The Clare Echo 15/04/21

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‘TAKING THE MICK’ Clare TD hits out at illegal encampment PÁRAIC McMAHON

paraic@clareecho.ie

R

ESIDENTS of an illegal encampment in Sixmilebridge are “taking the mick”, a Clare TD has claimed.

Speaking at a meeting of the Clare Joint Policing Committee (JPC) this

Membership deals from around the county Pages 27-42

week, Deputy Cathal Crowe (FF) hit out at the actions of a Traveller family in Sixmilebridge that have had an illegal encampment in the car park of the railway station since January.

“It is imperative that Travellers have a right to housing they have, it is enshrined in law but people waiting 8-10 years for a house need to know you can’t just rock up and have an encampment and say house us or else,” Deputy Crowe stated.

Chief Superintendent Seán

Colleran informed the JPC that a summons has been issued regarding the Sixmilebridge encampment.

Cllr Alan O’Callaghan (FF) remarked at the meeting that the postman was seen delivering letters to the encampment.

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ENTERTAINMENT GREENER CLARE COLUMNISTS FINANCE FEATURE

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SOMETHING FISHY GOING ON

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by PÁRAIC McMAHON

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

NEWSDESK

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

SALES

Email: ger.naughton@clareecho.ie or niall@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

Vaccine centre to open soon

lDRAIN ART: Something fishy is happening in Ennis. A reader sent us in these

photos of the mysterious street art of sea creatures who arrived in recent days. A lovely addition to the town for visitors young and old

HE West County Hotel will open as a mass COVID-19 vaccination centre on April 26. There is a maximum booth capacity of 20 at The West County which is below the 30 at the Radisson Blu Hotel but above the 15 at The Abbey Court Hotel.

Located in Meelick, the Radisson will serve as the centre for the people of Limerick. It opened last month to vaccinate healthcare workers and acted as “an operational dry-run to ensure maximum efficiency of the facilities when opened to the public in the coming weeks,” Chief Clinical Director of UL Hospitals Group, Prof Brian Lenehan explained.

A collective total of 6,000 doses of vaccine per day will be administered by the three centres when they are up and running, Prof Lenehan stated.

Speaking at a HSE briefing with Clare County Council on Monday, he outlined their intention to vaccinate persons aged between 66 and 69 in a three week slot before opening for the next age group.

Lenehan confirmed they are planning to vaccinate their first Clare patients at the West County on Monday April 26th.

NEWS

THURSDAY, APR 15 2021

Ennis Businesses Working Together for a Bright Future The changes forced upon all of us by Covid-19, in our personal, work and business lives have been seismic. Hopefully, much of the hardship is in our rear-view mirror, we can look forward.

We expect a few bumps on the road over coming months, but armed with positivity, we have come together as a group to focus our efforts on a bright future for Ennis, the town we love.

It is easy to see problems, but much harder to find solutions, however solutions and positive thinking are at the heart of this group. Prior to lockdown, members of Promote Ennis raised funding and appointed Ennis-based Repucon Consulting, to create a Niche Destination Plan. When Covid came along the team at Repucon were asked to pivot the plan towards recovery, with input canvassed from a wide variety of Ennis-based businesses.

During the recent lockdown, this group has busied itself planning for the town’s post-Covid reopening. We have appointed a web design company to create an Ennis Portal to drive overnight visitor numbers, day visitors and shoppers, to provide an information resource for residents and to attract investors. In tandem with the launch of the new portal we will recruit a dedicated digital marketer to promote Ennis. And that’s just the start. Over the coming months we look forward to launching new initiatives and events and to sharing those details with you.

As businesses we know that to survive and thrive, we must embrace change and work collaboratively in the best interests of our town. We thank those businesses who have stepped on board to invest in the future of our town. We thank the administrative staff at Clare County Council and the elected members of Ennis Municipal District for their funding and support.

To our customers, we look forward to seeing you and serving you once more. Thank you for your support and continued loyalty, we really appreciate it. For our part we promise to continue to work hard to deliver excellent customer service, to keep you, our customers safe and to preserve the integrity of our beautiful town. We hope we can rely on you to be our ambassadors by championing Ennis locally and wherever you go in the world, and when posting on social media please use the hashtag: #EverybodyLovesEnnis Here’s to a bright future.

Ennis, a great place to visit, live and work.

To find out more about our plans or to join our team, email: everybodylovesennis@gmail.com

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THURSDAY, APR 15 2021

Shannon arrivals chaperoned to Dublin for hotel quarantine PÁRAIC MCMAHON

P

paraic@clareecho.ie

ASSENGERS landing at Shannon Airport are travelling to Dublin after arrival to complete mandatory hotel quarantine.

Defence Forces personnel meet individuals that arrive into Shannon Airport, Cork Airport and Cork Port on arrival and are then chaperoned by bus to their quarantine facilities in the capital, as first reported

by The Irish Examiner.

A spokesperson for the Department of Health told to The Clare Echo, “The vast majority of incoming passengers arrive through Dublin Airport, with a small number coming from Shannon, Cork and sea ports”.

Facilities in regional locations “have not been stepped-up for the purposes of mandatory hotel quarantine at this point,” the spokesperson outlined.

The nearest hotel to Shannon Airport, Park

Inn is located less than 700m away from the arrivals entrance however The Crowne Plaza (231km), The Holiday Inn Express (223km), Clontarf Castle Hotel (240km) and The Hard Rock Hotel (222km) are all being utilised instead. In comparison Treacys Oakwood Hotel and the Shannon Springs Hotel are located 4.7km and 5.3km from the Airport, respectively.

To support the mandatory hotel quarantine policy, the Irish Defence Forces have been designated as the State Liaison Official. “Upon arrival into Ireland, regardless of whether you arrive by sea or by air, after immigration and customs processing you will be met by members of the Defence Forces who will ensure you are safely and securely transported from your port of entry to the location in which you will complete your pre-booked mandatory hotel quarantine,” the Department spokesperson explained.

Clare TD, Michael McNamara (IND) has criticised the strategy surrounding mandatory hotel quarantine. “Mandatory quarantining is a flawed measure when we have an open, unchecked border with the UK,” he

told The Clare Echo.

“It is a half-baked exercise in optics when we are not rapid testing the majority of people arriving into this state whether by air, sea or over land.”

l TRAVEL: Hotel quarantine is now mandatory

Gardaí to take 'proactive approach' to deal with 'staycation surge’

by PÁRAIC McMAHON A "PROACTIVE approach" will be taken by Gardaí when it comes to dealing with a predicted 'staycation surge' in Co Clare this summer.

An inspector within the Clare Garda Division has been tasked with the overall planning of how

l STOP: Photo by John Mangan

On Tuesday evening, Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly (FF) confirmed the Department had paused bookings at mandatory quarantine hotels. He flagged that this was due to a problem with ‘walk-ins’.

An Garda Síochána will deal with a predicted influx in visitors to the county with a particular focus on key attractions.

Corofin representative, Cllr Joe Killeen (FF) commended the efforts of Gardaí during the lockdown particularly their "patience and perseverance" which he believed "engendered confidence in all of us as citizens".

Speaking at Monday's Clare Joint Policing Committee (JPC) meeting, Cllr Killeen queried what plans Gardaí had in place ahead of staycations in Clare this summer. He felt a "clampdown on wild camping" was required.

"We had operations in place for staycations, we will take a proactive approach for hotspots where incidents occurred last year," Chief Superintendent Seán Colleran replied. He outlined that traffic management would form a large part of their planning. Chief Supt Colleran praised the Clare public for their co-operation to date. Of the fixed penalty notices dished out for persons that breached COVID-19 restrictions, he commented "it is to everyone's credit that it wasn't higher".

Dooley used allowance to pay wife over €10k A CLARE Senator made use of a special allowance to pay his wife over €10,000, writes Páraic McMahon.

More than €674,000 was spent by Ministers, TDs and Senators through a special allowance that can be used for PR advice, consultancy and secretarial assistance.

Detail which came to light following a report

by The Irish Independent revealed that Senator Timmy Dooley (FF) was among a number of politicians that used the

allowance to hire family members.

Dooley’s wife Emer was paid €10,400 for work as a secretarial assistant under the allowance.

She has worked in his constituency office on the Mill Rd in Ennis since 2011 when he was a TD. Speaking to The Clare Echo, the Mountshannon native outlined that Emer worked in the office five days a week from 9:30am to 5pm.

“My wife works with me and there is nothing in that,” he said.

The allowance covered a six month period, he highlighted.

“When it is broken down over this time it isn’t even the minimum wage”.

Dooley added, “Emer has a degree in Economics and English, if she worked in any other sector, she would be paid much more for her work.

“From the perspective of people who have dealt with her, she has worked very hard to deliver a very good service”.

Missing Kilkee pole prompts discussion in Tenerife

by PÁRAIC McMAHON A WEST Clare councillor has revealed he received a phonecall from popular sunshine destination Tenerife over a missing pole in Kilkee.

At a recent meeting of the West Clare Municipal District, Cllr Gabriel Keating (FG) brought smiles to the faces of all present at the virtual sitting as he regaled them with details of a phonecall he had that morning.

"I got a phonecall from Tenerife this morning," he detailed. "There is a public pole missing in Victorian Court in Kilkee, they tell me two years ago the pole was moved across the road to light up the

bandstand, it is very dark and people are walking a lot at the moment". Keating appealed to the senior engineer to replace the pole.

Alan Kennelly senior executive engineer quipped in response, "I thought I had been promoted to being in charge of lights at Tenerife". He continued, "There is a footpath in front of some of the houses. There isn't money in our budget for erection of new public lights, anything we do is contingent on money being available". Kennelly said officials would revert back to the councillor if a place for Victorian Court was located.

Clare County Council took over the houses from Rural Resettlement Ireland.

THURSDAY, APR 15 2021

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'This is an opportunity to take back our lost generation' PÁRAIC MCMAHON

I

paraic@clareecho.ie

NFRASTRUCTURE for surrounding communities must come hand in hand with allocation of millions of euros for the development of Greenways in Co Clare, local councillors have said.

In order to entice professionals to liven up the county, a comprehensive housing build and adaptation policy for towns and villages in rural areas is required.

Such views were put forward by Cllr Joe Killeen (FF) at Monday's meeting of Clare County Council.

He called on the local authority to be ready for an increase in relocating urban dwellers.

Director of Service, Liam Conneally confirmed a Housing Need Demand Assessment and a Housing Strategy will be developed as part of the draft County Development Plan.

"The Planning Department is

committed to including objectives in the emerging Plan that will support the Government's town centre first policy, its remote working policy and the development of our towns and villages including the reuse of derelict and vacant sites".

Cllr Killeen believed a "willingness to go out and attract professionals to Clare to liven up rural Clare" must be visible.

Infrastructure, co-ordinated bus timetables, streetscapes, readily available housing, strong sporting facilities and well equipped

schools are needed to make rural Clare more attractive.

"We need to roll out the céad míle fáilte for people to want to come to Clare, it is an opportunity to take back our lost generation," the Corofin representative added as he stressed the need to make the Wild Atlantic Way "a place to live in and not just drive through".

Positive discrimination for the sustainability of living in rural Clare is badly needed, Cllr Joe Garrihy (FG) maintained.

"Politicians must have the will

lINFRASTRUCTURE: O'Callaghan's Mills Photo by John Mangan

to change the mindset of bureaucratic mandarins," Cllr Clare Colleran Molloy (FF) stated as she acknowledged the desire for young people to have a lifestyle and earn a respectable living, "it is important that our county at large is strong for the centre to be strong".

Scepticism of development plans was voiced by Cllr Tony O'Brien (FF), "the powers that be in Executives and Deparment Officials will say it is your plan only when they tell you what can and can't go into it".

Rural communities are dying, the Killaloe native warned.

He said areas were herded into 'corridors' but left behind by bodies like Irish Water and eir failing to buy into the plans by "Department diktats".

"The great authorities will throw you down millions for greenways and tell you to cycle and look at the birds and bushes but they won't give you the infrastructure, we're being sold a pig in a pup.

"Sometimes the evidence is there to say there is no population and

the fact is there is no population because there was no investment for donkey years," Cllr Cillian Murphy (FF) lamented.

Cllr Gerry Flynn (IND) felt it was difficult to be innovative "at a time when the Government couldn't give a hoot about West Clare, there is no way people would even consider coming to live here without decent infrastructure here".

Rebalancing infrastructure through the rural development strategy equated as "a David and Goliath" battle, Chief Executive Pat Dowling acknowledged.

"I've never been subservient to plans, they are there as our tools, the day it dictates to us as a plan is a bad day. Plans have to be seen to be showing incremental improvements for rural Clare".

People follow jobs, Director Conneally told the meeting, "we're in the job creation business with other agencies.

"We are constantly working in that space to make sure jobs are created in Clare. It means people will come and live in the county".

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THURSDAY, APR 15 2021

Traveller family are 'taking the mick' - Crowe

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by PÁRAIC McMAHON

CLARE TD has said residents of an illegal encampment in Sixmilebridge are "taking the mick".

For just under three months, an illegal encampment has been based at the car park of the railway station in Sixmilebridge having previously been on the grounds of St Senan's RFC in Shannon for a brief period.

Clare TD, Cathal Crowe (FF) criticised the length of time the encampment has been left in Sixmilebridge for. "I think the family of Travellers that have set up an encampment are taking the mick at this stage," he stated. Deputy Crowe claimed that the persons travelled "when no one else was allowed to" and that the excuse of international travel has been used in their response for not vacating their current spot.

Deputy Crowe said he was in "regular contact" with Gardaí on the matter and described it as a "very frustrating" situation. "It is imperative that Travellers have a right to housing they have, it is enshrined in law but people waiting 8-10 years for a house need to know you can't just rock up and have an encampment and say house us or else," he added.

He urged An Garda Síochána and Clare County Council to involve the Courts system if offers of accommodation had not been accepted. "It needs to be proven that the housing system is fair and you don't move up the list by rocking up to Sixmilebridge and having an encampment".

Cllr PJ Ryan (IND) who first raised the matter at Monday's Clare JPC meeting bemoaned the fact that the encampment has been left in Sixmilebridge "for a considerable amount of time" leading to criticism from his constituents. "I know they've said they will not leave unless they get accommodation, my contacts in Clare County Council say they have been offered emergency accommodation". He added, "People have said if they park in a double yellow line car would be towed but are wondering why these people have been left stay for so long.

Chief Superintendent, Seán Colleran confirmed that a summons had been issued in relation to the encampment. "We certainly have increased our checkpoints around the area for anyone who may be drawn to the location, we have engaged with Iarnród Éireann, our hands are tied as to what we can do".

Increased visibility and checkpoints were recommended by Joe Carey TD (FG). "People are very concerned," he detailed. "I know An Garda Síochána will play a role in trying to rectify the situation".

A "proactive approach" will continue, Chief Supt Colleran informed the meeting. "Anywhere that attracts people that might or otherwise not be there we will up our patrolling," he concluded.

CLARIFICATION

Last week The Clare Echo published an article on page 5 in relation to ‘criminality’ in Newmarket on Fergus. We are happy to clarify that there is no link between the Gleann Cora Estate and criminality specified in the article. The Clare Echo apologises for any confusion caused and any mention of Gleann Cora and Co-operative Housing Ireland (CHI).

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THURSDAY, APR 15 2021

Moneypoint could become leader in offshore energy PÁRAIC MCMAHON

E

paraic@clareecho.ie

XISTING Moneypoint workers will be prioritised when new jobs come on stream as part of ESB’s ambitious Green Atlantic plans which have the ability to lead to “huge knock-on effects” for West Clare and the wider region.

Construction of the first offshore wind farm on The Atlantic Ocean is set to heighten The Shannon Estuary’s standing when it comes to renewable energy. Eighty-four per cent of homes in the country will be powered from Moneypoint when the windfarm is operational. 2028 has been set as the target for this.

Plans also include an investment in a green hydrogen production, storage and generation facility at Moneypoint towards the end of the decade. Moneypoint’s existing plant will continue to operate until 2025.

Next month, ESB will break ground on a new €50m Sustainable System Support facility, this Synchronous Compensator will be the largest of its kind in the world. The com-

pensator will be carbon free and 130 tonnes which will facilitate renewable energy being put onto the national grid without burning fossil fuels.

As first reported by The Clare Echo, there will be 600 jobs involved in construction of the new facilities. It is expected that the existing workforce of over 100 at Moneypoint will increase following the multi-billion euro investment, the amount will depend on the quantity of developers that avail of West Clare to build windfarms. Alternative methods to carry out community engagement are being analysed by ESB. Moneypoint plant manager, Sean Hegarty (inset) believed the uniqueness of the development would increase the amount of developers using Moneypoint to build windfarms.

“Countries don’t build a multiplicity of these types of infrastructure, they are expensive to set up and they need certain facilities such as the deep water jetty and the large acreage on the shore-front, it is unlikely Ireland will build a large number of these so I expect we will have devel-

opers who will be interested in using the site”.

Speaking to The Clare Echo, Sean confirmed that existing employees will be viewed first when it comes to the new posts.

“We will look internally for who we have in Moneypoint and what retraining opportunities there are for people, there is a great opportunity for internal staff who are still with us at the point that this becomes realised”.

Coal burning will continue at Moneypoint until 2025, arguments to have the power plant as a back-up facility until 2028 are expected. After this, the plant and chimneys will be demolished with the hydrogen storage facility to be built subsequently.

Living in Clare since 1999, Sean felt Moneypoint could become the Irish equivalent to what Aberdeen was in Scotland as a result of North Sea Oil and Gas. “Moneypoint

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lINVESTMENT: Existing

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has the opportunity to be the anchor for this new industry in Ireland”. He added, “There is an enormous resource there, it will happen on our doorstep, the boost for Clare between all the supply chain jobs and the potential for education, it has to be massive”.

Attributes of having the deepest port in Europe outside of Rotterdam strengthen this potential, the Fermanagh native felt.

“Having a windfarm of that scale which can power 80 percent of homes in the country, if nothing else that is a huge amount of energy coming from one location and presents huge opportunities. That is huge alone but it can be bigger if others choose to use the location. On its own it is a multi-billion investment”.

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THURSDAY, APR 15 2021

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THURSDAY, APR 15 2021

Emergency accommodation causing continuing concern PÁRAIC MCMAHON

S

paraic@clareecho.ie

UITABLE sites for emergency accommodation must be used as elected representatives have voiced their worry at the system of housing persons at both Ashford Court and Westbrook House.

Rooms at Ashford Court Hotel have been purchased by Clare County Council to accommodate persons in need of emergency accommodation. Westbrook House continues to also be used for emergency accommodation.

Acting senior executive planner with Clare County Council, Gareth Ruane outlined that the agreement for Ashford Court is a commercial transaction and thus "is not considered a change of use in planning terms". Further advice in relation to An Bord Pleanála stating Westbrook was not exempt from development is to be received.

An update had been sought by Cllr Johnny Flynn (FG) on the status of both Ashford Court and Westbrook at the April meeting of the Ennis Municipal District. He voiced their commitment to provide social housing and accommodate people in need but admitted, "I have a difficulty with housing people who need a different type of care and attention than is provided in B&Bs".

Homeowners on the Gort Rd have been impacted by residents of Westbrook of which there are 14 adults housed, Cllr Flynn stated. "A lot of these people have very serious needs, it is not the right location for wraparound support, we have two very successful premises in Laurel Lodge and Cusack Lodge which have planning permission".

In late 2020, the Winter Initiative Project was introduced to add extra

l WORRY: Westbrook House Photo by Gary Collins

supports to facilitate and accommodate rough sleepers. This has resulted in an increase in Council rooms at Ashford.

"Toxic masculinity" has been evident, Cllr Flynn believed of the behaviour shown to nearby residents and staff. He questioned how up to 90 people in Ennis were "suddenly" homeless.

He questioned what made the county town "such an attraction for this large number of people" and warned that it was becoming a magnet for anti-social behaviour.

He called for a Ennis Joint Policing Committee to be established to help stamp out the problems which are "affecting the freedom of women and children to walk down the streets of Ennis".

A focus on Ennis is lacking on the Clare JPC, Cllr Clare Colleran Molloy (FF) maintained. She felt the persons housed by the Council in both locations had "special needs" that were not being catered for. Violent scenes in the town were called "embarrassing" by the Quin native.

The Council approach to tackling

the matter was "inadequate" leading to the matter "rolling onto the streets," she said. "As elected people we owe it to our constituents and people of Clare to address this as a matter of urgency".

Better management of homeless services is required from the local authority, Cllr Mark Nestor (FF) said. "Nobody here is against providing services for people who find themselves in a homeless situation".

Chosen locations "are not fair to the people of Considine’s Terrace, Hermitage and the Gort Rd," Cllr Pat Daly (FF) commented. He claimed anti-social behaviour and drug dealing was ongoing. Issues in Ennis were regularly addressed by the Clare JPC, he detailed.

Life "hasn't been easy" for the individuals in emergency accommodation, Cllr Ann Norton (IND) noted. Better communication is required between the Council and elected representatives, she insisted. Remnants of discarded illegal substances have been seen, Cllr Paul Murphy (FF) stated, "it isn't hearsay it is matter of fact".

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NEWS 11

THURSDAY, APR 15 2021

LCFE - The smart choice

A

re you unsure about what educational choices to make over the next few months? Limerick College of Further Education (LCFE) is here to help.

LCFE’s one-year and two-year QQI Level 5, Level 6 and Pre-Apprenticeship courses enables learners to gain a qualification which opens up new and exciting opportunities in various industries along with many progression routes to higher education. LCFE is rapidly becoming the first choice option for learners.

Enrolling on a course at LCFE offers learners the time to make the right future choice.

During Leaving Certificate year, it can be difficult to know what course to pursue at third level along with the pressure of studying. Why not take the time after Leaving Cert this year to optimise your career potential and take up a Post Leaving Certificate (PLC) Course or Pre-Apprenticeship course? LCFE offers a unique teaching and learning approach with more focus on assignments, projects and active learning, gaining invaluable skills for the rapidly changing world of work and society and/or higher education.

“Many of our past learners have come back to us saying a PLC course was one of the smartest educational decisions they made”, says Principal of LCFE, Pat Maunsell.

“Sometimes, a learner will change direction completely after their PLC course and choose to go on a new career path - a sign of a successful PLC year! The PLC route can open many new doors through the CAO to University and Institutes of Technology courses that may not have been an option at Leaving Certificate stage”.

Parents and learners avoid the costly mistake of choosing the wrong higher education course, which could run into thousands of euros.

Studying in LCFE will enable you to gain skills and, most importantly, work experience in your area of interest and help you make the right future choice. Completing a course at LCFE will expand your options, whether that is going into employment, taking on an apprenticeship or choosing a third-level course and a career you now know for sure you want to pursue.

Among the wide diversity of course options at LCFE, there are also on offer pre-apprenticeship courses in Accounting, Construction, Hairdressing and Culinary Skills. These courses have a higher element of work experience and are geared towards progressing to an apprenticeship with an employer after one year at LCFE. The College also offers the Accounting Technician Apprenticeship course and will also be starting an Apprenticeship in Hairdressing in the next academic year.

Limerick College of Further Education (LCFE) is located in the heart of Limerick with an outreach centre in Cappamore.

It is part of the wider further education and training provision of the Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board. It welcomes applications from Leaving Certificate, Leaving Certificate Applied, Mature Learners and any learner who is willing to study and learn new skills. We have over 70 courses in a wide variety of areas to choose from.

LCFE is holding a Virtual Information Morning on Tuesday, April 20th from 11.00 am to 12.30 pm. Join LCFE staff and find out what LCFE can offer you. To secure a place on a course with LCFE visit www.lcfe.ie and apply online. We will be processing applications and offering places in May. Leaving the last word to the Principal: “LCFE have suc-

cessfully navigated COVID-19 this year with most of our learners staying on board with us. We have strictly adhered to the government guidelines by providing online learning with a small cohort of learners engaging with onsite activity.

“We do not know for sure, at this stage, what the picture will be for the next academic year. It is likely to be a blended approach with a combination of online and onsite delivery.

One thing we are sure of, LCFE staff, along with the supporting staff of the FET Division of the LCETB will be prepared and well-resourced to offer a high quality education and training experience to our learners. Our job is to lead and to serve. This is what we are good at! We look forward to welcoming you as part of the LCFE learning community starting this September 2021”.

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20th april 2021 11am-12pm Want to upskill, retrain, or try out an area of study? See lcfe.ie for a huge range of opportunities.

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lEDUCATION: “Many of our past learners have come back to us saying a PLC course was one of the smartest educational decisions they made”, says Principal of LCFE, Pat Maunsell.

12

THURSDAY, APR 15 2021

in association with

Ennis charity shop being used as ‘dumping ground’ CIAN O’BROIN

R

cianobroin@clareecho.ie

ECURRING incidents of illegal dumping outside an Ennis based charity shop have been reported to the authorities.

St. Vincent de Paul (SVP) Ennis Shop Manager James Dineen has described the incident as “nothing but fly-tipping”, noting that 10 separate incidents have been recorded in the past few months.

Broken items such as hoovers, buggies, clothing and unwanted sofas are being left out in the rain after hours, despite the presence of a large sign outside of the Parnell Street store warning against doing so, he informed.

“Unfortunately, these people threw things up against our wall late at night.

It was fly tipping. Some people are of the mindset that we will deal with it, but it is

costing us money.”

Mr. Dineen noted that “familiar faces” and CCTV footage identifying a license

plate has been reported to the Gardaí.

All charity shops in Ennis are falling foul of similar incidents, he added. He noted that many of the smaller shops can’t afford to dispose of goods left out in the rain.

Mr. Dineen acknowledged that SVP enjoy a fantastic relationship with the people of Clare, gathering 120 tonnes worth of donations per year. Since 2017, SVP have increased their skips from one per year to six due to the volume of donations.

“The underlying message here, is not to use charity shops as dumping grounds. Along with the aesthetics, this fly-tipping exposes our staff to unnecessary risks in these times. This takes away funds that would otherwise be used for good causes. If anyone is unsure, simply ring up to see if we can cater for your unwanted items. Let’s use charities for what they are meant for,” he concluded. l (left) A bag left outside the SVP shop

Mayor leads call to celebrate ‘Clare Covid Heroes’ A NEW initiative from the Office of the Cathaoirleach in Clare County Council will celebrate good deeds done by people around County Clare during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Cathaoirleach Cllr Mary Howard, is inviting people in Clare to nominate fellow citizens for recognition as ‘Clare Covid Heroes’ for the help and support they have provided to others during Covid-19.

Cllr Howard said: “This initiative is about celebrating the ‘everyday heroes’ all around us who have been quietly helping and supporting others during the past year under the various levels of Covid-19 re-

strictions.”

Nominations for all good deeds provided in a non-professional capacity are welcome under this initiative.

Clare Covid Heroes will receive a special certificate of commendation from the Cathaoirleach.

Nominations of 150 words or less may be made by post to ‘Clare Covid Heroes’, Office of the Cathaoirleach, Clare County Council, New Road, Ennis, Co. Clare, or by email to cathaoirleach@clarecoco.ie.

For further information visit: https://www. clarecoco.ie/services/ community/competitions/clare-covid-heroes/default.html

‘The backbone of Ennis’ Brass Band to be honoured

by PÁRAIC Mc MAHON

FORMAL recognition of the service given by Ennis Brass Band to the county will be acknowledged at a future ceremony.

This year, Ennis Brass Band celebrated their 50th anniversary but on account of the pandemic they have been unable to mark the occasion. In a statement to The Clare Echo last month, the band issued their thanks to the people of the county for their support.

The Brass Band will be acknowledged for their service between now and the end of the current Council term in 2024.

Cllr Ann Norton (IND) tabled a request at the April meeting of the Ennis Municipal District for the band to be honoured for their “work and dedication” to the county. She praised the individuals involved for the “joy they have given to the people of Ennis, the people of our county and further afield”.

She reflected, “When you look back over the years over the different people involved within the Ennis Brass Band for such a long period of time and you recognise there is quite a lot of family members who have

l Ennis Brass Band

grown up and continued to stay within the Brass Band that their families have joined, it is a generational thing which is fantastic.

Unfortunately some members of the Brass Band have passed away, some of them quite young. They really are the backbone of Ennis and our county, no matter what the event is the Brass Band are always in attendance”.

An event such as a Mayoral reception should be held when restrictions allow, the Barefield representative believed. “It might be next year but I don’t want COVID to take away from the ability and chance to pay tribute to the people involved”.

Mayor of Ennis, Cllr Paul Murphy (FG) seconded the proposal. “What the Brass Band have done for the town and wider area over 50 years has been exemplary. It should be acknowledged when the time is right”.

Ennis Brass Band were hailed as “a massive asset to our town and community. They have a great sense of community,” Cllr Mary Howard (FG) noted. She commended the volunteers for their input to Christmas concerts, St Patrick’s Day parades and events at the War Memorial. “They are an intricate part of Ennis and a part of Ennis we are very proud of. They have been very successful in comps all over Ireland. It is important that we acknowledge and appreciate everything they do for our community”. She suggested that a letter from the MD be sent in the interval.

“As an Ennis man, I’m very proud of the Brass Band,” Cllr Pat Daly (FF) outlined. He lauded their “outstanding” contribution and singled out the McAllister family for their efforts with the band. Spirits of the town have been raised on countless occasions by the Brass Band, Cllr Johnny Flynn (FG) felt which demonstrated the importance of music.

NEWS 13

THURSDAY, APR 15 2021

New Shannon Town Utd clubhouse will become facility for entire community PÁRAIC MCMAHON

A

paraic@clareecho.ie

SHANNON soccer club are confident the development of a new clubhouse will see it give back to the community including the potential to house mental health services.

When given the green light to do so, work will resume on the completion of a clubhouse for Shannon Town Utd in what will be the first time the club will boast such a facility in their 52 year history.

Chairman of Shannon Town Utd, Ger Kelly commended the committee involved for getting the clubhouse to the current stage

and singled out the trio of Louise McNamara, Caroline O’Brien and Conor Twomey for their “trojan work” for what he said will become “a community facility”.

Groups such as Shannon Men’s Shed are among those identified by the club committee that may avail of the facility. The club is partnering with Jigsaw for a fundraiser this summer, the possibility of the youth mental health charity using the facility is something officers of the club are keen to see come to fruition.

This, as secretary Caroline O’Brien highlighted, connects to the fact that 95 per cent of their membership is in the underage ranks. “We’re really excited to work alongside Jigsaw, they support young people from the ages of 1225,” she noted.

Vice Treasurer, Louise McNamara explained, “They don’t

lNEW DIGS: Louise McNamara, Ger Kelly and Caroline O’Brien outside the new clubhouse Photo by Joe Buckley

Town Park to become ‘focal point’ of Shannon Masterplan

by PÁRAIC McMAHON

SHANNON Town Park is intended to be placed as a “focal point” for the area.

Originally due to be completed in October of last year, preparatory work of the Shannon Town Masterplan continues. Efforts had been delayed in 2020 as a result of COVID-19.

Funding of €100,000 was allocated for the plan in December 2018 instead of an application to try construct The Venue, a planned community, civic, cultural and interpretative centre for Shannon. Instead, category B funding was awarded.

Speaking at a recent meeting of the Shannon Municipal District, senior executive officer Jason Murphy outlined that the plan was still in draft format.

have services based in Clare and we felt with Shannon having such

He revealed it is intended to apply for a Green Flag award for Shannon with the Town Park placed as both the “centre point and focal point” of this. Securing a Green award from An Taisce would be a big boost, he felt.

Director of Service with Clare County Council, Liam Conneally assured elected representatives that work on the plan was trying to be delivered “as quickly as possible”. He outlined that the new owner of Shannon Town Centre formerly known as SkyCourt Shopping Centre has been spoken to regarding “the possible activation of projects”. Dialogue with Shannon Chamber in relation to key aspects of the plan has taken place.

Reflecting on the manner in which Shannon was developed in the past, Cllr Gerry Flynn (IND) felt both Clare County Council and Shannon Development concentrated more so on the private sector to develop Shannon.

He admitted he was “annoyed” to hear engagement with Shannon Chamber and the Town Centre owners was preferred over elected representatives. Flynn said the approach followed to build out the town centre “stymied the overall development of Shannon Town. Please don’t repeat the process”.

An “inclusive planning process” continues to be followed, Conneally responded.

“The first draft will come before elected members before it goes anywhere, that is really important”. lAMENITY: Shannon Town Park

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a young population, people don’t know where to go for help”.

Collaborating with Jigsaw is a natural fit for the club, Caroline felt.

“We’re so excited to have such a strong role in the community by inviting the likes of Jigsaw to help us along especially with the youth mental health side, it fits so well with our club and what we’re trying to do”.

By building the clubhouse, Louise believed it would create “a sense of community” in the town and place Shannon Town Utd as “the backbone”. She said, “We are determined as a committee to make sure this is a community hub, we are a community based grassroots club. When you look back through the archives and look at the history of Shannon Town Utd, it is a community”.

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14 Arts & Entertainment

THURSDAY, APR 15 2021

Eco-builder Harrison takes construction talent to small screen with ‘Build Your Own’ TADHG HOLLAND

W

news@clareecho.ie

EST Clare eco-builder Harrison Gardiner is taking his talent for construction to the small screen with his new series ‘Build Your Own’ which will air on RTÉ ONE next year.

‘Build Your Own’ will focus on Harrison as he mentors families through the process of either building or renovating their own home with a particular focus on keeping costs low.

“I’m going to be mentoring them through their own self build projects, helping out with understanding how to use tools, how the whole procedure works, which parts they need to get professionals in to help

them do and which parts they’re going to handle themselves,” said Harrison.

“The Idea behind it is probably like 80 to 90 per cent of construction projects are really simple repetitive tasks like insulating the house or wrapping it in membrane, things that you can learn very easily and so with a little bit of training in each of these areas these owner builders should be able to save themselves quite a lot of money.”

Harrison is originally from Australia and spent years doing construction work with NGOs working in Kenya and India. However eventually he grew of tired of conventional construction processes and set out travelling with intention of learning as many alternative building techniques as he could.

“I went back to India learning how to build with mud and a lot of recycled materials with groups out

there in the desert and then I went to North America and learnt how to build with natural materials, with cob and straw bails and different timber framing methods there and then down to South America and again doing more natural building methods down there until I met Earthship Biotecture.”

Earthship Biotecture is an organisation which specialises in building with recycled waste, Harrison became their international foreman for eight years travelling all over the globe from Malawi to Japan and from Canada to Indonesia. Between two jobs he had a break and decided to visit Ireland.

That visit turned into a six month stay.

“I just met a lot of really great people and I found I just kept wanting to come back here so I kept going away on the jobs that I was on and then I’d come back and

RTÉ viewers embrace feast of North Clare with two shows

lSTUNNING: The Burren

RTÉ viewers were treated to a feast of Co Clare on Sunday night, writes Páraic McMahon.

Heart of Stone, the visually stunning two part series began on Sunday evening while the season one finale of the noir thriller, Smother also kept viewers engrossed.

Lahinch based film-maker Katrina Costelloe is the

director of Heart of Stone, she has been working in The Burren for over 13 years. "It is not a landscape that gives up her secrets easily, but in every fold of rock and around every corner there is always a new surprise," she remarked.

Narrated by Brendan Gleeson, the piece takes audiences on a journey

through the ages, tracing the genetic story of the Irish people. It tells the story of the Irish hunter-gatherers and reveals what became of them. It asks if prehistoric farmers irreversibly altered this landscape and if modern Irish society is descended from those who first lived here over 10,000 years ago.

After six weeks of waiting, viewers of Smother discovered who was responsible for the murder of Denis Aherne. Filming of a second series commenced earlier this month.

Cathaoirleach of the West Clare Municipal District Cllr Joe Garrihy (FG) described the shows as "a wonderful advertisement" for the county.

after two years I came out to Clare.”

Harrison now lives between Ennistymon and Inagh with his child and fiancé and hopes to soon get Irish citizenship. He also runs a building school where he teaches people “the fundamentals of structure.”

“I think the most unsustainable thing about buildings is the cost. I think building buildings that take our entire lifetimes to pay off doesn’t make any sense,” he said.

The series is searching for more people to take part. If you’d be interested in participating in the show you can email buildyourown@motive.ie.

lDIY: Harrison Gardiner

glór announce 2021 programme GLÓR has announced its public facing and artist development programme for 2021 with the support of Clare County Council and The Arts Council.

“Whilst it is still very uncertain when glór can re-open its doors to host live performance, glór has continued with its objective to support local artists and to engage Clare communities and the public at large,” said a spokeperson.

The venue is planning three new commissioned premieres by the end of this year including a solo performance by iconic storyteller Niall de Búrca called The Wild Atlantic Tales. Ennis-based flautist and singer Nuala Kennedy is creating a new musical performance inspired by our shorelines for a new quartet. Singer Ceara Conway has been commissioned by glór to create a new feature length performance inspired by the theme of laments called CAOIN. glór is collaborating with Clare Arts Office on a unique storytelling project curated by Ennistymon based artist John Lillis called Dial a Seanachaí. Dial a Seanachaí will be launched in autumn as an audio experience accessible via phone. glór’s Artists Mentoring Scheme is currently supporting 10 local artists working in both visual and performance arts to under-

take mentoring with another artist of their choice. Another round of this initiative will take place later this spring with the support of its funders and Creative Ireland.

In addition, glór has instigated two online forums for artists to help connect the local artistic community at this isolating time: Creative Circles is facilitated by Jack Talty, Jacinta Sheerin and Rachel Macmanus. glór gallery will re-open in 2021 with an exciting and diverse line up in its visual arts programme, curated by Curator in Residence Moran-Been-noon, including three planned in-person exhibitions entitled Sinterella, Eggs & Butter, and the postponed Lighting Bolts of Ordinary Things by Clare artists Will O’Kane and Kaye Maahs, as well as a digital group exhibition. glór is also exploring ways to present arts experiences at a distance off-line, with a unique audio experience by artists Shanna May Breen and Luke Casserly called 1000 Miniature Meadows, taking place from April 23rd, The venue has continued to work with partners to develop a host of ways to engage with the arts and the coming months feature a range of online events.

For further information on all events and artists’ initiatives please see www.glor.ie

FEATURES 15

THURSDAY, APR 15 2021

GREEN CLARE

Leading the way in nano tech

PÁRAIC MCMAHON

A

paraic@clareecho.ie

MOUNTSHANNON scientist is leading a cutting-edge project in Wales which changes waste plastics into highly valuable compounds for energy indus-

tries.

Late last year, a £270,000 grant from the Welsh Government’s Circular Economy Fund was announced for a plastics upscaling project which is anticipated to create highly-skilled jobs in Wales.

The project is led by Dr Alvin Orbaek White who was born in Denmark but spent his early and teenage years in Mountshannon where he attended Waldorf Steiner School in Raheen and Scariff Community College. A love of Star Trek helped foster his love of science.

He is leading the research group at the Energy Safety Research Institute in Swansea University who are extracting carbon atoms found in waste plastics and turning them into a nanotube format that can be used for the transmission of electricity. They are producing plastic electric cables without the copper wire inside them, which can be used in residential and industrial construction.

He has researched nanotubes for the past 15 years.

Alvin’s first scientific publication elaborated on the conversion of black plastic material in a local supermarket, that being Sainsbury’s in Swansea rather than Rodgers’ Centra in Scariff or Niland’s in Tuamgraney.

After graduating with a physics degree from NUIG “the Celtic Tiger wasn’t roaring as much” and so Alvin began working in accounting for Deloitte in Barcelona for two and a half years. From there, he moved to a PhD programme on Aerospace Science where he first learned about canon nanotubes.

As he was about to commence a course at the International Space University’s campus in Strasbourg, Alvin received a phonecall about the FÁS Science Challenge with the potential to do a project on growing carbon nanotubes at Rice University, a problem he encountered at the beginning of his PhD. Landing at the esteemed Rice University in Texas presented the chance to get what a mentor told Alvin was “a real education in technology and nanoengineering”. He reflected, “When I went over there, I was awe struck. In the school where I was in Spain, you had one device the atomic force microscope, you almost had to give blood to get access to it and then you go over to Rice University and they had two of them available 24 hours a day seven days a week with a specialist on call anytime you had a problem to fix it. I was like a kid in a candystore, I was on the device all the time”.

An interest in global energy sustainability was piqued when completing a PhD at Rice as he learned from Nobel Prize winner, Richard Smalley. “When he had a lot of people in the room he would ask them what are the top five things that need to be solved in the world, invariably energy would be somewhere in the top five or ten, he put energy at the top of the list, in order to solve everything else you needed energy. If you want to solve climate problems, if you need clean water, medicine or communications, you need energy to do them all. All it takes is a blackout in a town to realise how much you need energy, it is in different forms of energy not just electricity, his idea was that we didn’t need to use copper, we could use this carbon form to conduct electricity over great distances, there is a promise and potential for it because it is structured in a very specific way, the structure of it in a random way is still good enough to conduct electricity”.

Two years ago, Alvin founded TrimTabs, a company that will produce long range electricity transmission materials from waste plastics. The inspiration for the name is traced back to the second World War and how small devices can make a massive impact. “They were making very big ships and it was becoming evident that the ships were getting so large that the rudders at the back weren’t strong enough and it was very difficult to move the rudders because the ships were so big, the pressure on either side of the rudder was stopping it from being able to move, you get a big ship and you can’t move it. But

if you put a small little flap called a TrimTab on the rudder, first you move the small little flap and when that moves the pressure difference, it is a tiny pressure difference but it is enough that assists the rest of the rudder to move”.

With his company, Alvin wants to see plastics turned “into something more valuable”. He explained, “The biggest change I would like to see is that everyone recognising that these waste things could be a resource, that would be a great change. If you look at your bin now, that could be another carbon containing compound that you already use, that would be a big change. Another change would be that you look at your plastic and go there is €1000 I’m throwing in the bin, I better make sure it goes in the right place and isn’t just poking around in our fields or our rivers. Nanotechnology has an interesting allure, there is something special that happens on a small scale, people get curious about it.

“It is very valuable in terms of money, one slide I show says plastic rubbish on the market fluctuates in price, it is roughly £50 per tonne is how much plastic rubbish would be bought for, carbon nano-tubes sell for £10 a gram, if you take something that costs £50 a tonne and turn it into something that costs £10 a gram you’re increasing your profit 5000 times, it is a massive increase of potential profit, it brings other people into the room and they start thinking about the global perspective. The big change it could make is bit by bit, you could be reusing plastic to make materials to make nano-tubes or other similar materials,” the Swansea University lecturer told The Clare Echo.

Opportunities for the public to benefit financially from plastic rubbish is outlined by Alvin but his company could wager a “pretty good” return if it proves to be a success. lCUTTING EDGE: (below left) Dr Alvin Orbaek

BYE-LAWS ENSURING A CONSISTENT APPROACH TO MANAGING WASTE ACROSS IRELAND ARE IN PLACE In order to comply with these Bye-Laws: • You need to demonstrate that you are disposing of your waste in a responsible and legal manner; • You must segregate your waste correctly.

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16 COLUMNIST

THURSDAY, APR 15 2021

SUMMERY FRENCH FRUIT PAVLOVA Kearney Cooks

T

HE summer is almost upon us, and with that may come the easing of lockdown restrictions.

That means a couple of things for my family; barbeques a plenty and big communal dinners. Now I hate arriving empty handed, so I usually bring an auld dessert with me (and a haggard load of booze).

One of my favourite summer desserts to do is a Fresh fruit pavlova. It’s a very simple dessert that is great for sharing. Just lob it into the middle of the table and let everyone dive into it.

Fantastic with summer fruits, cream and dusted with a light smattering of icing sugar, it looks great as a centrepiece and tastes even better.

YOU WILL NEED: • 210g caster sugar • Half a teaspoon of cream of tartare (you can substitute for a tablespoon of lemon juice if you want) • One teaspoon of corn flour • Four egg whites

Step 1 Fire all your dry ingredients into your mixing bowl and start mixing very slowly. Start adding in your egg whites slowly as you gradually ramp up the speed. By the time all your egg whites are in, your mixer should be at full whack. Now mix the hell out of it for eight to ten minutes, until it’s as stiff as a starched collar.

Step 2 Spoon your mix out onto a baking tray that’s lined with greaseproof paper, roughly forming a circle. Smooth it out slightly, leaving the centre of the circle a little concave.

Step 3 Fire that bad boy into an oven thats preheated to 120 degrees Celsius.

Leave it in there for 70 minutes, then turn the oven off and allow it to go

cold in the oven.

Step 4 Take it out and when your ready to use it, top with whipped cream and berries.

Your pavlova should be crispy on the outside and and almost marshmallow texture on the inside. Don’t worry if it cracks, this can happen and cream is great to cover such things up.

Keep an eye out for the video that goes with this column and will be on The Clare Echo social media channels next week. As usual if you have any questions about this recipe or any others please feel free to message me on Instagram, just search KearneyCooks.

Enjoy

Steve K

FOR THE TOPPING: • 250ml of whipped cream (you can do more if you want) • Whatever summer fruits you enjoy. I chose strawberries, raspberries and blueberries

R

ebecca O’Neill

F

Discovering mindfulness This week, Rebecca O’Neill shares her experience with mindfulness and meditation, explaining how much it has improved her wellbeing

ROM the first lockdown I have become extremely interested in meditation and the benefits that come with it. Before I became interested, I always knew it was great to do but I could never actually combine it into my routine. Mediation and mindfulness is such a personal journey that can be achieved by only you. Now, I try my best to meditate every second day.

Personally, once I added this to my routine, I found it very achievable. I now look forward to mediation which I never thought I would. It is having the ability to relax your mind and assess the here and now with no judgement. I like to do this in the evening because it essentially helps me sleep.

Other people love to start their day with mediation and mindfulness in the morning. This can offer so many benefits for yourself which offers you to align your thoughts and create a positive mindset. It is a great alternative to get into a good frame of mind. Mediation at

any time of day can decrease anxiety levels and increase a positive perspective on life. Being able to observe your thoughts involving no judgement is amazing for your well-being.

MINDFULNESS: Mindfulness is practicing the ability to stay present in your current environment and be fully aware of the here and now.

Having alone time and learning about yourself can be very healing in many ways. This allows you to access your thoughts that are completely personal to you, that only you can control. Checking in on yourself by focusing on your breathing techniques and your body language is so important and should always be practiced. Once you make this a habit, you will significantly improve on how you feel about your mind, body and soul.

LET’S TALK HEALTHY HABITS: Creating healthy habits is challenging for some, because as hu-

mans, we tend to not like change.

What we don’t realise is, positive change is a great thing. Especially in the long run. It can really scare people at least halfway through and we tend to not complete the

change. Ease yourself into change and put very little pressure on yourself to complete this.

Meditation and mindfulness is a great thing to invest your time in, because investing time in yourself can cause you to be very smart about your feelings and goals.

It allows you to deal with negative situations in the best way you can, when you have an improvement on your emotional intelligence.

Your physical environment plays a big role in your meditation and mindfulness space. This can interpret how your meditation will go. I love to meditate in a safe space where I feel comfortable to enter my thoughts and fulfil a good frame of mind.

Depending on how I’m feeling, I would either listen to an audio meditation or relaxing music. You can listen to meditation and mindfulness sessions on the Spotify, Calm and Headspace apps. These apps offer a wide range of music and audio to help you enter that positive frame of mind.

COLUMNIST 17

THURSDAY, APR 15 2021

Eoin Neylon

An inside look at Clare’s political spectrum With

With With

Joe Melody is predicting a day will come where Irish farmers will be able to monetise on their carbon capture potential

I

WAS looking over a recent set of soil results for the farm this morning, our indexes for P and K are mostly three to four which is the optimal range to be in for grass growth, we invested heavily in building those P and K indexes over the past sxi years and it has resulted in extra grass growth.

However the pH of our soils needs a couple of tons of lime here and there to bring it to its optimum pH of approximately 6.2.

Addressing the pH is the cheapest and fastest win in terms of grass growth. Why didn’t we start there? We will rectify it this season anyway and this should unlock much P and K from soil as well as release up to 80kg Nitrogen per hectare annually from the soil.

In former times farmers spread much more lime. In the 1980s farmers would have spread 1.7 million tons, this declined to 725,000 tons in the 2000s.

It’s a cheap fertiliser, it’s natural, it gives natural life to the soil. The benefits of it

are manifold. One issue we have to watch here is not to bring our soil pH beyond 6.2 as this will release molybdenum which causes copper deficiency in cattle.

High molybdenum soils aren’t everywhere but our farm is home to it. We have seen in the past that anywhere we have spread lime it has also sweetened the grass and resulted in cows grazing out paddocks cleaner thus resulting in high grass utilisation.

Sustainable farming is built on basic principles.

I do feel sometimes that these do become lost in a world that has become so modern and has so many shiny farm toys that are vying for our attentions. If we get back to the basics of maintaining healthy high fertility status soils a lot of the rest of the puzzle will fall into place. Hillsborough a research institute in Northern Ireland has proven that regular addition of slurry to grassland increases soil’s ability to take in carbon from the atmosphere. Devinish research

THE WHITE STUFF: Lime is a natural fertiliser

farm has proven that a soils ability to store carbon and organic matter is directly linked to its fertility status.

Climate change is very much the topic of the moment and is a key agenda across the western world.

Carbon trading has become part of the world’s financial markets where large business that burn a lot of fossil fuels can offset their Carbon emmisions. My sense of it is that a day will come where Irish farmers will be able to monetise on the carbon capture potential of their soils by trading on something like these carbon markets. If that is the case the higher fertility status soils will garner a higher financial premium owing to their greater carbon sinking capacity.

When looked at in its totality, nature has given us a pure product that requires no fancy packaging or glossy sales pitch. All the other input categories are increasing in cost, lime is relatively static in price. If we want to get more from our land, just add lime!

A mixed front for jobs

N

EWS last week of plans to transform Moneypoint into the national hub for renewable energy was a most welcome one for the county.

Not only has this secured the future of the plant for the future, but maintains Clare’s place as the engine room of the country.

Prior to Moneypoint opening and becoming the main power plant for the country, Clare also housed the renewable energy centre of Ardnacrusha hydroelectric plant. At the time of completion Ardnacrusha was the largest hydroelectric plant in the world and generated 80% of the country’s electricity supply.

Completed in 1987, Moneypoint’s 915 MW output can still produce 25% of the state’s electricity need. The fact that the new plans for an offshore plant capable of producing 1400 MW would not only see Co. Clare’s crown as the engine of Ireland maintained, but would also see this overtake the currently largest offshore wind-farm generation on Earth, located at Hornsea in the UK. Once again, the county will be at the forefront of the world’s renewable efforts, a century after the Shannon hydroelectric scheme.

This long term employment within the county is indeed most welcome news with the plant alone set to directly employ 1% of the county’s workforce with further jobs the local economy in the retail and service industries, not to mention the attractiveness of the county for investment with a large, renewable, green energy supply.

However, the single biggest cloud on the future prospect of the county’s prosperity remains Shannon airport. Recently published figures show that Aer Lingus and Ryanair are

both in the top five worst effective airlines in Europe due to the pandemic with passenger numbers for both down over 90% by comparison to the same month in 2019.

With over 6% of Clare’s workforce employed in transportation and communications, and over 14% employed in industrial manufacturing, the dependence on Clare’s connectivity is clear for all to see. Yet as I type, there is one flight scheduled to land at Shannon tomorrow (from Leipzig) and none scheduled to depart. Many people, of the Zero Covid lobby persuasion, rejoice at this fact. However, the reality for over 20% of Clare’s workforce is that such a situation is not sustainable in the long term, and would lead to severe job losses.

In all, some 145,000 people in Ireland work in aviation, generating an estimated €17 billion for the Irish economy. In context, the entirety of all Covid measures put in place over the last year has cost the exchequer around €21 billion.

This is even before you consider the massive benefit to the state financially and socially from all the other jobs and opportunities that our connectivity brings.

Yet the Irish Government stand alone in Europe on two fronts when it comes to aviation. We are the only one that has instituted a mandatory hotel quarantine system and also the only Government that has not released a recovery plan for its aviation sector. This is a scandalous abdication of responsibility for a country for whom some 85% of our GDP is trade dependent and flies in the face of the fact that just 0.6% of all cases in Ireland are directly linked to international travel. This cannot be flapped away as being a consequence of having the Greens in Government, as

5 other EU countries have Greens in theirs. Nevertheless, Green leader and Transport Minister Eamon Ryan’s comments, declaring war on low cost flights during the week did not go unnoticed. This despite the fact that all global aviation, including all freight, accounted for only 2.4% of global emissions in 2018.

Low income Irish families having a holiday in Spain is not the root cause of climate change but is low hanging fruit for an out of touch Minister to appear to be doing something within the Transport aspect of his brief on climate change. Make no mistake, aviation employees and their families are watching as Government let their industry, and with it, the wider economy go to pot, while Opposition largely shout about Government not doing so fast enough, or totally enough in pursuit of an utterly unworkable and foolish Zero Covid policy.

If you want evidence of how ridiculous the concept is, look at the disaster that is hotel quarantine. Elite athletes will be exempt and returning Erasmus students will have their bills paid, yet someone with two doses of a vaccine had to take a legal challenge to get out of having to participate in this farce. Announcement of the US being put on the list has seen flights largely empty to now, suddenly fully booked ahead of that quarantine date, removing the chance for social distancing over the Atlantic.

But hey, if you want to avoid all that bother, just book a flight into Belfast and rent a car. It’s a damn sight cheaper than 12 nights in a hotel. Government need to face down the Zero Coviders in the media and the Opposition and back Irish aviation jobs. 145,000 families and counting need them to.

18 FEATURES

Value wisely

RONAN SCULLY

Thought for the week

F

OR the last couple of months of working from home and 5km restrictions of lockdown I have been finding nourishment for my life and soul in my local church. I have also thought while there that our world at the moment seems to be constantly evolving and taking new forms and it has been somewhat overwhelming trying to make sense of this thing called life.

One of the things that rarely changes in this world though and what can provide a guiding light for us throughout our life is our core values. Values are what define the very core of our being. They define who we are in a lot of ways.

What Values will matter?

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

What will matter is not your competence, but your character.

What will matter is not how many people you knew, but how many felt good when they were around you and how you served them. What will matter is not your memories, but the memories that live in those who loved you. What will matter is how long you will be remembered, by whom and for what. Living a life that matters doesn't happen by accident. It's not a matter of circumstance but of choice. Choose to live a life that matters and enjoy yourself while doing it before it is too late!!! As usual a story from my Nana Scully's prayer book may help...

Build Values Wisely

An elderly carpenter was ready to retire. He told his employer-contractor of his plans to leave the house-building business to live a more leisurely life with his wife and enjoy his extended family.

He would miss the paycheck each week, but he wanted to retire.

They could get by. The contractor was sorry to see his good worker go & asked if he could build just one more house as a personal favor. The carpenter said yes, but over time it was easy to see that his heart was not in his work. He resorted to shoddy workmanship and used inferior materials. It was

an unfortunate way to end a dedicated career. When the carpenter finished his work, his employer came to inspect the house. Then he handed the front-door key to the carpenter and said, "This is your house... my gift to you." The carpenter was shocked! What a shame! If he had only known he was building his own house, he would have done it all so differently.

So it is with us. We build our lives, a day at a time, often putting less than our best into the building.

Then, with a shock, we realize we have to live in the house we have built. If we could do it over, we would do it much differently. But, you cannot go back. You are the carpenter, and every day you hammer a nail, place a board, or erect a wall. Someone once said, "Life is a do-it-yourself project." Your attitude, and the choices you make today, help build the "house" you will live in tomorrow. Therefore, Build wisely.

Value Caring for Others

"Once a group of 50 people were attending a training work conference. Suddenly the speaker stopped and decided to do a group activity. He started giving each attendee one balloon. Each one was asked to write his or her name on it using a marker pen. Then all the balloons were collected and put in another room. Now after a while these delegates were let into that room and asked to find the balloon which had their name written within 5 minutes.

Everyone was frantically searching for their name, colliding with each other, pushing around others and there was utter chaos. At the end of 5 minutes no one could find their own balloon. Now each one was asked to randomly collect any balloon and give it to the person whose name was written on it.

Within minutes everyone had their own balloon. The speaker then began, "This is happening in our lives. Everyone is frantically looking for happiness all around, not knowing where it is. Our happiness lies in the happiness of other people. We are or should be in this together and should be doing things to help one another out.

Give them their happiness; you will get your own happiness. And this is the purpose of human life, to help, appreciate, love and care for one another no matter who they are as much as we can." As the reading I heard at a recent mass said, Everything under the sun has been prearranged and there is a season for everything and no one

can hurry things up. Truly managing today and caring for others and appreciating life well is the correct attitude toward life. There is no need to wait for tomorrow, because tomorrow consists of a lot of uncertainty. No one knows for sure what will happen in the environment around them or how it will change especially from the fall out of the Coronavirus. It will be hard to predict or even to understand. When you are wholeheartedly waiting for tomorrow, you are wasting today. Giving up today is giving up your best opportunity.

Only today is real and valid.

In the journey of life, tomorrow seems pale and dim compared to today. Today, you can heal wounds, help and care for one another, wipe away tears, pray for each other, build bridges, look after your family, friends, culture and way of life and help those in need of help and justice and fulfill dreams from yesterday. Holding on to today, you have mastered the secret of time. Appreciating today is cherishing your life. For me in our world today I feel that most of us don't fully appreciate our lives here until a vital part of them is taken from us.

We take things and people for granted. We go through our days rushed and stressed without gratitude or love. We don't thank God for this glorious gift of life we have been given and for all of the loving people in it. Learn this lesson now. Love God and Love People always. Take it into your soul.

Make a home for it in your heart.

Appreciate your Life today and be thankful for it and for the loved ones and friends in it. Appreciate each moment you have been given in this life. Let the people around you know just how much you love them.

THURSDAY, APR 15 2021

Scoil Samhraidh goes virtual again TADHG HOLLAND

S

news@clareecho.ie

COIL Samhraidh Willie Clancy is going all virtual for the second year running as COVID-19 restrictions have forced the iconic Miltown Malbay traditional music school to host all events this summer through Zoom.

The school will be providing online classes in piping, whistle, flute, fiddle, concertina, button accordion, melodeon, banjo and harmonica between 11am and 12.30pm from Monday the 5th to Friday the 9th of July.

There will also be an array of other events and workshops throughout the week including demonstrations in traditional Irish forms of song and dance, a documentary on the life of Connemara sean-nós singer Johnny Mháirtín Learaí MacDonnahadha and a number of pre-recorded concerts.

The Willie Clancy Summer School was founded in 1973 shortly after the death of its namesake uilleann piper. Last year was the first time in its

49 year history that the school didn't take place in person.

Scoil Samhraidh Willie Clancy's administrative director Harry Hughes said "it was disappointing" to have to move the school online again.

Speaking to The Clare Echo earlier this week, he said "We felt we had a duty to our community, the musicians themselves, our tutors and performers and to the prospective students to put on a series of classes for them".

In a normal year the school would attract over 1,000 students to the region making it both one of the most important annual cultural events in Clare as well as a major economic boost to Miltown Malbay and the surrounding areas. The cancellation of all in person events this year will be a significant blow to the area but Harry is already looking forward to their 50th anniversary next year: "We would hope to be back with a real event and a full programme in 2022. Let's be optimistic".

Registration for classes will begin in early June. More details will be posted on www. scoilsamhraidhwillieclancy. com.

SUPPORTING LOCAL

Thought for the week

As your thought for the week, reflect and pray on your values and maybe the following loving poem by Jenny Crespo might help called, 'Cherish Time.' "Time, such a precious word. It gives us the gift of moments. Moments so beautiful that change our lives forever. But those moments turn into memories that can never be recaptured.

We are left with footprints in our minds and in our hearts. Longing to recapture time, hoping it will last forever. To be left with the reality of the passing of time; So precious and so fleeting. We can't bring it back or relive. Only be grateful that it happened. So cherish and value every moment, never taking anything for granted, Because some day, that will be the moment you'll want to relive. Love and value with all your heart. Let your loved ones know how much you care. Smile even when you want to cry. Live life to the fullest, Because you never know when your time will pass with the wind."

lÉIRE ABÚ: Spar Turnpike are delighted to be sponsoring the

score board in Éire Óg for the next six years. "It is very important to us to support our local community and Éire Óg is such a big part of the local community," said Gerry Geraghty. Pictured above is Gerry handing the cheque to Éire Óg Chairman Jimmy Clooney. We wish Éire Óg every success for their up coming year. Shop local, support local.

THURSDAY, APR 15 2021

Community ONLINE

COMMUNITY 19 CONTACT

NEWSDESK 065 671 9021 news@clareecho.ie

ENNIS

FÁILTE ISTEACH

Fáilte Isteach is a community project involving volunteers welcoming migrants into the community through conversational English classes. We started our third set of classes on Monday April 12th. The classes take place on Zoom. The classes will run for 7 weeks and take place on a Monday evening from 7.45pm-9p.m. If you know anyone who is interested in improving their conversational English, and would like to find out more about these classes please ask them to contact us on failteisteachennis@gmail.com

KILRUSH ROAD SURFACING

Clare County Council crews will examine the potential of carrying out road surfacing at Lower Frances St in Kilrush once Irish Water complete works on a wastewater treatment plant, writes Páraic McMahon.

An appeal for road surfacing to be conducted at the stretch of road by the Kilrush Marina has been voiced by Cllr Ian Lynch (IND).

Lower Frances St was not included in the 2021 Schedule of Municipal District Works, senior executive engineer Alan Kennelly confirmed. "Consideration may be given to including it on our three-year programme, which is due for review later this year," he stated.Cllr Lynch was hopeful works would take place once Irish Water are finished adding infrastructure to the town. Once Irish Water are finished, Kennelly said Council crews would assess the location.

lCOMMUNITY SPIRIT: Éire Óg GAA club take part in their Easter community clean up recently

NEWMARKET-ON-FERGUS

lREAD ALL ABOUT IT: Newmarket Family Butchers are the newest stockists of The Clare

Echo. Our newspaper is now available at their butcher shop on Main St, Newmarket-on-Fergus. Pictured are Dee Linnane and Bernard O'Dea

LAHINCH

lDOG’S LIFE: Bowie and Prinny splash around in the water at Lahinch beach

Photo by Emma Vaughan

20 BUSINESS

THURSDAY, APR 15 2021

Falls Hotel in Ennistymon granted carbon neutral status PÁRAIC MCMAHON

C

paraic@clareecho.ie

ARBON neutral status has been awarded for The Falls Hotel.

There will be no carbon footprint left by guests to The Falls Hotel and Spa in Ennistymon when it reopens later this year. A series of waste reduction and energy initiatives on the property have led to it receiving national recognition.

The 140 bedroomed hotel which is located in the scenic Burren and Cliff of Moher UNESCO Global Geopark was awarded the carbon neutral status by Green Hospitality Ireland for eliminating its carbon output over a five year period.

One of the most significant measures taken by the hotel was the installation of a €1.3m hydroelectric turbine on the nearby River Inagh which generates enough electricity to power the hotel. Other projects

included switching to renewable electricity and Bio LPG gas, using water from the hotel's own well and planting 350 native Irish trees on the hotel grounds.

Sales of its electricity to the national grid from March of 2020 to January 2021 saw the hotel receive €20,000 at a time when The Falls was hit by COVID-19 closures.

A green team was also set up in the hotel and spa to encourage staff to become fully involved in all of the hotel's sustainability initiatives.

These include using chemical free cleaning products, compostable cups and straws and cutting back on food waste.

Michael McCarthy, General Manager, Falls Hotel expressed their delight with the recognition which he hailed as "a massive achievement" and one which followed "huge investment".

He explained, "Being based in an area of such natural beauty, as the Burren, we felt compelled to do our best to minimise our impact on the area around us. Utilizing the power of the river alongside us

seemed the best place to start our sustainability journey.'

The idea of harnessing energy from the nearby river Inagh is not new. In the 1960s, the hotel's previous owners Bridget and John F Woods recognised the potential of the cascades to generate electricity for the then 20 bedroom hotel. The couple had installed a 30-kWH hydroelectric plant on the site, which

was then upgraded by the McCarthy family into the current 220 kWH hydroelectric turbine.

A year after it was completed in 2019 the property had reduced its energy consumption by 830,000 kWh of electricity. This counteracts the emission of an estimated 550 tonnes of carbon and is the equivalent of offsetting three return trips, by car, to the moon.

l GREEN: The Falls Hotel

The 220kw turbine which Is located next to the Inagh river provides up to 70% of the hotel's annual energy needs. In winter this can reach 100%, when the river is in full flow.

During drier spells, the hotel tops its energy from renewable electricity sources. Any excess electricity will be sold back to the national grid or there are plans to install a battery unit which can store electricity which can be used by the hotel later.

Storyboards located around the hotel and next to the hydro-electric pump house beside the river will document the hotel's journey to sustainability. More trees will be planted annually and guests will be encouraged to offset their own carbon footprint by adopting a tree.

"It is our responsibility to take direct action to minimise our environmental footprint and we have additional plans to further reduce our absolute consumption and drive even greater levels of sustainability within the hotel," Michael added.

Biden bringing 'leprechaun economics to a rapid end' PUBLIC CONSULTATION NOTICE ART DATA CENTRES ART DATA CENTRES WOULD LIKE TO MAKE THE PUBLIC AWARE THAT THEY WILL BE MAKING AVAILABLE INFORMATION TO THE PUBLIC ON THIS PROJECT LOCATED AT JUNCTION 13, TOUREEN, SPANCILHILL, ENNIS IN THE COMING WEEKS.

by PÁRAIC Mc MAHON US PRESIDENT Joe Biden will be responsible for bringing "leprechaun economics" to an end, a Clare TD has said.

In 2017, the Republican Party introduced a huge corporate tax cut during Donald Trump's time as US President. The underlying premise for this was aimed at bringing millions of jobs back home as it was felt US corporations were moving operations outside of the States to avoid paying US

DUE TO RESTRICTIONS IN RELATION TO PUBLIC MEETINGS BECAUSE OF COVID 19, WE WILL BE PROVIDING A VIRTUAL EXHIBITION SPACE TO COMMUNICATE THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT PLANS TO THE PUBLIC. THE INFORMATION WILL BE AVAILABLE FROM FRIDAY 23RD APRIL 2021 ON THE FOLLOWING LINK, DEVELOPMENT & PROJECT MANAGERS TOM MCNAMARA & PARTNERS 57 PARNELL STREET, ENNIS. TEL: 065 6864578 EMAIL: info@tommcnamara.ie

l TAXES: US President Joe Biden

taxes. No visible effect of the tax cut was witnessed on business investment in the country.

Members of Joe Biden's administration believe that aspects of the US tax code have built an incentive to move jobs abroad. The Made in America Tax Plan includes a proposal for a 21 per cent minimum tax rate on overseas profits. Their plan to create new jobs centres around the development of new taxes.

Speaking on Today FM's The Last Word about the impact of COVID-19 restrictions on the Irish economy, Clare TD Michael McNamara (IND) stated, "Our economy is doing fine based on the fact that we're a tax haven but that unfortunately is coming to an end. Our GDP growth at 25 percent in one year is, unfortunately nice to be able to believe in it but it is leprechaun economics and it is coming to a rapid end courtesy of Joe Biden".

Chief Executive of the American Chamber of Commerce Ireland, Mark Redmond did not believe US multinationals were running out of road in Ireland as a result of the proposed measures. He explained that United States secretary of the treasury, Janet Yellen is "focusing on a race to the bottom in coporation tax rates, Ireland isn't in that race and in fact Ireland has increased its corporate tax rate since US multinationals have been coming here and in fact this issue went its way through the Congress and bipartisan give and take, the critical importance strategic place Ireland plays for United States business interests will come into sharp focus".

BUSINESS 21

THURSDAY, APR 15 2021

Gillian takes leap of faith with digital marketing company STUART HOLLY

I

editor@clareecho.ie

NAGH native Gillian Lafferty has launched a digital marketing company in response to the surge in online trading during the global pandemic.

Adept Digital Solutions is a full-service digital marketing company based in Inagh led by Gillian, who recently returned home from Australia after Coronavirus struck early last year.

Finding employment as a non-citizen in Australia presented many challenges to Gillian as a deaf person - with government supports more difficult to secure - however as has been her way all her life, she overcame this obstacle and secured a digital marketing role in Sydney two months after her arrival.

Immersing herself in the Aussie lifestyle, she was just four months into her job in Sydney when the global pandemic struck. Faced with a difficult decision, Gillian and her partner Brian decided to return to Ireland as global uncertainty loomed.

Since returning, prompted by the encouragement of friends and family, Gillian has set up Adept Digital Solutions (ADS). Gillian tells The Clare Echo, “Lots of people were saying ‘you really ought to set up your own company’ and do it yourself for about two years and I thought, why not? So many people are asking me to create websites for them. I love working on websites and doing website design so I just went for it. I love working with Wordpress and digital marketing, I love helping start-up businesses or people who have had websites for a long time which are out of date, so I try and change them to become more modern.”

Reflecting on her return to Clare, Gillian admits that life could have taken a different

path without the dedication of her family. Gillian attended the Holy Family in Ennis and credits her mother Marion for this, who set up the primary school deaf unit along with a secondary school unit in the Ennis Community College. “I don’t think I would be around Clare if my mum hadn’t set up the school for deaf people around this area, I would have had to have gone to Dublin which would have changed my life and my education would have been very different.”

Gillian took a business course courtesy of the Local Enterprise Office Clare which gave her “loads of advice” and equipped with her seven years of experience in the industry, she set up her business. ADS aims to assist businesses at all stages of digital development, from those just making the move to online, to those who wish to fine-tune and manage their online strategy. Services include creating or redesigning websites, getting businesses set up with e-commerce sites, digital marketing services, designing brochures, business cards, and assisting businesses to implement their social media plan.

Gillian, who won an All Ireland junior camogie title with Inagh in 2011, says any challenges presented by being deaf can these days be easily overcome thanks to technology. “The challenge for me is I can’t call clients but I’m really lucky that I have a new app for deaf people where you can access an interpreter, the new app is called Djanah, and that means you can access calling a hearing person at any time.”

Speaking about the current trading conditions enforced by the pandemic, Gillian believes her services are now more crucial than ever. “For the moment, I think I will attract people who are doing e-commerce because there are so many shops closed with Coronavirus, they can’t open so they’re relying on their websites to sell online. So any websites that need to be improved or include

an e-commerce aspect… a lot of people are contacting me about that.” She notes that businesses can avail of the LEO Trading Online voucher when availing of her services.

Gillian aims to provide a cost-effective and holistic approach to digital marketing. Such is the competitive nature of the industry, the Clare woman hopes her advice-driven approach along with her greater understanding of social media platforms will help her new

company prosper. “I’ve noticed a lot of companies provide clients with what they need, but I really talk with the clients to understand their needs and offer advice and tips on what else they could be doing, to help them make better decisions. I deliver a whole package.”

To get in contact with Gillian, visit https:// adeptdigitalsolutions.com/, email info@ adeptdigitalsolutions.com or whatsapp message 0877681303.

l NEW BUSINESS: Gillian Lafferty

Carey Corbett welcomes Enda to Commercial team CAREY Corbett Sullivan Insurances are delighted to welcome Enda O'Halloran to their growing Commercial Insurance team in Ennis, Co Clare.

Enda has 20 years commercial insurance experience, working both with a direct insurer and within the broker market. He has particular depth of knowledge in the sectors including Hospitality (Hotels, Pubs, Restaurants, Take-away, Night Clubs etc); Construction-Employers Liability, Public Liability, Contractors All Risks & Professional indemnity for Large Builders & Allied Trades; Motor Trade & Motor Fleet Insurance; Commercial Combined-Manufacturing, Distribution, Food etc.

“Enda will fit right into our office”, says Tommy Corbett, “he is a proud Kilmihil man, born & bred”. Enda has a keen interest in both football and hurling. Since retiring from playing, he’s coached both Men’s & Ladies football teams within the club.

Call Carey Corbett Sullivan Insurance to talk to Enda and get a quote on your business.

Through our access to both Irish and European Insurance markets, we have a large range of cover to suit the individual needs of your business. (065) 689 3540 or call Enda directly (087) 949 8520

l EXPERIENCED: (left) Commercial Insurance expert Enda O'Halloran

Photo by John Mangan

GET TO KNOW ENDA 1. What was your first car, and did it have a name!?

Nissan Almera, once it started every morning that was main thing!

2. What are you bingeing on Netflix over this Lockdown?

Formula 1 (Drive to Survive), trying to get through all 3 series.

3. Name 3 things on your bucket list of things to do post Lockdown? l Night out with friends & family l Summer Holiday (somewhere within the country) l Get back on the training field with a few teams in Kilmihil

S E LR e t a il Top Q ua l i ty Ti l l R ol l s (R a nge of Si z e s ) Vi s a R ol l s T h e r m a l S c a l e La be l s (Pri nte d or Pl a i n)

Cal l J im on 086 2579885

22 RECRUITMENT

THURSDAY, APR 15 2021

Clare food and drink producers invited to join Food Academy STUART HOLLY

L

editor@clareecho.ie

OCAL Enterprise Office Clare is inviting food and drink producers from the county to join the hugely successful Food Academy programme and follow in the footsteps of local companies, such as Burren Smokehouse and Meere’s Pork Products, which have previously taken part.

Now in its eighth year, Food Academy is a unique food business development programme between the 31 Local Enterprise Offices, including Local Enterprise Office Clare, SuperValu and Bord Bia. Participants in the programme receive training in food safety, market research and branding, marketing, finance, sustainability and business development.

The Food Academy programme currently supports 290 Irish food and drink producers including 140 female entrepreneurs, generating

€170m in sales. In 2020, there was a 15% growth in SuperValu Food Academy sales with participants earning €28m. The Food Academy programme supports 1,500 jobs in local communities nationwide and local producers are now being encouraged to apply for the 2021 programme before Friday, April 27th.

Welcoming the increase in Food Academy sales through SuperValu in 2020, Padraic McElwee with Local Enterprise Office Clare said: “Since it was started up eight years ago by the Local Enterprise Offices, SuperValu and Bord Bia, the Food Academy programme has been hugely successful, going from strength to strength. It has helped

l UNIQUE: Local companies such as the Burren Smokehouse have taken part in the hugely successful Food Academy

hundreds of up-and-coming food and drink producers to get their products market-ready, giving them an opportunity to sell to a nationwide audience.”

He added: “The Food Academy is part of a suite of Local Enterprise Office supports designed for food and drink entrepreneurs in Ireland, such as the Digital School of Food and Food Starter programmes, both aimed at getting those with food ideas off the ground. As local food and drink producers grow their sales through these programmes, Local Enterprise Office Clare is on hand to support their expansion plans through further training, mentoring and financial assistance.”

Commenting on the Food Academy programme, Carmel Biggane, Food Academy Manager, SuperValu said: “At SuperValu we believe in local business and are proud to continue to support local producers across the country. In collaboration with the Local Enterprise Office Network and Bord Bia, the Food Academy is a great way for us

to help new businesses to grow and get the support they need.

“The programme allows us to use our experience to help small businesses through their journey from start up to getting their products on our shelves all year round.

We’ve had great success with the Food Academy in recent years, we look forward to welcoming new producers this year and continuing to support local communities.

I would call on local food producers across Ireland to get involved and see how Food Academy can help you grow.”

The Food Academy Programme is now open for applications until Friday 23rd April 2021 and the subsidised cost to participate is €200 per company. To apply, interested food and drink producers from Clare are encouraged to contact Local Enterprise Office Clare for an application form by e-mailing sdixon@leo.clarecoco.ie.

Further information about the Food Academy is also available at https://supervalu.ie/real-people/ food-academy-programme.

AAG recruiting for 15 apprentices Loop Head Tourism Marketing and Project Co-Ordinator

Loop Head Tourism (LHT) would like to appoint a person to the position of Marketing and Project Co-ordinator.

This position is for a 1-year contract with the hope that it will be extended.

Duties will include the maintenance of LHT’s presence on the web.

Support and co-ordination to LHT network members and distribution of marketing material.

Growing and supporting relationships with partners within the tourism industry.

A full job description is available from chairperson@loophead.ie

by PÁRAIC Mc MAHON

SHANNON based Atlantic Aviation Group (AAG) is on the hunt for 15 apprentices to join its industry-leading training programme for Aircraft Maintenance Engineers.

AAG is one of Europe's leading independent aviation organisations and it has an unmatched reputation in training aviation mechanics. Since 2015, more than 80 apprentices have participated in AAG's fouryear Aircraft Maintenance Engineering programme.

A staff of 317 and 24 trainees are based at AAG's Clare headquarters which represents an increase in staff numbers of almost 100 over the past five years. The company was founded in 1962.

It offers services in Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul, Aircraft Modifications, Continuous Airworthiness Management and Aviation Training and customers include DHL and Ryanair plus major aircraft lessors like GECAS, Aer Cap, Bank of America, SMBC, BBAM, Seraph, Aergo and Avolon.

CEO of AAG, Shane O'Neill believed their intent to recruit apprentices was a positive sign. "While the industry has faced some challenges due to the pandemic, AAG continues to recruit and train for aviation's inevitable return and we look forward to welcoming our future 15 candidates. Our continued commitment to our apprenticeship demonstrates our confidence in the future of our industry".

Lahinch's Linda Keane is among the cur-

l CAREER: Atlantic Aviation Group are aiming to expand their team

rent apprentices working at AAG. "From a young age, I have had an interest in cars and bikes and always helped my father in his garage growing up. When I looked into doing this apprenticeship with AAG, I thought it was a fantastic course with great career prospects," she outlined.

Applications for the programme are now open and close on Friday, 7 May 2021. Candidates can apply via the website: https:// www.atlanticaviation.ie/aircraft-maintenance-apprenticeship

MON EY M AT TERS

24 MONEY MATTERS

The Mortgage Master De-Jargonator

W

HEN you first start applying for a mortgage, things can feel daunting. You’re reading words that you may never have heard before, and on top of that, you’re probably already feeling quite anxious about everything that’s going on in the world right now. But we’re here to help.

Variable rate. Fixed rate. APR. AIP. You don’t know your LTV from your elbow, and who could blame you? There’s so much financial jargon out there.

It’d nearly make you crack open a dictionary and then chuck it at the wall in defeat – but fear not! We’re going to explain the financial jargon that might otherwise tie you up in knots. Luckily, our EBS Mortgage Masters have been bringing mortgages home well before LTV was in the dictionary.

Well, since 1935 to be exact.

At EBS Ennis we eat, sleep and breathe mortgages, and our priority is clear– we just want to help you find your dream home. For a Clare buyer starting off on their journey, we’ve explained the mortgage lingo below.

Mortgage phrases explained Those three letter acronyms, in easy to understand terms.

Approval in principle AIP is a document you get from your lender that confirms you’ll be able to borrow up to a certain amount. AIP, while not an

official mortgage offer, shows the seller that you can afford to buy the property you’ve got your eye on.

APR Annual percentage rate: the cost of a mortgage including the interest and fees. It looks at the costs across the entire term of the mortgage.

Arrears One of the ‘uh-oh’ words of finance! Going into arrears means you missed your mortgage payment at least once. If you think it might happen, get in touch with your lender as soon as you can, as they may be able to help.

Capital The amount of money you borrow to buy a house. Talk to us at EBS Ennis to how much you can borrow.

Cashback mortgage A type of mortgage where you get a certain amount of cash on completion or at specific stages during the process. A good example of a cashback mortgage is our 3% Back in Cash Offer. You can use the cash to buy exciting things like curtains or a sofa – whatever you’d like.

Conveyancing The legal process you go through when you buy or sell a property. You’ll usually do this with the help of a solicitor.

Deposit The amount you’re required to pay to-

wards the cost of a property. For first time buyers, you’re looking at 10 percent of the cost of the property. For next time buyers, it’s 20 percent of the price of the property.

Equity The amount of the property you own outright: this amounts to your deposit and also what you’ve paid off your mortgage.

Fixed rate mortgage In the small text on most mortgage ads or information online, you’ll see a line that says that your rates may go up as well as down.

With fixed-rate mortgages, the interest rate stays the same for the initial period of the deal. Talk to us at EBS Ennis about EBS fixed rates.

Help to Buy Scheme A scheme from the government introduced to help first time buyers and builders to get on the property ladder. It works as a tax rebate and offers up to €30,000 as part of the Enhanced Help To Buy Scheme.

Joint mortgage A mortgage taken out by two or more people, usually a couple. It means much the same as joint tenancy, where you own the property together.

Land registry The official body responsible for maintaining details of property ownership in Ireland.

Loan to value (LTV) The size of your mortgage as a percentage of the value of the property you’re buying.

So if you’re buying a property and will be paying a 10 percent deposit, the LTV will be 90 percent.

Monthly repayment This is the sum you’ll pay your mortgage lender every month. Generally, this covers a percentage of your mortgage and the interest. Our online repayment calculator can help you work out how much you need to pay monthly.

Mortgage deed A very serious contract that outlines the legal obligations of the borrower and the rights the lender has if the borrower misses a repayment. Read it carefully.

Mortgage Master That would be Ann Marie or Emer in the EBS Ennis office. An EBS mortgage advisor with complete knowledge or skill in their trade. Essentially, they’ll be your biggest help in the mortgage process.

Mortgage term How long you’re taking out the mortgage for: 25, 30, or 35 years.

Negative equity Another of the dreaded mortgage phrases that no one wants to have to contend with.

You can get into negative equity when the value of your home falls below the amount remaining on your mortgage. However, being in negative equity doesn’t mean that you can’t get another mortgage. Help exists!

Re-mortgage When you stay in the same home but change the terms of your mortgage, often to save money.

Stamp duty For residential properties in Ireland, stamp duty is a fee you pay on the selling price of a property. It’s 1 percent up to €1,000,000, and 2 percent on amounts above €1,000,000.

Stress test A percentage taken into account on your mortgage repayment amount to allow for increases in interest rates e.g. how much you can afford including the additional percentage so that you can keep living your life while making your repayments.

Valuation survey A report carried out on a property to make sure it’s roughly worth what you’re paying for it. This shouldn’t be confused with the surveyor’s fee, where a professional comes to your house to check for structural issues or other problems with the house.

Variable rate mortgage A mortgage where the interest rate may go up or down. Talk to us at EBS Ennis about EBS mortgage variable interest rates.

There you go! Swot up and get to grips with these terms and you’ll be ready to get on your mortgage journey in no time.

Are you thinking of buying your own home and have a question?

It couldn’t be easier to find out if you’re eligible for a mortgage. Simply call Ann Marie or Emer at EBS Ennis for a chat.

The content of this article is expressed in broad terms and is limited to general information purposes only. Readers should always seek professional advice to address issues arising in specific contexts and not seek to rely on the information in this article which does not constitute any form of advice or recommendation by EBS d.a.c. or Emer O’Reilly Financial Services Ltd. EBS d.a.c. or Emer O’Reilly Financial Services Ltd. neither accepts nor assumes any responsibility in relation to the contents of this article and excludes all warranties, undertakings and representations (either express or implied) to the fullest extent permitted under applicable law.

MONEY MATTERS

UP TO

3%

BACK IN CASH ON YOUR NEW MORTGAGE EBS MORTGAGE MASTERS If you’re looking to buy a new home EBS Ennis are ready to help

Drop in, call us on 065 6899600 or email ennis@mail.ebs.ie IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Warning: If you do not meet the repayments on your loan, your account will go into arrears.

This may affect your credit rating, which may limit your ability to access credit in the future.

Warning: If you do not keep up your repayments you may lose your home.

Lending criteria, terms and conditions apply. For eligible customers, 2% will be paid back into your current account. Additional 1% paid on the 5th anniversary of the EBS mortgage. Offer valid until 31st December 2021.

Emer O’Reilly Financial Services Limited is a tied mortgage agent acting solely on behalf of EBS d.a.c. EBS d.a.c. is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland.

WARNING: YOUR HOME IS AT RISK IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP PAYMENTS ON A MORTGAGE OR ANY OTHER LOAN SECURED ON IT. A typical €100,000, 20 year mortgage for an Owner Occupier Residential Property with Loan to value greater than 80% will have a variable interest rate of 3.7% and Annual Percentage Rate (APR) 3.8%, and 240 monthly repayments of €590.29.

If the APR does not vary during the term of the mortgage, the total cost of credit i.e. the total amount repayable less than the amount of the loan would be €41,884.48 (inclusive of valuation report fees of €215.00). The total amount repayable would be €141,884.48. The effect of a 1% increase in interest rates for such a mortgage will add €53.21 to the monthly repayments.

Note: The above notice in respect of adjustments to repayment rates will not apply during any period when the loan is at a fixed rate. If you or your dependants intend to use the property as a principal place of residence, you must show evidence of mortgage protection insurance, unless you are exempt under the Consumer Credit Act 1995. Maximum loan to value of Owner Occupier Residential Properties - 90% of purchase price or valuation whichever is lower and 80% loan to value on one bedroom properties. Lending levels are subject to monthly repayment burden, typically not exceeding c. 35% of borrower’s disposable income and will vary according to individual circumstances. Mortgage loan requests are considered on the basis of proof of income, financial status and demonstrated repayment capacity (including capacity to repay at higher interest rates). Loans not available to people under 18. Mortgage loans are secured by a first legal mortgage/charge over your property. The property must be within the Republic of Ireland.

LM016 Ext Press 10.20

25

26 MONEY MATTERS

LEO Clare provide business supports

L

OCAL Enterprise Office Clare provides a range of complementary supports to support people who want to start up or grow a business. The supports range from providing an initial “First Stop Shop” service where individuals can receive advice on the steps involved in setting up a business, to the provision of grants for feasibility studies, provision of financial support for the establishment of new businesses or expansion of existing ones and the provision of a range of soft supports such as training and one-to-one mentoring.

Financial supports are available to qualifying businesses only, in the establishment and/ or growth phase of their business and who employ up to ten people. Businesses operating in the domestic market (regardless of numbers employed) such as sole traders, micro businesses and small and medium sized companies may avail of the soft supports available from the Local Enterprise Office, such as First Stop Shop, Mentoring and/or Training programmes. For many participants the Start Your Own Business programme is the first step on a proven path from start up to growth and even internationalisation.

LEO Start Your Own Business programmes are aimed at those: • with a business idea they want to develop, or • who are looking at self-employment as a realistic career option, or • who have recently started a business Some of the many other training supports available include Cashflow Management Workshop, Food Academy Programme, Food Safety, Green for Micro, Digital Marketing Workshops, Management Development and Marketing Programmes.

The range of supports is designed to assist businesses to grow by being able to provide targeted, and appropriate assistance at each stage of their development.

To see the full range of grants and supports available, visit www.localenterprise.ie/clare

MONEY MATTERS

27

28 MONEY MATTERS

Kilrush Credit Union is Lending

D

URING the Covid-19 pandemic, credit unions were on hand to support members during a very challenging and uncertain time. Credit unions have shown huge innovation and flexibility to continue to deliver their services. As restrictions are starting to lift and people plan for the future it’s now more important than ever to let you know that we are here to support our members and the local economy and that Kilrush Credit Union is lending.

Matt Heslin CEO said, “We continually tailor our services and products to the needs of our members and encourage anyone who is planning to take out a loan to talk to us first at Kilrush Credit Union. Re-

cently we introduced our First Time / Inactive borrowers’ rate to members which has been a massive success however this is only for a limited time and I would encourage anyone looking to borrow to contact us and avail of this great rate” Claire Neylon, Business Development Manager at Kilrush Credit Union said “No matter the loan, be it for home improvements, car or personal, our doors here at Kilrush Credit Union are open. We offer fair and affordable loans to our members and are always happy to work with each member individually to structure loan repayments in a way that works best for their individual needs and their financial circumstances.

Credit unions throughout the country have been named the most highly regarded organisations in Ireland in the recent RepTrak® 2020 study carried out by The Reputations Agency. Credit unions took the top spot for their levels of trust, respect, admiration and esteem. We know our members trust us and now we need them to know that we can support them and get the message across that we’re lending.

So call in, or contact us today, and enquire because we’re lending! loans@kilrushcreditunion.ie 065-9051242 www.kilrushcreditunion.ie l Matt Heslin CEO Kilrush Credit Union

What is Income Protection and Do I really need it?

O

Notice of Special General Meeting 2021 Under Section 79 and Section 80 of the Credit Union Act, 1997 and Rule 97 and Rule 98 of the Standard Rules for Credit Unions the Board of St Francis Credit Union Limited hereby give notice to members of a Special General Meeting (SGM) to be held via Zoom Webinar on 20th April 2021 at 6 pm.

Members wishing to attend the Virtual SGM need to request an invitation to join the meeting and apply via email to: sgm2021@stfranciscu.ie and include the following information on your email. a) Name b) Member Number c) Member address The request for attendance must be received by 5pm on the 18th April, 2021.

The following information is pertinent to this notice.

•

Following the request for invitation the member will receive an invitation by email to join the meeting on April 20th 2021 at 6p.m.

• All non-presenting participants will be muted and have their cameras switched off to allow the smooth running of the meeting. However, you can type a question to the host by clicking on the “Q&A” button on the bottom of the screen. Alternatively email your question to sgm2021@stfranciscu.ie by 5p.m. on the 19th April, 2021.

• Voting will be conducted by way of online Poll and members will be asked to vote Yes/No electronically for the Rule Changes when instructed by the Chairperson.

• The votes will be tallied electronically, verified by the Internal Auditor, and recorded by the meeting Secretary.

• This virtual SGM will be recorded.

The most recent Audited Annual Accounts dated 30th September 2020 may be obtained not later than seven days before the date of the Special General Meeting at our registered office, at Friars Walk, Ennis, Co Clare.

Order of Business 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Acceptance of proxies by Board of Directors Ascertainment that a quorum is present Adoption of Standing Orders Amendments to Standard Rules Close of meeting.

Signed: M. Brennan, Secretary Notice of this Special General Meeting and full details of the Order of Business including the Standing Orders and the specific rule changes, relating to the holding of virtual general meetings of members into the future should circumstances dictate, are published on our website www.stfranciscu.ie.

54058 - SFCU Notice SGM 2021.indd 1

09/04/2021 12:16

BVIOUS with the current pandemic, sickness is a much more common place discussion topic than normal but let’s just take a moment to consider your life……

Week after week, the income you earn goes to pay for your home, your bills, your car, your children’s education and activities.

Your income also pays for your holidays and all the other things that go to make up the life you are living right now. It’s the least you deserve – to enjoy the things you work so hard to pay for.

BUT • What would happen if, almost without warning, that money was no longer there?

• What would happen if you were to suffer a debilitating accident or become so seriously ill that you were unable to work for six months or more?

A car or motorcycle accident, a sports injury, the onset of severe depression, a stroke or heart disease – but we have all heard of, and possibly know, people who have suffered conditions just like these.

Have you considered the financial implications?

If you work for a company, then you will probably qualify for some form of sick pay from your employer. But it’s very rare indeed for an employer’s sick pay scheme to cover you beyond six months. If you’re self-employed, of course, sick pay doesn’t apply.

Once your sick pay cover runs out you will become dependent on the State for support.

Currently, the State Illness Benefit for 2021 is only €203 per week (for a single person) and Illness Benefit rates are graduated according to your average weekly earnings in the relevant tax year. The State Illness Benefit is hardly enough to support even the most basic lifestyles.

Income protection insurance is a longterm insurance policy designed to help you if you can’t work because you’re ill or injured. It ensures you continue to receive a regular income until you retire or are able to return to work.

1. It replaces part of your income 2. It pays out until you can start working again - or until you retire, die or the end of the policy term - whichever is sooner.

With Income Protection you simply pay a monthly premium (which qualifies for tax relief at your marginal rate) based on the amount of your income which you want to cover, the level of benefits you require and the state of your health. Then, if you suffer any illness, injury or disability which prevents you from working and earning an income, your Income Protection policy will pay you a replacement income of up to 75% of your salary until such time as you are fit to return to work or until you retire.

In short - Recover your health without financial worries. Getting sick is of course a time of concern. However, you can take the financial worry out of it by asking your Financial Broker to find the right income protection cover for you.

Call Carey Corbett Financial Services @ 065-689 3540 or email info@careycorbett.com

MONEY MATTERS

NEW

BORROWERS RATE 6.25% AND E V I T C A IN

(APR 6.44

%)

S R E W O R BOR

Only

MARCH ˚APRIL ˚MAY ˚JUNE Credit Union House, Market Square, Kilrush, Co Clare

loans@kilrushcreditunion.ie

065 9051242

www.kilrushcreditunion.ie

€10,000 over 5 years at an APR of 6.44% will cost €44.79/week with a total cost of credit at €11,643. All loans subject to approval. T&Cs apply. Rate available to members who have never borrowed or have no loan in the past 2 years. Minimum Loan Value is €8,000 and Maximum is €20,000.

WARNING: If you do not meet the repayments on your loan, your account will go into arrears. This may affect your credit rating which may limit your ability to access credit in the future. Credit Unions in the Republic of Ireland are regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland

29

30 MONEY MATTERS

Know your employer pension obligations

DARACH HONAN

Eamon Keane & Co have been in practice since 1988 and offer a wide range of accounting and business advisory services

We provide the following services: 

Farm Accounts



Sole Trader Accounts



Partnership Accounts



Accounts & Audits (if required) for Limited Companies



Exempt companies



Income & Expenditure Accounts



Monthly Management Accounts for all business shapes and sizes Kilrush Road, Ennis, Co. Clare T: (065) 682 8382 E: ekeane@eamonkeane.com

www.eamonkeane.com

A

S a business owner you’ll already know that your biggest investment of all is in the people who work for you. It is their experience, skills and energy that drives your business forward and every successful business puts its people first.

Part of putting your people first is providing them with the opportunity to plan for their future retirement through a pension. In fact, so important is the provision of retirement planning for employees that the law now obliges all employers to provide their employees with an occupational pension scheme or Personal Retirement Savings Account (PRSA), or to at least enable employees to make contributions directly from their salary into their own pension scheme.

In the past, most occupational pension schemes operated on a defined benefit basis which placed a quite considerable burden on employers. Workers in the scheme were guaranteed a pension which was a percentage of their final salary, depending on the contributions made and their years of service, but irrespective of the performance of the investment fund.

This meant that employers were obliged to make up any shortfall between the fund and the pension payments.

Most occupational pension schemes are now defined-contribution schemes where the worker’s pension is based upon the investment performance of the pension fund and where the employer is not obliged to make up any shortfall in the investment performance. Both defined benefit and defined-contribution schemes involve the employer making at least a small contribution to their employee’s pension funds.

A PRSA is similar to a defined benefit contribution scheme except that it is personally owned by the employee.

You are obliged to ensure your employees have access to a PRSA scheme if: • You as an employer, do not operate an occupational pension scheme, or • Any of your employees do not qualify to join an occupational pension scheme, or

• Any of your employees are excluded from making Additional Voluntary Contributions to and occupational pension scheme.

Despite these broad obligations, the pension’s burden on employers has been lightened by the introduction of PRSAs. These have particularly benefited smaller businesses as there is no requirement for the employer to make any contributions on their employees’ behalf. It’s worth noting, however, that any pension or PRSA contributions that are made by employers on behalf of employees are fully deductible for Corporation Tax purposes, so such contributions can be a tax efficient form of staff incentivisation.

If you have yet to set up a pension scheme for your employees, it’s very worthwhile engaging the services of a financial adviser with specialised experience in this area. Pension schemes are relatively easy to establish and are offered by a number of the major financial institutions in Ireland, but it’s important to ensure that you pick a scheme that meets both your needs and those of your present and future employees. A financial adviser can talk you through the choices available to you and advise you on choosing the right one. A pension scheme from a well recognised and respected provider is an attractive staff benefit and can have a role to play in staff recruitment. Once you have chosen your pension provider, in conjunction with your financial adviser, you should then let your eligible staff know of the availability of the scheme and their right to contribute to it. One of the best ways of doing this is to invite your financial adviser to present the details of the scheme to your employees.

This can take place at your premises for convenience and to avoid disruption to the working day.

The adviser can outline the scheme and its benefits and is on hand to answer any queries directly. Eligible employees are entitled to enough paid leave-of-absence to enable them to sign up to a pension scheme, so an in-house presentation makes sense in many ways.

Providing all your employees with access to a pension, either through an occupational pension scheme or PRSA is not just an obligation; it’s a positive statement of belief and investment in your workforce. By providing them with pension options you’re also helping them plan ahead for their retirement and building your employees’ peace-of-mind, enthusiasm and loyalty.

MOTORING

THURSDAY, APR 15 2021

DULICK MOTORS

Dulick Motors | Ennis, Clare Tel: 065 682 3232 www.dulick.nissan.ie | info@dulick-nissan.com

SPRING IS IN THE AIR & DULICK MOTORS HAVE A FABULOUS SELECTION OF QUALITY PRE-OWNED CARS IN STOCK TO TEMPT YOU Our sales team Paul, Joe Or Marek are on hand to give you a video walk around, a valuation on your own car or simply to book an appointment

Keen Finance Rates and Finance can be arranged on the day NISSAN QASHQAI 2021 1.5 SE Diesel, White 2020 1.3 SE Petrol, Blue 2020 1.3 SV Petrol, Red 2020 1.5 SE Diesel, White 2019 1.3 DSL SV & SS, Black, Grey 2019 1.3 SV, Brown 2019 1.3 SV & Safety, Black, Brown 2019 1.5 DSL SV Premium, Black, Silver, Blue 2018 1.2 XE, Black 2018 1.2 XE & Safety, Blue 2018 1.5 XE & Safety, White 2018 1.5 DSL SV, White, Red 2018 1.5 DSL SV & Safety, Grey 2018 1.5 DSL SV Premium, White 2017 1.6 Auto, Grey 2017 1.5 SV & Connect, Black 2016 1.5 DSL SV, Silver, Red 2015 1.5 DSL XE & Safety, Blue 2014 1.5 DSL SV, Grey 2014 1.5 DSL SV & Safety, Bronze 2014 1.5 DSL SVE, White Our Fantastic Offers on Brand New 211 Nissans remain in place for the month Of April

NISSAN X-TRAIL 2021 1.6 SVE 7 Seats, Red 2018 1.6 SVE Auto 5 Seats, Black NISSAN JUKE 2021 1.0 Enigma Grey/ Black 2021 1.0 SV Premium, White 2020 1.0 SVE Auo Sunset Red 2017 1.2 SV, White 2016 1.5 DSL SV, Grey NISSAN LEAF 2021 Electric Leaf EV 40KW Premium, Brown 2020 Electric Leaf EV 40KW,Silver 2020 Electric Leaf EV 40KW Premium, Blue 2019 Electric Leaf EV & Cold Pack 40KW, Dk Red 2019 Electric Leaf EV & Parking 40KW, Dk Red 2016 Electric Leaf EV 40KW Grey NISSAN PULSAR 2018 1.2 SV Executive, Silver 2017 1.2 SV Executive, Red 2017 1.5 Diesel SV Executive, Silver 2017 1.5 Diesel SV, Bronze

Guaranteed Minimum €3,000 Scrappage across all the passenger range and commercial range

NISSAN MICRA 2021 1.2 SV, Silver 2020 1.2 SV, Blue 2019 1.2 SV & Safety Dk Red 2019 1.2 SV, Silver 2019 1.2 SV Auto, Silver 2018 1.2 SV, Silver 2014 1.2 SV, Sage OTHER MODELS 2017 Ford Focus 1.5 Diesel, Grey 2016 Nissan NV200 2016 Toyota Auris 1.4, Blue 2014 Nissan Note 1.2 SV, Blue 2014 Renault Capture, Grey 2014 Ford Focus 1.6 4dr, Black TRADE CARS 2012 Skoda Octavia,Picasso 2011 Astra, Qashqai 2010 Peugeot 3008

0% Finance on the Fully Electric Nissan Leaf , 211 Nissan Micra & across our Commercial Range

31

32

PROPERTY

THURSDAY, APR 15 2021

Quin Co. Clare

Asking Price: €850,0000

Residential Development Site For Sale by Tender – Tender Date 6th May 2021  1.91 Hectare (4.72 acre) Residential development site in the heart of Quin Village.  The site is located on the left hand side of the road to the Dromoland interchange only 230 meters from the centre of the village.  There is excellent access onto the main road at the northern boundary of the site and there is an access road running along the eastern

boundary to an existing residential development.  The site is made up of Folio CE10484F The land is zoned R1 Residential in the Ennis Municipal area development plan 2017 to 2023.

Services are adjacent Joint Agents: Sherry FitzGerald Reynolds Contact Diarmuid McMahon for tender details. 065 6867866

SHERRYFITZ.IE

/SHERRYFITZGERALDGROUP @SHERRY_FITZ

It’s not just about property. It’s about people

PSRA No. 001212

PROPERTY 33

THURSDAY, APR 15 2021

DIARMUID McMAHON

DANIELLE O’ CONNOR

RECENTLY

JASON PYNE

SALE AGREED

ENNIS

ENNIS

ENNIS

ENNIS

ENNIS

ENNIS

ENNIS

COROFIN

TULLA

CONNOLLY

KILKEE

KILKEE

DOONBEG

COORACLARE

KILMIHIL

KILMIHIL

5 WILLOW PARK

13 COLLEGE PARK

9A CAHERCALLA ESTATE, KILRUSH ROAD

KNOCKADOON

SHERRYFITZ.IE

6 RIVERLANE APARTMENTS, PARNELL STREET

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It’s not just about property. It’s about people

PSRA No. 001212

Sport Clare Echo THE

15-04-21

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Limerick FC approaches criticised

Shannon Town Utd Chairman, Ger Kelly. Photo by Joe Buckley

APPROACHES from one League of Ireland club has left Shannon Town Utd on edge over their future of their Youths side.

Last season, Shannon Town Utd reached the last sixteen of the Munster Youths Cup while also going toe to toe with Bridge Utd in the league and cup deciders. Their U16 outfit reached the last four of the U16 National Cup. Such progress has attracted the attention of Limerick FC’s new club academy. The manner in which the Shannonsiders have been approaching players has caused angst within the ranks of Shannon Town Utd. The Clare Echo understands that Limerick FC were recently granted a licence to play in the underage League of Ireland at U15 and U17 level.

Up to six players from last year’s Youths side have been

pg 34

contacted about a potential move. While officers of Shannon Town Utd insist they are very keen to see their players progress, the communication which bypassed the club has led to growing tensions.

“If they take those six players from us that is our youths team decimated. It would be very disappointing,” Chairman of Shannon Town Utd Ger Kelly told The Clare Echo.

He believed “proper order” had not been followed by Limerick FC by their failure to make contact with Shannon Town to enquire about certain players. He stressed that the club was a different entity to Treaty Utd who he praised for their dealings with clubs across the region.

Kelly warned, “It is going to kill grassroots football...If those six guys signed with Limerick that Youths team would be absolutely decimated”.

Further investigations are to be carried out by Shannon Town into the way in which contact arose. “We have to protect ourselves as much as we can and protect our players”.

Louise McNamara, Vice Treasurer of Shannon Town Utd voiced her concern with the amount of players contacted and the policies of the new club academy of Limerick FC. “The problem is when you have a club looking for a particular amount of players, how large will their squad be, what protection is being afforded to those children, what policies have they in place regarding progressing those children and none of that has been put forward, it needs to be done,” she stated.

Earlier this month, former Jamaican international Michael Johnson was appointed Sporting Director of Limerick FC’s new club academy.

Buckley signs for Treaty Utd

By PÁRAIC McMAHON

CLARE youths captain Liam Buckley has signed for Treaty Utd’s U19 side.

Buckley who starred in defence for both Bridge Utd and his county in recent seasons will now be lining out in the underage League of Ireland after putting pen to paper on a deal with the Limerick club.

Liam played crucial roles as Bridge Utd tasted success at U17 and youths level. He was joint captain of the Six-

milebridge side that claimed League and Cup glory at U17 level in 2019. When Bridge secured a League and Cup double at Youths level last year, Buckley was once again to the fore.

Mark Culbert who managed Liam in recent years at Bridge Utd said, “Liam is a player who always wants to improve, has a great attitude to training and his efforts have paid off, we are all very proud of him”.

Only A Pound has third success for Shannon’s McLoughlin A THIRD career success was recorded by Only A Pound owned by Shannon’s James McLoughlin in Galway on Saturday.

He was determined to hold off the challenge of Mollrose Annie by a length and a half in 29.33 in the seventh race in Galway on Saturday night.

In the early strides of this Novice 350 Yard contest, Clydagh Matt and Apache Springs were away smartly in the centre of track and the pair matched strides on the run towards the opening bend just ahead of Aulton Jenny. As the leaders rounded the bend the Pat Hogan of Ennis owned Aulton Jenny swept through between runners to take over in front. On straightening for home Clydagh Matt threw down a renewed effort but the Donal Duggan of Tulla trained Aulton Jenny just lasted home by a short head in 19.60.

Tromora Luna owned by Inagh’s Noel Hehir gave an eye-catching performance in the Novice 525 Yards contest to overcame a bump at the opening bend on her way to a three length defeat of Croaghill Donna in 29.06. From traps Croaghill Donna and Burnpark Diamond were both away well and they led the eventual winner into the opening bend where the front to kicked three lengths clear as Tromora Luna found some trouble.

Racing past halfway Burnpark Diamond held a narrow advantage but Tromora Luna really began to lengthen her stride out wide and sweeping to the front rounding the third bend the daughter of Droopys Sydney and Brogan Tic Tac stayed on well all the way to the line.

Risky Reward made all the running in race four to Orbsen Oak by two lengths in 19.21.

Owned by Shannon’s Sean O’Riordan and trained by Stephen Murray of Sixmilebridge, she trapped well to lead Pandemicprincess

and Orbsen Oak by a length approaching the opening bend but with the chasers crowding slightly the winner kicked clear and staying on well was always in control close home.

It’s five wins from ten starts for Ballyea Scrutiny owned by Noel Gavin. The son of Droopys Buick and Flandys Hawkeye proved three and three quarter lengths too strong for Remarkable Lady in 29.23. Away smartly from his trap six berth the Tommy Flanagan of Ennistymon trained winner showed pace t the bend in company with Brickhill Daisy and the eventual runner up.. Racing towards halfway Ballyea Scrutiny led Brickhill Daisy by a length and approaching the third bend the winner began to draw clear of his rivals to win going away in great style.

The Paddy Collins and Liam Farrell of Doora owned Knockdrum Lilly opened her account at the second attempt in race six on Friday nights card in this S8 graded contest as she proved one length too good for the experienced Shawnee Pass in 19.59.

Race 11 saw the Pat Hogan of Ennis owned Aulton Ringo record his second career success in this A7 graded contest as he proved three and a half lengths too strong for the pace setting Way Out Tuxedo in 29.73.

The Vincent McKenna trained winner raced in fourth place rounding the opening bend as Way Out Tuxedo led from Malibu Baby at the opening bend. Racing towards the halfway mark Aulton Ringo moved through to join issue with Way Out Tuxedo in front and after a good tussle the winner began to assert from the home bend to win in good style.

Quarter-final wins for Explosive Sally, De Machine and Luminous Light were recorded in the Con and Annie Kirby Memorial in Limerick on Saturday.

Continues this weekend at

Limerick Greyhound Stadium RACING IS BEHIND CLOSED DOORS

WATCH LIVE FROM THE COMFORT OF HOME! Buy your access pass now on https://page.inplayer.com/TalkingDogsTV/ OR CHECK SOCIAL MEDIA FOR DETAILS

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pg 35

15-04-21

Clare Echo THE

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Fitzgerald: Caherlohan criticism like 'witch-hunt’ PÁRAIC MCMAHON

paraic@clareecho.ie

CLARE GAA secretary Pat Fitzgerald has hit out at a perceived “witch-hunt” that is brewing within the Association.

Tuesday’s meeting of the County Board didn’t take long to raise temperatures with the first speaker on the evening prompting debate and as officials stood up to the long-running critiques of Caherlohan.

Whitegate’s David Solon referenced aspects from a recent Irish Independent article as the minutes of the March meeting were to be passed. “A few things stated on that day didn’t seem to sit right with the public view of Caherlohan,” he admitted.

He questioned the comments relating to ‘pristine conditions’ of the pitches and believed “negligence” was evident in how pitches were managed and sought an update on the water quality of the facility.

Solon said he was “amused” by comments of Chairman Jack Chaplin in the article when it came to the setting up of the now scrapped hurling committee, “you said you contacted managers you knew”, he added before listing off a number of ex managers not contacted.

Issues on the surface of Caherlohan were “never addressed,” the East Clare representative stated. He said members of the sub-committee in place had been already there for “five or six years, it is under their

watchful eye that this happened”.

The Chairman stated, “I don’t know about what went on before. Pitches everywhere need constant upgrading and can go bad anywhere. We’re on the minutes. We have a group set up to look into Caherlohan. Can we move on with minutes”.

Photo by John Mangan

Attempts to move on were stalled by Wolfe Tones delegate Dermot O’Donnell who called for no investment in Caherlohan to be made until the strategic plan for Clare GAA is finished. Sub committees were established prior to this, Chaplin outlined, “the review won’t be done until September, in the meantime we must get Caherlohan up to the best condition we can”.

Secretary of Clare GAA, Pat Fitzgerald interjected to inform the meeting sandbased pitches were not put in place as the money was not available. He repeated a request for a club delegate to tell him how

THE CUTTING EDGE

much the pitches cost “because everyone seems to know”. All costs were sanctioned by consultant engineers, he said. “Can someone tell me the inordinate sum of money that was spent on pitches. If you get ordinary pitch done tomorrow, it will be €140k per pitch, if you get if for cheaper please come back and tell me”.

Fitzgerald continued, “I haven’t reacted to this for a long time, it’s going on two years and it’s gone out of hand, I’m sorry I didn’t react sooner”. He said the repeated critiques were “a witch-hunt”. He said ex Treasurer Bernard Keane once described Caherlohan as “the greatest achievement of his time”.

Repeated questions from Fitzgerald to O’Donnell on the amount spent for pitches went unanswered, “unless we have the figure, you’re talking in a vacuum. You have to know the figure”.

A “myth” exists regarding the cost of Caherlohan, the county secretary commented. “There are 56 people logged onto this meeting and no one has come in to tell me the cost, I’m waiting to hear”.

Tubber’s Andrew Monaghan said they completed a pitch from start to finish at a cost of €84,000 last year.

Pitches at Caherlohan cost €680,000 which included fees for engineers and drawings, Fitzgerald told the meeting. “I don’t get into social media, some site has all the information that everybody is going by. Based on this, there must be a witch hunt against somebody”.

Clubs in dark as Clare intercounty ladies eye league THOUSANDS of club players in Clare remain without certainty on what the make-up of their season will look like.

Clare’s senior sides are permitted to return to training from Monday with underage club sides back training a week later while their adult club counterparts continue to watch the calendar hoping for a restart date.

Addressing Tuesday’s meeting of the County Board, Jack Chaplin informed club delegates that there was little of an update that could be provided when it came to competitions that would be played. He outlined that the only GAA competition sanctioned to go ahead at this stage were the Allianz National Leagues.

Meanwhile, dates for the start of the season for Clare’s senior camogie side and intermediate ladies footballers have been outlined. Clare are placed alongside Galway and Limerick in the Littlewoods Camogie League.

Ger O’Connell’s charges start off away to Galway on May 15th and follow this by hosting Limerick in the second round on May 22nd. The Banner have a bye in round three.

The Division 1 quarter-final has been pencilled in for June 5th/6th with semi-finals a week later. The League final and relegation final both takes place on June 19th/20th.

A home tie against Wexford will see Evan Talty start his reign as manager of the Clare intermediate ladies footballers. They will renew rivalry with Meath a week later, the Royal County eliminated Clare from last year’s All-Ireland semi-finals. Their final game in Division 2A on June 6th sees Clare travel to Kerry.

WITH MARK O’DONNELL

Technique versus ‘survival mode’

M

ARK O’Donnell this week explores technical versus survival mode and the various implications associated with each method.

Frequently coaches encounter players who have developed technique, with deficiencies or limitations. This tends to create a coaching dilemma – re-build the movement/skill from scratch and accept initial technical failure?

Or allow the player to continue “successfully” performing in survival mode? Of course, every scenario is case dependent, and we should always coach the person first, player second.

American novelist, Mark Twain suggested “it’s never wrong, to do the right thing,” and coaching may be no different.

If you play, coach or watch sport, you’re likely to observe the sport specific skills of the game. Occasionally these skills can be performed in an unusual

manner, and the GAA is home to several examples. Hurling enthusiasts may have seen players using their non-dominant hand to grip a hurley e.g., John Conlon (citóg) plays right-handed, whereas Aidan McCarthy plays left-handed, albeit a righty!

Walter Walsh (Kilkenny) and Gary Kirby (for the 90s fanatics) cross/switch hands when striking. 2013 saviour, Domhnall O’Donovan, turns the toe of his hurley inwards when rising a ball.

Occurrences involving the size 5 are equally plentiful, such as Darran O’Sullivan (Kerry) when soloing opposite hand to opposite foot, or defenders who tackle with their outside hand when engaging an opponent from the side.

These examples are techni-

cally incorrect, yet each player is proficient, and plays/played at the highest level?

The key realisation is that there are exceptions to every one of life’s rule. In sporting terms, for every technical outlier (player) that reaches their true potential, there will be hundreds, if not thousands, who fail to do so. Technical deficiencies force players to operate in survival mode, by limiting the capacity of their skillset.

Playing to survive is short-lived, and unfortunately ends in disaster on the playing field, as opposing teams

usually identify these weaknesses. Consequently, increased frustration, self-consciousness and stagnation (failure to improve) often lead to drop-out from Gaelic games, which is very preventable!

Coaches are tasked with nurturing players to maximise their playing ability, which is a road less-travelled in survival mode. If we can support players to acknowledge their current practice and highlight the benefits of developing a more proficient technique – better days lay ahead.

However, change is not easy.

Whether it’s a new training regime, starting a job or moving house – it can be overwhelming and take its toll on the body and mind. If we apply a growth mindset when coaching a new movement or skill pattern, empathy is our best friend.

Only when an athlete truly wants to help themselves, can

coaches intervene and provide the necessary support. Acceptance of technical errors during the initial phase of learning is paramount for the development of a new movement or skill. These newly learned patterns will likely feel alien or awkward at first, and might have to get worse to get better. Perhaps facilitating a learning pathway to include; Plan – Do – Review – Repeat may aid development. Coaches must be willing to assist & challenge players in an appropriate manner, in order to foster resilience.

Generating feedback linked to the correct elements of performance will further aid players, and raise competence & confidence that technical proficiency is on the horizon.

This article is dedicated in memory of James P. Leyne (1936 – 2021) – native of Kerry, expatriated in Boston and local to Doolin.

Golf g Clare

36

Cuckoo to sing in East Clare again SEAMUS HAYES

T

HE influx of new members allied to the volunteerism ethic that is prominent in the club point to a bright future for East Clare Golf Club.

That’s according to club public relations officer, Rachel Whelan who, like the general membership of the club, can’t wait for the course to re-open on April 26.

“The cuckoo comes out in East Clare at the end of April and we are all delighted that we will be back on the fairways to hear the cuckoo sing this year”.

This is one of the attractions of this club, designed by the late Dr. Arthur Spring from Tralee and situated in the rolling East Clare landscape just a stone’s throw from Lough Derg.

“Like golfers everywhere we have all been disappointed that courses have been closed so far this year because of the Covid lockdown. However there are positives to be taken out of this. Here in East Clare it has given the course staff time to get a lot of work done on upgrading the facility. We have two full time staff in Rory and Donnacha McNamara and

together with a group of volunteers, known as ‘the Specials’ they have carried out a huge amount of work on greens, tee boxes and fairways”, Rachel told The Clare Echo.

“We had a big influx of new members last year when around 150 young people joined which was great for the club. Many of those are GAA players who turned to golf when there were no GAA games. We now have between 450 and 500 members. Golf courses were only opened for a few months last year but during that time there was huge demand for tee times”, added Rachel.

Club captains Enda Donnellan and Ann Harte along with president Mary Mannion stayed on for a second term this year. “This is a real community membership driven club. The volunteers look after the shop, arrange the bookings and organise competitions. The club has gone from strength to strength in the past two years.

The club enters teams in the various mens and ladies GUI competitions. We have an active seniors section. The senior men play on Tuesday mornings, the ladies play on Wednesdays while there are club competitions every weekend. We have

an online booking system and we have a number of membership categories including the Get me into golf programme and lessons can be arranged on request”, explained the club public relations officer.

The facility was first developed as a 9 hole course but enough land had been purchased for 18 holes and the development of the second nine came quickly after the opening.

The course hosted the 1998

Padraig’s golf tip: Relax your grip pressure PADRAIG McGRATH GOLF PRO

SOMETIMES after a long break from golf, golfers find they actually play some of their best golf. Why is that? I believe this is mainly because you have little or no expectations to play well so you are much more relaxed and you just intend to go out there and enjoy a few holes rather than worrying about shooting a low score.

Like myself I’m sure you too won’t take a round of golf for granted now for a very long time. We are all raring to go and play our first game

of golf now in four months and the key to playing better golf is to try play carefree golf. What I mean is if you hit a poor opening tee shot or regardless how many poor golf shots you hit laugh them all off. Hold the club with a grip pressure that is relaxed, get a good shoulder turn in your backswing and swing that clubhead towards your target.

The key here is I said, “Swing the head of the golf club towards your target”, not just towards the golf ball.

A regular error I see is that golfers focus too intensely on swinging the club to the ball, which in turn leads to a shorter follow through that finishes prematurely. Remember the

majority of the golf swing is after the ball is struck (back Swing 35 per cent / follow through 65 per cent), so in order to help you to complete the follow through simply think about swinging your clubhead to your target instead of the ball.

Gripping the club in a relaxed manner and swinging the clubhead towards your target is a great thought to help you achieve a longer follow through, which in return will hugely benefit your ball flight.

I sincerely hope you all thoroughly enjoy your return to those lush fairways and remember regardless of your score, “KEEP LAUGHING”. #PadraigKnowsGolf

West of Ireland Seniors championship when both touring professionals and PGA officials alike, marvelled at the quality of the greens.

Concluding Rachel urged anyone thinking about taking up the game to “give it a try, you won’t regret it”. Because of Covid the club’s membership year has changed and now runs from April 1, 2021 to March 31, 2022 instead of January to December.

Length of course: 6,031 metres Unique feature: Wildlife and the par 3s, 2nd, 8th and 17th all over water Most difficult hole: 9th hole index 1 Major club honours: J.B Carr senior men’s winners in 2019, Ladies reached Mary McKenna All-Ireland in 2018, National Mixed winners.

Course structure: five par 3s: four par 5s, nine par 4s

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Golf g Clare

37

Ennis eagerly awaits the 26th EOIN BRENNAN

A

FTER almost 17 weeks of inactivity, the countdown is finally on for the reopening of Ennis Golf Club on Monday week.

And for Club President Steve Burns (pictured), it simply couldn’t come soon enough.

“It’s absolutely fantastic to have that focus again and to be honest, we really can’t wait for April 26th.

I meet many members during the week out walking or shopping and the question is always the same ‘when are we getting back”.

More than just a healthy sporting passion, Burns, who marks his 35th year in the club in 2021, also stresses the social significance of Ennis Golf Club to its sizeable membership. “It’s only when it’s gone that you really appreciate the camaraderie and the friendships that you build up over the years. We’ve a very strong senior ladies and gents club on a Thursday and a Friday in Ennis Golf Club and before COVID, every

Thursday morning, you could have 30 or 40 men sitting around having a cup of coffee and a chat.

“Oftentimes the golf was secondary to the occasion so I know I’m not alone in missing that interaction and social aspect.”

Allied to a thriving Junior Club that coaches boys and girls from just eight years old, the anticipation is almost palpable all-round ahead of the return to play.

“Talking to our course staff last week, they have been doing a lot of work over a long period and they just can’t wait to see the members back on the course and out on the fairways enjoying themselves once more. We all sat down around September and put together a winter/ spring programme of improvements, renovations and repair work that has been undertaken since.

The rebuilding of boundary walls, repair of security netting and sanding of the course are just some of the improvements.

“In addition, there has also been a big project of clearing trees that overshadow tee boxes and greens that in the long term will allow them to develop better. Overall, I think it will give members a slightly different perspective on the course when they return.

“Obviously we’ve still a bit of planning to do before that in terms of the protocols set out by Golf Ireland as it won’t be a case of arriving and taking out your club come the end of the month.

It’s just the new way of

playing I suppose that our members are familiar with it after last year but the main thing is that golf is back.

“So roll on the 26th.”

Length of course:5,724m Unique features of course: Small greens, good iron play is required Most difficult hole: Hole 12, par 4, index 1 Major club honours: All-Ireland J.B Carr senior winners; All-Ireland Mixed champions Course structure: Four par 3s; 12 par 4s and two par 5s

East Clare Golf Club 2021 Membership Offers

Full Member €660 Married Couple €1,210 Associate €440 5 Day Membership €550 Get in to Golf €350 Get Back in to Golf €500 Under 25s €275 Under 35s €425 Third Level Students €180 Primary & Secondary Students From €50 Above rates do not include standard Golf Ireland affiliation fee of €24

MEMBERSHIP OFFERS FOR 2021 JUNIOR COACHING PROGRAMME WITH PGA PROFESSIONAL

OPEN TO NEW MEMBERS

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20 - 25 YRS

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26 - 30 YRS

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31 - 35 YRS

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36+

(INTRODUCTORY)

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For further information email

JUNIOR/Student

€150

Open Days will be advertised via our Facebook page during the year

Junior under 12

€100

Now accepting society bookings for 2021 Visitors Welcome, Special Group Rates available Membership valid from 1 April 2021 to 31 March 2022

Contact Us Today:

065-682-4074

Email:

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Golf g Clare

38

Kilkee upgrades to resume SEAMUS HAYES

W

ITH the easing of Covid restrictions leading to the re-opening of golf courses, officials at Kilkee Golf Club are thrilled that work on a €270,000. development programme which will see the course upgraded along with the development of a 6 hole course to benefit the club’s junior sections is set to resume.

Speaking to The Clare Echo this week, the men’s captain Michael Hoare explained that “the work includes the upgrading of tee boxes and bunkers and the installation of new sprinklers around the greens. All of this will help make the course safer for members and visitors alike and we hope to have this work completed this summer”.

“Like all clubs the lockdown has been costly as

the bar, restaurant and course have been closed.

We are all looking forward to the re-opening of the facilities here. This is a very special year for our club as we are celebrating our 125th anniversary and we hope to celebrate this with a programme of events in July. We have, for the first time in the club’s history, a female president this year in Grainne Mulryan and our management committee now includes four ladies.

We are delighted to say that most of our sponsors have committed to supporting the club again this season”.

“Our annual club classic is set for the weekend of July 17 and 18 and we aim to make this particularly special this year as we celebrate 125 years. The very popular Kilkee cup competition will run from Monday July 19. Throughout the last two weeks in July there will be competitions every day as both the men’s and ladies committee have drawn up attractive programmes”, the captain added.

The club has a membership of approximately 400.

“We benefited with between 60 and 70 new members last year and we are again promoting a special introductory membership offer this year which includes free lessons for those taking up the offer.

In the past we have had a strong junior section, working in conjunction with the local schools and we hope to get this up and running again now once the restrictions allow”, explained the captain.

The club kept one of their course staff on during the recent lockdown.

“We depend a lot on volunteers and we are fortunate that the members are very supportive of our efforts and turn out to help when required. The club competes in the various mens and

ladies inter club competitions annually”, commented Michael.

Kilkee is an 18 hole course on the Wild Atlantic Way. The old 9 hole course, which was built in 1886, has been developed into a challenging 18 hole course which was opened in 1994.

Length: 5,515m (off white tees) 4,526 (ladies) Unique feature: Incredible views Most difficult hole: 5th par 5

Major club honours: Munster Country Clubs Cup 1982 Course structure: five par 3s, eight par 4s and five par 5s

Kilrush Golf and Sports Club

New Membership Year 1 €200.00 Year 2 €350.00 Year 3 €525.00

Distance Membership Over 60km from Kilrush €150 Green Fees €25 including weekends All Men’s competitions are open with free entry for green fees.

Junior Membership €70 We have an extensive coaching programme for Juniors during the summer months.

Website www.kilrushgolfclub.com e-mail info@kilrushgolfclub.com Phone 065 9051138

Golf g Clare

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Kilrush boosted by youth

Length of course: 6,075 yards Unique features of course: Our feature hole, the par 3 9th over water.

Most difficult hole: Par 4 11th hole, second shot over water Major club honours: Got to Munster final of junior foursomes in Clonmel last year beaten narrowly by Faithlegg in under 18 junior foursomes Course structure: five par 3s, three par 5s, 10 par 4s

SEAMUS HAYES

O

FFICIALS in all sports club will agree that the future of their clubs depends hugely on having a strong junior section and this is certainly the case at Kilrush Golf

Club.

“Our junior section here in Kilrush golf club is very vibrant with between 80 and 90 members”, explained the club’s junior convenor, Seamus O’Doherty.

“In my role as junior convenor I am very lucky to have Jim Young junior and Donnacha Nagle coaching the junior players.

We have weekly competitions for them on Wednesday mornings with coaching sessions for the group on Sunday evenings. Our junior membership comes from throughout West Clare as well as from the town here in Kilrush”, the former club captain said.

The work being done with the junior section at the club helped Kilrush win the Clare junior foursomes title in 2018, a title they retained in 2019 when they went on to add the North Munster title before losing out to a strong Faithlegg side in the Provincial final which was played in Clonmel. Because of the Covid lockdown this competition did not take place last year.

The club is particularly proud of the progress made by 19 year old Shane Lillis from nearby Cooraclare.

“Shane wasn’t with us in the foursomes success in 2019 as he had just started his first year on scholarship at Martin Methodist College, known as the Red Hawks, in Tenessee”, explained junior coach, Donnacha Nagle. “We have some very good juniors here in the club”, he added Currently Shane’s younger brother Rory and Kilrush teenager Tom Clancy are making great strides through the club’s junior

programme.

The current club captains are Gerry Duffy and Mary Bolton while the presidents are Pat Shannon (Kilrush) and Ailish Lorrigan.

“We have a membership of 550 and currently we have some very attractive membership offers for people who might be interested in joining the club”, the club’s public relations officer, Noel Kilkenny who is also the current vice captain stated.

“We have a huge volunteer input. Last year we asked for volunteers to act as starters to help with keeping records of who was on the course and we were over subscribed. This volunteer ethic has brought the club very much together. We have always relied heavily on volunteers and we have a huge group of volunteers supporting our two full time course staff”, according to Noel who added that the club benefitted with over 40 new members last year.

“A lot of work was done during lockdown and it was the same last year. Huge improvements have taken place at all levels from the quality of greens to planting of trees and drainage works. We have improved it year on year”, Noel explained Known for the welcome accorded to all who visit the club, the public relations officer said “we take great pride in being noted for this. Our ladies and men’s sections along with our senior men and ladies groups hold a lot of competitions and we compete in the various GUI and ILGU competitions each year”, he concluded

Donegan’s rise a sign of golf’s strength in Clare SEAMUS HAYES IT’S AN indication of the strength of the game of golf in Clare currently that this year, four players who have come through the junior sections in their clubs, will be furthering their careers in the U.S. Woodstock’s Aine Donegan is the latest to join the group and she will be going on scholarship to Indiana University in August of 2021. She will be following Sinead Sexton (Spanish Point and Lahinch) who will return to the U.S. later this year for a fourth term there, She has been in Florida for the past three seasons.

Shane Lillis (Kilrush) is currently on his first season on scholarship in Tenessee while Shannon’s Daniel Brennan has spent the past couple of seasons in the U.S. where he has had success in a number of collegiate competitions.

Aine Donegan lives across the road from Woodstock Golf Club and she played her first competition when she was aged 7. Her parents, Ann (Gillen), a former lady captain at Woodstock and Greg are keen golfers while Aine’s brother Aaron plays off a handicap of 2. Aine is currently playing off a handicap of plus 3.

When she started out in golf, Aine was playing a lot of sports including ladies football, camogie and soccer. She was a lead-

ing light in soccer and played for Munster schoolgirls and trialled for the Irish side. She played up to the age of 12 with Avenue and then moved to Ennis Town girls. She played gaelic games for Na Fianna and the Banner while she played camogie with Kilmaley.

At the age of 10 she was invited onto a regional golf development squad where her coach was Gary Madden who was attached to Athenry Golf Club at the time. He remains her coach to this day. As she progressed up the ladder in golf, the other sports were dropped. Her handicap came down rapidly.

Two years ago Aine helped Lahinch to victory in the Munster and All-Ireland senior ladies cup. Aideen Walsh, another who has come through the junior section at Woodstock, was also part of that team. Aine and Aideen play a lot of golf together and they devote a lot of their summer holiday time to coaching the junior girls at Woodstock.

As she progressed up the ranks, Aine was selected on a number of Irish teams and she has represented her country in competitions in the U.S., Canada and throughout Europe. She was a member of the Lahinch team which won the silver medals in the European championships in 2019 where she finished 5th in the individual competition.

Aine reached 117 in the World rankings but because of Covid restrictions she hasn’t been able to play any ranking competition since 2019.

Since the amalgamation of the GUI and the ILGU, Golf Ireland have boys and girls

Aine Donegan in action. Photo by Pat Cashman

in the one development programme and prior to lockdown Aine travelled regularly to attend training at Carton House and other centres.

As golfers throughout Ireland look forward to the re-opening of courses next week,

all will be keeping their fingers crossed that the lifting of restrictions will allow those who are U.S. bound to travel later this year.

Golf g Clare

40

History to be made in Shannon SEAMUS HAYES

G

OLFING history will be made in Shannon in August of this year when the annual inter Pro competitions will be hosted by the club as this will mark the first time that the men’s and ladies events will be held together.

This has come about following the amalgamation of the GUI and the ILGU. “We are planning our calendar around the hosting of the inter provincials and I am confident that Covid 19 regulations will allow for the staging of these championships”, the club’s men’s captain Keith Buckley told The Clare Echo.

Keith, lady captain Maura McMahon and president Christy Moylan have remained in these positions for a second term and they are leading plans for the hosting of the inter provincials Established in 1966, Shannon Golf Club, which was designed by John D. Harris, is well used to the hosting of major events and has welcomed golfers from all over the world including many professionals and a host of U.S. stars.

The club has hosted both the Irish and European amateur championships as well as the men’s amateur Irish close championships. The staging of an annual PRO-Am tournament in the eighties proved a huge

attraction when players of the calibre of Seve Ballesteros and Greg Norman were amongst the stars to play the course. A special stone was erected on the 18th fairway to mark the drive of Norman during one of those Pro-Am tournaments.

The club has hosted both the Irish and European amateur championships as well as the men’s amateur Irish close championships.

“Like all golf clubs Shannon has suffered a loss of income because of the Covid lockdown but the biggest damage has been to our members. This is a members club and we rely on subscriptions from our members.

After last year’s lockdown we focussed on attracting new members and on getting former members to re-join the club and that was quite successful. Our focus this year is on adding value for the members and we have made a serious investment on the course by upgrading tee boxes, driving range, a new short game area and the development of new buggy paths. We have a number of attractive membership offers available”, explained Keith.

The club retained their course staff during the recent lock down and they have been busy developing the improvements.

“We want to retain the new members that we have attracted and the improvements carried out which include sanding of the fairways as well as tree cutting will ensure that the club will be in pristine condition when it re-opens for play next week”.

The captain was keen to point out that the club has a very strong junior section.

“Our junior section is very strong and it is getting stronger and our club professional Artie Pyke and his assistant Paul O’Neill are a big help to us in this area. Paul has come through the ranks here at the club and he has played in the South of Ireland and being part of Munster panels”.

Shane O’Sullivan, the Callaway representative in Ireland has come through the ranks at Shannon as has Daniel Brennan who have been in the U.S. in recent years where he has had success in a number of collegiate competitions.

Keith also pointed out that “the club competes in the many mens and ladies inter club competitions annually. I want to see our members and particularly the new members, have the opportunity of representing the club”.

Length of course: 6,763 yards Unique features of course: 17th hole is the club’s signature hole, 220 yards par 3 across the Shannon Estuary Most difficult hole: Index 1, 9th hole, 455 yards of the medal tees Major club honours: All-Ireland Pierce Purcell champions in 1980 Course structure: Four par 3s, four par 5s and 10 par 4s

Sinead hopeful of return to Florida fairways

By SEAMUS HAYES PROFESSIONAL golfer Sinead Sexton is hopeful she will be able to return to Florida this October.

While attending primary school in Spanish Point, Sinead Sexton took up golf. “Spanish Point golf club is close to my home and I started going there once a week. I didn’t fall in love with the game straight away. I didn’t like walking as opposed to running after the ball”, explained Sinead who played many sports in those years.

She played ladies football with Miltown and with Clare while she played soccer with Lifford Ladies and was part of some of the Lifford boys teams at the time. Sinead started her golf in Spanish Point when she was eleven and in subsequent years she joined Lahinch.

Sinead started out with a handicap of 36 but she quickly saw this handicap come down.

“Initially the handicap didn’t come down a lot as I was still playing other sports but as my love of golf grew the handicap tumbled. The main goal became getting the handicap down and you could lose four or five shots in one event”, explained Sinead

who is now in the professional ranks.

She has spent the last three winters in Florida and plans to return there in October should Covid restrictions allow. She hopes to return to Woodfield Country club in Florida.

“When I went there first I was still playing amateur golf in Lahinch where my handicap was plus 3. When one turns professional the handicap goes out the window. My eyes were opened to the professional side and teaching and I decided to turn professional” said Sinead who has been kept busy at home during recent months doing an online course on how to teach and coach golf.

As Sinead grew into the game she was selected on various Munster panels having started competing with the junior section at Lahinch. She progressed to the ladies section. “There were more competitions here and more to compete against. Lahinch won the Munster inter club under 19 title”, said Sinead who was now down to a handicap of 12 and was playing senior cup with Lahinch at the age of 15.

She was just a year older, (16) when she helped Lahinch win the Munster senior cup and by

now her handicap was down to 5. “The lower the handicap, the harder it is to win” according to Sinead who was playing off 2 when she was just 18. “Ladies golf in Clare is strong at the moment and all senior team members at Lahinch are playing of scratch or even lower”.

“I finished my masters in Scotland in 2017. I didn’t know what route to go but I had a few ideas in my head. I knew about the programme of going to Florida for the Winter and coming home and playing golf for the summer.

The teaching side of things is totally different over there. One is more involved in the overall running of the club. Here a club committee runs all the competitions. In the States the club professionals run the competitions”, she said.

Does this mean that we will shortly see Sinead playing on the various tour events. “Initially I might get to play in some of the mini tours or some of the one day events but, in the short term, my focus is on teaching the game”, she replied.

Absence of golf due to restrictions has been “difficult,” she admitted. “I miss the game and the whole social side also. There is only so much of hitting golf balls

Golf g Clare

41

Spanish Point ready for 125th year course.

“We’ve constructed a new short game area that comprises of a practise bunker and a massive putting green which will be ready by early summer. We’ve also be working on the course itself including changing the position of the 8th tee which makes the hole much more demanding”.

Accentuating ‘The Terror’ 8th hole will be offset by the welcome return of members in less than a fortnight’s time. “I think everyone is just so eager to get back on the course and playing again. It will just be great for everyone’s minds and bodies but especially for their mental health, to be able to get out there, walking around in the fresh air again. It will simply be glorious”.

EOIN BRENNAN

I

T MAY not have been the 125th anniversary that they initially envisaged but Spanish Point Golf Club are eager to make the most of the quasquicentennial milestone from the end of April.

Along with impacting upon their anniversary, COVID-19 also hampered Spanish Point’s latest Pierce Purcell Shield drive as the 2013 and ’14 All-Ireland champions were prevented from challenging for a third national crown in October, having secured the provincial honours in dramatic fashion at the end of September.

However, while they anxiously await news of a potential completion of the prestigious 2020 inter-club campaign, overall it’s Spanish Point’s rich history that deserves to be celebrated according to Club Captain John Lewis.

“It’s a massive occasion for the club, a fabulous landmark to reach. Of course, we had great plans throughout the year which like everything else has had to be shelved but hopefully once we’re open, we’ll be able to celebrate the anniversary for the rest of the year. It goes without saying that we’ll be working completely under the government guidelines but fingers crossed we’ll be able to do something special around the August Bank Holiday weekend.

“We’re also trying to put together a souvenir booklet to mark the occasion

because there have been plenty of ups and downs over the last 125 years but it has prevailed and thrived regardless so we’re extremely proud of how the club has developed”.

Shannon Golf Club One of the Top Parkland Courses in Ireland

New Driving Range and Short Game Academy Brand New Buggy Paths for Year Round Golf New Tee Boxes and Investment in Fairways Excellent Junior Programme under

2021 Membership Fees JUNIOR - €100 UNDER 30 - €500

NEW MEMBER - €700 year 1 (year 2 -€900) FULL MEMBER - €900 Call 061 471849 to discuss

Host Club for 2021 Mens & Ladies

Interprovincial Championship

Work behind the scenes has been ongoing throughout the latest lockdown though, with Lewis, a member since settling in the area in 2007, outlining some of the latest developments to the famous 9 hole links

Length of course: 5,330 yards Unique features of course: the 8th hole known as ‘the Terror’ Most difficult hole: 5th hole Major club honours: 2 National Pierce Purcell titles; 6 Munster country club titles Course structure: Six par 3s, 10 par 4s, two par 5s

Golf g Clare

42

Dromoland Castle ready for action SEAMUS HAYES

D

ROMOLAND Castle golf club is ready to welcome members and visitors back once golf clubs can reopen at the end of this month.

“Everything is in place to ensure members and visitors will be in a safe environment to enjoy a round of golf,” club captain John Casey (inset) says.

“It is difficult to quantify the loss the most recent lockdown has cost the club with no foreign visitors, no green fees and no societies able to visit. It was a lonely place during the lockdown”.

The lockdown, however, had an advantage as it allowed the course staff to work on the course. “The course had been extremely busy pre this lockdown and this break has helped the course to recover from the heavy traffic of last season.

The grounds staff have done fantastic work with included the re-setting of bunkers, the cutting and manicuring of greens and

fairways and the cleaning out of water hazards particularly at the 7th, 11th and 13th holes which resulted in the finding of thousands of golf balls. A lot of work was done on a daily basis.

The course needed time to recover and this work was carried out under the watchful eye of the club’s director of golf, Eamonn O’Donnell with support from the general manager of Dromoland, Mark Nolan”, according to the captain.

“Dromoland is ready for a return to golf next week.”

During the lockdown this year members were allowed use of the walkways which surround the course while complying with the Covid protocols. “There are excellent tarmacadam pathways throughout the course and the members appreciated the use of this facility. In addition to allowing them take exercise it gave them the opportunity to enjoy the wildlife in the estate”, John explained.

The course which was designed by Ron Kirby and J.B. Carr was originally a 9 hole course which moved to 18 holes in 2003. It currently has a membership of

approximately 550 made up of 450 men and 100 ladies.

Teams compete regularly in GUI and ILGU competitions.

The lady captain this year is Tina Devitt while the club president is Con Woods Dromoland will comply with all protocols when the course reopens. “We will be abiding by the regulations which specify that play will be in two balls. Our Academy will also reopen next week but use of this facility must be pre booked and social distancing will apply.

The use of this facility will help players to get back into the swing of things after the break while its availability will alleviate some of the pressure on the course”, according to the club captain.

“When the club re-opened after the previous lockdown, competitors were limited to 9 hole outings to facilitate all the members. More people were available to play golf as they had more times on their hands and they wanted to take exercise. It was tricky enough to get everyone on the timesheet”, explained the captain who is satisfied that “everything will be ready for the return to play next week”.

Length of course: 6,824 yards Unique features of course: Backdrop of Castle and lake features on a number of holes Most difficult hole: Hole 16, par 4 Major club honours: Munster Boys junior foursomes and Munster mixed foursomes; Munster ladies cup winners. Holmpatrick cup winners; Course structure: Four par 3s, four par 5s and 10 par 4s

Myatt eyes South of Ireland

By SEAMUS HAYES

Welcome Back To Our Members From The Dromoland Castle Team!

T : +353 (0) 61 368444 ¦ golf@dromoland.ie ¦ www.dromoland.ie/golf/

WHILE the majority of club golfers concentrate on the various competitions in their clubs, those in the low handicap bracket aspire to competing in scratch cup events throughout the country and progressing on to qualifying to play in such prestigious competitions at the South of Ireland amateur championship.

One such golfer is Sean Myatt who plays off scratch and who is currently the lowest handicapped member in Ennis. “I joined the club fourteen years ago when I was 11. I played a lot of sports at the time, hurling, soccer and gaelic football but I fell in love with golf ”, explained Sean who started playing off a handicap of 36.

Sean’s aim is to play in the South of Ireland championship which takes place annually at Lahinch. “I have played in the North of Ireland championship in Royal Portrush on a few occasions and also in the Irish Close. Ennis has a strong junior section. Dave Pender is in charge of the group. The club has done well in the senior cup in recent years beating teams from Woodstock and Lahinch but we have struggled to get past the Limerick sides”.

Like all golfers, Sean “can’t wait to get back onto the golf course. The lockdown has been difficult as there has been no where to hit golf balls. It will be great to get back playing next week”, he said.

Eoin Magill is currently the lowest handicapped player in East Clare and he is off 1.6 under the new whs system. He has won a number of boys championships in recent seasons. His

sister Ciara is the lowest handicapped female in the club at 6.1.

Ed Hickey is the Shannon club’s lowest handicapped member at .3, Jason O’Donnell plays off 1 with Darragh Casey off 1.2.

Woodstock’s lowest ranked player is Tony Cleary who has competed in the South of Ireland championship.

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PLANNING

THURSDAY, APR 15 2021

PLANNING NOTICES CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL WHITELEAF COTTAGE, KNOCKDRUMLEAGUE, TULLA, CO. CLARE V95 A0T9 I, Richard Bryant wish to apply for retention planning permission to retain 1) single storey extensions to the sides and rear of the property. 2) an outbuilding to the rear at Whiteleaf Cottage, Knockdrumleague, Tulla, Co. Clare V95 A0T9.

The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours.

A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee, €20, within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application and

such submissions or observations will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions or may refuse to grant permission.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL FURTHER INFORMATION / REVISED PLANS PLANNING REF: P20/920 Development Description: For Permission for the demolition of existing Sub-Standard Dwelling & for Permission for the Construction of new Dwelling House, proprietary waste treatment system, construction of new vehicular entrance & all ancillary site works Location : Teermaclane, Ennis, Co. Clare Take notice that Pat r ick Quinn has lodged significant further

information in respect of planning application P20/920.

This information and planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cos t 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 prescribed fee, not later than 2 weeks after the receipt of the newspaper notice and site notice by the planning authority or in the case of a planning application accompanied by an

EIS within 5 weeks of receipt of such notices by the planning authority.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL KNOCK AGUILLA, LISDOONVARNA, CO CLARE. EIRCODE V95 E9R3.

Take notice that MELYSSA MAC GILLIVRAY & KIERAN HAUGH intend to apply for permission to RETAIN the Porch to the eastern gable of the existing dwelling and for PERMISSION to extend the Dwelling and include an Attached Garage/storage area in lieu of that granted under P17/325 and all 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 QUILTY WEST , QUILTY, CO CLARE. V95 YY68 Take notice that Karen and Colm McInerney intend to apply for permission to build a detached Garage with a storage area and all 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

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The planning application maybe inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the offices of the Planning Authority during its public opening hours.

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

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PLANNING

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45

PLANNING NOTICES of receipt by the authority of the application.

CLARE CO. COUNCIL CULLEEN, DRUMLINE. Take notice that Fergal O Grady intends to apply for permission for development, the development consists of the construction of an new entrance onto public road, the construction of a road from that entrance using inert soil and stone class (170504) and using concrete class (170101) into farmyard and associated site works at the above address.

The planning application maybe inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the offices of the Planning Authority during its public opening hours.

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

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL FURTHER INFORMATION / REVISED PLANS PLANNING REF: P20 603 Development Description: To Demolish the existing Dwelling and for the construction of a new dwelling in the same location along with a new garage together with ancillary site development works and services Location: Cahershaughnessy, Spancilhill, Ennis, Co Clare Take notice that David McInerney and Andrea Costello have lodged significant further information in respect of planning application P20 603. This information and planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the Planning Authority of Clare County Council, Planning Department, Aras Contae an Chlair, New Road, Ennis, Co. Clare during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the further information or revised plans may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee, not later than 2 weeks after the receipt of the newspaper notice and site notice by the

planning authority or in the case of a planning application accompanied by an EIS within 5 weeks of receipt of such notices by the planning authority.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL DRUMIN HOUSE, GOLF LINKS ROAD, ENNIS, CO. CLARE. Take notice that Michael Keating Dip. Arch. (phone 085-8421780), on behalf of Gertrude Finn, intends to apply to Clare County Council for permission to retain the following: (a) to retain Lounge, Dining Room and Sunroom on the Ground Floor (South Elevation); (b) to retain Front Entrance Porch on the Ground Floor (East Elevation); (c) to retain Store and Shed on the Ground Floor (West Elevation); (d) to retain extension to 2 no.

Bedrooms, including En/Suite on the Ground Floor (West Elevation); (e) to retain Dormer Window at First Floor (West Elevation); (f) to retain Gable Window at First Floor (South Facing) and (g) to retain Gable Window at First Floor (North Facing) at Drumin House, Golf Links Road, Ennis, 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.

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 NOOAN, RUAN, ENNIS, CO. CLARE Take notice that Q. Rice is applying for planning permission to construct a new dwelling house, access road, entrance, private garage and install a new wastewater treatment system along with all associated works at the above address. The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the offices of Clare County Council during its public

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

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL LACK WEST, KILMIHIL, CO. CLARE Take notice that Barry and Courtney Normoyle are applying for planning permission to construct a new dwelling house and private garage along with a new entrance, new sewerage and water facilities along with all necessary 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 Clare County Council during its public opening hours and a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL KNOCKALOUGH, KILMIHIL, CO. CLARE Take notice that Damien & Grace Downes are applying for planning permission to renovate and extend an existing cottage, construct a private garage, new entrance and driveway and install a new wastewater treatment system along with all associated works at the above address.The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the offices of Clare County Council during its public opening hours and a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

CLARE CO. COUNCIL BALLYSHEEN, SIXMILEBRIDGE, CO. CLARE. Take notice that Alan Morey intends to apply for permission for development, the development consists of the construction of a slatted unit extension onto existing slatted unit and associated site works at the above address.

The planning application maybe inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the offices of the Planning Authority during its public opening hours.

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

CLARE CO. COUNCIL BALLYCONRY, BALLYVAUGHAN, CO. CLARE. Take notice that James Callinan intends to apply for permission for development, the development consists of the construction of a slatted unit and associated site works at the above address.

The planning application maybe inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the offices of the Planning Authority during its public opening hours.

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

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL KILRUSH ROAD KILMIHIL CO. CLARE CATHAL JOHNSTON intends to apply for outline permission for development at this site. Kilrush Road, Kilmihil, Co. Clare. The development will consist of a private dwelling house c/w private garage and ancillary site works.

The planning application may

THANKSGIVING THANKSGIVING. ST. JUDE.

Most Holy Apostle St. Jude faithful servant & friend of Jesus. The Church honours & invokes you universally as the patron of hopeless cases, of matters almost despaired of. Pray for me I am so helpless & alone. Make use I implore you of that particular privilege given to you, to bring speedy help where help is almost despaired of. Come to my assistance in this great need that I may receive the consolation & help of Heaven in all my necessities, tribulations & sufferings & that I may praise God with you & all the Elect forever.

I promise O Blessed St. Jude to be ever mindful of this great favour to always honour you as my special & powerful patron & to gratefully encourage devotion to you. Amen.

This prayer must be said for 9 consecutive days & published immediately & in 3 days the favour will be granted.

MM

THANKSGIVING. ST. JUDE.

Most Holy Apostle St. Jude faithful servant & friend of Jesus. The Church honours & invokes you universally as the patron of hopeless cases, of matters almost despaired of. Pray for me I am so helpless & alone. Make use I implore you of that particular privilege given to you, to bring speedy help where help is almost despaired of.

Come to my assistance in this great need that I may receive the consolation & help of Heaven in all my necessities, tribulations & sufferings & that I may praise God with you & all the Elect forever. I promise O Blessed St. Jude to be ever mindful of this great favour to always honour you as my special & powerful patron & to gratefully encourage devotion to you. Amen.

This prayer must be said for 9 consecutive days & published immediately & in 3 days the favour will be granted.

BUILD DIRECT CLARE

be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the offices of Clare County Council during its public opening hours.

A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee, E20.00, 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 We, McKernan Woollen Mills Ltd., are applying to the above authority for permission for the following development on property at Main Street, Tuamgraney, Co Clare: Permission for construction of additional workshop space, tea rooms, sanitary facilities, all as an addition to the existing woollen mills together with all associated ancillary and incidental 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 within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL CULLENAGH, LABASHEEDA, KILRUSH, CO. CLARE. Take notice that Tommy Hehir is applying to Clare County Council for retention permission for a machinery/storage shed & planning permission to construct a slatted shed incorporating a calf creep along with all associated works at the above address. The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the offices of Clare County Council during its public opening hours and a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority

in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL, DOONSALLAGH WEST, MILTOWN MALBAY, CO. CLARE. Take notice that V. Hehir & J. O’Reilly intend to apply to the Planning Authority for permission to construct a dwelling house, garage and proprietary waste water treatment system along with ancillary site works at the above address. That the planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours and that a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL, 8 RIVERSIDE, INAGH, CO CLARE Take notice that S. Arthur and E. Thompson intend to apply to the Planning Authority for permission to alter and extend their existing dwelling along with associated site works at the above address. The works to the existing dwelling house involve the following; a) construct a first floor side extension b) install new roof lights on the front and rear elevation That the planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours and that a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

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46 PUZZLEPAGE

THURSDAY, APR 15 2021

THIS WEEKS PUZZLES APR 15

Best Daily Word Search: 3 November 2020

ndon (7) ) orm (7)

5 4

1

7

2

3

5

2

8

4

3

9

1

4

1 6

3

7

7

1

5

9

3

2

6

7

8

6

8 7

8

1

5 2

9

4

4

6 2

3 6 1 9 5 7

1 2 5 9 4 8 3

11/3/2020

00:01

8

Program Proposal

6

Profile

Propane

9

Pronoun

7

Reveal

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

2

Save

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

9

Check

ANSWERS

HOW TO PLAY

Context Profile Convent Program Project Probate

6

Clear

Probate

5

Software © 2017 crossword-compiler.com

How to play

7

C C A F D C N P R O B A T E D

6

3

N

2

9

8

I

7

4

C O N T E X T B P R O T E

9 5

2

7

6

F N N V C O B R T C O T P T T

8

8

B C P V U C O R N N F C R R T

Consent Contact Consort Context Convent Contact

4

S E R V E N M P E N A P O R P

Consort

3

5

C T O N B R S R Y S P C R

8

Consent Conquest

3

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8

3

N

9

1

T O U H G T O N N N L O F O

4

4

I

1

2

C O N Q U E S T O O F N S U V

7

9

I

3

8

O Y F A N O E R C T C P A P

5

Conduct Conflux Conflux Conquest

2

N C L C W L W A P R A R L R D

Conduct

9

9

I M C E U L O P O E

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1

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Concrete Concrete Provider

5

D B U E

2

6

U D X F T C A T N O C G A J R

3

Protractor

7

How to play

N E O R T O R M E C

2

8

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.

I

1

Protein

1/1

T R C O N C E R N C V A M C U

Conceit Concern Concern Conceit

1/1

P U O P N L M W C O M M S T B C R O Y

SUDOKU

11/3/2020

7

WORD SEARCH

Pro and Con

Solution

The Clare Echo Crossword CROSSWORD ANSWERS N

See All C

A

19

L

E

P

14

D

E

L

C

20

E

T S

H

B

T

15

12

R O U D

9

ovember 2020

S

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G R

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1

2

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E

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L S

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13

P

C O R N

N

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D

P

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S

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3

T

M H

R L

P

16

D I

P

D S

A

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18

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11

K

E

T

O

N

M

7

N W

A

R O M O

not too difficult - just .

R

L

1 Leaves out (5) 2 Violent whirling windstorm (7) 3 Parched (4) 4 Soaked (8) 5 Guide (5) 6 Cooking instructions (6) 11 Hindrance (8) 12 Menace (6) 13 Exhibition centre in London (7) 15 Large fruit (5) 17 Compass bearing (5) 18 Urban area (4)

O

E

V

T I

5

S

O

C E 6

N

R

H

1 Bizarre (10) 7 Severe headache (8) 7 8 8 Level, regular (4) Wet thoroughly (4) Best Daily Word Search players also9 enjoy: 020 10 Eighth sign of the zodi9 10 ac (7) 11 t - just 12 Difficult (11) 12 13 14 Raise to a higher grade (7) https://puzzles.bestforpuzzles.com/games/best-daily-word-search 16 Church song (4) 14 15 16 17 19 Pay a visit (4) 18 20 Helicopters (8) 21 Below (10) 19 20 6

DOWN

U

ACROSS

5

21

4

T

3

iac (7)

2

e (7)

1

1/1

21

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QUIZ 47

THURSDAY, APR 15 2021

The Clare Echo Quiz HURLING NICKNAMES PART ONE

All-Ireland winner, Ger His brother who also won All-Ireland 1as?Two-time O’Loughlin is more commonly known 6 medals in 1995 and 1997, John Chaplin is dubbed with what name?

Magpie Eagle Sparrow

Fletcher Flint Franklin

Former Broadford goalkeeper Kevin 2 Ryan & Cratloe intermediate netminder James Hickey share the same

2020 Harty Cup winner Peter Power is 7 the younger brother of James ‘Jellies’ Power, what nickname has Peter been

5

Ex Clare & Sixmilebridge Christy Chaplin is commonly known as?

Corrosive Dulux Rusty

The Dentist The Undertaker The Postman

9

Former O’Callaghans Mills and Clare hurler, Sean Hehir is labelled with which tag?

The Hugger The Hunter The Hack

The late Jim Cullinan who hurled 10 with distinction for Clare was also affectionately known as?

Rasher Sausage Puddin

Spot the Difference Can you spot the difference? Spot the 7 differences.

The answers will be revealed in next weeks edition.

l TESTING: Peter Power tests the helmet of his St Kieran’s opponent.

Photograph: Gerard O’Neill

ANSWERS

6. Fletcher 7. Pick n Mix 8. The Postman 9. The Hack 10.Puddin

4

Ger Canny lined out for both O’Callaghans Mills & Clarecastle, which animal is used as his nickname?

Squirrel Badger Hedgehog

An occupation has also been used 8 as a nickname for All-Ireland winner John Conlon. What is it?

Sparrow Bomber Boots Badger Rusty

3

Local journalist Eoin Brennan has been called many things but what nickname does the Clarecastle man have?

Boots Crocks Crook

bestowed with?

Jelly Tot Pick n Mix Pringles

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

nickname as an ex Kerry footballer. What is it?

Gooch Bomber The Star

Last weeks Answers . Ornament bottom right different colour . gaps on cross missing (front) . Stone missing (left of Colm) . Shadow missing

. Part of Tree missing in background . Stone missing (right of Colm) . Another Stone missing (right of Colm)

Knockerra Church, Knockerra

AND GUTTERING CLARE

ROOF MOSS CLEANING