for a for a week-long volunteering effort with the Missionvale Ireland Charity, writes Páraic McMahon.

A group of twenty-five persons made up of secondary school students and their teachers, will be representing St. Joseph’s Secondary School, Spanish Point; St Flannan’s College, Ennis; Scariff Community College; St John Bosco Community College, Kildysart; Coláiste Éinde Salthill and Scoil Chuimsitheach Chiaráin, An Cheathrú Rua. They will spend a week in the township of Port Elizabeth, South Africa, assisting with the upkeep and development of the Missionvale Care Centre, as well as providing support for the various youth projects and medical services in operation at the centre.

The township is home to roughly 25,000 people and the Missionvale Care Centre provides vital supports to the community who live in seriously impoverished conditions, without running water or electricity.

This student volunteering

project has been running for the past ten years, led

by Missionvale Ireland Volunteer Coordinator, Joanne Allen and Mullagh based priest, Fr Donagh O’Meara.

The charity itself also has a strong association with the county, with its founder, the late Sr Ethel Normoyle, being a native of Lissycasey.

Sr Normoyle set up the charity in 1988, which orig-

inally comprised a school and basic medical clinic. It has evolved into a fully integrated community centre, providing life-saving medical treatments in the fight against poverty, HIV and AIDS in the Port Elizabeth Township. The centre also provides education, clothing and food to the local community.

It is the first time a Clare

volunteer group has returned to Port Elizabeth since the passing of Sr Normoyle in 2021: “Sr Ethel was such a powerful woman.

“One of her claims to fame was that she got a mention in the Queens Speech at Christmas for her work. We are really honouring her memory with this trip and hopefully doing her proud,” Joanne said.

l SOUTH AFRICA BOUND: The Missionvale volunteers depart from Shannon Airport

Fr O’Meara noted that Missionvale has become “a sanctuary, in the middle of the township” for the local community and trips like these provide an important opportunity to raise awareness and vital funds for the charity, which receives no state aid and is wholly dependent on the support of volunteers and patrons.

Shannon Airport was the

first stop in their journey, which saw them transit to Port Elizabeth via London Heathrow and Johannesburg. Joanne acknowledged how important Shannon Airport has been to the continued success of these trips by providing air connectivity for their volunteers to make the journey to South Africa “Shannon Airport has been amazing over the years.

We’re blessed with the people that support us and want to give us the best ‘lift off ’ on our journey. It’s fantastic being able to go out of Shannon Airport.”

Niall Kearns, Airport Director stated, “Every day we meet people from all walks of life at Shannon Airport, but it is particularly special when we encounter groups like this, utilising the airport as a gateway for doing good.

“The Missionvale Charity, with its strong local origins, is an incredible organisation and it is wonderful to see local communities honouring the legacy of the late Sr Ethel Normoyle by continuing these annual volunteer trips to South Africa. On behalf of all the team at Shannon Airport, I would like to wish them the very best of luck”.

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Feb 15, 2024

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Shannon

SHANNON NEWS in association with

Wings helping town’s potential as music venue Piping Hell. The wind down session will be held in the Shannon Springs on Sunday from 1pm.

Damien spoke to The Clare Echo ahead of Wings’ return, “I’m buzzing, planning started after the last one so we’ve been planning for a year and now it’s getting to the point where whatever is forgotten or is not done on time it’s too late, I just can’t wait to get into it”.

Serving as an integral part to the festival is the four star Shannon Springs Hotel which even has a Wings Music Lounge that contains wonderful photographs from the 2023 concerts.

Year one of the festival

“

I know there is great musical talent here among the youth

“

W

INGS festival returns what will be the third instalment of the week-long music festival in Shannon Town, writes Páraic McMahon.

Spearheaded by Damien O’Rourke of Cuppa Tea TV, Wings has grown year on year and the 2023 run will see it welcome an international act for the first time.

The festival will run from Monday (February 19th) until Sunday (February 25th).

An open session will kick off proceedings at the Shannon Springs Hotel at 7pm.

Treacy’s Oakwood Hotel will on Tuesday host Blaise Phelan and Stoney Wall leading an acoustic session from 8:30pm. Youth in music will broadcast a livestream from St Caimin’s Community School from 11:30am on Wednesday, this can be viewed on Cuppa Tea TV’s Facebook page. Later that night at 8:30pm, Ray Fean, formerly of The Horslips is the star act alongside The Kirby’s and Sixmilebridge Folk Club at The Goalpost Bar. Parish boundaries are crossed for the music on Thursday with The Honk in Newmarket-on-Fergus welcoming Sheila Rynn and friends for a slow session starting at 7pm.

On Friday evening all roads lead to the Shannon Springs. The Achill Lads, Cyril O’Donoghue, Blackie O’Connell, Ray Fean, Paul O’Connor, Annie Cheevers, Cein Daly, Matt Bashford, Sticky Fingers and The Roadrunners are just some of the acts on stage from 6pm.

High Fade become the first international act to play Wings Festival on Saturday night on the main stage of The Shannon Springs. There’s multiple events across Saturday including a ukulele workshop, Busker’s Way in Shannon Town Centre plus the popular Piping Heaven

took place in June 2022 while the second edition was held last February. An early spring festival is much more amenable, he felt. “February is better, I followed the blueprint of the Shannonside Winterage Festival which used to be on the end of January, I thought it was a great festival, winter, cold dark evenings so everyone wants to go inside, that is the first thing, people coming inside on a dark evening as opposed to getting people on a sunny evening in June. It is more conducive to gatherings for sessions and live music when the evenings are dark”.

Shannon has huge potential as a location for festivals, Damien believed. “I know there is great musical talent

here among the youth, people of my generation and beyond that, it is a platform and I want to shine a light on Shannon musically. We’ve the infrastructure for a festival that in a few years time could go really well, we’ve an Airport to bring international acts and festival goers into Shannon for the week or main weekend, we’ve hotels in the area and the best musicians, it is really about shining a light on that and making the musicians that do play here feel like they have something to be proud of ”.

“My vision is that in 100 years when we’re not all here that people are coming all over the world to Shannon for a week to play and to have a week of music. There’s also sessions that people can get involved in so it’s about inclusivity and experiencing the best of music. This year is a milestone because we have a Scottish band playing on the Saturday night, they are the first international act for Wings, we’re in our third year and that is a milestone, it is one step to that vision”.

Previous concerts in the town have given Damien hope. “I look back at the Shannon Fest that Derek Barrett and crew did for two years, it was solely to raise funds for The Venue but that stopped after two years, it is again drawing from that, it is something people could look forward to every year and I’m hoping that this will continue to be along those lines that people are looking forward to coming together through music”.

Success of Wings will lie in the public interaction, Damien noted. “I just want to see smiles on people’s faces when it is happening, people closing their eyes when they are listening to music, people getting involved by playing or bringing their instruments to sessions, that for me is a sign of success”.

lTAKING FLIGHT: Mikey Lee Wall performing at the Wings Festival Photo by Joe Buckley

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Thursday, Feb 15, 2024 THE CLARE ECHO

GREEN CLARE

Success of climate action plan will depend on national funding

lWILD WEATHER: Doolin cliffs

CLARE’s Climate Action Plan has been adopted with strong endorsement from county councillors but its success relies on funding from a national level, writes Páraic McMahon.

At Monday’s meeting of the County Council, there was widespread support for the Plan.

Engagement was high for the public consultation part of the plan with 151 submissions received at the draft stage and 250 during the pre-draft stage, a figure much higher when compared with local authorities across the country.

Addressing Monday’s meeting, Chief Executive of Clare County Council, Pat Dowling stated, “As we’re all aware, this plan is a pivotal road map, we will provide leadership on this space going forward as we move towards our 2030 targets”.

He believed the document “sets forth the pathway for positive change”. Dowling added, “It mitigates our own environmental impact but aims to create a more climate resilient county. We have ambitious targets to reduce our emissions”.

Climate action co-ordinator, Mor-

gan Lahiffe led the small but dedicated team which included Chris Dixon O’Mara and Kelly Slattery to compile the document. The climate action page spans 85 pages with eleven objectives, five thematic areas and 120 actions. Siobhán McNulty during her tenure as Acting Director of Service for Physical Development assisted with the project.

Praise for the team on their “fantastic work” over the last year and a half was voiced by Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council, Cllr Joe Cooney (FG). “Ye held briefings with elected members and answered the phone every time they were requested, ye went out on public consultation and met the public”.

What has been produced is “a very impressive piece of work and very professional,” Cllr Johnny Flynn (FG) stated. He believed the work was “very thorough” by the persons involved in drafting the plan. “It has significantly moved to reflect the local issues in Clare and aligns with national policy”.

Noting the praise from previous speakers, Cllr Paul Murphy (FG) remarked, “There is a man here who

is forgotten about, he has only come into the job here a few weeks ago and that is Alan Farrell”. He went on to acknowledge Lahiffe, Dixon O’Mara and Slattery for their efforts. Murphy commented, “We’re now finished the talk so we must walk the walk”.

Cllr Ann Norton (IND) said, “I must say it has been fantastic engagement with all of the team, they have been very open, very engaging, it is fantastic to see the action plan coming to fruition today, it is brilliant to hear that so many stakeholders have taken part including elected members and the community”. Cllr John Crowe (FG) lauded the “trojan work” done in drafting the plan.

Reservation was voiced by Cllr Michael Begley (IND). He questioned, “is the implementation of this plan under an impediment because of the fact that the Department itself which wants these plans drawn up, because they haven’t issued guidelines how can this be properly implemented and how can the communities be protected if the Department are negligent in not issuing the guidelines”.

Similarly, Cllr PJ Ryan (IND) warned of how plans have sat on shelves within the Council for “five or six years. The Minister and Department need to get off their backside and send us out something that is up to date,” he said of outdated wind energy guidelines.

Sourcing funding to bring the 120 actions within the plan to life must be the next target, Cllr Tom O’Callaghan (FF) insisted, “the whole emphasis of this is a better quality of life going forward, there needs to be change for the better”.

Describing it as “a top class piece of work,” Cllr Cillian Murphy (FF) said, “What communities say has to be listened to. The Chief Executive’s report on this shows how clearly they were listened to”. Cllr Pat Hayes (FF) was in agreement, “this has been one of the best consultation programmes we’ve ever had in this Council”.

Thanking members for their support, the Chief Executive stated, “Clare in the context of climate action is not an island”. He believed the achievements of the plan would be plan would be subject to the amount of funding made available, “there has to be clarity at national level on how this will be funded”.

Cllr Gabriel Keating (FG) proposed the adoption of the plan and this was seconded by Cllr Cillian Murphy.

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Feb 15, 2024

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Green Clare

19

Shannon students plant trees as part of An Choill Bheag initiative SHANNON Municipal District is supporting the ‘An Choill Bheag’ initiative, which is a collaborative effort with An Taisce and a number of national schools in Shannon.

The project will see 800 native trees being planted in 2024 at four locations. It is a grassroots approach to educating young school goers, through an outdoor living classroom, of the importance of trees and highlighting the very real issue of climate change and biodiversity loss.

Cathaoirleach of Shannon MD, Cllr Donna McGettigan, said, “Shannon Municipal District is providing the funding for native trees such as oak, alder, whitethorn and holly and it is so encouraging to see the enthusiasm of the children around planning, planting and future care of the new habitat.”

LEAF Ireland stated that it is delighted to be working with Clare

County Council, Shannon Municipal District, and a number of schools in the Shannon area to plant the trees, as part of the An Choill Bheag initiative. An Choill Bheag is an initiative of LEAF Ireland and the Environmental Education Unit of An Taisce.

On Thursday, 1st February, students from St John’s National School in Shannon planted the first 200 native trees of mixed variety, in the green area adjacent to the school. Planting these native trees not only helps address the climate and biodiversity emergencies but also creates an outdoor learning space for the students and community to explore as the woodland matures. Before Christmas, the students spent a day mapping the area to be planted, investigating what species were already present and deciding on the most appropriate species to plant.

Over the coming weeks, the stu-

dents will return to care for the recently planted trees. The area will be mulched to suppress the grass growth and retain moisture in the ground. A final visit will take place later in the Spring, and the students will be shown how to care and look after this new habitat. Educational signs will also be put in place.

Rachel Geary from LEAF Ireland said, “Climate change is the biggest issue facing us at the moment. This collaborative initiative with Shannon Municipal District provides an opportunity to tackle climate change at a community level by planting trees with local schools. Importantly, the students will also be shown how to care for these important habitats as they mature. We will also educate and raise awareness about the importance of trees and the multifunctional benefits of forests.”

Cllr Gerry Flynn assists school children from St John’s National School in Shannon with the planting

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THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Feb 15, 2024

Green Tips

Can your local group benefit from the Community Climate Action Fund?

MANY community groups have great ideas about how they could take climate action. It could be anything from community composters to mini forests, from solar panels to retrofitting community buildings, from cycle parking to community repair hubs.

There’s no shortage of ideas, but shortage of funds is the ever present challenge. This problem could be solved with up to 100% funding under the Community Climate Action Programme. Clare County Council has been allocated €572,000 to support such projects and applications are open until 28th February.

Projects can be small scale, less than €20,000, medium scale €20,000-€50,000 or large scale €50-€100,000. The actions should be across one or more of the following themes: Community and Energy; Travel; Shopping and Recycling; Food and Waste; Local Climate and Environment.

Examples under community and energy include small community renewable energy projects. Putting solar panels on the roof of a com20munity building is relatively easy to organise and if you get funded under this Programme, Lifestyle & Comment gives a payback from day 1 in reduced electric-

ity bills, freeing up that money for what matters.

Swapping out high energy bulbs to LED lights is another action that immediately reduces running costs by about one fifth.

For travel, bike stands can encourage cycling and introducing a community electric car or delivery vehicle could be a real trail blazer. Initiatives to help people reduce reuse and recycle are encouraged in the scheme and anything from bike repair to cutting down on disposable cups and plastic water bottles score highly here.

Innovative ways to reduce food waste such as allotments, food pledges from businesses and food markets can build community while also reducing emissions.

Projects that support nature give a real boost to the quality of life. Perhaps there’s a green space where you can plant fruit trees or a mini forest, change that damp area into a wetland or introduce children to nature projects.

The application process is relatively straight forward and your Green Party representatives in Clare can help.

Alternatively email communityclimate@clarecoco.ie.

Thursday, Feb 15, 2024 THE CLARE ECHO

GOING GREEN: Actions such as installing solar panels, growing fruit trees, repairing bikes and creating allotments all fall under the Climate Action Fund

Show your car some love on Valentine’s Day

February 14th isn’t just for romantic gestures; it’s also a perfect time to show some love to your faithful four-wheeled companion. Here are some essential maintenance tips to ensure your car feels appreciated this

Valentine’s Day:

CHECK TYRE PRESSURE AND TREAD DEPTH: Proper tyre pressure ensures safety, perfor-

mance, and fuel efficiency.

Examine tread depth; ideally, it should be at least 2/32 of an inch (1.6 millimeters) deep across the entire surface of the Tyre. Some tyres have wear bars built into them to help indicate when the tread is getting too low. If the tread is worn down close to the wear bars, it’s time to replace the tyres.

INSPECT FLUID LEVELS: Check engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, and windshield washer fluid levels.

Topping up fluids as needed helps maintain optimal engine performance and prevents potential issues.

CLEAN INSIDE AND OUT: Give your car a thorough wash and wax to remove dirt, grime, and salt buildup.

Clean the interior, including vacuuming carpets, wiping surfaces, and washing windows for a fresh feel.

lValentine’s Day

INSPECT LIGHTS AND SIGNALS: Ensure all exterior lights are working correctly, including headlights, brake lights, turn

signals, and hazard lights.

Replace any bulbs that are burnt out to maintain visibility and safety on the road.

CHECK BATTERY HEALTH: Inspect the battery for corrosion, leaks, and secure connections.

Test the battery’s voltage to ensure it’s holding a charge properly, especially in colder weather.

SCHEDULE REGULAR MAINTENANCE: Consider scheduling a comprehensive maintenance check-up with a trusted mechanic. Regular servicing helps identify potential issues early and keeps your car running smoothly.

By taking the time to perform these simple maintenance tasks, you’re not only ensuring your car’s longevity and performance but also showing it the love and care it deserves this Valentine’s Day. After all, a well-maintained car is a happy car!

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Feb 15, 2024

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WILD garlic is one way of nature telling us that spring is here, last week while out walking I came across the first sprouts breaking through. It’s always nice to see the evening brighter for longer and the new growth starting in the vegetable garden. Wild garlic is the first glimmer of the new season. If you’re struggling to find wild garlic. take a walk around Coole Park and you will quickly come across it.

You will need

n 1 tbsp oil n 1 banana shallot, finely

chopped n 1 garlic clove, crushed n 380g risotto rice (arborio or carnaroli) n 200ml white wine n 1-1.3 litres hot fish or chicken stock n 50g cold butter n 150g crabmeat n large pinch of saffron strands n 70g parmesan, grated n 1 lemon, zested, half juiced n 3 large handfuls of wild garlic roughly chopped

Method

1) Heat the oil in a large

Lifestyle & Comment

saucepan over a low heat. Add the shallot and a pinch of salt and cook over a low heat for 12 mins until softened. Add the garlic and cook for 1 min.

Tip in the rice, then turn up the heat to medium and fry for 3 mins. Pour in the wine and bring to the boil until the liquid is reduced by half.

2) Turn the heat up to high and pour half the stock into the pan, stirring continuously until most of the stock has been absorbed. Add more stock, a ladleful at a time, letting each addition be absorbed before adding the next, stirring continuously (you will need most of the stock). This should take around 18-20 mins, by which point the rice should be cooked with a slight aldente bite to it. Add the butter, crabmeat, the wild garlic, cheese and the lemon zest and juice, and stir everything together.

Season to taste, adding a little more stock to loosen if you need to. Spoon into shallow bowls and if feeling fancy top with a few wild garlic flowers and a few of the baby leaves.

Great options for long-lasting colour

lPrimula

21

HOPE everyone had a lovely Valentine’s Day, and that your week is going well so far.

We are busy getting ready for all the lovely perennials and shrubs that are starting to arrive here in the garden centre, so if it’s long-lasting color you want, check out the Erysimum, one of my personal favorites.

They are also commonly known as wallflowers, with a lovely scent and long-lasting flowers throughout the year.

Another favorite is the Primula, which gives a fantastic show of color, and this is just some of what’s to arrive, so don’t forget to call in and see what’s on offer this week.

This week we have some questions about ground cover plants and rockery plants.

Rockeries are dry with limited soil, and plants that will adapt to this. I have listed some below. You can create a quite nice colorful space; the Campanula is a favorite with its purple flowers, and the Armeria is another that comes in two colors, white and pink, and can self-seed, which can be lovely if you would like a wild effect.

Dianthus ‘Flashing Lights’ is another fab one with its red flowers. There is a lot of choice available when it comes to creating a rockery. I have put together a list of the most popular ones below, a sample of the wide range available throughout the year: Ajuga repens, Saxifraga, Campanula, Aubrietia, Armeria, Cotoneaster, Geranium, Pachysandras, Cerastium tomentosum.

Ground cover plants are those which we prefer to give cover and spread over an area.

The choice again is varied, some of which are the Heather; they give lovely coverage when group planted, with lots of colors to choose from.

Campanula is a lovely purple flowering perennial, nice ground cover, and come in white and a light purple.

Cotoneaster Repens is an evergreen shrub with lovely red berries in the autumn/winter. Geraniums come in many colors, and some are scented; they can give a nice colorful spread. These are just a few of many which are available throughout the year.

I hope everyone is enjoying their time in the garden and all it has to offer.

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Thursday, Feb 15, 2024 THE CLARE ECHO

Columnists

I’M OFTEN asked about what the difference is between a leader and a manager.

Recently I found myself saying that every manager is a potential leader but that being a good manager does not always precede the emergence of a great leader.

When we refer to management skills, we usually include areas such as financial acumen and budgeting, performance management, management information & reporting, knowledge and application of policy and process. Good management is about control and delivery of key performance indicators and targets, through the coordination of the resources available.

Other, more entrepreneurial, creative types of leaders may not always be adept at management skills as they’ve always been ‘the ideas people’. For these types, they tend to have a strong team of people around them who more than make up for what they might lack in attention to detail or the tenacity needed to see the more mundane aspects of managing a business through to a successful outcome.

So, the question is what makes a leader?

In the well-known book by Jim Collins, ‘Good to great’, he refers to a ‘Level 5’ leader. His theory suggest that ‘Level 5’ is the truest and most inspirational of all leadership styles. At this level, the key traits include strong personal humility, professional will, and a focus on the success of the company rather than personal ambition. Sometimes, humility may be mistaken for weakness but in this case, it is combined with an unshakeable commitment to excellence and a willingness to put the needs of the business first. This makes

AN AREA relatively new in healthcare is LIFESTYLE MEDICINE. This medical approach to health uses evidence-based behavioral interventions to prevent, treat, and manage chronic diseases. But what exactly is LIFESTYLE MEDICINE? Lifestyle medicine stands on six pillars of life and uses the power of prevention by implementing behavioral changes in those six areas: Nutrition – Choosing to eat fewer ultra-processed foods or food-like substances and replacing them with whole foods, less processed, seasonal, and local where possible is the main change that can have a huge impact. To support you in making this easier, Authentic Health, together with a local Wholefoods Chef, Tanya Ranalow, is creating a day masterclass to equip you with the life skills you need to put together a healthy meal plan and to learn how to prepare the foods that keep your body healthy. Reach out to

for a potent mix of skills, determination and energy that is agile, and focused on the growth of the business whatever is required.

They are not out to become larger than life, egoic type of figures, but rather they are out to develop a business that will outlive them and soar to even greater heights with the next generation of leaders at the helm.

Here are three areas, in my experience of working with senior teams and executives, that set apart excellent managers from inspirational and dynamic leaders:

prove the lives of others, through her foundations which support education for underprivileged children from around the world.

3. Your core inner resolve must be unshakeable Regardless of external, macro-economic factors and whatever else life might throw at them, a strong leader will hold steadfast to their vision, because they know deep down that their vision is true. They know that see-

ing it through will result in change for the greater good of the organisation or even in society as a whole.

I help individual leaders to create a culture that attracts and retains top talent. Working as a support to the leadership team, I look at opportunities to build a more authentic style of leadership, that will in turn, inspire others to move from good to great behaviours. Contact me directly at denise@obrienlearningsolutions.ie for more information.

1. You must be able to communicate a compelling vision Think about a great leader that you admire in business, sport, politics or in any industry.

What is it that makes them great? I would wager that they are able to inspire and lead others into action towards a highly emotive and meaningful goal and vision. Think, Martin Luther King’s ‘I have a dream speech’ in front of 250,000 people in Washington in August 1963, and the impact that this one speech had on his impact on the world right up to the present day.

2. Your ego must be kept in check In Jim Collin’s work, he explores the failings of leaders who are overly dominant and want others to do things ‘their way’. His ‘Level 5’ leadership traits include an ability to set aside personal ego-driven goals, in favour of more humanitarian goals which serve the needs of the people in the organisation and ultimately the future sustainability of the business. Leaders such as Oprah Winfrey have demonstrated how business growth can im-

Authentic Health at 0851968088 for bookings and more info.

Sleep – Unfortunately, some of us don’t exactly know when they’ve had a good night’s sleep or what a good night’s sleep means.

From a scientific perspective, a good night’s sleep implies 7-8 hours of uninterrupted sleep. This can be easily affected by a multitude of factors. During the night, our body is resting, and our brain uses the glymphatic system to flush out toxins from our bodies.

Focus on working with a health coach or your GP to help you rest and rejuvenate your body through the power of a good night’s sleep— it can make a huge difference to your overall health.

Physical exercise means more than going to the gym because you want to lose weight. The ideal amount of physical exercise is 30 minutes daily plus 150 minutes of intense exercise weekly.

Believe it or not, walks are a huge

powerhouse for our brain health, and walking while exposing your body to natural daylight not only provides Vitamin D intake but also stimulates your brain to create melatonin, the sleep hormone that will serve you well in having a good night’s sleep.

Managing stress – The damaging effect of oxidative stress on your body’s health and wellbeing

extends from physical to mental health. Therefore, if you pay attention to food and exercise but work in a stressful environment or are in an unhealthy relationship that keeps you awake at night or distresses your body and mind, you are more likely to develop blood pressure-related conditions, diabetes, or adrenal fatigue. Managing stress works in both ways: learning and increasing your resilience to it without affecting your body and removing stress factors from your personal environment.

There are two options: removing stress from your life or removing yourself from the stressful environment. It is a very personal approach, and it’s best to work with someone qualified and specialized in stress management.

Toxic substances – Eliminating or reducing toxic factors such as drugs, alcohol, smoking, or gambling is a huge step. But it is worth putting in the effort. My best advice is not to do it alone! There

are free services provided by the HSE or non-governmental entities ready to help. Access the help that is available to you!

Social connections - The power of peer support is huge when it comes to creating and strengthening new behaviors or habits. Having like-minded people to support your decisions, hold you accountable, and remind you of what motivates you is incredible. And it will make a difference in the final result. Human beings are social creatures, and our brains were created for that. Trying to self-isolate goes against our human nature.

My focus in my practice is to show individuals like you how to develop a lifestyle that supports their health. Every decision made from the perspective of these six pillars will either signal genes for health or genes for diseases in your body, and here is where your personal willpower makes the difference.

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Feb 15, 2024

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MORE and more children are coming to me for reflexology recently.

Children’s feet are so open to healing that after a course of treatments there are noticeable improvements. Reflexology is a safe, non-invasive treatment free from medication and some of the issues that inspire parents to consider reflexology for their children tend to be around digestion, mood fluctuations, sleep and nocturnal enuresis (bed-wetting).

To see real improvements, it’s advised to commit to a course of six treatments once a week on the same day or close to it. It gives time for the child to integrate the healing process within their body’s systems and it will have a stronger impact all round.

Nocturnal enuresis is an interest-

ing example to look at as this can be a stressful issue for those involved and understanding the endocrine system of the body might help with finding a solution.

The endocrine system can be somewhat mysterious but once you start looking at it you realise you know more than you thought. It’s known as the ‘chemical system’ of the body and it’s made up of a complex network of glands (pituitary, thyroid, adrenal, pancreas to name but a few) that secrete hormones into the bloodstream – effectively sending chemical messages all over the body.

If one of the main glands is a little off then hormone secretion will be disrupted and the whole body is thrown off balance.

Most children who wet the bed

at night are deep sleepers and may have relatively low levels of anti-diuretic hormone (ADH) at night.

This hormone is produced by the hypothalamus and stored in the pituitary gland until it’s needed.

Both of these glands are principal endocrine system glands found in the brain and they have corresponding reflex points on the feet which I apply pressure to during a reflexology treatment.

This is done in an effort to support the body to send the right chemical message at the right time and it may help the situation.

Reflexology is an option to consider in addressing some issues for children, especially pre-puberty. It stimulates the nerve endings in the feet and this has a subsidiary effect on the chemical (or hormonal) en-

ergy bringing the body back into balance mentally and physically.

To book a treatment contact

Columnists

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Lorraine at 087 6595417 or check out www.glenina-reflexology.ie for more details.

Let’s talk about sex - what can we do to enjoy our intimate experiences?

Menopause expert and awareness advocate Nicola Ryan discusses the effects of perimenopause and post menopause on our sexual relationships

IN OUR perimenopause and post menopause years, the impact of low oestrogen on our sex lives is very significant.

The changes to your vulva and vagina and less lubrication with reduced or increased sensitivity can lead to painful intercourse. This can be frustrating as your brain is saying yes but your body may be saying no. Add this on top of sore joints, interrupted sleep, mood changes, hot flushes and fatigue, it’s no wonder why many will experience a lower level of sexual desire.

Also, certain medicines used for low mood or blood pressure can have an impact of desire and orgasm. I know that this may sound depressing but it is important to empower yourself with these obstacles so you can make the necessary changes where possible. Let me reassure you, where there is a will there is a way and not everyone will experience a drop in desire, for some it may heighten the desire, lucky partner!

Many women in heterosexual relationships express concern, that they have lost the desire or are just not able or interested due to lack of motivation and fatigue that

are associated with perimenopause, and this in turn has them ‘feeling bad’ for their partner.

Communication plays a key role here, and I know in some cases that this is not

the easiest topic to talk about but it’s important that your partner knows and under-

stands the symptoms that you are experiencing. Even after a chat, you both may feel less pressure and start to find ways in which you can work around this.

Science research has

shown that having frequent sexual intercourse can reduce the symptoms of Geni-

to-urinary symptoms of the menopause (GSM) so happy days to that, more sex please.

So, I also read that science says that you need your partners penis if you want to maintain vaginal elasticity and pliability. (Yes, I did just go there!).

There is more, it’s not just their penis, you also need their semen too! Gosh, tough station for the men, ha! Semen contains sexual steroids, prostaglandins, and essential fatty acids, all of which are ‘apparently’ essential to the health of your vaginal canal.

I read this information from a book called Perimenopause Power by Maisie Hill, a fantastic read, highly recommend. Nothing boring about this article or that book.

Women are increasingly staying sexually active well into their 70s and beyond and my thought here is happy days, sex is a pleasurable activity and is responsible for releasing feel good chemicals into our bodies so these sexual problems need to be addressed.

Luckily enough, there are many treatment options available for women.

Vaginal oestrogen plays an important role in replenishing oestrogen into the

vaginal canal and this hormone therapy acts very locally so most women, even some breast cancer patients, may use this. Lubricants play a massive role here, water-based products are very popular.

‘YES’ products are amazing, they come in the form of internal applicators that can be squeezed into the vaginal canal or just as a gel that you apply with your hands. They can be applied to you and to a penis before sexual activity and they can prevent soreness and add a little pleasure also.

Let’s talk about testosterone! Testosterone is a hormone that is produced by men AND women. Several studies have shown the benefit of testosterone therapy in postmenopausal women but mainly in those already using oestrogen therapy. Unfortunately, there is currently no licensed testosterone products available, so women must use the men’s prescription only products but just much less of the man’s dose. I get positive feedback in a community pharmacy setting regarding the use of testosterone for low libido.

The dose is so small that the side effects are low.

lHEALTH: Nicola Ryan

The trick to getting the benefit from the testosterone, is that it takes time to work, the best effects are noticed six months after starting therapy. The reason for this is because the dose is so small that it takes time to have a therapeutic effect, so my advice is to stick with it.

At present, testosterone is only licenced in women for low libido but personally from what I have read and listening to menopause specialists, that testosterone has many more benefits. Studies are showing that it can help with fatigue and brain fog and this could well be the missing link to our hormone therapy so watch this space!

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Thursday, Feb 15, 2024 THE CLARE ECHO

Columnists

Tá an t-Earrach san aer Spring is in the air Macalla an Chláir

LE MACDARA Ó CONAOLA

S

EO roinnt focla dhaoibh a bhaineann le tús an earraigh. Here are a few words for you that relate to the beginning of spring.

• Lus an chromchinn = daffodil • Uan = lamb • Laoi = calf • Leasú = fertiliser • Síolta = seeds Bígí i dteagmháil linn / please contact us at: macallaanchlair@ gmail.com and follow us on twitter @macallaanchláir

lSpring

Thought for the week: Lent signifies love Spreading the word of positivity RONAN SCULLY

T

HIS year, Valentine’s Day, a day of love and joy and chocolates, coincided with the beginning of Lent, a day of dust and sacrifice and a stark reminder of our mortality.

At first glance, these two days could not be more different.

But suddenly it hit me: Maybe they are not as different as I think they are. After all, they are both expressions of love.

Valentine signifies love and so does Lent.

The relationship between the two is that they are about love and giving. Love is the reason for both seasons.

Love is an affective tendency towards some good that leads to active communication with it.

Hence, love is the most universal, the most tremendous, and the most mysterious of God’s gifts to us.

As we enter into the season of Lent, let us take a moment to reflect on the sacredness of this time.

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK As your thought for the week, as we journey through this season of Lent, let us be mindful of the sacrifice that Christ made for us.

Let us remember his suffering and death, and the love that inspired him to give his life for us.

May we be inspired by this love, and may it motivate us to live lives of service, compassion, and justice.

May this Lenten season be a time of renewal and transformation, as we journey together towards the resurrection of Christ.

May we be open to the movement of the Holy Spirit, and may we be guided by God’s love and grace every step of the way.

May we always remember that each one of us has a purpose and a place in the world. Each of us experiences pain, tiredness, loss, sadness, joyfulness, love, and hope and many other feelings and emotions associated with our human conditions.

If we look more intently this Lent at the people we encounter on a typical day, we will see who they truly

are, persons loved by God and an opportunity for us to love God in them.

Regardless of appearance or situation, the woman, man, or child before you each of the days of our lives are brimming with holy possibility.

Consider that you are gazing into the eyes of God and understand that Jesus comes to us in many faces and places and it’s there we will find God in our lives.

Let me leave you with this Lenten prayer for spiritual renewal that I like to pray - God, heavenly Father, look upon me and hear my prayer during this holy Season of Lent.

By the good works You inspire, help me to discipline my body and to be renewed in spirit. Without You I can do nothing.

By Your Spirit help me to know what is right and to be eager in doing Your will.

Teach me to find new life through penance.

Keep me from sin, and help me live by Your commandment of love.

God of love, bring me back to You. Send Your Spirit to make me strong in faith and active in good works.

May my acts of penance bring me Your forgiveness, open my heart to Your love, and prepare me for the coming feast of the Resurrection of Jesus.

Lord, during this Lenten Season, nourish me with Your Word of life and make me one with You in love and prayer.

Fill my heart with Your love and keep me faithful to the Gospel of Christ. Give me the grace to rise above my human weakness.

Give me new life

by Your Sacraments, especially the Holy Mass. Father, our source of life, I reach out with joy to grasp Your hand; let me walk more readily in Your ways.

Guide me in Your gentle mercy, for left to myself I cannot do Your Will. Father of love, source of all blessings, help me to pass from my old life of sin to the new life of grace.

Prepare me for the glory of Your Kingdom.

I ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, Who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever.

Amen.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR Dear Editor, It was with dismay and anger that I read Councillor Paul Murphy’s dismissal of Councillor Pat Daly’s proposal to adjust the configuration of the cycle lanes from the round-about at St. Flannan’s College to adjoining the Kilrush Road adjacent to the new National School.

I wondered was there any chairperson in the Council on the occasion of Mr. Murphy’s outburst on our aged community to call the man to order?

Mr. Murphy’s ageist denigration of the driving skills of so many of our population that have gone their whole lives without accident or incident on the road was an outrageous insult to skills garnered over many years. I wonder could he or any of his supporters in the Council Chamber have such clean records to boast?

Mr. Murphy, would you make such ignorant generalisations against immigrants and other ethnic communities in our midst?

I think not - You should think hard before making such comments.

If the said complainant spared time to read the newspapers or watch the TV news, any day of the week he would see that most of the accidents and fatalities on our roads are not the result of pensioner negligence but can sadly be attributed to carelessness of a much younger generation.

As to the state of the above mentioned road and its overuse of plastic obstructions I make the observance that this obsession of whatever council official was responsible, had no idea of what filth and dirt these obstructions would generate. For instance the armadillos have loosened due to heavy traffic driving over them with the bollards which started out red and white completely filthy black and leaning to rival the Tower of Pisa - Ennis Tidy Towns note? The shore holes on the side of the cycle lane have been completely blocked causing flooding on the cycle lane and

pedestrian crossing at Mangan’s C&C - I having cleared them on my morning walks on many occasions. Here the County Council have been very negligent in not cleaning out between bollards and footpath at least once a fortnight.

I would also challenge Mr. Murphy on his insistence of the use of two cycle lane (by the way, almost the same width as the traffic lanes), to come any morning between 8 and 9 a.m. or any time for that matter, and count the number of cyclists that use this amenity. Also he may be able to answer why so many of the rural community with SUVs, jeeps and trailors attached, heading for the Mart on Tuesdays and Thursdays and school busses, Monday to Friday have to pull in to the cycle lanes or stop, in the interest of safety, to pass each other?

Finally, Mr. Murphy and those of you Council elected brethren who have chosen to ignore the worries and wishes of the elderly and silent public, elections are close at hand, we still can exercise our franchise.

Signed: A disgusted Pensioner, Clonroadmore, Ennis.

lPhotos provided by author

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Feb 15, 2024

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Recruitment

25

O’Reilly announced Councils explore links between Birmingham as new Beckman and Shannon economy Coulter president

O’CALLAGHAN’S Mills based clinical diagnostics company Beckman Coulter, have announced Kevin O’Reilly’s appointment as its new president, writes Elaine Tubridy.

Kevin succeeds Julie Sawyer Montgomery, who is now vice president and group executive at Danaher Diagnostics.

“Kevin brings more than 30 years of experience accelerating and delivering innovation on a global scale within the ‘healthcare industry,” said Sawyer Montgomery. “He is passionate about developing talent and winning teams to serve customers and meet patient needs through innovation and operational excellence.

Kevin’s experience running a complex operating division as president, coupled with his track record of achieving results equips him well to lead Beckman Coulter Diagnostics’ next chapter.”

“Every hour around the world, more than a million clinical samples representing up to a million people - are analysed using Beckman Coulter Diagnostics platforms,” said O’Reilly. “I am very excited to join this team with its legacy of

innovation and its deep pipeline of diagnostics advancements designed to play a vital role in improving healthcare outcomes worldwide.”

Most recently, Kevin served as president of Radiation Oncology Solutions at Varian Medical Systems, where he was responsible for more than $3 billion in revenue and 6,500 associates worldwide.

Throughout his nearly 15-year tenure with Varian, Kevin led end-toend solutions for all radiation therapy customers, including R&D and product strategy, supply chain and manufacturing, and all global sales, service, and marketing. Under Kevin’s leadership, Varian achieved world-class customer satisfaction and associate engagement scores across all regions while growing market share.

Kevin holds an Honors diploma from the Technical University of Ireland and Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from Trinity College.

l Kevin O’Reilly

THE Lord Mayor of Birmingham will travel to Clare this weekend to to explore the establishment of economic links between the UK’s second largest city and the Shannon area, writes Elaine Tubridy.

Councillor Chaman Lal and key figures from Birmingham City Council will arrive at Shannon Airport tomorrow (Friday) before embarking on a comprehensive twoday tour of County Clare.

The itinerary includes meetings with business leaders in Shannon, including representatives of the Future Mobility Campus, EI Electronics and Jaguar Land Rover, ahead of a Shannon Chamber business lunch, which will feature a keynote address by Darragh O’Brien TD, Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage.

Councillor Lal also will visit the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Experience, enjoy a cruise on Lough Derg,

and attend the Bunratty Castle Medieval Banquet.

The Lord Mayor’s visit follows his acceptance of an invitation from the Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council, Councillor Joe Cooney, and Chair of the County Clare Twinning Committee, Councillor Tony O’Brien.

On the invitation of the Lord Mayor, a Clare delegation will make a return visit to Birmingham during March as the city will celebrate the 50th anniversary of their St Patrick’s Day celebrations.

Councillor Lal became the first British-Indian Lord Mayor of Birmingham on his election to the position in May 2023.

Speaking ahead of his visit, the Lord Mayor said, “Birmingham has the largest Irish population per capita in Britain, but to date the city has not had any formal or substantive direct relationships with any Irish

town or city at a municipal level.

“I am excited to meet with business and local government leaders in County Clare to explore how both Councils might build connections on a variety of footprints from trade and investment to education and culture.”

Cathaoirleach Joe Cooney said, “Establishing a link between the Shannon Municipal District (MD) and a British city has been a long-time objective of the MD’s Elected Members who recognise the potential gains for businesses in this region through the establishment of such a relationship.

“Birmingham with its sizeable Irish population and its status as a global hub for major multinationals makes it an ideal fit for Shannon.

“We very much look forward to welcoming the Lord Mayor to County Clare on Friday morning.”

Home Instead Hiring Week: Elevating the CAREGiver profession as fundamental to enhancing lives HOME Instead, Ireland's leading home care services provider, is excited to announce its upcoming Hiring Week scheduled from the 19th to the 23rd of February.

With over eighty events taking place nationwide, Home Instead aims to expand its professional CAREGiver team by 1000, solidifying its commitment to delivering exceptional home care services for those who wish to age in place but require assistance.

Throughout the hiring campaign, Home Instead will continue to be inspired by its ongoing 'Not Just a Carer' initiative, challenging stereotypes, and acknowledging the invaluable contributions of caregivers. Dedicated professional caregivers have often been unfairly labelled or made to feel like "just a carer," perpetuating undervaluation. During Home Instead Hiring Week, Home Instead teams will be actively engaged in communities to convey the reasons why care-

giving is a highly skilled profession, including the demand for a high level of emotional intelligence, interpersonal and communication skills, flexibility to respond swiftly in emergencies, grit and determination, and both physical and emotional fortitude.

Brian O’Sullivan, General Manager of Home Instead Clare, expressed pride in providing a fulfilling career path to compassionate individuals.

"As a Professional Home Instead CAREGiver, you'll discover stability, flexibility, and a supportive environment that nurtures personal and professional growth."

“Home Instead's CAREGivers undergo best-in-class training through our Home Care Professionals Academy, ensuring each CAREGiver feels equipped to provide the highest-quality care for those they care for.”

“Home Instead is a values-based employer and as such we recognise our CAREGiver work-

force through regular appreciation initiatives and a national awards programme.”

Prospective CAREGivers are encouraged to attend hiring events from the 19th to the 23rd of February. Brian continues, “It’s an opportunity to explore rewarding career options and become part of a wonderful team making a genuine difference in the lives of ageing adults and their families.”

Discover a meaningful career in care with Home Instead. For event details and opportunities, visit HomeInstead.ie/Hiring-Week.

Hiring events will take place in Clare on: • Wednesday 21st Open day and walk-in interviews at Home Instead Clare, 4A Abbey Park, Quin Road Business Park, Ennis from 10:00-16:00 • Friday 23rd Temple Gate Hotel, The Square, Clonroad Beg, Ennis from 10:00-16:00

l Home Instead

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Thursday, Feb 15, 2024 THE CLARE ECHO

Business & Recruitment

Hassett leads Swyft Energy charges in Banner County

L

OCAL businessman Lorcan Hassett has been appointed by Swyft Energy to assist residents, farmers and business people in their transition to solar energy.

Swyft Energy already has a foothold nationally in the domestic and agri space and is now looking to grow its commercial customer base.

Solar PV is a cleaner energy source which has proven to significantly reduce energy bills for people across Ireland.

Swyft Energy is one of Ireland’s leading installers of Solar PV for commercial, agriculture and domestic buildings and has completed 12,500 installations since 2017.

Quin resident Lorcan Hassett joined the team this month as commercial business development manager. Based in Clare, he is encouraging people across Ireland

to make use of the impressive range of grants available to customers switching to Solar PV. Whether the customer is residential, commercial or agriculture, you can call Lorcan directly to begin your journey of securing your grant in hassle-free manner, and ultimately the installation of Solar PV by the experts at Swyft Energy.

Lorcan is known throughout the county for work as a BER assessor with his own company Clare Energy while he previously worked as a commercial applications engineer for GE Sensing EMEA quoting commercial oil and gas projects up to €30m.

Lorcan, who won an All-Ireland club medal with Doora-Barefield in 1999, says he’s excited about the new challenge.

“There are about 240 installers around the country so the market is very

l Lorcan Hassett of Swyft Energy Photo by Tom Micks

competitive but we like to think we have an excellent offering.”

Lorcan tells The Clare Echo that Swyft Energy has a strong customer base in the farming community however he is calling on all business people and residents to get in touch to learn

about grants and finance options available to them. Householders can avail of a reference code for a discount by calling Lorcan and all jobs are quoted free of cost.

“I’m happy to inform people about the array of grants that are available to the public,” Lorcan

tells The Clare Echo.

He outlines that grants for domestic properties go up to €2,100 + VAT, while SEI grants for commercial building range from €2,400 up to €162,000 depending on the job requirements.

“The procedure can take between six to eight weeks so there’s a great financial benefit.”

He continues, “The targeted agricultural modernisation scheme (TAMS) is very popular with farmers, you can have an enhanced grant rate of up to 60 per cent for your system. Thanks to these incentives the payback for farmers can be as low as three years, a domestic system would typically payback in six or seven years. This is very popular with farmers and it is something I would encourage farmers to look at.”

Lorcan notes that the approval process takes

about three months and the grant is capped at €90,000 with the added benefit that a dwelling house in the agricultural space can be included in the grant funding. “If you’re overproducing you can sell this electricity back to the grid at rates starting at 12c per kw hour,” he adds.

OFFSET Businesses investing in Solar PV can avail of the Accelerated Capital Allowance (ACA), a tax incentive that promotes investment in energy efficient products & equipment. This scheme allows a sole trader, farmer or company that pays corporation tax or income tax on trading or professional income in Ireland to deduct the full cost of the equipment from their profits in the year of purchase.

“You can offset any losses in the business

against the value of the system at 12.5 per cent so this is a big saving for business,” says Lorcan.

There are a wide range of funding options available at competitive interest rates which Lorcan is also on hand to assist customers with.

From start to finish, Swyft Energy will assist the client on grant applications, assist with finance options, while the expert team of technicians will complete the Solar PV installation using solar panels, inverters and batteries locally from Fáilte Solar.

Lorcan has a word of assurance for those concerned by the initial investment outlay, “You will see savings straight away in the first bill that you get. Keep a log of your previous bills and it will be very, very clear.”

Call Lorcan Hassett on 0874176640 or visit www.swyftenergy.ie/

Lorcan Hassett Commercial Business Development Manager

(087) 417 6640 lorcanhassett@swyftenergy.ie

Up to €162,500 in Grant Aid Available

Payback in Under 5 Years

Full Finance Available

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Feb 15, 2024

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Expo to showcase ‘world class’ food & crafts producers County Clare’s artisan food and craft producers are being offered a unique opportunity to expand their market reach and secure new retail opportunities during a business-to-consumer retail buyers’ event at the world-famous Cliffs of Moher Experience on February 19th from 11am to 4pm.

Supported by the Clare Local Enterprise Office, Clare County Council and the Burren & Cliffs of Moher UNESCO Global Geopark, the second annual Cliffs of Moher and Clare Retail Exposition 2024 will see local producers and craftspeople showcasing their products and network with national and regional buyers.

Buyers will have a chance to “Meet the Maker” and touch, taste and see some of the award-winning and internationally renowned products from cheeses to jewellery, whiskey to designer clothing and from wild salmon to art. The event also includes a ‘Taste of County

Recruitment

You are invited to

CLARE AND CLIFFS OF MOHER RETAIL EXPOSITION 2024 Supported by Clare Local Enterprise Office, Clare County Council & Burren and Cliffs of Moher UNESCO Global Geopark.

G

WHEN: MONDAY, 19 FEBRUARY 2024

G

WHAT: MEET THE MAKER

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WHO: LOCAL CLARE ARTISTS, PRODUCERS AND CRAFTSPEOPLE EXHIBITING THEIR PRODUCTS

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WHERE: CLIFFS OF MOHER EXPERIENCE

G

TIME: 11AM - 4PM

Come and support local businesses as they showcase their products.

Book complimentary admission using promo code Expo24 on

www.cliffsofmoher.ie ADDRESS: Lislarkin, Liscannor, Co. Clare, V95 KN9T

l The Clare Jam Company of Doolin Clare’ Geo-food event showcasing the award winning and globally renowned food produce of the Burren.

Speaking ahead of the Expo, Geraldine Enright, General Manager of Cliffs of Moher Clare Tourism North West said, “Our ‘Meet The Makers’ and Cliffs of Moher & Clare Retail Expo initia-

CONTACT: melanie.lennon@cliffsofmoher.ie

Enhanced Grant Scheme For Defective Concrete Blocks

tives have opened new opportunities for participating suppliers by introducing their products to new customers.

By demonstrating the huge number of amazing local food and crafts businesses, we have helped to promote sustainable jobs and commercial activity in County Clare and the wider region.”

Walk In Clinics

Follow us for updates:

www.cliffsofmoher.ie One To One Support On The Application Process And General Queries

Cahercalla Hospital losses narrow by 50%

LOSSES at Cahercalla Community Hospital halved to €386,751 in 2022 as the nursing home increased revenues to €5.88m, writes Gordon Deegan.

Accounts for Cahercalla Community Hospital CLG show that the losses of €386,751 followed losses of €770,149 in 2021 as the hospital struggled financially from the impact of Covid-19. The Ennis hospital reduced its losses in 2022 as revenues increased by 18% from €4.99m to €5.88m. In an interview, company director at Cahercalla Community Hospital and former Independent TD for Clare, Dr Michael Harty said that the hospital continued to record a deficit in 2023 and said that the funding model for voluntary of charitable nursing homes is not adequate. He said, "The funding mechanism is a problem through the Fair Deal administered by the National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF)it is a system of funding which is archaic and way out of date”.

Dr Harty admitted, "The funding model is very difficult to understand - we don’t understand it ourselves and is really inadequate for the voluntary and not for profit charitable community nurses homes of which we are one”. Dr Harty said that nursing homes like Cahercalla “are the poor relation” as HSE nursing

homes "are funded 60 to 70 percent higher than we are”.

Dr Harty said, "The funding model now is not sufficient to allow the voluntary and charitable nursing homes to break even and we are not profit. If the HSE can be funded to the tune of 70 percent higher, we feel that we should be given an opportunity to make ends meet and have sufficient funding to continue”.

Dr Harty said that Cahercalla is hoping to negotiate a substantial increase in its State funding for 2024.

He said that substantial as the 2022 deficit was "it was not anywhere near 2021”.

Underlining the cost challenges faced in 2022, Dr Harty said that Cahercalla’s energy bill went from €125,000 to €295,000. He said that Cahercalla also faced increased agency costs and the accounts show that agency costs more than doubled rising from €207,700 to €518,828.

Numbers employed across the nursing home in 2022 increased from 117 to 132 but staff costs declined marginally from €3.63m to €3.52m. Staff recruitment costs almost tripled in 2022 rising from €19,935 to €53,655 and Dr Harty said, "We take in staff and we train them up - they reach a certain level of experience and they are attracted over to the HSE”.

Clare County Councils Defective Concrete Blocks (DCB) Facilitator plans to hold Clinics in County Clare to assist community members who are in the process of applying for the Enhanced Defective Concrete Blocks Grant Scheme.

These clinics will provide one to one support in how to apply for the grant, information GRANT on documentation that isDEFECTIVE required asCONCRETE well as general information ENHANCED SCHEME FOR BLOCKS on the scheme. Clare County Council will assist in the scanning and WALK IN CLINICS ONE TO ONE SUPPORT ON THE APPLICATION uploading of documents at the clinics.

PROCESS AND GENERAL QUERIES Clare County Councils Defective Concrete Blocks (DCB) Facilitator plans to hold Clinics in County Clare to assist We would encourage individuals who require guidance and support around community members who are in the process of applying for the Enhanced Defective Concrete Blocks Grant Scheme.

the application process to come along to one of these clinics, no appointment

These clinics will provide one to one support in how to apply for the grant, information on documentation that is necessary. required as well as general information on the scheme. Clare County Council will assist in the scanning and uploading of documents at the clinics.

youencourage are unable to attend onguidance the scheduled datesthebelow, and have anyalong query WeIfwould individuals who require and support around application process to come to oneregarding of these clinics, no appointment necessary. the application process, please email the Defective Concrete Blocks

If you are unable to attend on the scheduled dates below, and have any query regarding the application process, please Team at dcb@clarecoco.ie email the Defective Concrete Blocks Team at dcb@clarecoco.ie

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Thursday, Feb 15, 2024 THE CLARE ECHO

Sport

Newmarket girls celebrate in style

l BLUE-MING BRILLIANT: Newmarket-on-Fergus camogie club celebrated a successful 2023 when gathering for a presentation in Shannon on Friday. All-Ireland winner Colm Galvin was guest of honour as medals were presented to county title winners at U13A, U14A, U15A and U16A. Pictured (clockwise from above) is Sophie McNamara, Laura Mae Hannon, Aine McGann, Laura Fitzpatrick and Ella Woods; showing off their troply haul is Ellen Henchey, Aibhe Hehir, Hannah McNamara, Riona Acton and Emily Casey; Donal Lawlor and Eoin McInerney were on hurley inspection duties; U12s Sophie Moroney, Aoife Jones, Willow Hehir, Ella Kirby and Caitlin O'Grady; Kaci Toomey and Ellen Casey; Gary Collins, Aoife Crimmins, Katie O'Flanagan and Colm Galvin; Kate Kennedy, Caoimhe Hegarty and Sammy o Looney

Photos by Joe Buckley

29

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Feb 15, 2024

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Sport

Lohan happy with effort of Clare players in victory over Waterford NATIONAL HURLING LEAGUE DIV 1 Clare 0-20 Waterford 1-16 Venue: Walsh Park, Waterford Compiled by Seamus Hayes

“

MANAGER COMMENT

Brian Lohan, Clare “We played reasonably well in the second quarter, not so well in the first, we conceded a couple of easy scores and I am disappointed with that.

“It was good to get through today. I am very happy with the attitude in the second half, there were some good individual performances. It’s game by game, it's nearly half by half, play by play now. We will move on and we will look forward to Wexford.

“

“We have 11 of our panel playing Fitzgibbon cup. They had high intensity matches last Wednesday and the same this week. We didn’t use them today although we brought on Shane Meehan...We want to see all the guys [playing], there is no point in doing so much training without giving them matches. I am happy with the application and the effort the lads are putting in”.

MANAGER COMMENT

Davy Fitzgerald, Waterford “This was a game that could have gone either way, Waterford could have won it just as easily.

“The 15 minutes after half time, and it was the same against Offaly last week, probably cost us today.

“We have no-one to

blame for this loss but ourselves. I am not going to blame the referee but I am disappointed about one thing. We asked him how much time was left when we got that last free and he said one minute but blew up 15 seconds after the puckout."

STORY OF THE GAME CLARE Frees For: 13 (4/9) Wides: 7 (5/2) Scores from play: 0-13 Spread of scorers: 9 Own puckouts won: 21 out of 25 Bookings: Conor Leen (31); Ken Ralph, selector (58), Patrick Crotty (61);

SCAN HERE FOR MATCH REPORT

WATERFORD Frees For: 15 (6/9) Wides: 8 (3/5) Scores from play: 1-8 Spread of scorers: 8 Own puckouts: 23 / 27 Bookings; Mark Fitzgerald (13); Conor Ryan (51); Michael Kiely (55); Jack Prendergast (59)

REFEREE: Liam Gordon (Galway)

PLAYER WATCH

JOHN CONLON (WING BACK)

Minutes played 55 Possessions: 11 Passes: 5 Short: 3 Long: 1 Hurley Pass: 4 Hand Pass: 0 Shots: 0 Tackles: 4 Turnovers for: 2 Turnovers against: 0 Frees for: 1 Frees against: 0

l Tom Barron finds it difficult to get away from David Reidy and David

Fitzgerald O'Neill

Photo by Gerard

'We need extra referees to alleviate burden'

by Páraic McMahon news@clareecho.ie

CLARE GAA have launched a referee recruitment drive in a bid to boost the amount of whistlers in the county.

Currently, there are 41 referees associated with Clare GAA. On Monday, an information night will be held in The Temple Gate Hotel at 8pm for prospective referees.

Speaking to The Clare Echo, Seanie McMahon referee’s administrator with Clare GAA explained, “There has been a publicity campaign on social media where people have expressed an interest and they are invited to attend on Monday night at the information night and hopefully clubs will also send prospective candidates to the information night which they have been told about at Tuesday night’s County Board meeting and also via local media. The actual course itself consists of two online sessions and two inhouse sessions”.

Once the information night has concluded, persons will be able to complete the first online session. “The two in-house sessions are on Tuesday 27th February and Thursday 29th February which is at the Temple Gate also. The final online session has to be completed by Friday 8th March so they have

from the last in-house session on the 29th to the 8th of March to complete the last online session which contains questions on the rules, it is their rule test,” McMahon said.

According to the Newmarket-on-Fergus native, online sessions will focus on the general rules such as the duties of the match official, specification of the field dimensions and what they have learned from the inhouse sessions. He stated, “The in-house sessions do the aggressive and technical fouls, technical fouls are stuff like not making three catches or overcarrying the ball, aggressive fouls are what are deemed to be worthy of a red or yellow card, it will also deal with filling in the referee’s match report”.

Killanena’s Ger Hoey and Brendan Stack from Limerick are the referee tutors that will be delivering the Temple Gate sessions to the men and women set to take up the whistle. The duo were updated on the new course last week in Mallow after Croke Park updated the referee’s foundation course at the beginning of February.

Although the amount of referees has increased in Clare since Seanie’s appointment close to two years ago, it is acknowledged that leaving the burden to 41 referees is

not sustainable. “Clare GAA are lucky that of the 41 referees we have currently that 38 of them are active, only three are injured, they complete over 2,000 games annually.

We need extra referees to alleviate the burden on the current crop of referees, a lot of whom are over fifty years of age”.

Referee of the 2004 Munster senior hurling final, Seanie did not believe the job of a referee had become more difficult in recent years.

“Refereeing can have a great social aspect for candidates that would meet a lot of new people, look at all the friends I made from refereeing. Refereeing gives you confidence to deal in different situations, it improves your fitness, it maintains an involvement in the GAA, it can also lead to a career path in that you start as a club referee, you could be moved onto the Munster panel, then the supplementary national panel and then finally onto the national panel”.

However, he felt officials were coming under greater scrutiny, much of which was not justified in his view.

“The national referees are coming under more scrutiny because every match is streamed so they have to be better prepared than previously. There is a lot more media intrusion, when I was

l John Bugler, Fergal O’Brien and Andy McMahon

refereeing very few of the club games were streamed whereas now there’s videos of most games. I do think that referees come in for undue criticism and depending on the teams involved like managers can blame a referee for losing a match instead of looking at their own decisions and their own players”.

At present, there are eight Clare referees on panels outside of the county. “On the national panel which is the highest level in football we’ve Chris Maguire and Niall Quinn and in hurling, Niall Malone. At provincial level,

Photo by Gerard O'Neill

we have Joe Mullins, Jarlath Donnellan and John Bugler in hurling, on the Munster provincial referees academy we have Gary Twomey in football and Aaron Hogg.

It is worth noting that Gary Twomey only did the foundation course in March 2023 and due to his performances and feedback from mentors he has progressed and shown promise,” McMahon said.

McMahon maintained that becoming a referee would stand to officials even outside of the GAA. “Becoming a referee keeps you in-

volved in the GAA and is a great way to stay physically fit, there are opportunities to have a different role to play in the county final, it helps your knowledge and understanding of the game and also gives the chance for people to give back. For me refereeing helped me to make decisions, it helped in various aspects of life when I had to make decisions whether it is right or wrong, those judgement calls and communication skills that you learn are important, you’ve to communicate to the players and the public which all comes from refereeing. You’re on a public stage, you’re outside in front of 50 or 50,000 so you have to be confident, those confidence skills can be developed by people who choose to become a referee, those things don’t come immediately”.

There is an onus on clubs to put individuals forwards to act as referees, the former Clare hurler affirmed. “The current Clare GAA Executive will be looking at clubs who don’t provide referees and they could be levied or fined but no decision has been made yet, it depends on the success of referee recruitment in 2024. Clubs that don’t have referees should be paying more of a levy than the clubs that do provide referees, in my opinion”.

30

Thursday, Feb 15, 2024 THE CLARE ECHO

Sport

Murray's Clare career beginning to take flight

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

THERE was a certain element of home comforts for Clare midfielder Gavin Murray as he took to the field in Cusack Park, Mullingar for the second round of the Allianz National Football League.

A former U21 footballer and senior panellist with Westmeath, Gavin is in his first season on the Clare senior football panel and has become a first choice midfielder with Brian McNamara.

Lining out against his native county was a unique experience for Gavin. “You try take the emotion out of it and focus on the game and task at hand but definitely it was unique waking up this morning in my own bed in Moate and joining the lads to get ready. It was a bittersweet feeling, we left our hearts out there and I thought we were heroic at times, a few clinical things at the end could have made the difference, it is tough to put it into words.

Westmeath are regarded as one of the top teams in the

division and we put it up to them, we showed the heart that is in that jersey”.

His level of familiarity with the players in Maroon saw him well acquainted with Ray Connellan in the middle of their park and he picked up a yellow card at the end of the opening half, such was his friendliness with Connellan. “We would have a good rivalry with Athlone and Moate All Whites down through the years and I would have marked Ray a good few times before. We fought as if our lives depended on it and we tried to manage the game as best we could in the second half. We’re doing our best for the Clare jersey and that is what is needed going forward, some people have wrote us off and when you look at some of the names on paper that have left us maybe justifiably so but I think we showed some unity out there”.

Speaking to The Clare Echo, Gavin said he is really enjoying his first year on the Clare panel and his growing midfield partnership with Brian McNamara. “Brian

has many characteristics I wouldn’t have in terms of aerial ability and I try to help him out on the ground as much as I can, it is a really enjoyable place to be at the moment, personally as someone coming in it has been really welcoming too, while it is regretful we didn’t get the win”.

Last year saw him transfer to Éire Óg and forming part of Paul Madden’s squad has assisted him in getting back to inter-county pace. “I was fortunate with the set-up that Paul Madden has in Éire Óg that it is almost inter-county standard in a way, that year playing with those great players that are there really got me up a level coming down from Westmeath, it’s been seamless coming up to the Clare set up since, I’ve lots to learn but there’s always a welcoming hand to help me do that, I’m really enjoying it and long may it last”.

Reflecting on their one point loss to Westmeath, Murray pointed to their concession of an early goal and shipping five points without reply in the third quarter as crucial. “All in all I think we did quite well

and kept them back to minimise their scoring chances, the second half was different, those few minutes by the third quarter where they got five points in a row, while we don’t like cynicism maybe we needed to go down. I think we can’t fault the effort and at the end of the day that is all we’re looking for, leave the hearts out there and what more can you ask”.

Belief is strong within the Clare panel that they can get back to Division 2 of the National Football League. That belief has been nurtured..

When we put on the Clare jersey we pride ourselves on what we bring to the table in terms of workrate and effort”.

Off the field, Gavin was recently one of 18 graduates to join AirNav Ireland the Irish Air Navigation Service Provider. His work is now based in Ballycasey in Shannon, “I’m really enjoying life down in Clare and playing with Éire Óg and Clare, the people are very welcoming so I’m looking forward to the next few years in the Éire Óg and Clare jersey as well”.

Burren Eye Photography

Clare footballers resume bid for league promotion

by Páraic McMahon news@clareecho.ie

l Clare will be without Cillian Rouine

Photo by Gerard O'Neill

CLARE’S footballers will recommence their bid for promotion in the Allianz National Football League when they travel to Offaly on Sunday.

With one win and one loss to their name following the opening two rounds, Clare’s destiny remains firmly in their own hands with the potential to climb further up or fall down the table.

Mark Fitzgerald’s side recorded a one point win over Sligo in round one before losing to Westmeath by a single point, the disallowing of Cormac Murray’s late goal proving to be a bone of contention for

Banner supporters.

A reoccurring hamstring injury ended Cillian Rouine’s involvement in proceedings two weeks ago. The Ennistymon defender was introduced at half-time for his first appearance of this year’s league but was replaced after twelve minutes.

Captain Cillian Brennan remains sidelined with injury and as previously reported by The Clare Echo is expected to miss the majority of the league.

“We’ve a bad run of injuries with the lads,” Fitzgerald told The Clare Echo.

Having kept faith with the same fifteen for both of Clare’s games, Fitzgerald and his man-

agement are tipped to once again opt against any alterarations. Éire Óg’s Éinne O’Connor is among those strongly pushing for a starting berth on the county side.

Sunday’s opponents Offaly are without a win following their two outings to date. They lost 1-11 0-10 against Dessie Dolan’s Westmeath in the opening round at home while an away tie versus Antrim saw them defeated 2-5 1-7.

Declan Kelly is in his first year as Offaly senior manager having led their U21s to a memorable All-Ireland win in 2021.

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Feb 15, 2024

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Sport

31

Master fixtures plan approved, committees ratified & Noel Walsh to be honoured with Munster U20 trophy

by Páraic McMahon

The chairman replied that “there are two representatives from football clubs and five from dual clubs”.

McGuane replied “there is no one from west of Ennis” to which the chairman responded that he was. The committees, as proposed, were ratified by the meeting.

paraic@clareecho.ie

CLARE GAA have ratified the majority of their committees for the coming year and the master fixtures plan for 2024 was approved at Tuesday’s County Board meeting.

Former Chairman of Clare GAA and ex football selector Noel Walsh will be remembered by Munster GAA with the renaming of the provincial U20 football competition in his name.

Transfers:

Masters Fixtures:

Presenting details of the masters fixtures schedule for 2024, chairman Colm Browne said “the plan is similar to last year. This year there is only one dual weekend which will be the June weekend. The senior football championship will begin on the weekend of July 20/21 with the hurling starting a week later.

The county finals are scheduled for the first two weekends in October”.

He went on to say “clubs need to be mindful of their final league placings this year as these placings will determine where they will be next year”.

Competition regulations for the leagues were circulated to the clubs earlier in the week and the regulations for the championships will be issued before the championships start, he added.

Board chairman Kieran Keating said “we will try to facilitate Whitegate GAA’s plans to hold a tournament in memory of Michael Hynes on April 6th”.

President welcomed:

Newly elected president of Clare GAA, former Bishop of Killaloe, Willie Walsh was formally welcomed to the February meeting of the board at Hotel Woodstock on Tuesday night.

The newly elected vice president of the board, Willie Boland was also welcomed to the meeting and both were presented with their office pins by chairman Kieran Keating.

“I am very happy to accept and I regard this as a very definite honour and privilege to be appointed as Uachtaráin Cumann Luithchleas Co an Chlair.

I am quite chuffed to be appointed.

I can’t help feeling that there are a lot more people who did a lot more than

l Colm Browne. Photo by Gerard O'Neill

I did for Clare hurling. I think I did something over the years”, he told the gathering.

At the outset he recalled that he attended a board meeting in Autumn of 1992 “when Ger Loughnane and myself were stood down as selectors. We came back later but we were sacked on that occasion”.

Committees ratified:

A number of committees were ratified at the February meeting of Clare GAA at Tuesday’s February board meeting. They are Masters Fixtures committee: Colm Browne, chairman (Banner), Padraig Boland (Broadford), Tom Duggan (St. Joseph’s Doora/Barefield), Martin Hehir (Clondegad), David O’Brien (St Joseph’s Miltown) and Tony O’Donnell (Crusheen) Competitions Control committee (CCC); Kieran Keating (chairman), Deirdre Murphy (Head of Operations), Deirdre Chaplin (Assistant secretary), Seamus Hayes (Lissycasey) Eoin Brennan (Clarecastle), Michael Maher (Kilmaley), Gavin Moroney (Bodyke), Ann Marie Moran (Corofin), Rory McGann (Newmarket-on-Fergus), Tom Duggan (St. Joseph’s Doora/Barefield) and Seanie McMahon (referee’s admin-

istrator) Hearings committee; Dan O’Connor (St. Joseph’s Doora/Barefield), chairman, Gerry O’Malley (Kilmaley), secretary; Concepta O’Connor (Newmarket-on-Fergus), John Morris (Wolfe Tones), Michael O’Regan (Ruan), David O’Connell (Shannon Gaels) Coiste na nÓg hurling; Stephen McNamara (Kilmaley), chairman; Pat Gavin, Ogonnelloe) secretary; Padraig Moroney (Tulla), Gavin Moroney (Bodyke), Paul Gannon (Inagh/Kilnamona), Fergal O’Brien (Broadford), Jim Corbett (Sixmilebridge).

Coiste na nÓg football; P.J. McGuane (Cooraclare), chairman Anne Hayes (Lissycasey), secretary, Joe Talty (St Joseph’s Miltown), Marie Moloney (Shannon Gaels), Martin Frawley (Kildysart), Pat McMahon (Banner) with Joe Kelly (Cooraclare) added to their CCC committee.

Chairman Kieran Keating told the meeting that “there are a number of committees still to be decided and we will have them ratified at the March meeting”.

Following the announcement of the CCC committee Cooraclare’s P.J. McGuane said “there is an imbalance there as there is no football representative”.

Nine transfers were ratified as follows: Noel McGuane from Kilmihil to St Joseph’s Miltown; Dara and Paddy Nagle from St. Joseph’s Doora/Barefield to Kilfenora; David Nihill from Éire Óg to Banner; AJ and Calum Finn from St. Joseph’s Doora/Barefield to Ruan; Liam Heffernan from Ruan to Wolfe Tones, Oscar O’Gorman from St. Joseph’s Doora/Barefield to Banner; Shane Lenihan from O’Callaghans Mills to Inagh/Kilnamona.

Corofin’s Ambrose Heagney enquired if the Nagle brothers would now be assisting Corofin hurlers as players from Kilfenora play their hurling with Corofin. “Is there not a ruling on that?”, he asked before adding that he will ‘check with Croke Park”.

The meeting also ratified re-gradings and isolated player applications, details of which had been circulated to clubs in the preceding days. Chairman Kieran Keating told the gathering that 285 isolated player applications had been dealt with to date.

Loan approval:

The meeting gave approval to Doonbeg and Wolfe Tones to seek loan approval for upgrading facilities at their clubs.

Colm Dillon told the meeting that Doonbeg had plans for the construction of four new dressing rooms and aa meeting room and they had sought a sports capital grant.

John Riordan gave details of Wolfe Tones’ plans for draining work at their pitches in Shannon which will cost €162,000. He told the meeting that they will be seeking a GAA development loan.

Chairman Kieran Keating told the meeting that details of an application from St. Breckans will be before the March meeting.

GAA membership and player inju-

New managers to take charge of Clare SF clubs for 2024

by Seamus Hayes news@clareecho.ie

Mark Shanahan (Ennistymon), Douglas Hurley and Geoff O’Sullivan (Corofin), Brian Dillon (Kilmihil) and James Murrihy (Kilmurry Ibrickane) have stepped down from their respective clubs for 2024.

At the time of writing Kilmihil hadn’t put their management teams in place. Kilmihil do have a coach in Lawrence Murray, a former player with the club until he transferred to Kilmurry-Ibrickane.

Peadar O’Brien, a member of the outgoing management team has stepped up to the role of manager with Corofin. He will have Derry native Mark Rafferty who resides in the Doora/Barefield parish, as team coach. Rafferty was manager when Doora/Barefield last contested the Clare SFC final, he was manager of Doonbeg in 2021. Tony Kenny will continue involved with at least one more selector to be added.

John Keane will continue as

manager of his native Doonbeg but there will be changes to his management. Outgoing selectors, Kieran O’Mahoney, Padraig Gallagher and Conor Whelan, all former players with club and county, have stepped down. Joe Blake has announced his retirement from playing with the club and has moved into the role of selector. Former inter county player from nearby St Senan’s Kilkee, David Russell, now a resident in Doonbeg parish, will coach the team. He was part of last year’s management team.

Mark Shanahan has opted not to seek a third year in charge of the Ennistymon senior footballers who contested the Clare SFC final in 2022 and battled relegation last year. Former Clare midfielder Ger Quinlan who coached the team during Shanahan’s tenure is making the jump to manager with 1992 Munster championship winner Brendan Rouine continuing as selector. John McInerney and Brian Conway have also stepped

down as selectors. A meeting is to be held this Friday night where further additions are expected to be made to Quinlan’s management.

County champions Cratloe will have the same management team which is headed up by Colm Collins. This includes Brian O’Connell, Shane Markham, Oscar O’Dwyer, Sean O’Dea and Jody O’Connor on video analysis. It will be the first time in over a decade that Collins serves solely as club manager having combined the role with that of Clare manager since 2014.

Beaten finalists St Breckans will again be managed by Kerry All-Ireland winning goalkeeper Declan O’Keeffe. Former club player Johnnie Mooney has been added to the selection committee. O’Keeffe had been involved for two seasons under Donie Garrihy before taking on the mantle of manager last year. Ex Clare footballer, Odran O’Dwyer continues as the side’s coach. The North Clare side

came up short in the county final, Cusack Cup final and U21A final in 2023 and will be bidding to atone for those defeats this year.

Kilmurry Ibrickane will be under new management this year with Offaly native David Egan taking over the manager’s role from James Murrihy who will be focussing on the intermediate championship this season, having taken on the role of manager with Clondegad who lost their senior status last year. The ex Clare ladies football manager spent two seasons over his native club. Egan at the beginning of October stepped down as manager of Cork club, St Michael’s in Blackrock, he oversaw their return to the Premier SFC for the first time since 2006 and a play-off defeat denied them a place in the quarter-finals of the top flight. The ex Offaly footballer recently relocated from Cork to Ennis with his family.

St Joseph’s Doora/Barefield who bowed out of the quarter-fi-

ry:

Head of operations with Clare GAA, Deirdre Murphy reminded all of the importance of players and mentors having membership paid by January 1, otherwise they do not have insurance cover. The March 31 deadline only covers members to have voting rights at AGM time.

Sixmilebridge delegate P.J. Fitzpatrick said “I fail to see why something like this wasn’t notified to clubs before now. There should be some grace period”. “There is no way around this”, replied Deirdre Murphy.

“This has always been the case”, Cooraclare’s P.J. McGuane told the meeting. “We never allow any player of mentor to do anything unless they have their membership paid”.

Officer reports:

Child welfare officer Joan Crotty, informed the meeting that “any coaches working with underage teams must be Garda vetted and she went on to announce that the child safeguarding two course will take place on March 11.

Chairman Kieran Keating added “we will be coming down hard on clubs that don’t comply”.

Coaching and games officer Neil O’Brien announced that “there are 72 coaches and 423 players involved with development squads and the squads are almost finally selected. He added that there will be 50 summer camps involving 120 coaches.

Referee administrator Seanie McMahon told the delegates that there will be an information night next Monday (February 19) at the Temple Gate hotel.

Noel Walsh cup:

The winners of the Munster under 20 football championship will, from this season onwards, receive the Noel Walsh memorial cup, Munster Council delegate Bernard Keane told this week’s meeting. The cup will commemorate the Miltown Malbay native who gave so much time to the promotion of football. “This is a fitting honour”, Keane told the meeting

Handball matters:

Mike Kelly reported on recent championship action involving Clare handballers and he congratulated the win-

nals following an extra time defeat to Éire Óg stick with the same set-up. Donagh Vaughan remains as manager where his ticket includes ex Clare minor football manager Maurice Walsh, coach Ger ‘Bobby’ Kelly and Clare senior football video analyst Diarmuid Whelan. Ex O’Currys footballer Eoin Troy has been added to the Doora/ Barefield management. Éire Óg’s bid to reclaim the Jack Daly sees them add a new coach to their management.

Seanie Buckley who coached them to senior success in 2021 and 2022 has gone on to join the Clare senior football management. Paul Madden remains in situ as manager of the Ennis club with Peter Cosgrove and Shane Daniels sticking on as selectors. They have added Galway native, Justin Burke an ex Corofin footballer as coach, he held the same role with Milltown last year as they won the Galway senior football championship.

Martin Guerin is to return for a second year in charge of the St Joseph’s Miltown. The Liscannor man will once again be joined by selectors Jim Marrinan, John

McDonagh and David Talty.

They have a new addition in the guise of former player, Eoin Curtin a three-time Clare SFC winner was manager of the Liscannor intermediate footballers last season.

Three-time Clare SFC winning manager with Kilmurry Ibrickane, Aiden ‘Horse’ Moloney will commence a second season in charge of Lissycasey.

The club has appointed Christoir McCaw as S&C coach. Pakie Keane, Danny Lynch and Jimmy Collins continue as selectors.

Kildysart made a big impression last season in their first year back in the senior ranks, reaching the quarter-finals and topping a group which included eventual winners Cratloe, Lissycasey and Ennistymon. They have unsurprisingly moved to keep the same management which is headed up by David Butler in place. John O’Sullivan will continue as coach of the team. This year their representation on the Clare senior football panel has trebled with Emmet McMahon now joined by Diarmuid O’Donnell and Fergal Guinnane.

32

Thursday, Feb 15, 2024 THE CLARE ECHO

Sport

Clare ladies rescue a draw to Coolmeen champions maintain unbeaten status honoured LIDL NLFL DIVISION 3 ROUND 3 Clare 1-07 Roscommon 1-07 Venue: Cusack Park, Ennis Compiled by Eoin Brennan

STORY OF THE GAME CLARE Frees for: 14 (7/7) Wides: 9 (4/5) Scores from play: 1-4 Spread of scorers: 2 Top scorer: Fidelma Marrinan (1-4) Bookings: None Own kickouts won: 13 from 13 (100%)

ROSCOMMON Frees for: 16 (8/8) Wides: 5 (1/4) Scores from play: 1-4 Spread of scorers: 4 Top scorer: Aisling Hanley (1-1) Bookings: None Own kickouts won: 10 from 16 (63%)

SCAN HERE FOR MATCH REPORT

REFEREE: Ciarán Groome (Offaly)

“

MANAGER COMMENT

Wayne Freeman, Clare manager

l Back: Mairead Mc Carthy, Miriam O' Halloran.

“It was a point gained more than anything else. They [Roscommon] are a good side although we made life hard for ourselves. We probably gifted them 1-2, kicked a lot of poor wides ourselves and shots dropped short, just general decision-making stuff really in attacking positions.

“But look, they are not big fixes which is very important.

“I don’t think we had the belief that our legs were there in the first half. We looked like a team that were a little bit reserved and really we should have actually went for the jugular from the very, very start.

“At half-time when we spoke about that, we knew that the legs would stand up and they did, I mean we ran them off the field in the second half and they just didn’t have the legs to stay with us.

“So it’s a mentality thing more than anything else because physically we’re there. It’s now just about understanding that and getting to really believe in themselves in that aspect of the game that we can go for 60 minutes pressing teams and really going after teams even against the

Front: Eithna Finnucane, Tommy Haugh and Carmel Strand-Duggan.

Photograph: Tom Micks l Chloe Moloney kicked 0-3

Photo by Gerard O'Neill

breeze.

“I was really happy with the subs that came on as I felt that they all added a lot so they have all put their hands up for places next week as well. Training has been going brilliantly really so there are lots of players showing really well there so there may be a couple of changes for next week in order to keep things fresh.

“I believe we can beat everyone and that’s the mentality that we have to go forward with. That’s starts here in Cusack Park next week against Offaly and if we can win, then we’ve one foot in a league final”.

A SPECIAL commemoration was held at the Hilltop Bar in Coolmeen to honour the victorious 1992 Clare senior ladies gaelic football champions.

Coolmeen won the title for the first time in 1992.

The side was captained by Jackie Ryan and it included Audrey O'Neill, Aggie Crehan, Deirdre Neenan, Sinead Meaney, Yvonne O'Callaghan (RIP), Moira Murphy, Marie Haugh, Marie Collins, Claire Eustace, Ann Frawley, Miriam O' Halloran, Mairead McCarthy, Eithne Finucane and Brenda Meehan.

Tommy Haugh was manager of the team.

New-look Clare set for National League

SEVERAL key players have opted out of the Clare senior camogie panel for 2024 which will prompt a new-look team when they begin their league campaign this weekend.

Galway travel to Ennis as strong favourites this Saturday for the start of the National Camogie League. Clare welcome the neighbours to Cusack Park for a 2pm start.

A number of the players who have been the backbone of the Clare side in recent seasons will be absent due to a variety of reasons including retirement, and travel. Chloe Morey from Sixmilebridge has called time on her inter county career while Niamh O’Dea, Clare Hehir, Orlaith Duggan, Doireann Murphy, Alannah Ryan and Caoimhe Kelly have all opted out.

Ciara Grogan of Clooney/Quin and Áine O’Loughlin from Truagh/Clonlara have been appointed as joint captains of the side.

Speaking to The Clare Echo, John Carmody who is his second stint as manager of the senior side outlined, “We will be introducing up to nine players to the team this

season and this will be a huge task for a young team. That’s the hand we have been dealt but it will be a great learning curve ahead of the championship. With league games against Galway, Kilkenny, Waterford, Cork and Tipperary, arguably the leading five counties in the game, it will, we hope stand to the team come championship time”.

Rachel Daly from Scariff/ Ogonnelloe will make her debut in goals for the senior side on Saturday. Others who are expected to see game time in this tie include Caoimhe Lally, Ellen Casey, Grace Carmody, Jennifer Daly, Labhaoise O’Donnell, Caoimhe Cahill and Aoife Anderson.

In round two, a week later Clare will face Kilkenny and further games in the league will see them away to Waterford and Cork and at home to Tipperary.

For the championship, Clare have been grouped with Cork, Galway, Down, Dublin and Wexford with three teams to qualify from the group.

Former All-Ireland winning manager with Cork, Paudie Murray and his brother Kevin will be assisting Clare with their championship preparations this season.

“They have won multiple All-Ire-

lands and it’s a great boost for Clare to have their assistance this year”, Carmody explained.

According to the Kilmaley man the senior squad “are really only coming together this week as our preparations have been disrupted due to colleges competitions”.

Clare will have an early start on Saturday with the intermediate team facing Galway in round 3 of their league at Inagh. This game is currently scheduled for 12 noon but officials have requested that it be brought forward to 11.30 am because of the 2pm start at Cusack Park.

With a big number of the squad who played in the opening rounds called up to the senior side, there will be a number of new young players making their debuts in Saturday’s outing at Inagh. Clare beat Wexford in round one but lost by a point to Tipperary last day out.

New players coming in this week include Sophie Cullinan,(Truagh/Clonlara) who will be in goals; Bonnie Wiley Murphy (Scariff/Ogonnelloe) at full back Jennifer Nicholas (Tulla), Sinead Power and Tina Queally (both Inagh/Kilnamona) and l Áine O'Loughlin (Tuagh/Clonlara) has been appointed as joint captain for 2024 Mary Hanrahan (Crusheen).

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Feb 15, 2024

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Sport

33

Embracing the elements on your golf Embrace The Elements: So many golfers retire from golf over the winter months in Ireland due to the weather. It is obviously far more appealing to play golf when we are basking in the warm sunshine. However, there's a hidden charm and untapped joy in embracing the elements and teeing off even in less-than-ideal weather conditions. Contrary to the common inclination to stay indoors when the weather turns sour, golfers should consider the numerous benefits and unique experiences that come with playing in poor weather. I myself used to shy away from golfing when the weather was poor however, I realised the main issue was my attire wasn't suitable for the climate.

When you have the correct warm attire golfing in the cold is actually reviving. It's a bit like the cold shower trend going around, you feel so refreshed and alive after golfing on a cold winter's day. I played nine holes myself over the weekend and it was bitterly cold and your usual yardage in a way goes out the window.

But I've learned to really enjoy the challenge and I now get as much enjoyment out of playing in the winter as I do in those warmer summer months.

Playing golf in various weather conditions adds an extra layer of challenge and excitement. Rain, wind, or even a bit of cold shouldn't deter you from enjoying your favourite pastime. In fact, I would argue that adverse weather conditions will enhance one's golfing skills and provide a refreshing change from the routine.

One of the primary advantages of playing golf in poor weather is also the development of mental toughness. Golf is as much a mental game as it is physical, and facing the challenges posed by rain or wind can signifi-

by PÁDRAIG MCGRATH

cantly strengthen a player's mental resilience.

Navigating through wet waterlogged fairways or adjusting shots in gusty winds requires focus, adaptability, and a calm mindset – skills that can translate to improved performance even in ideal conditions. I also find playing in tougher weather conditions helps to improve my course management and also helps me to be more creative having to flight the ball down lower.

How to lower your ball flight: "In order to fly the ball lower I usually take two or maybe sometimes up to three clubs extra and move the ball slightly further back in my stance. I take a full backswing but I don't take a full follow through. I usually try finish the follow through early maybe 75% of my normal follow through. Tommy Fleetwoods swing if you watch it is an example of a golfer who finishes his swing early compared to most golfers, hence why he has a more penetrating ball flight. By taking a longer less lofted club also means you can afford to reduce the speed of your swing helping to flight the ball lower still. The faster you swing the higher the ball wants to fly because you are creating additional backspin when you hit the ball harder.

Next time you go to the range try this technique and learn to flight the ball down, it's a great tool for golfers here in Ireland. Throughout the year you will have plenty of opportunities to use and benefit from being able to hit a lower ball flight with all your irons."

With so much incredible technical clothing available now and all the waterproof golf equipment we now have little or no excuse when the weather turns bad. From waterproof shoes, golf bags, wetsuits, warm winter and rain gloves, umbrellas, neck warmers, beanies. As the saying goes there is no such thing as bad weather when you've got the appropriate attire.

Embracing the elements adds an element

of unpredictability and excitement, turning an ordinary day on the golf course into an extraordinary one at times.

I honestly feel golfers should reconsider their aversion to playing in poor weather conditions and instead embrace the opportunities and advantages that come with it.

From mental toughness and skill devel-

opment to the sheer joy of a unique golfing adventure, there's much to gain by teeing off rain or shine.

So, the next time the weather forecast looks less than perfect, don't hesitate to grab your clubs and experience the thrill of golfing in the elements.

High scoring in Ennis Golf Club

by Seamus Hayes news@clareecho.ie

ENNIS GOLF CLUB The competition at Ennis at the weekend was a men’s fourball which was won by Paul O'Leary (31) and Adam Roberts (27) with 49 points. They won on a count back from Brendan Pyne (12) and Thomas Gallery (17).

In third place with 45 points were Dominic O'Connor (16) and Con Daly (26) with 46 points followed by Tom (20) and Kieran Fox (3) with 45 points. Saturday’s scramble was won by Della Burns, Andrew MacGloinn and Ken O’Farrell with 69 from Patricia O’Reilly, Enda Burns and Paul Kenny with a similar score. In third place were Flor Coffey, John Shannon and Denis Cahill with 66.

EAST CLARE GOLF CLUB The ladies Wednesday competition at East Clare last week was won by Connie McKenna, Marie A. Kelly and Mary Fitzgerald from Breda O'Loghlin, Mary Hogan and Pauline Nugent.

GORT GOLF CLUB Niall Loftus (10) was the winner of category A in the men’s singles stableford competition at Gort at the weekend with 41 points. John Commins (12) won category 2 with 41 points, Tom Costello (19) won category 3 with 44 points and Kyle MacFarlane (27) won catego-

ry 4 with 43 points.

WOODSTOCK GOLF CLUB: Sean Walsh (27) with 34 points was the winner of the club singles at Woodstock at the weekend. He won on a count back from Ronan Lynch (18) with Pat O'Brien (13) in third place with a similar score. There will be another 15 hole club singles this weekend.

The Ozone Health and Fitness league continued at the weekend when the winners were Michael Guerin and David Quinn with 58 points, one ahead of Paul Coote and Jack Duffy with brothers, Tony and Martin Nugent a point further back in third place. The league continues this weekend with a Texas scramble KILRUSH GOLF CLUB Week two of the Johnson's Bar Spring series at Kilrush saw victory go to Barry Coleman (15) with 32 points and he had three to spare over Martin P. Brennan. In third place with 28 points was Tony McMahon (11) followed by Matthew Dillon (16) with 27 points and Pat J Shannon (9), also with 27 points.

CLARE FOOTBALL The annual team of four golf classic raising funds for the development of Clare football will take place at Woodstock on Thursday April 25 and Friday April 26.

Second success for Gallery's Cillowen Missile

by Michael Maher news@clareecho.ie

CILLOWEN MISSILE owned by Rockmount’s George Gallery recorded his second career success in the A4 graded sixth contest at the Galway Track on Saturday night last easing home five and a half lengths clear of Croaghill Sky in 28.90.

Less than two lengths covered the leaders approaching the opening bend with the winner and Bumblebee Spurs battling for the lead at the turn. With the benefit of the inside line Cillowen Missile lead into the back straight where he really lengthened his stride and as he exited the far side it was a case of how far as he powered around the final two bends.

In the opening A8 graded affair Serene Rolo broke smartly towards the outer and led racing towards the opening bend from Mellon Grange on his inside. Rounding the bend the rail hugging Melon Grange

slipped through to take over in front entering the back straight. Leaving the back the lead was three lengths but the Makayla-Lynsey-Mullins of Gort owned Makaylas Dream was now taking dead aim at the leader and sweeping through off the home bend the Albert Mullins trained daughter of Explosive Boy and Supporting Trump score by five lengths in 29.59.

The outcome of this S8 graded sprint was settled at trap rose as the Gerard Kenny of Ennis owned Cragmoher Lass absolutely flew form traps and was five lengths clear after twenty yards. Racing towards the opening bend the daughter of Grangeview Ten and Burning Candle led by over five lengths from Fortune Seven and Break The Deal and although Fortune Seven closed with every stride Cragmoher Lass was still a length and a half to the good at the line in 18.22.

In race four the Seamus McMahon of Cooraclare owned Lissatouk

Rose (Magical Bale & Lone Control) recorded her third career success in this A5 graded contest as she showed fine pace down the back on her way to a six length success over Moneygall Aaron in 29.36. The winner trapped well in company with Bogroad Star who got the better of the argument at the opening bend. Racing towards halfway the lead was two lengths but Lissatouk Rose then swiftly moved through the gears and sweeping to the front approaching the penultimate corner she drew right away for a convincing victory.

The feature contest on Friday night’s card at Galway Greyhound Stadium was the concluding A3 graded 525 and from traps Innfield Place began well and headed straight for the rails on the run towards the opening bend but rounding the bend Brickhill Buster moved round the outside to show fractionally in front entering the back straight. Racing down the back the

pair raced stride for stride with Pats Best Girl back in third place. Exiting the back straight the Kilmihil native John Collins and Mark Patterson owned Brickhill Buster (Ballymac Best & Brickhill Sharon) began to assert and striking for home of the final bend had three lengths to spare over Pats Best Girl at the line in 29.32.

Some Summer trained and owned

by Ennistymon’s Tommy Flanagan ran out a decisive four and a quarter length winner of the A5 graded ninth contest as she recovered from a tardy start to lead approaching halfway and draw clear of her rivals. Lady Eros and Denny’s Best were away with the former leading around the opening bend. Turning down the back though Some Summer (Romeo Recruit & Trembling Juliet) manoeuvred her way through the field to take command at halfway and from those point on it was a case of how far as she drew further clear of Dennys Best with every stride.

At the Limerick Track at last Thursday afternoon’s meeting, the dynamic duo from Newmarket-on-Fergus Myles Cummins and Breda Casey recorded a nice double with Snuggie Benny and Snuggie Jasper. Benny is a son of Ballymac Cashout and Slaneyside Goldi and made it two wins on the bounce with a 29.22 victory and Jasper a homebred son of Paddy’s Magic and Miles Girl recorded his ninth career success in 29.47 in an A4 graded contest.

Inislosky Petal took the A5 contest for Mary Crotty from O’Briensbridge with a 29.22 victory, this was career win number two for this daughter of Grangeview Ten and Blastoff Roisino.

Mr. Moffitt recorded a fourth career success for Tulla based trainer Donie Duggan in 29.49, a son of Slippery Robert and Clodagh’s Legend he is owned by Vincent Sweeney and Reece Gethins.

34

Thursday, Feb 15, 2024 THE CLARE ECHO

Sport

Avenue Utd advance to Munster Junior Cup semi-finals

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

AVENUE United are through to the semi-finals of the Munster Junior Cup after as expected seeing off the challenge of Togher Celtic..

Avenue Utd 5 Togher Celtic 2 Venue: Droumleena Lawn, Dunmanway.

Despite having a long 175km plus journey to West Cork for the tie, Avenue carried the favourites tag with them on their travels and return to the county just ninety minutes away from a first appearance in the Munster Junior Cup final.

While they reached the semi-finals of the competition in 1986, Avenue Utd have been knocking on the door, particularly in the past three seasons to try make serious inroads in the competition.

A big asset to their cause this season has been the signing of Steven McGann, the ex Limerick FC and Pike Rovers man had an influential role in proceedings in West Cork, scoring two goals and having the assist for their opener.

That opening goal arrived on eight minutes when McGann played the ball through to Ronan Kerin and the captain hit the target to steady the visitors.

Although they had the better of the chances, Avenue struggled to add that second goal. Elias Kunz came close on twelve minutes, he then teed up Mossy Hehir on twenty one minutes but his first-time shot just went above Ciaran Murray’s

l Avenue United's starting eleven.

crossbar.

Hehir’s second attempt arrived moments later when again it was McGann that supplied the delivery but this one was collected by Murray and the danger cleared.

Given that they have dominated plenty of opening halves but have struggled to put the game to bed in big encounters outside the county,

Avenue Utd knew they had to reflect their dominance on the scoreboard.

By the hour mark, that coveted second goal arrived. Mark Roche powered down the wing and was then brought down inside the box prompting referee Tim McDermott to award a penalty. Up stepped McGann and he slotted the ball to the bottom left corner of the net with sixty two minutes on the clock.

Four minutes later, Ennis man

Tough Losses for the Ennis Senior Women and U15 Boys Rugby Teams

by Dearbhla Parry

SENIOR WOMEN’S OPEN CUP FINAL: ENNIS/KILRUSH RFC 15 – 35 SHANNON RFC A tough loss of 15 – 35 in the Open Cup final against Shannon leaves the Banner women to redouble their efforts for the league and forthcoming Division One Cup campaigns.

Shannon opened the scoring with a series of carries from the base of a scrum before touching down in the corner, with no conversion.

The Clare women responded well and kept the ball in the middle of the pitch but could not kick for a field position.

Shannon converted a penalty from just outside the Ennis/ Kilrush 22 and brought the score to 0 - 8. Ennis/Kilrush rallied on and were rewarded for their efforts when a sequence of carries from the base of the scrum resulted in prop Grainne Burke touching down in the corner, without a conversion. Shannon, however, managed another two unconverted tries before the halftime whistle, bringing the halftime score to 5 - 18.

Shannon again opened the score with an unconverted try. The Clare women re-

sponded well when fullback Orna Moynihan touched down in the corner for a well-deserved score, without a conversion. Shannon went in for a further two scores, one of which they converted. Ennis/Kilrush’s number eight, Aoibheann Hahessy, managed to add to the scoreboard with a hard carry of the try-line, without a conversion, just before the final whistle. This left the final score at 15 – 35.

U15 BOYS COMPETITION LEAGUE: ENNIS RFC 5 – 30 BRUFF RFC Bruff proved too strong for the Ennis boys, who fielded a mixture of U15s and U16s, with a 5 – 30 final score.

The first three tries were scored by Bruff in the first ten minutes. Then Bruff scored two more tries, leaving the score to be 0 – 15 at halftime.

At the start of the second half, Ennis struggled to break down the opposition’s defence. However, they finally got a break when Tadhg Bane’s tap penalty allowed him to score in the corner.

This luck was unfortunately only short-lived as the Bruff boys scored three more times to win 5 – 30.

Fixtures:

U14 Girls Friendly: Ennis V

Richmond; Friday 18th February; Kick-off TBC in TBC. U9 Blitz: Sunday 18th February; Kick-off at 10am in Shannon.

U12 Blitz: Sunday 18th February; Kick-off at 10am in Drumbiggle.

U14 Boys Pan Munster Competition: Ennis V UL Bohemians; Sunday 18th February; Kick-off at 11am in Annacotty.

U15 Boys Development Bowl Competition: Ennis V Mitchelstown; Sunday 18th February; Kick-off at 12pm in Mitchelstown.

U16 Boys Cup Competition: Ennis V Kilrush; Sunday 18th February; Kick-off at 12pm in Drumbiggle.

Senior Men's Competition League: Ennis V Carrickon-Suir; Sunday 18th February; Kick-off at 2:30pm in Drumbiggle.

U11 Blitz: Sunday 18th February; Kick-off TBC in Drumbiggle.

U18 Girls Competition Friendly: Ennis v Gort; Sunday 18th February; Kick-off TBC in TBC. Senior Men's Mark Andrew's Ten Aside Competition: Ennis v Dolphin; Sunday 18th February; Kick-off TBC in Dolphin.

McGann added to his account, Nnabuike Nneji did very well to break to ball to him and his subsequent shot took a deflection off Ian Crowley and got beyond Murray to suddenly leave Avenue Utd dominant both in the contest and on the scoreboard.

Eoin Murray dispatched a penalty at the other end on sixty seven minutes when a high foot in Avenue’s box saw the spot kick award-

SCAN HERE REPORT

ed with Murray sticking the ball past Luke Woodrow who had regained the number one jersey from James Tierney.

Two goals in the space of as many minutes saw further joy for Avenue in the closing stages. First, Mark Roche landed the ball in the bottom corner of the net following link-up play between Elias Kunz and Witness Odirile. Then three substitutes combined, Stephen Jordan, Mikey Dinan and Philip Talty were all involved as Talty produced a nice finish on eighty seven minutes.

There would be another goal in the tie but at the other end. Luke Hurley hit the corner of the net from the edge of the box, the move coming straight from the tip-off following Talty’s goal.

Now in the fifth season of David Russell’s tenure, Avenue Utd have a provincial semi-final to look forward to. They’ll face Tipperary giants, St Michael’s AFC in the penultimate stage in what will be a significant jump in standard from this outing but at their best it is a game that the Roslevan based club will certainly fancy their chances in.

Avenue Utd: Luke Woodrow; Cullen McCabe, Conor Mullen, Dylan Casey, Jamie Roche; Nnabuike Nneji, Mark Roche, Steven McGann, Mossy Hehir, Ronan Kerin, Elias Kunz.

Subs: Philip Talty for Kerin (71), Eoghan Thynne for Hehir (71), Witness Odirile.

CLARE CUP ROUND-UP

Clare interest remains in FAI Junior Cup despite no involvement of Banner clubs Celtic on a score of

by Páraic McMahon 4-3. They led 3-1 at paraic@clareecho.ie half-time but conWHILE all Clare ceded two goals clubs may be out in the second half of the race to win before holding on to the FAI Junior Cup, book a place in the hopes for some sort last eight. of Banner success is Shannon’s Eoin still alive.

Duff opened the Newmarket Celt- scoring for Regionic became the first al on nine minutes Clare club to win with Brian O’Connor the prestigious na- lining out in the heart tional title when they of their midfield. Rob defeated Tipperary Shier of Newmarside St Michael’s ket-on-Fergus startAFC in April of last ed in goals, while his year. Avenue Utd’s side conceded three elimination from the goals, Rob still mancompetition by Tal- aged to keep a clean laght Utd in the last sheet, that because sixteen ended the he got his marching possibility of back orders for a second to back titles for bookable offence on Clare clubs. Tallaght thirty three minutes, were subsequently Trim’s James Gogknocked out over the gins missed a penalweekend by Gorey ty while Shier was inRangers. volved in the action.

Three Clare men He’ll be available for were in the starting their next outing in eleven for Limerick the competition. club Regional Utd Ennis’ Colm Walsh who prevailed in ex- O’Loghlen scored a tra time away to Trim fantastic volley for

Limerick club Pike Rovers as they recorded a 6-0 win over Ballymun Utd at the University of Limerick. In his eighty five minutes on the field, Colm produced a right-footed volley that ended up in the top right corner of the net on eighty two minutes while in the first half, he had the assist for Pike’s opening goal which was finished by Colin Daly.

Tuesday’s quarter-final means there will be a Clare clash with both of these Limerick clubs drawn against each other.

Regional have secured home advantage for the tie which will be held on March 2nd/3rd.

FAI Junior Cup Last 16: Clonmel Celtic FC 2-1 Letterkenny Rovers Peake Villa FC 3-0 Buncrana Hearts

Cockhill Celtic 4-0 Maree/Oranmore FC Pike Rovers 6-0 Ballymun Utd Evergreen FC 0-2 St Michael’s AFC Gorey Rangers 6-1 Tallaght Utd Trim Celtic AFC 3-4 Regional Utd (AET) FAI Junior Cup quarter-finals: (to be played on March 2nd/3rd) Gorey Rangers v Peake Villa Clonmel Celtic v Cockhill Celtic Villa FC v St Michael's Regional Utd v Pike Rovers FAI Junior Cup semi-finals (to be played on April 6th/7th) Gorey or Peake Villa vs Villa FC or St Michael's Regional Utd or Pike Rovers v Clonmel Celtic or Cockhill Celtic.

Thursday, Feb 15, 2024 THE CLARE ECHO

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CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL, FREAGHAVALEEN, MILTOWN MALBAY, CO. CLARE Take notice that E. Zidrunas & K. O’Donovan intend to apply to the Planning Authority for permission to retain the existing outbuildings/structures and site entrance along with associated 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.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL FURTHER INFORMATION/ REVISED PLANS QUIN GARDENS, QUIN, CO. CLARE Planning Ref: P23/60311 Development Description: Construct a dwelling house, effluent treatment system and associated site works and for retention of landfill activities.

Location: Quin Gardens, Quin, Co. Clare Take notice that Martin Haran has lodged significant further information in respect of planning application P23/60311. 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, Áras Contae an Chláir, 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.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL MUCKINISH WEST, BALLYVAUGHAN, CO. CLARE. Take notice that Deirdre & David Clare intend to apply for permission for development, the development will consist of Planning Permission for (i)

alterations, extension, and refurbishment of an existing dwelling, (ii) provision of a new wastewater treatment system and polishing filter, (iii) demolition of existing storage shed (iv) new storage shed (v) all associated site development and external works.

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 a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee of €20.00 within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL BARNTICK, CLARECASTLE, CO.CLARE We, Caoimhe O’Donoghue and Matthew Allen-Coghlan wish to apply to the above named local authority for planning permission to construct a detached dwelling house, wastewater treatment system, percolation area, site entrance, detached domestic garage and all ancillary site works at Barntick, Clarecastle, 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 FURTHER INFORMATION / REVISED PLANS CLOONMORE, BALLYNACALLY, ENNIS, CO. CLARE Planning Ref: P23/492 Development description: Permission to construction of a dwelling house and garage, with effluent treatment system, new entrance from public road, and all associated site works.

Location: Cloonmore, Ballynacally, Ennis, Co. Clare Take notice that Cormac Donnellan & Eveleen Glynn have lodged significant further information in respect of planning application P23/492. This information and planning ap-

plication may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the Planning Authority of Clare County Council, Planning Department, Áras Contae an Chláir, New Road, Ennis 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, no later than 2 weeks after the receipt of the newspaper notice and site notice by the planning authority.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL MAIN ST., LISCANNOR, CO. CLARE. V95 VPP9 Take notice that Tony and Deirdre Considine, T/A An Café Beag Teoranta intend to apply for planning permission to renovate, extend and reuse the stone outbuildings to the rear of the main building as a 2 bed roomed unit for short stay letting and to alter the front façade of the main building to create a new access corridor to the rear yard and proposed unit & all other associated site and ancillary works at the above address.

The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority, during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the authority on payment of the prescribed fee of €20.00, within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL CAHERKINALLIA, KILSHANNY, CO CLARE V95 C3V1 Take notice that Adrienne Doolan intends to apply for planning permission to retain the extension to the rear of the existing dwelling & all other associated site and ancillary works at the above address.

The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority, during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the authority on payment of the prescribed fee of €20.00, within the period of 5

weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL 14 HOLLAND COURT, LISCANNOR, CO CLARE V95YY73 Take notice that Emer O Connor and Graham Muphy intend to apply for planning permission to retain the extension to the rear of the existing dwelling & all other associated site and ancillary works at the above address.

The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority, during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the authority on payment of the prescribed fee of €20.00, within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL FINTRA MORE, MILTOWN MALBAY, CO CLARE V95Y313 Take notice that Noel Sexton intends to apply for planning permission to build a garage with home office area & all other associated site and ancillary works at the above address.

The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority, during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the authority on payment of the prescribed fee of €20.00, within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL CLONMONEY WEST, BUNRATTY, CO. CLARE V14 C856 We John & Carmel Fitzgerald intend to apply to the above-named Planning Authority for Retention Permission to retain existing single-story extension and wastewater treatment system. Planning permission is also being sought to demolish existing substandard conservatory, construct a single storey extension and a first-floor extension to include a balcony at Clonmoney West, Bunratty, Co. Clare V14 C856

The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the Planning Authority, Clare County Council Offices, New Road, Ennis Co. Clare 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.

The planning authority may grant permission subject to, or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL SITE NO. 14, SPANISH POINT, LEAGARD SOUTH, MILTOWN MALBAY, CO CLARE Planning permission is being sought by Finbar & Patricia O’Grady for the construction of a part single storey & part two storey dwelling house, wastewater treatment system, percolation area, detached garage, a new entrance to be shared with adjacent site and all ancillary site works at Site No. 14, Spanish Point, Leagard South, Miltown Malbay, Co Clare 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.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL MARINE PARADE, KILKEE, CO CLARE Take notice that Mark Tubridy of Tubridy Engineering Ltd, Cooraclare, Co Clare, intends to apply on behalf of Jim Marrinan to the Planning Authority for permission to extend, renovate and demolish part of existing structures including all ancillary works to include a proposed dwelling house and apartment at Marine Parade, Kilkee, Co Clare.

The planning authority 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 of €20 within the period of five (5) weeks, beginning on the date of receipt by the Planning Authority

Planning

35

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL BELLSFORT INN, NEWMARKET ON FERGUS, CO CLARE Take notice that Mark Tubridy of Tubridy Engineering Ltd, Cooraclare, Co Clare, intends to apply on behalf of David Fitzgerald to the Planning Authority for permission to construct a boundary wall at Bellsfort Inn, Newmarket on Fergus, Co Clare The planning authority 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 of €20 within the period of five (5) weeks, beginning on the date of receipt by the Planning Authority

36

Thursday, Feb 15, 2024 THE CLARE ECHO

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ANNIVERSARY

PRAYER THE MIRACLE PRAYER

Dear Heart of Jesus, In the past, I have asked for many favours.

This time, I ask you This special favour.

(Mention Favour) Take it dear Heart of Jesus, And place it within Your own broken heart Where your Father sees it, Then in His Merciful Eyes It will become your favour Not mine. Amen.

Say this prayer for 3 days.

Promise publication.

SHANNON Christy & deceased members of The Shannon and Hewitt Families (7th Anniversary) In Loving Memory of Christy, a dear husband, father, fatherin-law, grandfather, great grandfather, brother-in-law, uncle, friend and Scouter of 86 Hermitage Ennis, who died on the 21st February 2017.

Those we love don’t go away, they walk beside us every day, unseen, unheard, but always near, still so loved, so missed and so very dear.

Will those who think of him today, a little prayer to Jesus say.

Sadly missed by your loving family.

Anniversary Mass in the Cathederal on Saturday 17th of February at 6.30pm

NH

Classifieds

Recent Deaths Kenny, Jonathan Shannon Clare Liddane, Michael Bunratty Clare Liddane, Michael Shannon Clare Brassil(née Cleary), Anne (Nan) Ballynacally Clare COLLINS, Patrick (Paddy) Cratloe Clare Lyons (née Lillis), Bridie Kilbaha Clare Matuszak, Anna Lissycasey Clare Phylan, Joseph Clare Barry, Kevin Newmarket-on-Fergus Clare Crowe, Bridget Broadford Clare

brought to you by

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Thursday, Feb 15, 2024 THE CLARE ECHO

Puzzle

THIS WEEKS PUZZLES Feb 15

WORD SEARCH

SUDOKU

8/8/22, 10:47 AM

Beginning

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8/8/22, 10:48 AM

Preface

ANSWERS

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.

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Preamble

How to play

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

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teers author

The Clare Echo Crossword

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T O N G A R

W

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17

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L B O W S 13

23

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19

C O W S

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M A N M A D E

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T A R

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14

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E

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C O N Q U E R C

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15 11

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B E E

Daily Quick Crossword: 8 August 2022 ,8/8/2022 Michael Curl Creator Notes: A free daily online crossword that's not too difficult - just right for solving in your coffee break. http://bestforpuzzles.com

7

eers author

25

E

en shelves

23

S U P E R S

alk (7)

24

21

R

(4,3)

5)

22

20

25

tal (5)

19

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6)

16

S P Y

rmer (9)

15

CROSSWORD ANSWERS A

14

DOWN 1 Recital (anag) (7) 2 Tendon (5) 3 Fork-tailed bird (7) 4 Receive willingly (6) 5 North African capital (5) 6 Small garden bird (4,3) 7 Made a mistake (5) 13 Flattery, cajoling talk (7) 15 Farm vehicle (7) 16 Sideboard with open shelves (7) 17 Slumbering (6) 18 The Three Musketeers author (5) 19 Approaches (5) 21 Uncertainty (5)

24

13

ACROSS 1 Helper (9) 6 Busy insect (3) 8 Friendly Islands (5) 9 Vanquish (7) 10 Spring flower (7) 11 Replete (5) 12 Arm joints (6) 14 Declared (6) 18 Depicted (5) 20 Bind tight with clothes (7) 22 Synthetic (3-4) 23 Bundle of hay or straw (5) 24 Secret agent (3) 25 Very famous performer (9)

)

11

17 18

7

tal (5)

10

12

6

9

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traw (5)

5

6)

8

4

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3

(4,3)

2

alk (7)

1

1/1

en shelves

5)

Daily Quick Crossword: 8 August 2022 ,8/8/2022 Michael Curl Creator Notes: A free daily online crossword that's not too difficult - just right for solving in your coffee break. http://bestforpuzzles.com

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Feb 15, 2024

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Quiz

39

The Clare Echo Quiz CLARE GENERAL KNOWLEDGE is the island Inis Cealtra 1 What is the highest point in Clare? 6 Where located?

Mullaghmore Moylussa Slievecallan

Lough Derg Lough Gur

The Shannon Estuary

What Guinness World Record do 7 ing at Dromoland castle finished?

2 Clare men Kieran Ferns and Gordon O’Loughlin hold?

What year was the present build-

Ashley Quinn John Philip Holland

Harry Fitzgerald,

is unique about the history 4 What of Clare?

Clare hosts the oldest known evidence of human activity in Ireland, it was the first county with a court house, it has the most private beaches in the country

is the oldest known building 8 What in County Clare?

Ennis Friary McParland’s House

is a FALSE fact about the 9 Which Burren?

- Plants found in the Burren can also be found in The Artic and the Mediterranean - The Burren has Ireland’s most active stream caves or the Arctic Fox can be found in the Burren

10 What year was Clare removed 5 from the Presidency of Connacht by the British?

1600 1700

Around 1500

The Clare Abbey

1670 1844 1896

When was the lighthouse at Loop Head built?

SPOT THE DIFFERENCE Can you spot the 7 differences

l QUESTION 10: When was the Loop Head lighthouse built?

ANSWERS 6. Lough Derg 7. 1835 8.McParland’s House 9.The Arctic Fox can be found in the Burren 10.1670

Clare man developed the 3 What first submarine?

Mid-17th Century 1912 1835

1.Moylussa 2.Longest snooker marathon, singles 3.John Philips Holland 4.Clare hosts the oldest known evidence of human activity in Ireland 5.Around 1600

- Longest time spent under water without aid - quickest time to put up a pyramid of play cards - Longest snooker marathon(singles)

Last weeks answers . Hole in helmet missing . Logo on Cork jersey missing . Stripe on arm of Cork jersey missing . Sock different colour on Cork player

. Boot different colour on Clare player . Piece of grass missing near Cork boot . circle missing on middle of POD logo on back of Clare jersey

Pic left to right is: Martina Keane, Ambassador Dog Owner/Assessor with veteran ambassador dog Georgia Joan Gorman, Puppy Raiser (Dublin)/Assessor Sitting Tom Mernagh, Volunteer Clare Branch of Irish Guide Dogs Mary Kelly, Chair, Clare Branch of Irish Guide Dogs with newly qualified ambassador dog Marina Pictured at Shannon Town Centre, the Clare Branch of Irish Guide Dogs with ambassador dog Assessors, who put three dogs through the assessment test to become an ambassador dog for the Irish Guide Dogs. They all passed and will be a great asset to the fundraising for the Clare Branch