The Clare Echo 15/08/19

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15 Aug 2019

FURY AT KILKEE SWIM BAN PÁRAIC McMAHON

A

paraic@clareecho.ie

DO NOT swim notice in Kilkee “couldn’t have happened at a worse time” as businesses recorded a dip in activity as holiday makers avoided the seaside town.

On Saturday, Clare County Council issued a bathing restriction on the advice of the HSE following the discharge of wastewater into the sea which arose due to a burst wa-

ter main. Water quality tests saw the lifting of the restriction on Wednesday. The Kilkee Bay Swim had to be postponed until August 24 and the Munster Life Saving Championships were forced to move location.

Criticism has been fired at Irish Water due to the negative impact to businesses in the town. In a statement to The Clare Echo, Irish Water referenced “the age and poor condition of Ireland’s sewer networks” as a factor. They apologised to businesses, residents and visitors for the inconvenience caused.

“In Kilkee, upgrade work was carried out to the pumping station in 2017 and 2018 including the installation of new pumps and associated equipment and the upgrade of the electrical systems.

Irish Water is also working to deliver a new Wastewater Treatment Plant (WwTP) and associated works for Kilkee, stopping the discharge of the equivalent of 8,000 wheelie bins of sewage per day to Intrinsic Bay near Kilkee. It is intended that this will be complete by 2021”.

CONTINUES PAGE 19

pic by Julie Tillett

INSIDE

The Clare People closes its door

THE Clare People has announced it has printed its last edition.

Owned by Ennis native and aviation tycoon, Domhnal Slattery, the paper’s staff were made aware of the decision on Tuesday morning just 12 hours after going to print on their last edition.

Founded in 2005, management cited declining circulation and advertising plus the rise of internet and online free platforms for sustained losses.

“Unfortunately our newspaper cannot continue to sustain the losses we have incurred in delivering a quality product to the people of Clare on a weekly basis in the face of consistently declining circulation and advertising revenues.

FULL STORY PAGE 4

12 PAGE FEATURE

EDUCATION FEATURE

2 NEWS

THURSDAY, AUG 15 2019

Index NEWS

2-11

RONAN SCULLY

12

ENTERTAINMENT

14-15

EDUCATION

16-19

EDITORIAL

20

GREENER CLARE

21-33

COMMUNITY

34-35

CLASSIFIEDS

44-45

The Square, Ennis, County Clare Telephone: 065 671 9021

NEWSDESK

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

SALES

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

l LOVELY GUY: Zara Cronin, aged 11 from Corofin , Clare meets Love Island Winner Greg O Shea, as he visited the Childrens Ark in University Hospital Limerick on his return home to Limerick Photo by Brian Arthur

Norwegian won’t resume USA flights PÁRAIC McMAHON

S

paraic@clareecho.ie

HANNON Airport has been dealt a setback as Norwegian Air have decided not to resume it’s transatlantic flights later this year.

In November, the budget airline announced it was scaling back on services from Shannon and Dublin Airport, halving flights from Dublin and stopping them from Shannon for the winter season. Norwegian had intended to maintain the route as a summer only service from 2019 onwards but such a move has not materialised.

Since Norwegian began their service from Shannon with four weekly direct flights to New York Stewart International Airport and Providence International Airport, 100,000 passengers had flown with the airline.

Flights from Cork Airport have

also been terminated by Norwegian Air. In April, they said that all passengers booked on transatlantic flights from Cork and Shannon would be re-routed via Dublin until the end of June due to the suspension of Boeing Max 737 planes by European aviation authorities.

Such an arrangement looks set to continue, Europe’s third-largest low-cost carrier is assessing it’s plans for 2020.

“Customers travelling to and from Cork and Shannon are being re-accommodated on to different aircraft types between Dublin, New York and Providence to ensure travel plans can continue with minimal disruption.

“Customers with existing bookings have been advised to arrange bus or rail travel to Dublin to meet their flight and they can claim for their expenses with proof of receipt,” a spokesperson for the airline said.

4 NEWS

Sad day for all involved in Clare People journey PÁRAIC McMAHON

paraic@clareecho.ie

W

*additional reporting by Stuart Holly

EEKLY newspaper, The Clare People has announced it has printed its last

edition.

Founded in July 2005 by Domhnall Slattery and Sean Lyne, the paper added variety and further choice to the people of the county. As of July 2019, 16 people were employed by the media outlet based on the Mill Road in Ennis.

The Clare Echo understands that staff were made aware of the decision on Tuesday morning at 10am with an announcement made to the public shortly before 1pm. The Clare People owner Domhnall Slattery was not present for the announcement, however former editor Emmet Molo-

ney - now employed at Slattery’s aviation firm Avolon as Head of Communications and Branding - delivered the news to staff who had put their final edition to press just 12 hours earlier.

Over the past decade and more, the paper won numerous awards, it was recognised for its coverage by the Law Society of Ireland, the GAA and the Camogie Association among other organisations.

Meanwhile the announcement was met by shock yesterday with many commentators sending best wishes to the publication’s staff, who received widespread praise for their dedication to news and sports coverage over the last 14 years.

In a statement on its website, The Clare People announced “with deep sadness and regret” that the newspaper has printed their last edition. “Since June 2005 we have strived to deliver a quality product to the people of

Clare every single Tuesday morning without fail. This we have done in the midst of severe economic and technological headwinds. However today’s edition of August 13, 2019 is our last”.

Management cited declining circulation and advertising plus

lLAST EDITION: The cover of this week’s Clare People

the rise of internet and online free platforms for sustained losses. “Unfortunately our newspaper cannot continue to sustain the losses we have incurred in delivering a quality product to the people of Clare on a weekly basis in the face of consistently declining circulation and advertising revenues.

“This is a sad day for staff and all who have been part of The Clare People journey. We are immensely proud of the contribution of all our journalists, photographers, sales and marketing teams, admin and office staff have made to our county, our culture and our people for so long. We would like to thank our loyal readers and all those who have supported us for the past 14 years. We deeply appreciated that support.”

The most recent accounts show that at the end of December 2017, the firm’s accumulated losses had increased to €1.5 million.

THURSDAY, AUG 15 2019

Display of GAA heritage CLARECASTLE GAA and associated community groups are busy preparing a collection of all kinds of GAA memorabilia that will be on display in the clubhouse on Thursday, August 22 from 7pm and again on Sunday, August 25 from 1pm to 3pm.

Cllr Paul Murphy is spearheading the drive to gather in as many items as possible. He stated, “The theme of this year’s Heritage Week is ‘Pastimes/Past Times’ so we are busy preparing a collection of all things GAA to show the impact that the association has had on our community over a long number of years.

“We hope to have a great display of medals, cups, jersies,All Star Awards, match programmes, GAA publications and any other items of interest...Although it’s unfortunate that we haven’t won the Canon Hamilton Cup in recent years I’m sure that we will have a number of Senior County Championship medals on show but I am issuing a particular appeal to those that may have the seldom seen or heard of items of interest.”

Cllr Murphy can be contacted on 087 8396757.

Design contracts signed for Newmarket housing

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CLARE County Council has announced the appointment of consultants for the design of a new social housing scheme at Boheraroan, Newmarket on Fergus.

The 18-unit development is funded by the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government and is scheduled for completion in 2021 with construction expected to commence mid-2020.

The social housing scheme will comprise ten 2 bed apartments, two 3 bed apartments, four 1 bed apartments and two 2 bed apartments (specially adapted).

The project design team, managed by the Social Development Directorate of Clare County Council, comprises Hassett Leyden Flynn, (Architects), O ‘Connor Sutton Cronin & Associates (Civil & Structural Engineers), Moloney Fox Consulting Engineers (Mechanical & Electrical Engineers) and BKMQS Limited (Quantity Surveyors).

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lFINAL EXAMINATION: Max Krauss, Director, Hassett Leyden Flynn, Architects; pictured with Cllr. Cathal Crowe, Mayor of Clare

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6

NEWS

THURSDAY, AUG 15 2019

l TASTY NEWS: Clare will welcome its newest festival which will celebrate food, drink and music across the county from September 27-29 this year

Food & Drink Fleadh set to boost economy STUART HOLLY

C

editor@clareecho.ie

LARE will host a brand new food and drink festival this September, after being approved funding as part of Fáilte Ireland's Taste The Island initiative. It comes as The Clare Echo can reveal that the Ennis Street Arts Festival and Ennis Food Festival have been discontinued.

Confirming that both festivals have respectively come to an end, Clare's Festival and Events Coordinator Margaret O’Brien also revealed that Ennis was one of three towns in Ireland that has been supported by the 'Taste The Island' initiative, which will promote Ireland’s food and drink experiences to local and international visitors.

The Clare Food & Drink Fleadh takes place on September 27-29 and comes on the back of proposal made by Ms O'Brien to Fáilte Ireland earlier in the year.

"With the Clare Food & Drink Fleadh, the idea is that we put together food, drink and music - so if you want food and craic you come to Ennis," Margaret told The Clare Echo, adding that some 40-plus music sessions will take place over the weekend along with live bands.

Fáilte Ireland will provide the festival with a national media campaign along with €5,000 in funding. This funding has been matched by Clare Tourism along with €1,500 from Ennis Municipal District, while it's expected more funds will be generated by local businesses.

Margaret continued, “We’re starting on the Thursday night with a Feast of Clare, food prepared by five restaurants that are coming together in Ennis. We’re making our own gin, we had blind tasting recently and the gin is in production. It’s going to be called Ginis, an exceptional gin for the exceptional people of Inis. And we have a celebrity mixologist coming to town so

we’ll have cocktail making with all the pubs participating."

Events will also take place in glór such as a 'Casablaca and cocktail' night, while Bank Of Ireland are sponsoring a celebrity chef demonstration. No 41 and Treacy's West County are hosting trad breakfasts featuring Meere's produce, while the Town Hall is hosting a champagne and jazz night. Ms O'Brien confirmed that 14 satellite events are taking place around the county.

"The idea is to have a concept that runs throughout the weekend regardless of weather, so at the moment we have 12 cafes and restaurants signed up for small plates.

We’ll sell vouchers of three for €25 and those are redeemable [at all participating eateries] so you can walk around the town and enjoy the different tastes."

Ms O'Brien said she hoped the Food & Drink Fleadh will take forward the work done by the Ennis Food Festival, adding, "We need things like this to be a success in Clare just to be able to put on events like this and grow them and I think this will have legs because Taste the Island is an initiative which will become, word is, as big as the Gathering."

Speaking about the demise of the Ennis Street Arts Festival, Margaret praised its organiser Ana Bella Alvarez who ran the festival for 13 years. “It is sad and a big loss, and something we’ll look to plug that gap next year because Ennis does deserve at least two community festivals."

NEWS 7

THURSDAY, AUG 15 2019

More than 1,300 Clare students celebrate results

PÁRAIC McMAHON

S

paraic@clareecho.ie

OME 1,352 Clare students received results for the Leaving Certificate and LCA on Tuesday morning.

More girls than boys sat the Leaving Certificate in the county, of the 1,274 total, 659 were female and 615 male. 78 teenagers discovered their results for the Leaving Certificate Applied (LCA) programme, the breakdown of gender here was 39 each. English, Biology, Irish, Geography, Maths and French were the six most popular subjects studied.

Across the country, 58,787 students undertook the examinations. “The results obtained this year are broadly in line with those obtained in 2018 and previous years,” the State Examinations Commission (SEC) told The Clare Echo.

Candidates receiving results in Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Link Modules and Politics and Society had their tests marked using an online system, their scripts were scanned and marked by examiners using specially de-

signed software.

Results in 2019 were released a day earlier as part of an attempt to accelerate the processing of Leaving Cert appeals in order to facilitate college entry. This follows a High Court ruling last year in the case of one student, which judged the existing appeals process to be highly unfair to students and not fit for purpose.

CAO offers will arrive on Thursday, four days ahead of previous years. The process of appealing results has been shortened by three weeks, with outcomes now to be sent to students by mid-September. This year’s results were available at schools throughout the country from 9am, while students could also go online from 10am to find out how they did.

Students are being encouraged by the SEC to register on its newly expanded self-service online portal. It said the facility had been developed to support faster and more efficient services to candidates, including faster communications in relation to the viewing of scripts and any appeal a student might wish to make.

SEE OUR EDUCATION FEATURE P16-19

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8 NEWS

Mincon's founder steps down PATRICK Purcell, the founder of Shannon based drilling equipment maker, Mincon has stepped down as chairman of the company.

Earlier this week, Mincon announced a 14 percent drop in operating profits to €6.9m in the first six months of 2019.

The eighty one year old will remain on as a non-executive director of the group which has already cut an approximate 10 percent of their workforce in 2019 as part of an attempt to reduce expenditure by €3m.

Purcell founded Mincon in 1977 alongside his wife Mary and floated it on the stock market six years ago. The family still owns 57 percent of the business which designed and manufactured the drill that assisted in the freeing of 33 trapped Chilean miners in 2010.

Earlier this year, Patrick and the Purcell family were named at 111th in The Irish Independent’s 2019 Rich List worth €145m, up €10m on the previous year.

MORE SHANNON NEWS P13

THURSDAY, AUG 15 2019

East Clare's 'quietest summer' due to Brexit PÁRAIC McMAHON

T

paraic@clareecho.ie

HIS summer has been the quietest in East Clare in over two decades according to hospitality providers in the region.

Teresa Browne of Clareville House Bed and Breakfast in Tuamgraney which opened over 20 years ago is among one of several accommodation providers to notice a decrease in visitors to East Clare this summer. “This year, the tourist numbers have decreased significantly. Everybody is finding it very slow this year, some tourism related businesses have closed in East Clare”.

Originally from Broadford, Teresa previously ran Derek Browne’s Pub in Nenagh alongside her husband. Speaking to The Clare Echo, she said the summer of 2019 was the quietest in her 30 years working in hospitality with Brexit a primary factor cited. “It has been the qui-

Official Cliffs of Moher Shuttle Bus Serving Ennistymon, Lahinch, Liscannor, Doolin, Lisdoonvarna and the coastal walk

etest summer in 20 years”.

“I’d say it was growing up till last year and this year we have seen a serious dip in UK bookings mainly. I believe that is due to Brexit and the way Sterling is.

There is serious uncertainty, UK people aren’t booking and a lot of establishments are finding that”.

Following conversations with hospitality providers in Killaloe, Mountshannon and Ogonnelloe, the same story of a reduction in visitors and a lack of activity is also spoken about. Their reasons include Brexit “plus Shannon Airport and the lack of marketing by the various agencies that are supposed to market East Clare”.

Previously awarded by AA as Bean an Tí of the Year, Teresa was adamant insufficient emphasis was being placed on East Clare. “I would say we’ve been neglected. I was part of a lobby group for 11 years to bring Holy Island into public ownership, Clare County Council purchased Holy Island in 2015 and we were

www.cliffsofmoher.ie

very optimistic then, we have no one main attraction in East Clare and that’s what we need, we realised that and thought this was the answer to our problems.

“Unfortunately Clare County Council and the bodies involved Clare County Council are meant to be driving it - they’re dragging their heels... there is no progress since 2015. We’re getting very uneasy about the situation particularly when we see that the numbers are dropping.

"I’d like to compliment them on

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Tickets available ONLINE ONLY at

lQUIET SUMMER: Killaloe

Photo: Clare County Council

the great job they did in Lahinch for the golf, visitor numbers were 1.5 million at the Cliffs in the last 12 months but we’re not getting our fair share, it’s not being spread around the county. We need TLC for the next year or two to try bring us up to some acceptable level”.

In response to a motion from Cllr Pat Burke at the July meeting of the Killaloe MD, Tourism Officer, Joan Tarmey confirmed a series of enabling works were required to advance the Inis Cealtra Visitor Experience (Holy Island) to design stage where it can attempt to secure capital funding.

Tarmey outlined that a project delivery team has been established with meetings held at the beginning of May and the end of June. “A site visit to Inis Cealtra took place on 2 May following the initial meeting which was very useful for the team. This is a very complex project with many different elements...A design team brief will issue shortly inviting relevant disciplines to tender for the work, and this is expected to be early Autumn”.

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Go green, stay local, enjoy for longer, walk more and leave no trace

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NEWS 9

THURSDAY, AUG 15 2019

Clare volunteers distribute fortune to Uganda charities ELAINE TUBRIDY

elaine.tubridy@clareecho.ie

N

ORTH Clare native John Conroy and a team of no less than 16 volunteers have spent the last few weeks in Uganda distributing the €58,000 they raised for the country’s poorest.

The crew are on a humanitarian mission in Jinja, Uganda working with two charities; Hospice Jinja and Soft Power Education.

"The support we have received from the people of Clare has been phenomenal. The volunteers have put huge effort into various fundraising ventures such as coffee mornings, cake sales, ceili and black pudding nights, school jersey days, table quizzes, older adult exercise groups, donations from businesses and individuals and the hugely successful Barefield run held at the end of April," John said.

His team of volunteers is made up of Sinead O’Callaghan, Lillian Hassett, Lilly Hassett, Joanne Lynch, Angela Behan, Colm Clarke, Ronan McMahon, Ann Moloney, Anne McMahon, Elaine Gavin, Rebecca Ludden, Lorraine Finnerty, Sonya Maher, Bridget Dence, Kevin Toomey and Marta Pietrzyk.

A cheque of €18,200 was presented by the volunteers to the staff of Hospice Jinja

which was founded in 2005 by retired GPs Dr. Patricia and Frank Hassett from Spancil Hill. Hospice Jinja is a non-government, non-profit organisation which provides palliative care to patients with life threatening and life limiting illnesses. It operates in an area with a population of four million people in one of the poorest regions of Uganda.

Every day teams of clinicians and social workers go deep into the rural villages on

scheduled regular visits. Eightry per cent of the clients are bed-ridden so care is done at their homes, while more mobile clients are attended to at nearby outreach centres.

Shelter is provided with the hospice building new homes and repairing dilapidated houses. Some 100 patients receive a monthly basket of 3kg rice, 2kg beans, and a bar of soap.

A new program has now begun for very

l KITTED OUT: Kids from Jinja, Uganda show off their new Clare jerseys

Having a ball at the drive-in

l MOVIE NIGHT: Emma Leddin (11) and Lucy Bennet (12) at the Virgin Media Drive-In Series at Ennis Showgrounds over the weekend. The movies were shown on Europe's largest mobile LED screen

Photo by Arthur Ellis

weak patients with 44 patients a month being supplied with porridge; 100 of the poorest get a monthly comfort fund to help with the basic needs; and 68 mattresses and bedding sets were given out to very poor patients to help keep them comfortable.

The second charity John and his crew have been working with are British NGO called Soft Power Education. John donated €31,000 to SPE to help build a pre-school.

SPE mainly concentrate on the areas of preschool, special needs, school infrastructure and training and development of communities, helping them to become self-sufficient.

First time voulnteer Sinead o Callaghan from Killenana said, "There are lots of things different about Uganda but what makes this place special is the people. Everybody radiates positivity. Imagine every day arriving at a place where everyone is genuinely excited and happy to see you. That is what working at the schools here has been like.

"Despite being a minority here I have never felt more welcome. These people have so little that their gratefulness comes in huge bundles for something as simple as a ball to play with, a copybook or just a few minutes of your time. Here we have seen poverty beyond belief. I am in awe of the resilience and unwavering strength of the people. Their joy for life shines through in even the darkest of situations and it is truly infectious".

John has raised €113,000 with the help of 34 volunteers over the last three years.

10 NEWS

€99m set for Clare broadband ALMOST €100 million will be invested in Clare under the National Broadband Plan, Senator Martin Conway has confirmed.

Senator Conway said: “Clare will benefit from investment of around €99 million under the National Broadband Plan.

There are 23,226 premises in the intervention area here in Clare and the plan also accounts for new premises built in the intervention area during the lifetime of the plan”.

The majority of premises will be connected within the first five years. Work on the network will start as soon as the Government signs the contract to move forward.

“The Communications Committee has carried out an extensive investigation into the National Broadband Plan to date and the best way to roll out rural broadband. I look forward to reading their report on the matter.

“However, none of the submissions received, or evidence given during the course of the Committee investigation, indicate any reliable, cheaper or practical alternative to the National Broadband Plan and its goal of delivering high speed broadband to all parts of Ireland,” Senator Conway added.

The NBP will connect 540,000 premises nationwide.

THURSDAY, AUG 15 2019

Whale watching on Heritage Week agenda STUART HOLLY

E

editor@clareecho.ie

NCOMPASSING every corner of the county, this year's Heritage Week is set to include more than 65 events in Clare over the course of the coming week. Commencing this Saturday, August 17 and running until August 25, ‘Pastimes. Past Times’ is the main theme of Heritage Week 2019.

To help get the celebrations underway, Mayor of Ennis, Councillor Johnny Flynn, will launch Brian Dinan’s latest history book, Clare and its People, in the OPW Heritage Site of Ennis Friary, Abbey Street, on 17 August at 2 pm. The author will give a talk on all aspects of his book while highlighting the role of Ennis’ old Friary in the county’s history.

Clare and its People is a comprehensive 200-page account of Clare’s social history, bringing us from the Stone Age up to modern day. The book was researched and written over three years as an expanded version of the original edition which was published by the Mercier Press in 1987.

Highlights from this year's programme also include whale watching at Black Head Lighthouse; “The Story of a Cave Rescue” at

Cultúrlann Sweeney, Kilkee; a talk on Cahiracon House at Kildysart Community Centre; “Bugs, Blooms and the Burren” at the UCG Research Station in Carran; and “Life on the Seashore” at Bishop’s Quarter beach.

Meanwhile, Clare Museum will host a special Heritage Week lecture on newly discovered Civil War graffiti on Mountrivers Bridge, near Doonbeg. The talk will take place at 7.30 pm on Wednesday August 21.

It is part of the museum’s Heritage Week activities and is the latest in a series of monthly lectures on topics of local and national cultural interest. Admission is free, but due to limited space, attendees need to book in advance to avoid disappointment at claremuseum@clarecoco.ie.

The 17th annual celebration of County Clare’s built, natural and cultural heritage is being coordinated locally by Clare County Council and The Heritage Council, with support from Fáilte Ireland and the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht.

The annual initiative is Ireland’s most popular cultural event and this year over 450,000 people nationwide are expected to participate in over 2,000 events aimed at en-

couraging people to take an interest in their local heritage.

Clare County Council has confirmed that local events taking place include field trips, film screenings, workshops, exhibitions, maritime excursions, historical re-enactments, and local history walks and talks.

Meanwhile, the Heritage Council is once again hosting the National Heritage Week Awards recognising the work of event organisers and volunteers taking part during Heritage Week 2019. Recipients will be honoured at a Heritage Council Awards Day. Visit www.heritageweek.ie or contact 1850200878 for more details on events happening in Clare.

Heritage Week is part of European Heritage Days, a joint initiative of the Council of Europe and the European Union.

Rev O'Brien leaving England to take up Church of Ireland rector role in Clare PÁRAIC McMAHON

T

paraic@clareecho.ie

WELVE months on from the retirement of Canon Bob Hanna, Reverend Kevin O’Brien has been appointed as the new Church of Ireland rector of the Drumcliffe Group of Parishes.

Having come to Ballynacally on holidays for the past seventeen years, the role as

Priest in Charge is a five year appointment and may be extended. A date for his introduction into the parish has not been set but it is expected he will move to Clare in late September or early October.

Prior to his 2001 ordination, Kevin worked for several years in television and advertising in the UK and overseas before becoming Senior Lecturer in International Marketing at Bournemouth University. He served as an assistant curate and later school chaplain up until his 2006 appointment as

Chaplain to the Bishop in Europe.

Kevin is currently Vicar of St John the Evangelist, Burgess Hill in the Diocese of Chichester in the Church of England, a position he has held since 2010. He is married to Sue, and they have two adult sons, Patrick and Fergus. The family have two lurcher dogs, Jimmy and Seamus who they feel will enjoy the large garden behind the rectory at St Columba’s.

According to Kevin, his key skills are in public and civic theology, cross-cultural and interfaith dialogue, preaching and teaching, pastoral care, social action engagement and social enterprise management. He particularly enjoys teaching the faith to those who are new to it.

He is founder and chair of Burgess Hill Community Food Bank. He with others launched the first credit union drop-in for the Diocese, and at the church café they now run a food bank, an IT drop-in centre, a stroke club, a dementia café, a toddler and baby group and cookery classes for those in assisted living. They host monthly concerts, so social action is complemented by social events, which also include art and photo exhibitions.

In August 2018, he completed an MA in Public Theology at the University of Chichester researching the personality traits and psychology of religious attitudes towards same-sex marriage. His own spirituality is a blend of Celtic and Franciscan influences.

O’Brien lists cross-country skiing, beekeeping, walking, sailing, going to the cinema, spending time with family and dogs as his hobbies.

lNEW ROLE: Reverend Kevin O'Brien has been appointed the new rector of the Drumcliffe Group of Parishes

12

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK

THURSDAY, AUG 15 2019

Ronan Scully

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK Author spreading the word of positivity

The importance of prayer

A

prayer takes just a matter of seconds to utter, but its influence on our lives can be permanent. I apply the following phrase to the process of my prayer life. ‘A moment on our lips is a lifetime on our souls.’

A simple prayer can change us; can lead us on the path to healing ourselves and our world. So pray.

Pray for peace, pray for healing, pray for love, pray for mercy, pray for forgiveness, pray for advances in science, pray for the strength to eradicate poverty and disease, pray to overcome injustice, pray for resolve, pray for others, pray for acceptance, pray for our poor, abandoned and homeless, pray for yourself. Pray to God with all your heart and soul, and then gather up your might to meet the challenges that lie ahead and we all know at this present time in our wonderful county and country that we need that help and strength to make the lives of our children brighter, so let’s get doing it for our beautiful children. Prayer is asking. Prayer is pleading. Prayer is praising.

Prayer is loving. Prayer is merciful. Prayer is thanksgiving. Prayer is forgiving. But the ultimate goal of prayer is personal intimacy with God. Millions of people pray every day for a variety of different reasons.

Whether you’ve found yourself in need of a listening ear or you want to praise a recent triumph, prayer has the ability to help people feel more grounded as they communicate with a higher power. How and when you pray depends upon your religion. In some religions, prayer is spoken aloud in a chant, sometimes as a group and others as an individual. Group prayer is believed to have more power because there are a greater number of people communicating at the same time for the same things. Whether you are someone who has made your declarations known about praying

for others or criticized the declarations of others, or had your thoughts known only by God, the invitation to prayer is the same: Kneel before the God of the universe, humbly seek his help and intervention, and ask him how he might use you as a vessel of justice and peace in the world and go then and put action into your prayer.

May your prayer be a blessing for others All people of faith struggle at times to maintain a meaningful prayer life, a loss felt all the more keenly in times like ours of confusion, political turbulence, injustices of all sorts and global calamity. Prayer is not a passive activity.

Prayer awakens us. Our eyes begin to notice beauty where we never noticed it before. Our priorities shift. As we talk to God, we receive the encouragement to live up to the potential inside us. Soon we start to see beyond ourselves into the world that is waiting for our help. I believe God is listening. And I believe God answers us. God’s answer to our prayers may be very different from the answer we were searching for.

God’s reply might come as the strength to fight on. It may come as the courage to face what we have feared. God’s answer may be the ability to accept what we have been denying. Or it may appear as hope in the face of despair. We are not alone. God is present in our lives. When we stop bargaining with God and start opening up our souls to God, our prayers suddenly start working. We can pray for strength and receive strength.

Prayer is ultimately an experience, not a request. It is a sense of being connected, of being part of something larger than ourselves. It is an attempt to be in the presence of God. My prayer for you is that you may always rise with the sun to pray. Pray alone. Pray with many.

Pray often. God will listen, if you

only speak. Be tolerant of those who are lost on their path. Ignorance, conceit, anger, jealousy and greed stem from a lost soul.

Pray that they will find guidance.

Search for yourself, be yourself.

Do not allow others to make your path for you. It is your road and yours alone. Others may walk it with you but no one can walk it for you. Treat the guests in your home with much consideration.

Serve them the best food, give them the best beds and treat them with respect and honour. Do not take what is not yours whether from a person, a community, the wilderness or from a culture. If it was not earned or given, it’s not yours. Respect all things that are placed upon this earth - whether it’s person, animal or plant. Honour other people’s thoughts, wishes and words. Never interrupt another or mock or bully or rudely mimic them. Allow each person the right to personal expression.

Never speak of others in a bad way. The negative energy that you put out into the world will multiply when it returns to you. All persons make mistakes.

Thought for the week As your thought for the week may I offer up this comfort blessing or a prayer of mine for you the reader on your life’s journey that you may see the light in the darkness during these challenging times! May you feel the loving presence of those who hold you in their thoughts and prayers!

May your spirit find what it needs to sustain you on this journey of life! May you discover your inner strength and face all difficulties with dignity and grace. May you be filled with comfort, love, acceptance, strength, grace and a lasting sense of peace! May the light of your soul guide you. May the light of your soul bless the work that you do with the secret love and warmth of your heart. May you see in what you do the beauty of your own soul. May the sacred-

ness of your work bring healing, light and renewal to those who work with you and to those who see and receive your work. May your work never weary you. May it release within you wellsprings of refreshment, inspiration and excitement.

May you be present in what you do. May you never become lost in bland absences. May the day never burden. May dawn find you awake and alert, approaching your new day with dreams, possibilities and promises. May evening find you gracious and fulfilled. May you go into the night blessed, sheltered and protected.

May your soul calm, console and renew you. May there always be work for your hands to do. May your purse always hold a coin or two; May the sun always shine on your windowpane; May a rainbow be certain to follow each rain; May the hand of a friend always be near you; May God fill your heart with gladness to cheer you. May the blessing of God’s soft rain be on you, Falling gently on your head, refreshing your soul. With the sweetness of little flowers newly blooming. May the strength of the winds of Heaven bless you, Carrying the rain to wash your spirit clean. Sparkling after in the sunlight. May the blessing of God’s earth be on you, And as you walk the roads, May you always have a kind word for those you meet.

May joy and peace surround you, contentment latch your door, and happiness be with you now and bless you evermore! May the raindrops fall lightly on your brow.

May the soft winds freshen your spirit. May the sunshine brighten your heart. May the burdens of the day rest lightly upon you, and may God enfold you in the mantle of His love now and always. I also pray for us all to have the power to be gentle, loving, kind and caring to one another and to ourselves; the strength to be forgiving and be forgiven; the patience to be

understanding and compassionate and merciful; and the endurance to accept the consequences of holding to what we believe to be right and good and peaceful.

May we put our trust in the power of good to overcome evil and the power of love to overcome hatred.

Pray for the vision to see and the faith to believe in a world emancipated from violence, hatred and war, a new world where fear shall no longer lead men and women to commit injustice, nor selfishness and unkindness to make them bring suffering to others. Help us to devote our whole life and thought and energy to the task of making peace and a better life for people and children in need in our world and country, praying always for the inspiration and the power to fulfill the destiny for which we and all people were created and that we will always look after the needy in our county, our country and in our world especially so many vulnerable and needy people in our country and world who are in serious need at this time. Remember change starts within yourself and that you can’t change others you can only change yourself so be a change for goodness and genuineness in your own life and always remember for evil to exist it takes good people to remain quiet. Much peace and love to everyone. Also Some friends and family asked me to light a candle for them recently and some friends and family are in need of a prayer and candle at this moment especially any of you that are unwell or ill or in hospital or suffered an accident or a loss or some who are having worrying times with family and financial problems and for some who are lacking peace and mercy in their lives. For them and for all of us I offer up my prayers and candle through this thought for the week and especially for peace in all our lives and in our families and in our world. Amen.

MEETING WITH SHANNON GARDAÍ SOUGHT BY SINN FÉIN

Shannon Group 5K set to raise funds for charity Shannon Group staff have raised over €278 K for charities since 2014

S PÁRAIC McMAHON news@clareecho.ie

S

HANNON’S Sinn Féin branch has requested a meeting with local Gardaí to discuss current policing in the town.

On Saturday, Shannon Sinn Féin will hold a ‘Gazebo Day’ in Tullyvarraga between 2 and 4pm where they plan to speak with residents on ways to better the local community with activities planned to take place concurrently.

PRO of Clare Sinn Féin, Peter Flannigan explained, “The aim is to speak with residents in surrounding housing estates of Tullyvarraga. The ‘Gazebo’ will be located in the Finian Park close to Tullyvarraga Hall and Shannon Sinn Féin is encouraging local residents of the area to call and discuss with members on issues effecting their area.”

Flannigan confirmed they have also requested a meeting with Gardaí in Shannon to “discuss current policing in the town. This follows a major effort by Gardai to work on the ground with local communities and the Terence McSwiney cumann is interested on how the Gardai community strategy is progressing.”

Over the past fortnight, Cllr Mike McKee who is Sinn Féin’s sole representative on Clare County Council has returned to “doing the job I love” following his diagnosis with pancreatic cancer in June. The Shannon councillor last week began chemotherapy treatment but is still carrying out his role and provided an update on his health to constituents via social media.

HANNON Group, in conjunction with Shannon Chamber, is encouraging people throughout the Shannon region to come out in force to partake in a Charity 5k run/walk to raise funds for Shannon Group’s Charity Partners, Irish Cancer Society and Limerick Suicide Watch.

Organised in conjunction with Shannon Chamber, with the support of Ei Electronics and a number of Shannon businesses, the 5k will take place in Shannon Free Zone, Airport Avenue, Shannon at 7pm on Thursday, 5th September.

Proceeds from this event, via participants’ entry fees, will go directly to the Shannon Group Charity Partners and will add greatly to the €278,000 raised by the Group’s staff for a range of deserving charities since the Group was established five years ago.

Registration for the Shannon Group Charity 5K is now open and runners, walkers, joggers or even skippers are asked to lace up and take part in what promises to be a fun evening.

Shannon Group’s Acting CEO, Mary Considine said: “The commitment

shown by our staff to fundraise for worthy causes in our community since 2014 has been fantastic. Through a range of events which require time, commitment, and energy, we are delighted to be raising money this year for two worthy charities; The Irish Cancer Society and Limerick Suicide Watch. This year’s charity 5k at Shannon Free Zone will add a new dimension to their fundraising efforts, and we would encourage as many people as possible to get on their runners/ tackies for what we know will be a very special event.”

Shannon Chamber CEO Helen Downes said: “This is a tremendous demonstration of corporate social responsibility in action and we applaud Shannon Group staff for their initiative in organising an event of this nature. Not only will it benefit the Group’s charity partners but it will also promote health and wellbeing among the corporate sector, which is something we, as a Chamber, are keen to promote. We are encouraging our membership to participate.”

The event is open to all those working in the region to take part and with a flat and straight course, is ideal for both first

timers and seasoned runners looking to set a personal best. A number of prizes will be provided on the day by Shannon Airport and Shannon Heritage, including prizes going to the fastest female, fastest male and fastest team of five.

The Shannon Group staff charity organising committee are posting a special ‘Desk to 5K’ social media programme to help participants get ready for the event.

To find our more visit the Event Information Page and registration for the event is via the Event Registration Page

SHREK THE MUSICAL COMES TO SHANNON

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HANNON Musical Society with their 42nd production are proud to present the Irish Amateur Premiere of this newly released, fun filled, family friendly, character lead show, Shrek the Musical.

Running in St. Patrick’s Comprehensive School from 16th February 2020 for a limited run, this sure to sell out show, is being launched officially by Shannon Musical Society in the old bar Wolfe Tones an Sionna GAA club on Sunday September 1st at 6.30 pm.

There is an open invitation to anybody who would like to be involved in this exciting production to come & meet the current committee & existing members to find out how you can be part of this very exciting & fun filled production.

Most especially an open invitation to people who may like to help in any way with this show either on or off stage. Our society always welcomes new talent, help & skills with open arms both on & off stage.

Auditions for all roles will be held on Sunday August 8th 1pm at St. Patrick’s Comprehensive School Shannon.

Anybody wishing to receive audition pieces please email shannonmusicalsocietycommittee@gmail.com stating the role/s that you are interested in & the relevant material will be forwarded to you.

So don’t forget these dates Sunday 1st launch night, Sunday 8th auditions & February 16th showtime.

14 OUT AND ABOUT

THURSDAY, AUG 15 2019

RAIN NO MATCH FOR GORT SHOW

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HE 38th annual Gort Show was a huge success in spite of pouring rain testing the competitors and revellers alike. The local community and show competitors arrived to support the show and no downpour or runaway hen was going to spoil the day. The

Gort Show was opened by ICA North West Regional President Sharon Kelly.

Crowd pleasers included Glamorous Granny, Most Appropriately Dressed Lady (judged by Mandy Maher of Catwalk Model Agency), Bonny Baby competition, 14 superb raffle prizes and three early entry priz-

lSAY CHEESE: Padraic Giblin presenting Liam Jones from Corofin with the Perpetual Cup of The All Ireland Photography Final Photo by Maura Leonard

es. The horse, cat and dog shows proved very popular. Kids’ entertainment, Macra Na Feirme novelty events, novelty sheepdog trials and live music by Outback with catering

by Sullivans Hotel helped the crowd forget the rain.

Gort Show Committee expressed their

gratitude to main sponsor Marcus Motors, Silver Sponsor Gort Credit Union, Gort Tyre Centre, all other sponsors and raffle prize donors. The committee especially want to thank all the volunteers who turn up every year to help out on the day and whom the committee could not run the show without.

lWINNER: Foal of the Gort Show 2019 winner John Burke, Cummer Tuam being presented The Michael Fahy Perpetual Cup by Fiona Curley Dervan, Horse Show Secretary and Jimmy Canavan Judge Photo by Maura Leonard

lBEST IN SHOW: Enjoying the Gort Show were (clockwise from above); Diarmuid Fahy being timed

by Enda Aemstrong; Sam the sheep dog doing his piece; Gerard Fleming, John O’Donnell and Caitrona O’Donnell (judges and sponsor), with dog show winners Nicola Gavin and Valeri Hughes; Ger Fleming picks a winner in Oisin Barenscher; Michael and Pat O’Connor enjoying their cones

Photos by John Mangan

Entertainment

ANN KIRRANE TO PERFORM INTIMATE LISCANNOR GIG

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USIC lovers in Clare are in for a treat when popular Bellharbour singer Ann Kirrane performs in Liscannor this coming Sunday August 18th. The gig is presented by Anam Music as part of their series of intimate evening gigs that are growing in popularity among music lovers in Clare and beyond.

Ann Kirrane comes from a long Clare musical tradition. Her father, Chris Droney, is one of the most respected concertina players in Ireland and Ann learned concertina from him and her grandfather Jim. Her teenage summers were spent in Lisdoonvarna playing music with her father Chris, Tommy Peoples, Kitty Linnane and Paddy Mullins of the Kilfenora Céili Band. She won the All-Ireland Fleadh Ceóil three times playing the concertina.

On moving to Tuam, Ann met and married the late Noël Kirrane, a musician, teacher, choirmaster and musical director who devoted his life to the promotion of music in young and old.

Ann released her first solo album ‘One Small Star’, in 2012 to critical acclaim. Two years later, she released an EP, ‘In the Bleak Mid Winter’ as a dedication to her father on the occasion of his 90th birthday and in Summer 2016 she launched ‘Behind yon Mountain’ at Fleadh Cheoil na hEireann in Ennis.

As well as being the headline act at festivals in Kilfenora, Doolin, Clarecastle & Doonbeg, Ann has also been invited to perform at festivals in California, Portland, Texas and Straubing, Germany.

Ann performs at 7pm on Sunday August 18th the Cliffs of Moher hotel as part of the Anam Music series of gigs organised by Pat Ryan and Eoin O’Neill. Tickets €15 on Eventbrite.com or pay on the door. www.eventbrite.ie/e/ ann-kirrane-tickets-63596123718

CLARE MUSEUM HOSTS “ELEMENTS OF LIFE” “ELEMENTS of Life”, a free exhibition of paintings by artist Jean Ryan Hakizimana, is being at Clare County Museum in Ennis until 31 August.

The artist, art teacher, author, editor, producer and filmmaker operates his own art studio and gallery space in his native Limerick City from where he teaches students of all skill levels.

His paintings have sold nationally and worldwide, from exhibitions in his studio and across the country. National and international media has also featured his work and many of his paintings have been used as book covers by eminent authors.

“Elements of Life” by Jean Ryan Hakizimana is being supported by the Clare County Council Arts Office. All art works are for sale. For more see jeanryan-art.com/about.

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE IFI FAMILY FESTIVAL

GLÓR is delighted to welcome the Irish Film Institute to present highlights of its 2019 IFI Family Festival, on Saturday 7th September. As always, this fantastic festival will include a mix of new and varied feature films from across the globe, along with a selection of great shorts. glór’s highlight programme includes the Festival’s perennially popular shorts programmes – Short Tales 1 at 12pm features a mostly dialogue-free selection of thrilling animated and live-action shorts suitable for children ages 4+, while Short Tales 2 at 2.30pm will allow audiences aged 8+ to peek at life in the Colombian rainforest, and share a girl’s passion for space exploration.

Also screening on Saturday at 4.30pm is the brilliant and empowering Indian drama Chuskit, which focuses on a young girl determined to attend school despite her disability and the local traditions.

The Irish Film Institute is Ireland’s national cultural institution for film. It provides audiences throughout Ireland with access to the finest independent, Irish and international cinema. It preserves and promotes Ireland’s moving image heritage through the IFI Irish Film Archive; and provides opportunities for audiences of all ages and backgrounds to learn and critically engage with film.

Individual tickets for all films cost €4 or €12 for a family of four.

Tickets are available from glór Box Office on 065 6843103

Midnight in Paris

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LARE County Council Arts Office will host the newest exhibition by East Clare artist Brian O’Shaughnessy at Scariff Library Gallery from 7th to 31st

August.

O’Shaughnessy is a native of Tuamgraney and now resides in O’Briensbridge. Having studied Art in Limerick College of Further Education, Brian has taken part in both solo and group exhibitions.

His latest exhibition, ‘Midnight in Paris’, was inspired by a quote from Pablo Picasso, he said “a good artist copies, a great artist steals”. Brian took couple of Picasso paintings and added a portrait of Picasso himself to the work thereby creating a new and original piece of work. After this, Brian decided to create similar pieces using other artists, he created works featuring Francis Bacon, Salvador Dali and Alberto Giacometti. All of the exhibited works feature the artists with some of the work that they themselves produced.

“Midnight in Paris” is open for all to view.

School costs need ‘bonus payment’ STUART HOLLY

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editor@clareecho.ie

EST Clare Sinn Féin representative, Violet-Anne Wynne has called for support for a new ‘Back to School costs Bonus’ to be paid to make school uniforms more affordable.

West Clare Sinn Féin representative, Violet-Anne Wynne said: “A new survey by the children’s charity Barnardos which found that parents are ‘stressed out, overburdened and fed-up, by the high cost of sending children back to school. Also found that almost half of parents do not pay bills or cut back on other things to meet back to school costs.”

“Parents living in West Clare have added challenges to pay and source uniforms, shoes, books, ‘voluntary contributions’, and

much more.”

“Barnardos have reported that many households struggle with Back to School costs, and it is abundantly clear that ‘free education’ is a myth. All of this financial worry is why I, feel that a new ‘Back to School Bonus’ of €140 should be paid to all families.”

“This would be a double payment of Child Benefit to be paid for each child in July, which would go some way to tackling Back to School costs every August.”

Violet-Anne Wynne continued, “As parents have had enough of shouldering education, I welcome new moves which will require schools to consult with parents on measures to make schools uniforms more affordable; deliver a scheme that makes school books free for all children; end school reliance on so-called ‘voluntary contributions’.”

“Reforming and increase funding for the school transport scheme so that it is more flexible and affordable is required for West Clare and should be tackled at the next Budget.”

l COSTLY: Violet-Anne says parents are over-burdened by high school costs

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Nicola’s Grinds School has on hand teachers of many different subjects offering grinds out of two locations – Kilkishen and Shannon. All the teachers have plenty of experience in teaching their subject and can provide focussed guidance to help you gain confidence in the subject and improve overall attainment.

In addition to that, Nicola herself is offering students the chance to pick up an extra Business subject for the Leaving Certificate. It will be studied over the course of one year with the exam sat in school as per all the other subjects and may improve the CAO Points attainment for that student.

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EDUCATION

17

Clare film maker realises dreams

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T’S an exciting time to be involved in the film and television industry in Ireland as the graduates from Waterford Institute of Technology’s Higher Diploma in Television Production are finding out. After receiving their training in Nemeton TV in Gaeltacht na nDéise, the graduates are thriving and finding employment in production companies all over the country as well as in television stations.

This year well known Clare musician Caoimhe Morrissey from Ennis came to An Rinn to explore her passion for music through two very different documentary films. In Ceolteoir, which Caoimhe directed and edited, she meets fellow Clare musician and singer Fiachra Hayes from the band Sock in the Frying Pan. She finds out about Fiachra’s blues influence and how he balances life travelling the world with teaching.

For her second film Guth an Cheoil Caoimhe joined forces with Kinsale fimmaker Andrew O Leary to make a beautiful heart warming documentary about the powerful effect that music therapy has in the lives of those with additional needs. On this emotive journey we meet inspirational young James life who is living with Down Syndrome and learn about how his family are benefiting from the music therapy that Minimusos offer. TG4 young player of the year Edel Fox, who studied for a Masters in Music Therapy in Limerick, tells us about the peace she has seen it bring to people. Guth an Cheoil had a rapturous premiere in Dungarvan and will be aired on TG4 soon.

era, production and directing departments on Macalla’s feature drama Mo Ghrá Buan funded through TG4’s Cine4. Amongst the four graduates was Helena Keane, a fluent Irish speaker from County Meath. Helena moved to An Rinn for the Higher Diploma so that she could acquire the necessary skills for a career in the media and spent her time well, writing, directing and editing a mock current affairs programme film. The short film set Helena up for a job with Tyrone Production’s on TG4’s long running soap opera Ros na Rún, where she is delighted to be realising her dreams: “I had no media experience at the start of the year, but the emphasis on practical work meant I gained enough hands-on experience to set me up for working in the industry right after the course”.

l EXCITING PROJECT: Filmmakers Andrew O Leary and Ennis native Caimhe Morrissey

Andrew O Leary, who directed the Guth an Cheoil for Caoimhe, was perfectly placed to go on and secure a place on the new Media Training Development Scheme launched in July launched by TD Richard Bruton. The TG4 and Údáras na Gaeltachta scheme supports independent production companies in developing the skills of an emerging generation of Irish speakers in the media sector.

Andrew is now being mentored by Nemeton TV and developing his Outside Broadcasting skills while Eannaí O Sullivan, also from

Cork, is working with Red Shoe Productions, the award winning makers of Fleadh Cheoil and Gradam Ceoil TG4. Eannaí says of her experience on the WIT postgraduate course: ‘Learning and being involved in every aspect of the making of a student film really helped me understand what kind of work I saw myself in and gifted me with memorable experiences’.

Good news followed for other newly trained filmmakers from this year’s course.

Four graduates were invited to join the cam-

If you are interested in a great career in television or digital media, the next course starts in September 2019.

For further information contact: traenail@nemeton.ie 058 46499 http://nemeton.ie/training www.wit.ie

18 EDUCATION

Helpline for LC students

School leavers urged to ‘be proud of how far you’ve come’ STUART HOLLY

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editor@clareecho.ie

HE National Parents Council Post Primary’s free phone (1800 265 165) and online service (helpline@npcpp. ie) will provide Leaving Cert students and their parents/ guardians with professional and confidential one-to-one support, advice and guidance, all manned by experienced Guidance Counsellors dealing with topics such as the points system, rechecks, repeats, CAO procedures and further training options and more.

Mr Joe McHugh TD. Minister for Education and Skills, commented “It is an honour to be asked to help promote the great work of the National Parents Council Post Primary to make sure that young students have a place they can call for advice and someone to listen. If I had one simple message it’d be this – your exam results are only one step in what I hope will be a rewarding journey to a

career and through life.”

Mai Fanning, NPCPP President has these words for students: “Be proud of how far you’ve come. Have faith in how far you can go. You can steer yourself in any direction you choose. But don’t forget to enjoy the journey.

This service also provides professional and confidential one to one support, advice and guidance on LC, LCA, LCVP, VTOS, QQI results, CAO, Traineeships, Internships, Apprenticeships and Gap Years and advice on how to access SUSI and the SEC Candidate Self Service Portal ( https://www.examinations.ie/candidate-portal/).

The Leaving Cert Helpline 1800-265-165 is sponsored by the Department of Education and Skills, Irish Independent and Independent.ie. It is supported by Institute of Guidance Counsellors, the GAA, State Examinations Commission and SUSI.

HOW TO CONTACT HELPLINE AND WHEN IT’S AVAILABLE HELPLINE 1800-265-165 Tuesday 13th August 10am – 7pm Wednesday 14th August 10am – 7pm Thursday 15th August 1pm – 7pm Friday 16th August 8am – 7pm Saturday 17th August 9am – 1pm ONLINE SUPPORT @ www.independent.ie/caolive from Tuesday 13th August 9am – 4pm Thursday 15th August 1pm - 7pm helpline@npcpp.ie Wednesday 14th August 10am – 7pm Friday 16th August 8am – 7pm Saturday 17th August 9am – 1pm

NEWS & EVENTS 19

THURSDAY, AUG 15 2019

BATHING RESTRICTIONS LIFTED IN KILKEE

CONTINUED FROM FRONT Cllr Cillian Murphy told The Clare Echo the timing for such a ban was awful. “Businesses lost out on bookings. It happened on a weekend and we’ve just had it lifted on Wednesday afternoon, we’ve had a lot of people head back to Limerick until the notice was lifted, that’s people out of the town which means revenue is out of the town at high season, the peak two weeks of the year, you couldn’t of had a worse time for this to happen, it’s not good at any time but from a commercial business point of view it’s the worst time of the year to happen”.

A co-owner of Murphy Blacks Restaurant, the impact was visible for Cillian to see. “We’ve definitely seen a drop in the restaurant this week. It’s one of the two busiest weekends of the year for us, we’ll be facing down in the order of 15 to 20 percent which is significant for the week, it might pick it up but it’s very hard for a small business to recoup that loss. The big issue is what happens next year, people are making the decision to book in Kilkee next year, will they won’t they, things like this influence their decision making”.

Though Irish Water have stated they aim for the wastewater treatment plant to be in place by 2021, Murphy is not convinced, “In the history of water treatment plants for Kilkee we’re in the 25 year bracket at this stage”. He added, “I would like to think we’re going to get the best possible treatment plant to stand the test of 100 years.

There is no point in investing all that money into something that could potentially break down or not work for the amount of people and having to be revisited in five to ten years time,

CONTACT NEWSDESK

that would be ridiculous. I would welcome a bit of clarity as to what exactly is going to be going in here and an input from the community”.

Clare County Council are also at fault in the matter, the Fianna Fáil representative felt. “The fact we don’t have a treatment plant is unforgivable, that firmly lies at the door of Clare County Council. There was a lot of development levies taken out of the town historically with a lot of building done here which should have been put back into those sort of facilities and it wasn’t. That’s water under the bridge, we are where we are. I would have a bigger problem with the fact that routine maintenance is not being undertaken which means we’re in the position where small things become major things so a burst pipe becomes a significant beach closure at the peak two weeks of the year, that’s not good enough”.

Former manager of The Greyhound Bar, Keith McDonogh said the impact was detrimental to the area. “In this time when people are trying not to fly as much with carbon footprints and Kilkee has the potential to resurge again like it did in the 70s and 80s to be an ecological tourist destination for Irish tourists to be a safe place for your children. If you take that amenity out of it and yet you’re asking the businesses and rate payers to pay an absolute fortune for something they are not getting, it’s Russian Roulette what our local Government is doing and it’s detrimental to our town and it’s sad really, this has been in the running for twenty years to get proper sewerage treatment, it’s really sad”.

ALL SMILES AT MUNSTER SLS DESPITE WATER DISRUPTION

l MAKING A SPLASH: (clockwise from top;) Ella Holly, Leanna Liddane and Susan Meehan who took a clean sweep in the 13yo fin swim; Lauren McCarthy, Mia Holly, Sarah Cosgrove and Roisin Hogan enjoying festivities at the Munster Surf Lifesaving Championships; Dan Holly and Paddy Touhy taking a break from the action; Dylan Tierney and Aidan O’Connell with their medals in Quilty; the Munster Region Surf Life Saving Nipper Championships 2019 were hosted at Kilkee Beach on Saturday and Whitestrand, Miltown Malbay on Sunday Photos by Alan Ball

20 COLUMNISTS

EDITOR’S OPINION

THURSDAY, AUG 15 2019

Eoin Neylon

Stuart Holly

An inside look at Clare’s political spectrum

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Clare is crying out for A loss to local media landscape new investment, ideas

T’S always sad, in my opinion, when fied over the years but its core remained and ambition leads to failure. Regardless of became trusted by the public as they continued the circumstances, ambition is born out to produce a consistently engaging product. of hope and requires a certain investment Unfortunately, as is often the way in of risk - and inevitably the consequence business, some things went against The Clare of added stress in one’s life. Anyone who has People, most notably an impending recession gone into business knows this, regardless of the along with a dramatic swerve in consumer scale of their operation. trends when it comes to media consumption.

This week one of the most discussed stories The public appetite doesn’t exist now for people in our county was the sudden and unfortunate to put their hand in their pocket in exchange demise of The Clare People newspaper for ‘paid-for’ newsprint and The Clare People following 14 years of business. will not be the last traditional newspaper to go It marks the end of an amitious project to ground, unfortunately. which, story goes, was an idea sparked through On a human level, this is a huge personal conversation over a few pints in a Liscannor blow to those employed by Domhnall Slattery’s drinking house (where many great ideas are firm, Clare College News Ltd. The Clare People born) and one which came to a sobering end has given readers across Clare great talking on Tuesday, which had become known as Clare points over the years through its excellent news People day. What The Clare People had was and sports coverage. As a former employee, I plenty of ambition, vision, and the financial have fond memories of working on the Mill clout to boot. It was ‘big picture’ thinking and Road and praise should go to those whose no stone was unturned in its inception process names were on the story bylines as well as the which included branding expertise, marketing people working behind the scenes on produccampaigns and even focus groups - it was a tion, sales, admin and reception duties. bold bid to push the envelope on how media For two years, I worked with most of those was presented in an ever-changing world. And, who were called for that meeting on Tuesday make no bones about it, a bid to take on The morning last. These were people who spent Clare Champion as the No1 newspaper in the years committed to their trade and helped county at the time. carve out their firm place in the public arena.

Some of the finest operators in the local me- I feel the least they deserved was a chance to dia landscaped were plucked from competitors, go out on their own terms, to produce the final the prize being the lure of joining a young, dy- newspaper knowing their fate, however this namic team who would serve the people of the was not an opportunity they were afforded. A county every Tuesday. That team has diversi- loss to Clare’s media landscape, most certainly.

Date set for annual Milford Harvest Fest

A DATE has been set for the annual Milford Care Centre Harvest Fair with members of the public invited to donate suitable items.

Sunday September 1st will see the annual event take place at the University of Limerick campus, beginning at 11am. Now in it’s thirty fourth year, support has always been forthcoming for the Fair which sees a range of goods donated by the community. This backing stems from parishes right across Clare, Limerick and North Tipperary.

Joe Murphy, Chairperson of the Milford Care Centre and the Harvest Fair Committee acknowledged the contribution of volunteers and communities which he felt underpinned it’s longevity. “The Milford Harvest Fair, which is a free of charge event, is so traditional in nature; that’s what makes it the success it has become. It’s a day out for families, where the adults can ponder and select their bargain purchases and the children can be equally entertained scanning the toys on offer and partaking in the great entertainment on site throughout the day.

“It’s an event for everyone, young and old; for those who have an association with Milford Care Centre and for those who don’t but simply want to support our fundraising efforts and give back to their community. The range of stalls this year will include books, toys and a host of miscellaneous goods, including handbags and scarves for the ladies; this was such a success last year that we just had to include it again this year. It’s simply a fun day out for the family and all are welcome.”

Milford Care Centre chief executive, Pat Quinlan confirmed the new state of the art Mid-West Hospice at Milford is fully operational and highlighted how generous donations made it possible. “We could not achieve the level of fundraising we do without the volunteers; they complement the work of our wonderful in-house team and give of their time so generously and effortlessly. Fundraising is a very important element of our work as all the monies raised go towards the provision of our much-needed specialist hospice services across the Mid-West.”

Donations of good quality items for the stalls will be accepted from Monday, 19 August until Thursday, 29 August. Books, however, will only be accepted for 1 week: Monday, 19 August until Friday, 23 August. All items should be delivered to the goods acceptance area in Milford Care Centre located at the bottom of the carpark.

ECENTLY, this paper has been highlighting something very close to my heart; the plight and opportunities that exist in West Clare. Being the son of eight families from “back West”, it’s still the place that I regard as home. This even though I find myself living in Dublin. There are thousands of young Clare people living across the globe now. Like all generations before us, Clare has seen an exodus of young faces, some never to return.

Many more of this generation’s talented youth, having picked up their leaving cert results this week, will get ready to study in third levels around the country. 15 years ago, I did the same thing. Since then, I’ve spent just three years in Clare. The fact of the matter is, there isn’t the industry to sustain our population of roughly 110,000 and this is down to a successive political failure of multiple Governments and opposition parties.

It’s unimaginable that while the country is in another boom, we’re still talking about job losses in Clare, most recently our colleagues in The Clare People. A sure sign that something is not right.

No one is innocent of the lack of foresight to see real vibrant ideas for our county.

Nor is everyone guilty of not caring. Far from it! Down through the years we’ve seen ingenuity and investment from many Government agencies and departments at the behest of many different politicians of all parties.

Among these are Ardnacrusha, Moneypoint, Shannon Airport, Glór, the Cliffs of Moher visitor centre, and many more. Unfortunately, however, these ideas and investments are aging like the Clare population itself. The

county really is crying out for new investment, new ideas and ways to keep our young people at home in Clare. Moneypoint’s days are numbered and with that, the biggest employer in West Clare. Shannon airport is in serious trouble also. However, despite many people in political and civic society saying more should be done, there are precious few ideas emerging as to what that should be. It really is time to be bold and to try being world leaders once more here in Clare. Afterall, it was Sixmilebridge native Brendan O’Regan who gave birth to the idea of Duty-Free shopping and put Shannon on the international aviation map.

Moneypoint and Ardnacrusha demonstrated the scale of ambition of previous Governments who weren’t afraid to make big regional investments for the good of all the people of Ireland. Sadly, that ambition hasn’t been seen in over a generation at this stage. There is no major infrastructural project, outside of road construction, taking place outside Dublin presently. Such is the lack of recent experience in the state building such projects that we’ve seen the National Children’s Hospital fiasco occur. The huge overspend is directly the result of a very poor public tendering process.

Working in this field myself, it galls to hear how badly it is being done by the state centrally when other state agencies are so good at getting taxpayer value for money on large infrastructure pro-jects. Yet here we are hurtling towards the end of the decade and not one major state project has been green lit across the Banner county. Sure, we’ve had school investment, and I’m all for investing in education, along with badly needed flood relief works, but there’s not

Moneypoint’s days are numbered, and with that, the biggest employer in West Clare Photo by Pat Kelly

a thing being done to invest into the commercial wellbeing of the county. The economic scales of the state continue to tip towards Dublin and what’s more, no one in power knows what to do about it.

We’re lucky in Clare to have beautiful scenery, good farming land, rich heritage and history and an international reputation for great food and even greater welcome. Nevertheless, there’s only so many people who can be employed in agriculture and tourism.

Likewise, in a vibrant economy, only a certain percentage can be employed by the state in providing state services as well as retail for the remainder of the population. We need industry to fill the gap. In the 21st century, industry is taking on a different look to that it did even at the turn of the century. We badly need modern telecoms infrastructure to allow us to compete on a global scale. We need a vibrant international airport for us to export goods manufactured here. We need an economic plan that allows us to compete internationally on a cost basis whilst protecting wage security here. We need employment laws that give people security to build a life in Clare. We need a provision of state supported services through the rural landscape to allow communities to thrive.

Above all, we need politicians to leave the party-political banners down and band together to form regional caucuses to demand these things from Government.

As the country becomes even more Dublin focused, the political system we have allowed become more centralised has seen our ability to push back taken away. We’ve no one to blame for this but ourselves. We all cheered when they said they were going to slash the number of politicians and overhaul local Government. The reality of those changes is that power is now focused on the 15 members of cabinet and unless cross-party regional groups start to fight for the area, the county is going to continue to suffer. If something doesn’t change, there soon won’t be much hope left for the place I still call home these 15 years after I first left it. The West’s awake, for now. Let’s not get caught napping and collectively demand urgent investment.

Meet the teenagers putting pressure on Clare politicians

PÁRAIC McMAHON

paraic@clareecho.ie

F

OR the average Junior Certificate student once the exams are complete the summer holidays represents a time to relax and recuperate but Kate Harty is not your

atypical teenager.

At the age of sixteen, she was not afraid to call out elected members of Clare County Council when questioning them in April. “We’re here to talk about something called climate change. Have you heard of it? It doesn’t seem like it, because if you had heard of climate change, then surely you would be doing everything in your power to prevent it by now. If you

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have heard of climate change, then surely school children wouldn’t need to be here to remind you about the subject. We are secondary school students, not politicians, nor scientists”.

Eleanor Dagnell-Wise started the Fridays for Future Protest in Clare, standing afoot of The Height monument in Ennis on her own in February. Soon, others followed and Kate has become an ever-present part of their demonstrations.

“If you think about it, you can chat to your friends later or even on a Monday to Thursday, quite often my friends come and join me on the Height for the big strikes.

The environmental issue isn’t going away in a hurry and it won’t do unless we go to the Height and I’d like a future, yes I do miss out on some classes I enjoy and talking

her passion.

Over the summer months, she has studied Clare County Council’s Draft Climate Change Adaptation Strategy. She has worked with Clare PPN and 27 other environmental groups in the county on a submission to the strategy. “The original draft was basing on social and economic change which was good but it didn’t factor in the environment half as much as I wanted it to and as we expected it to because it is reaching crisis point. Our own submission was to try get the environment into that strategy”.

Since addressing councillors in April, the Colaiste Muire student admitted to being disappointed with their actions on climate change since but praised them for the first four motions of the new term being related to the matter. Kate spoke up during the Ennis MD local election hustings but revealed it is unlikely her name will appear on a ballot paper in the future.

“I’ve thought about it a lot, I find work

to my friends on Fridays but I get to talk to them from Monday to Thursday, it balances out and environmental protection is worth putting in that one day of striking for every week”.

Respecting the environment is nothing new to the Ennis teen, her family are trying to have zero waste in the household. Féidhlim her father, is the Director of FH Wetland Systems Ltd, her mother is a homeopath and indeed her grandmother, Natasha Harty of East Cork has been active on environment protection, “I get it from multiple generations” she told The Clare Echo of

best when I’m outside the whole arena of politics because I find it much easier to work that way. I’d probably work alongside politicians or decision makers but I don’t think I’d go for the elections myself ”.

“It’s not our generation who are going to go into politics and change it, the generation above say my parent’s generation have to make the changes within politics for us to have a future. The time frame is too small that it will be too late if it’s us going into politics and changing it”.

Scrolling through Snapchat and Instagram or binging on Netflix would have been an option in the final few weeks before Kate begins Transition Year, instead she made the most of her time in an attempt to create the best future for Co Clare.

Burning waste at your home or business is illegal and has a negative impact on the local environment, on your own health and the health of those around you.

DID yOU kNOW? It is illegal to burn household, garden or commercial waste; • Inside, outside or around any part of a house, garden or premises.

• In waste burners or other devices.

• In stoves or any device attached to a chimney or flue.

It is illegal to burn waste from gardens, parks and cemeteries.

The burning of any domestic or commercial waste may result in prosecution by Clare County Council.

For more information on what to do with your household waste visit www.mywaste.ie or email enviroff@clarecoco.Ie

@GREENERCLARE

Ensuring Sustainability in Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands

S

INCE April of last year, when Fáilte Ireland launched Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands, we’ve been fortunate to witness the positive reactions of tourists travelling to this new tourism offering. The international media who visited East Clare and Lough Derg earlier this year returned to their countries brimming with enthusiasm, and readers and listeners have been regaled with tales in the national media of the superb experiences already on offer. Ray D’Arcy and other Irish media have also immersed their audiences in all there is to see and do in the area.

It’s extremely rewarding to observe visitors to Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands enjoying the range of activities and attractions on offer, but the quality of the visitor experience will come as no surprise to those who have been living and working in East Clare; helping to provide a top-class visitor experience for years.

Key to ensuring the success of Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands has been our approach.

While we are immensely proud of the assets that our country has, it’s crucial that when we are developing and promoting these as-

sets, we do so in a responsible and sustainable way.

If we continually weaken the character and distinctiveness of the natural and cultural resources that our tourism industry thrives on, they won’t be there to rely on in the future. Therefore, tourism development must be balanced and sensitive as well as economically successful.

To measure our success at achieving this balance, Fáilte Ireland maintains a balance for sustainable tourism by focusing on four key elements: the visitor; industry; community and the environment.

A form of tourism that impacts negatively on local communities or on our environment is not sustainable in the long-term.

As the landscape and community changes over time, we need to maintain the quality of the balance by reviewing and evaluating our approach. The Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands

team has embarked on a series of initiatives – including a recent workshop dedicated to developing a model of sustainable tourism i n t h e region.

Through such initiatives we are applying best practice to ensure the success of a very distinct offering. The core of Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands is natural rural beauty where activity and relaxation are centred around rural communities and their lifestyles, allowing us a unique and timely opportunity to create a model of sustainable tourism.

Recently we hosted workshops with local industry in Killaloe – both for Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands and for the new Fáilte Ireland celebration of food and drink, Taste the Island - to develop the best

possible platform to showcase the fantastic produce in the area, and the entire island.

Part of this celebration includes A Taste of Lough Derg, a series of events with local food producers and providers, which returns to various venues around Lough Derg next month, including Killaloe, Mountshannon and Tuamgraney.

In March, we invited international tour operators tailored to slower, more sustainable tourism to experience the beauty of East Clare and looked on as they thoroughly enjoyed the authentic, ‘off the beaten track’ experiences that are there for visitors to uncover at their own pace.

Leading the way for sustainable tourism in Ireland means that all of Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands will benefit from the wealth of expertise internal to Fáilte Ireland as well as drawing on international best practice.

We will build on the already significant work undertaken in terms of attracting visitors to events and attractions that are both appealing and sustainable, while benefitting the local community.

Mark McGovern, Manager, Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands

Top 5 Green Companies Co Clare 1

CLEAN IRELAND RECYCLING

2

HOTEL DOOLIN

Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) waste collection vehicles were first introduced in Ireland at the same time they developed the country’s first fast-fill CNG refuelling station in Shannon. As a result, emission levels reduced drastically in comparison with traditional diesel engine trucks, Carbon dioxide -22%, nitrogen oxide -70%, sulphur dioxide -80%.

One of only eight hotels in Ireland to hold a Green Platinum Award. The North Clare resort adheres to a green programme which includes harvesting their own rain water, sending e-invoices to cut down on paper use, charging points for electric cars, segregated waste, do not disturb signs are made from wood, for every wedding at the hotel ten trees are planted.

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CLARE SPRING

Process lines at the family owned company are 100% automated and designed to run a wide range of both glass and plastic bottles. The bottling plant at Lissycasey is powered completely by wind energy to reduce carbon footprint and the spring water is naturally filtered through organic land and drawn from a protected underground source.

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CUP PRINT Manufacturers of eco-friendly compostable cups, the Ballymaley Business Park based company does custom paper cup printing and design technology. Just last month, they have come on board as sponsor of a new category, ‘Best Green and Sustainable Practices’ at the Clare Business Excellence Awards.

Simply phone IFFPG to arrange a collection

LoCall: 1890 300 444 www.farmplastics.ie

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THE PANTRY

A number of business in Kilkee are leading the way when it comes to the ‘Make Plastic Free’ campaign.

The restaurant and bakery is always busy during the summer season and also boasts having 100% compostable food packaging.

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Clean Ireland Recycling – leading Co. Clare in protecting the environment

I

N a county with a landscape as pristine as Clare’s, it’s to be expected that environmental leaders would emerge.

In business, there’s none better or bigger than Clean Ireland Recycling.

And it’s fact; because last year this proud Clare company went where no other has gone before when it was named the outright Pakman Award winner at the annual Repak hosted ceremony.

Not alone does this mean that Clean Ireland Recycling is the leading environmentally friendly waste management service provider in the country but in 2018, it was deemed the top business of any kind in the country when it comes to its’ environmental contribution with the same award having been claimed 12 months earlier by RTE. But how much of a surprise could it be; when you’re a company that’s founded on the famous west coast of Clare, you’re

bound to care.

“It was a huge achievement for us. We’ve always had a focus on pursuing environmentally sustainable waste management solutions even before it was recognised a viable route from a business perspective.

Few, if any, when we started on this journey thought we could do this and be successful at the same time. The Pakman Award validated all the brave decisions we have taken over the years and showcases that the environment and business can go hand in hand.,” said Brian Lyons, General Manager of Clean Ireland Recycling.

“From our very foundation, we’ve always been about innovation, trying to come up with new ideas to enable our customers actually improve their contribution to the environment rather than just collect the waste they generate.

“We’ve worked hard, we’ve invested a lot, but everything we’ve done over the years

has been geared towards finding new and better ways to manage people’s waste and educate about recycling and reuse. It’s paid off.

“The Pakman awards are the height of it.

To win the outright award was incredible as it wasn’t just for our sector. It effectively held up Clean Ireland Recycling as the leading company in the country for dedication to the environment.”

The facts speak for themselves. Clean Ireland Recycling, through three decades of constant innovation, has now brought to 95% the amount of waste it collects that it now diverts away from landfill.

Even a sweeping look at some of the highlights in its history gives an understanding as to how much it has travelled, all the way from its origins in Cree, Co. Clare.

Clean Ireland Recycling was the first to introduce the 360ltr recycling bin as standard to householders, allowing for in-

Winner: Overall Pakman Award category at the Pakman Awards 2018

creased recycling levels.

It was the first company in Europe to introduce trucks with four compartments for all the different types of waste material, meaning fewer trips and lower carbon emissions.

Clean Ireland Recycling Doing it Right

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Top 5 Green Minded Clare Politicians

1

CLLR ROISIN GARVEY (GREEN PARTY)

Still a relatively newbie to life as a councillor, it hasn’t deterred the Inagh woman from already making an impact. She rarely comes to the Council Chamber empty-handed, Roisin brought a planted tree for each of her colleagues to her first Council meeting and would bring bee seed bombs before the summer was out for fellow elected representatives. Her contributions and motions are all influenced by the Green way of thinking and Garvey’s work in primary schools across the county has left an impact on hundreds of students.

2

CLLR CILLIAN MURPHY (FIANNA FÁIL) Though only elected in May, Cillian has also hit the ground running when it comes to factoring in the environment to policy-making. In their two monthly meetings held since the local elections, the Kilkee man has called on the local authority to declare an immediate biodiversity and climate change emergency, to stop using roundup pesticide and for details on the cost incurred for illegal dumped household waste. A former Green candidate, some of the ways of thinking are still linked to his old party, he feels sustainable tourism needs to be implemented in the county.

3

CLLR IAN LYNCH (INDEPENDENT)

To the fore with Kilrush Tidy Towns, Ian attempts to set the example by being an example in the local community. Recently within the Council Chamber, he questioned the lack of charging points provided by ESB for electric vehicles in Co Clare and his motion for Clare County Council to purchase electric vehicles as opposed to the existing diesel outdoor machinery lorries is being considered, the call revealed that traffic wardens may soon be driving electric cars.

Honourable mentions: As the criteria was for current politicians in the county, ex Green Party councillors Brian Meaney and Donal O’Bearra are ruled out but would have been in the reckoning otherwise. Cllr Mary Howard (FG) is most unlucky to miss out on the top five, she has continued the tree throwing championships which were first brought in on Meaney’s suggestion and is a very active member of Ennis Tidy Towns.

Cllr Clare Colleran Molloy (FF) admitted to having her eyes opened to the need for climate change in recent months, largely thanks to Eleanor Dagnell-Wise, she may have featured were it a top 10 list.

TIMMY DOOLEY TD (FIANNA FÁIL)

Timmy is the first Clare TD to serve as a Spokesperson on the Environment and Climate Change in the Dáil, a sign of the times that the position is viewed with even more importance. As Fianna Fáil are the party ‘in opposition’, his job is mainly focused on questioning and criticising Minister Richard Bruton. The ex Senator has said the Government’s Climate Plan will hit people in the pocket and has expressed his dismay with how Ireland is off track to meet climate change targets for 2020 and 2030.

4

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ALL LOCAL AUTHORITIES ARE ADOPTING SIMILAR BYE-LAWS ENSURING A CONSISTENT APPROACH TO MANAGING WASTE ACROSS IRELAND. In order to comply with the new 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.

CLLR JOHNNY FLYNN (FINE GAEL) One of the most vocal advocates for public transport, Johnny played a significant role in Dublin Coach’s service expanding to include Ennis. As a result, hundreds of students travelling to UL do not need to go via car and less vehicles are on the roads. The former Chief Fire Officer has also requested a town bus service be set up within Ennis to cater for an ageing population but also to reduce the amount of emissions within the county town.

Flynn along with Cllr Clare Colleran Molloy invited a delegation of protesters from Fridays for Future to address the Council back in April.

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Make Kilkee Plastic Free setting the path for others to follow PÁRAIC McMAHON paraic@clareecho.ie

N

OT alone does Make Kilkee Plastic Free do what it says on the tin but also reminds the people of Ireland that it’s residents are proud of their environment and what the area represents.

Now a year since the initiative was im-

plemented with the vision to measurably reduce the quantity of single use plastic products by businesses in coastal communities, others have taken inspiration from the Kilkee way.

On Friday last at the launch of the Cruinniú na mBád Festival in Kinvara their alliance of young people, artists and committed locals produced a series of billboards as part of a public awareness campaign called “Our Town, Our World: Standing Together for Land & Sea” which is inspired by the example set in West Clare.

Keith McDonogh, ex manager of The

Resource Efficiency and the Circular Economy

Greyhound Bar on O’Curry St in Kilkee was heavily involved in the establishment of Make Kilkee Plastic Free alongside the local Chamber of Commerce and Cillian Murphy who in the interval has become Cllr Cillian Murphy. “It was overwhelming, far more than you could manage on a voluntary basis but it still achieved goals that we set out with at the start,” he said of the initial reaction to the project.

“I thought there would be a lot more reluctance at the start because what it involved going to businesses struggling to survive that even have to turn off their heavy duty electrical refrigeration in the winter and you’re saying look at that coffee cup you have that costs 18c would you not consider spending 30c on it and reducing your profits in order to save the environment even when the Government aren’t helping you,” Keith explained to The Clare Echo.

“The cost was a big reluctance and I was bowled over by how good they were and how they were willing to make a

change even though our Government isn’t, the Government is making half-hearted suggestions and their results are that the poor citizen pays more tax when there are lots of tax neutral options that can be done to make a huge change, it’s not just about plastic. The cost involved of sourcing green compostable equipment. I need to half contradict myself to say that local Government, Clare County Council were so supportive from the start, they could see that if the products were changed to biodegradable and compostable that it would reduce landfill costs, they provided us with segregated bins from the very start and they have been very useful”.

From the outset, it aspired to be a model that could be replicated across the country.

As Kilkee asks visitors to leave only their footprints in the sand it has successfully carved the path for other towns to follow.

“It’s great to be able to say to ourselves that it’s snowballing around the country, it’s a fantastic thing and something to be very proud of ”.

‘The real efficiencies are in the public transport systems’ CIAN O’BROIN cianobroin@clareecho.ie

A Find out more at www.mywaste.ie

recent shift in the collective subconscious has placed our public leaders between a rock and a hard place. Wriggling free from decades of denial has led us to talks of mass extinction and they are very real. Environmental science has declared that time is running out, with only eleven years to reconfigure our behaviour and amend irreparable damage inflicted upon our beloved homestead. Ireland’s stake in the face of this climate change emergency has led us to the 2019 Climate Action Plan which looks to completely redefine our relationship with energy, transitioning from sacrilege to sustainable. Former Green Party Councillor Brian Meaney sees the fragility of such contingencies and wags a sceptical finger over the governments so called promises. Welcome to the dark side of the Irish Climate Change Emergency.

Brian expressed his strong feelings concerning the legitimacy of so-called emergencies announced by the Irish gov-

ernment, “Taking past experience into account, Ireland’s Government declaring a Climate Emergency does not bode well for the future. In April of 2006, Mary Harney the then Minister for Health stated that the crisis in the A & E departments in Irish Hospitals was a “national emergency”. Brian feels this suspect approach by the Irish government doesn’t bode well for our future, “from past experience if the Irish government declares something an emergency it is really bad. Second thing this means that nothing will be done about it in the hope it will go away and someone else will deal with it. The second outcome of the declaration of an emergency is the situation is likely to get a whole lot worse such as the A&E emergency declared in 2006. Now in May of this year the Irish government declared a climate emergency. I wrote a small note on the Calendar just one word. Bugger...”

With ambitious targets like one million electric vehicles on the road by 2030, Mr. Meaney feels that the government are overlooking the simpler issues, “There is somewhat of a blinkered approach. The real efficiencies are in the public transport systems. Due to the largely dispersed population in Ireland, it is very difficult to deliver a proper public transport system.

The answer isn’t in everybody having access to their own electric car.”

Eco-Tourism bringing a new way of life to farming in The Burren PÁRAIC McMAHON paraic@clareecho.ie

C

ATHAL O’Rourke is a fifth generation farmer in Tubber but he and his wife, Bronagh are bringing a whole new dimension to the almost 500 acres of land.

Born in Cavan, Bronagh completed a Sport and Health Rehabilitation degree at Wolverhampton University twenty years ago before going on to work in pharmaceutical sales. Since then, she has married Cathal and together they have three daughters, Annabelle (8), Isla (5) and Alice (2), it was from being at home that she could really visualise what they had beneath their feet on the land.

“It’s a very different career choice, it wasn’t a choice but more of a life progression, I married a farmer and I’ve gone from sales to minding the kids at home all the time. I’m a stay at home mother but I wanted to diversify in a way where I can still fulfil my role as a mother at home with the kids but also utilise what we have here on the farm.

I did a tourism course last year and I decided to use what we have, the farm is very vast it’s nearly 500 acres so I saw potential with all the tourism in the area”.

On her reasons for undertaking the tourism course in Gort Community Centre, Bronagh outlined, “I had an interest in diversifying in some way, I had seen the campervans and the potential of the area, on a given day you could see up to twenty campervans driving by, cyclists and everything. There was nobody else in the area doing it so we had a meeting recently, we’re members of the Burren Programme which is farming with conservation in mind, keeping the area as true to what it should be and the limestone pavements there. Brendan Dunford had a meeting about people opening up their farms and letting people see because he knew that it was tourists wanted to see, real farms, what people do, how they sustainably live in the area”.

This led to the creation of Burren Farm Experience where the couple give guided tours of the working farm and historic area to educate tourists on the distinct farming practices in the Burren and biodiversity. Guests are brought on their tractor trailer with comfy straw bales for seating through the almost 500 acre farm of mixed species-rich grassland, deciduous woodland, hazel scrub and glaciocarst limestone

pavement internationally famous for arctic-alpine and Mediterranean plants living side by side, passing livestock and historical remains. This is followed by a 5km/8km hike through the National Park to Lough Bunny Lake. Three national monuments are on the land, the former Boston Church which was burnt down in the 1820s, a pre-famine settlement and a round field.

Since starting the tours in July, over 100 people have enjoyed the service.

They plan to expand in the winter with the refurbishment of an old farmhouse into a tearoom for visitors. The couple realise the value of conservation and it is why they have such praise for the Burren Programme which emphasises farming in this way. “If the Burren Programme wasn’t in existence as it is, it would be very hard to sustain the way we farm at the moment and the landscape, it’s based on the animals grazing to extend the season that the cattle can be out because the limestone ground doesn’t go below six degrees even in the winter time, it’s a very different area to farm in than other areas of the country,” Bronagh told The Clare Echo.

“If the cattle didn’t graze the land, the flowers wouldn’t come up in summer time so you wouldn’t have the biodiversity that we’ve had here, we’ve orchids that you wouldn’t see anywhere else in the world, it’s a very unique landscape”.

Eco-Tourism is directed towards exotic, often threatened, natural environments, intended to support conservation efforts and observe wildlife which is what the O’Rourke’s are aspiring towards as part of the Burren Eco-Tourism Network.

“I think it is the way forward, people are more conscious of their footprint. Even if it’s the domestic market, we run zero waste so we go out and don’t want to leave a footprint so we bring everything back with us. We’re here for conservation and we want to show people what we do and the animals but we have to bear in mind that this is their environment and where they live, it’s very important for us to leave no trace”.

Over the weekend, they will hold a ‘Five Generations of Farming Series’ on their land. Though new to farming, Bronagh has already been named as one of the top three finalists of the Corrib Oil Women in Farming Awards, something she is proud of and highlights how new methods of thinking in agriculture must be embraced. “You don’t have to be able to milk a cow or have a

huge background knowledge, you have to be able to bring what you have as an individual to make it more diverse and get the interest up from other women and children. What I feel is important is getting it from where it is now to something that is more attainable to other people. I don’t want to go in and milk 200 cattle but that’s not what my niche is, it’s bringing a new breath of life and dimension to what Cathal has been doing and his dad John for generations, the farm is here for five generations but nobody has seen it, it has never been explored before.

“It’s a hugely historic

place and I just want that to be explored and for people to see more of that. Farming is an industry where we were seeing people that were part-time and now that’s no longer sustainable, we need to think of other ideas”.

RENAULT SHOWS OFF NEW ZOE ELECTRIC CAR

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HE launch of the third generation of Renault’s flagship vehicle in its 100% electric range is a major milestone in the group’s strategy for large-scale electric vehicle development.

Seven years after the release of what has become Europe’s best-selling urban electric car, New Zoe evolves in versatility, quality and technology offering superior features, right from entry level, all while remaining affordable.

This evolution is immediately obvious.

On the outside, New Zoe shows its personality without losing its distinctive fresh design. The interior has been revolutionised, with a fully redesigned instrument panel and dashboard for improved comfort.

On a technical level, New Zoe is both more autonomous, with a battery of 52kWh lasting up to 390km (on the WLTP test) and has more recharging options thanks to the introduction of an optional direct current (DC) charge. With its more powerful 100 kW motor on GT Line spec, New Zoe offers even more driving pleasure.

With nearly 150,000 registrations by

the end of May 2019, Zoe sales have been growing steadily since its launch. Its cumulative sales make it the most common electric vehicle on European roads.

At the front, the completely redesigned contours of the sculpted bonnet converge into a large aligned diamond which opens onto the charging hatch. The new shape of the bumper incorporates chrome inserts in the grill and around the fog lights, enhancing the lower section.

With the famous bright C-shape belonging to all new Renault vehicles, the new 100% LED lights create an expressive look.

While the dimensions of New Zoe haven’t changed, it gains in presence. It is confident and wears its electric nature with pride, the blue border around the Renault diamond logos acting as a reminder.

New Zoe introduces a 10-inch driver’s display, available right from entry-level specifications, with definition and functions that are unparalleled in the segment.

The display contains the main driving aids and all settings specific to electric driving, starting with the eco-meter that encourages eco-friendly driving habits. On

versions equipped with navigation, it also displays GPS indications. The driver can customise the lighting and the layout of the different information on-screen. The display’s horizon and varying perspective-effects create a sense of depth and help the driver to focus.

New Zoe has a Z.E.50 battery which takes its range up to 390km (WLTP). It now also offers fast direct current charging, an addition to the alternating current charging options already available at home or on the street.

Renault’s work to continue at the forefront of increasingly high-performing battery development did not end with the introduction of the previous generation’s Z.E. 40 battery. The result: with 52 kWh, the battery Z.E.50 for the New Zoe now offers a range of up to 390km, an increase of 20%.

This growth in energy capacity uses the same sized-battery, maintaining the vehicle’s comfortable habitability. The new battery Z.E.50 even has another advantage: its ability to deliver a higher current intensity contributes to the performance of the new R135 engine.

New Zoe also is the most versatile affordable electric vehicle when it comes to charging.

All versions include 22kW AC charging as standard and this remains unique to Zoe. This is an ace up Zoe’s sleeve when it comes to the Irish public charging infrastructure.

As ESB eCars offer 1,000 ESB public 22kW AC charging points in Ireland, and EasyGo plan to add several hundred more. When you drive a Zoe, you’re never far from a quick top-up, adding up to 82km in just half an hour.

“New Zoe makes you want to go further.

We’ve designed a new generation of Zoe: at the forefront of electric performance and more useable than ever. New Zoe highlights Groupe Renault’s commitment to 100% electric mobility for all” said Gilles Normand, Director of the Electric Vehicle Division of Renault.

Renault ZOE

Ireland’s most affordable Electric Car

Renault – No.1 for Electric Vehicles in Europe 0% APR Book a 24-hour test drive Model shown: ZOE Dynamique Nav R110 Z.E. 40, starting RRP €27,790. Renault ZOE WLTP range up to 317km depending on version. Model shown WLTP range 300km. Finance example: ZOE EXPRESSION R90 ZE40, RRP €24,990. Deposit €8,859. Term 60 monthly payments of €269. APR 0%. Total cost of credit €0. Optional final payment €0. Offer exclusive to Renault Bank. Offer is made under a hire purchase agreement. Subject to lending criteria. Terms and conditions apply. See Renault.ie [Warning: You will not own these goods until the final payment is made].

HOGAN MOTORS ENNIS Gort Road, Ennis, Co. Clare Tel 065 6821704 www.hoganmotorsennis.ie

Book a test drive

34 COMMUNITY

Community EAST CLARE TREASURES OR TRASH Clare locals can discover if there are treasures in their attic and help a good cause, at a special valuation day in the Lakeside Hotel, Ballina, Killaloe on Sunday, August 25.

The treasures or trash valuation day is aimed at helping Killaloe Ballina Historical Society raise funds to place information plaques on buildings of interest in the two villages.

The event is part of Heritage Week 2019 and locals are being encouraged to bring along items of jewellery, furniture, fine art, porcelain, books, banknotes and coins. Valuers and members of the Irish Antique Dealers Association will happily give their expert opinion on the item and its value for a modest fee of €5 to €10.

Among the specialists on hand will be George Stacpoole, well known for his appearances as the antiques expert on RTE’s ‘Today with Maura and Dáithí show.’ A host of other specialists will also be available including jeweller John Weldon of Weldon Jewellery, Dublin, fine art and rare books expert Fosie Mealy of Castlecomber and Clare based Eddie McMahon who specialises in coins and banknotes.

Other experts at the fair include Michael Connell Antiques, Dublin; Eoin Ryan of Straffan Antiques, Robbie O’Donnell of Hibernian Antique Fairs, Jim Noonan of Noonan’s Antiques, Limerick and of course George Stacpoole of Stacpoole Antiques, Adare.

The fundraiser is aimed at helping the local historical society place information plaques on interesting buildings in the twin villages of Ballina and Killaloe, as part of a self-guided historical walk for locals and visitors to the area.

The treasures or trash valuation day in the Lakeside Hotel starts at 2.30pm on Sunday, August 25th and organisers are hoping for a great turnout at what promises to be a fun and worthwhile event.

WEST CLARE/ENNIS TALK ON DOONBEG CIVIL WAR GRAFFITI AT CLARE MUSEUM Clare Museum will host a special Heritage Week lecture on newly discovered Civil War graffiti on Mountrivers Bridge, near Doonbeg.

Heritage Consultant Bryn Coldrick of Kilrush-based Archaeological Management Solutions will present the talk on the graffiti which was discovered as part of recent architectural recording prior to the demolition of the bridge.

The term ‘Free Stater’ and other marks were recorded, and following consultation with the National Museum of Ireland the object is now part of the Clare Museum collection.

The event, organised in co-operation with Transport infrastructure Ireland (TII) which funded the work, will address the possible provenance of the graffiti, its significance to the local community, and its historical context in relation to the War of Independence and Civil War in West Clare.

The talk will take place at 7.30 pm on Wednesday August 21. Admission is free, but due to limited space, attendees need to book in advance to avoid disappointment at claremuseum@clarecoco. ie. See clarecoco.ie or heritageweek.ie for a full listing of Heritage Week events taking place in Clare.

ENNIS HERITAGE PUBLICATION At 11:30am on August 22nd in Ennis Library there will be a lecture and booklet launch by historian Steve Dolan titled ‘Banner News’ focusing on eighteenth century Co Clare newspaper articles. The entire proceeds will go to Cahercalla Hospice and this Heritage Week Steve is raising €10,000 for charities in the region.

SHANNON GAZEBO DAY Shannon Sinn Féin will hold a 'Gazebo Day' in the Tullyvarraga area on Saturday August 17 between 2pm-4pm. The local Terence McSwiney Cumann plan to speak with local residents and to discuss how Sinn Féin can be of help in the local community. A meeting has also been requested with local Gardai to discuss current policing in Shannon.

THURSDAY, AUG 15 2019

CONTACT NEWSDESK

065 671 9021 news@clareecho.ie

l WALK BACK IN TIME: The October photograph from the Ennistymon calendar

WEST CLARE

OLD ENNISTYMON SOCIETY 2020 CALENDAR Captured In Time: Images of Ennistymon and Lahinch, County Clare from the Arthur Collection.

The Old Ennistymon Society’s calendar for 2020 features photographs from the society’s Arthur Collection. The Arthur family were renowned photographers in Ennistymon from the mid-19th Century to the 1950s. In their studio in Deerpark House, Church Street, Joseph William and his children Joseph, John, William and Catherine created a wide ranging collection of images of County Clare on glass plate negatives and film. The Arthur family also had studios in Ennis, Miltown Malbay, Kilkee and Lisdoonvarna at various times. All the photos in this calendar are taken from the Old Ennistymon Society’s Arthur Collection. The Society gratefully acknowledges the assistance of the Arthur family and many local people in the sourcing of these photographs.

The Old Ennistymon Society is a not-for-profit registered charity. All proceeds from the calendar will go to the development and upkeep of Ennistymon Courthouse Studios & Gallery.

The Calendar will be launched at The Courthouse Gallery, Ennistymon, Thursday 22nd August, 8pm.

SUGÁN CHAIR MAKING IN MILTOWN MALBAY Heritage Events at The Resource Centre, Ballard Road, Miltown Malbay on Tuesday 20th - See a demonstration of Sugán Chair-making & Spinning on an Antique Wheel, Learn about the Social History of Market Gardening in Spanish Point in the 60’s, Come along to a Childrens’ Craft Workshop, Hear about the history of Bee-keeping, Enjoy a Piping Performance, Hear Local Musicians play Tunes from the Past, Join a ‘Walk & Talk’ led by Botanist Dr. Fran Giaquinto, Come to a Talk by Zena Hoctor, Heritage Consultant on the Local Landscape, Hear about Major Weather Events from as far back as the 6th century as local historian, Martin Barry talks about our favourite pastime, the Weather..! For full details see www.heritageweek.ie.

THURSDAY, AUG 15 2018

CÚL CAMPS PHOTOS ACROSS THE COUNTY

CÚL CAMPS 35 CONTACT NEWSDESK

l THE CÚL KIDS: Attending Kellog’s Cúl Camps across the county last week were (clockwise from top left); All eyes on Tomás Murrihy at the Kilmurry Ibrickane Kelloggs Cúl Camp; Callum Hogan, Jaden Murray, Onrí Daly & Seán Hurley at the Kilmurry Ibrickane Kelloggs Cúl Camp; Caera McMahon in full flight watched by friends at the Lissycasey Kelloggs Cúl Camp; Noah Forde’s free rattles the net at the Clondegad Kelloggs Cúl Camp; Hazel Keating, Sofia Culleton, Eimear Burke, Abbie Cahill & Katie Kelly at the Lissycasey Kelloggs Cúl Camp; Oisin McGivernl & Barry McInerney at the Ennistymon Kelloggs Cúl Camp; The O’Gorman twins at the Naomh Eoin Kelloggs Cúl Camp

Photos: Páraic McMahon

36 BUSINESS

THURSDAY, AUG 15 2019

BUSINESS

CONTACT US WE’RE ON FACEBOOK, TWITTER AND INSTAGRAM #CE

Specsavers unveil student collection THIS summer, Specsavers stores welcome a range of contemporary, diverse glasses from a collective of fresh design talent.

The unique collection of 14 glasses and sunglasses, designed by four students, draws on personal inspirations to create a range that celebrates individuality, encouraging everyone to wear their specs with pride.

Renowned as one of Ireland’s most fashionable specs wearers, Specsavers style ambassador Darren Kennedy, has a host of tips on how to rock these creative new designs with confidence.

Darren says: “Glasses are really becoming a huge part of individual style, with more and more people enjoying and embracing their frames. There are so many exciting styles and shapes to suit every face”.

“A particular stand out design for me is the contemporary cat eye frame that holds on to the core elements of the retro 60’s frame style and catapults it firmly into 2019. The designer’s love of architecture is clear in this bold structured frame that is sure to attract the attention of fashion lovers who like to make a statement with their accessories.

“Another style drawing on the increased popularity of clear glasses in fashion are the frames which ooze cool street vibes. The blue tones are bang on trend for this year”. If you want to build a look around this statement accessory, Darren recommends wearing with this year’s ‘Princess Blue’ a deep, rich shade for a tonal look head-to-toe.

A stylish, gender neutral look for everyone, Darren describes the above design as ‘a show stopper!’

“These frames (below), in zesty lime are brave, bold and full of fun. The gently rounded rectangular frame will work on most face shapes”.

With such daring designs and shapes, along with Specsavers’ in-store facial analysis technology, Frame Styler, it’s the perfect combination for finding styles that work for you.

Speaking of technology, which is exclusive to Specsavers, Darren says: “The virtual tryon tool allows customers to see how they look wearing glasses from every angle, giving the perfect opportunity to try out different styles you like, such as these exciting new designs, and finding the perfect one for you”.

Now available in Specsavers stores nationwide, check out the 14-strong Design Collective range, where glasses lovers looking to express their style through their specs can choose two pairs for €149.

Gregans wows the USA in Wall Street Journal

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UXURY country house hotel Gregans Castle has been featured in the Wall Street Journal’s recent article about the Burren region of Ireland.

The Wall Street Journal is the USA’s largest publication, with a circulation of approximately 2.47 million.

The article by Margot Dougherty centres on the Burren region, describing its history, the landscape, flora and fauna and Neolithic monuments, ruins and shrines, describing the region as “Hauntingly beautiful”.

The author recommends local attractions such as the Burren Perfumery, as well as organised tours such as Heart of the Burren Walks. The author also recommends places to stay in the region, including Gregans Castle, situated just outside Ballyvaughan. Gregans Castle has also been frequented by author J.R.R Tolkien, who is said to have been inspired by the Burren region himself when writing Lord of the Rings.

Visitors from North America to the island of Ireland amounted to 2.38 million in 2018, with growth of 9.1% in the first half of 2019, according to Tourism Ireland. Growth is expected to continue, helped, in part, by the introduction of several new flights between the USA and Ireland, including a new flight between Minneapolis – St. Paul and Dublin, which launched in July 2019 According to data compiled

by Tourism Ireland, visitors to Ireland from the USA are some of the most likely to explore Ireland by car, and not restrict themselves to cities.

This opens up the opportunities for accommodation providers in more rural areas, to attract more overseas tourism, particularly from the USA. With breath taking views across Galway Bay and idyllically situated overlooking the unique Burren landscape, Gregans Castle is the ultimate luxury and gourmet hideaway.

Simon and Freddie together with their staff manage this

l LUSH: Luxury country house hotel Gregans Castle features in the Wall Street Journal

oasis of comfort and offer genuine Irish hospitality, award winning innovative cooking and elegant bedrooms free from the intrusion of televi-

sions. Antiques, an eclectic art collection, open fires, candles, jugs of flowers and Shelley the cat add to the indulgently relaxing atmosphere. Located on

the Wild Atlantic Way and the Burren Food Trail. The ideal location from which to enjoy the Burren, Cliffs of Moher and the Aran Islands.

BUSINESS 37

THURSDAY, AUG 15 2019

Seeing is believing at Wild Atlantic Living gift store STUART HOLLY

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editor@clareecho.ie

ILD Atlantic Living is a new unique shopping experience in the heart of Kilrush that has originated from one optometrist’s uncle’s grand vision.

“About five years ago, my uncle Chris told me I should open my own opticians. I remember him saying ‘And you don’t have to sell only glasses!’ ” Julie Moore Neylon says.

Julie is an optometrist with over 15 years experience. Having graduated in Cardiff in 2004, she moved back to Ireland where she met her husband Pádraig. In June 2016, with the hope of creating a better work / life balance, the couple bought a house on Frances Street in Kilrush and moved lock, stock and their baby Theola to the town. Julie felt that there was an opening for a full-time Opticians in Kilrush and she opened Wild Atlantic Opticians in September 2016.

Wild Atlantic Opticians is now an established boutique optometry practice with the

latest equipment which caters for all of West Clare’s eyecare and eyewear needs. They stock over 2500 frames to suit every style, age and budget – one of the largest eyewear ranges in the country.

Julie has always had an eye for interior design. “The clinical finish that you might see in the large multiples was never on the cards for me”, according to Julie. “I wanted to do something very different and give patients an experience rather than offer them a simple cheap eye test and a pair of glasses.

We initially incorporated some vintage furniture and quirky props for the glasses and it wasn’t long before our patients began enquiring about purchasing some of our props as well as some items of the furniture!”

Last year, in the lead up to Christmas, Julie took the leap and merged her two passions – optometry and interiors - under one roof. Wild Atlantic Opticians & Living stock unique, quirky gifts, jewellery and interiors along with one of the most extensive range of handpicked eyewear in the country.

On entering this unique emporium of gifts and glasses, you really feel like you’re stepping back in time. The building dates back to the early 1900s and has a stunning traditional shopfront with a large double

fronted window display. With beautiful antique cabinets showcasing the wonderful frames and special gifts, hanging sculptures from the high ceilings, it really is something a bit different.

The Wild Atlantic Living range consists of uniquely inspiring gifts, jewellery and interiors from Irish suppliers and from across the globe aimed at those who want something different! The hand-picked items aren’t typically what one would find on the high street and include traditional tweed dicky bows, animal doorstops and timeless jewellery.

“Kilrush is now somewhere people can find gifts that aren’t found anywhere else and we wanted to be a part of and contribute to Kilrush’s unique offering in that respect.

There are a number of fantastic craft shops and gift stores now in Kilrush like O’Sullivans traditional gift store, Anchor Crafts, Hartmann’s Jewellers, Gleesons and Brews to name but a few.” Julie added. “Hopefully many more will emerge over the next few years as well.”

Traditionally, opticians often resided in premises such as chemists, jewellers or doctor’s surgeries. The idea of an optician selling much more than just glasses is not an entirely new one. In many ways Julie is paying

homage to these traditional ways and her uncle’s advice was well founded.

Be sure to check out their website, wildatlanticliving.ie and wildatlanticopticians.ie or like them on facebook and instagram to get a taste of some of what they offer.

l ENTREPRENEUR: Wild Atlantic Living store owner Julie Neylon

uniquely inspiring gifts for those hard to buy for people treat yourself | treat someone special No.2 Frances Street, Kilrush, Clare 0659051832

wildatlanticliving.ie wildatlanticopticians.ie

Property

Beautiful homes all over the County

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3

OPEN VIEWING TUESDAY 20TH AUGUST AT 6.15PM

16 MOYGLASS CRUSHEEN CO.CLARE • • • • • • • • • • •

41 ARD CAOIN ENNIS CO. CLARE

€195,000

House 5 bed 3 bath Floor Area is 137.31 square Superb Finish & Fittings South Facing Landscaped Garden to Rear Corner Site / Private cul-de-sac 2 x En-suite bedrooms Solid fuel stove Overlooking green area Double glazed PVC windows

Contact: Location Location, Unit 2, Summerhill, Market Place, Ennis Tel: 065 68 23718 PSL 003928

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• • • • • • • • • • •

Terrace 3 bed 2 bath Floor Area is 90.72 m2 South facing rear garden not overlooked Mains Gas Heating Alarm Stira folding stairs to attic Master Bedroom En-suite Double Glazed windows Tarmac drive with ample parking

Contact: Location Location, Unit 2, Summerhill, Market Place, Ennis Tel: 065 68 23718 PSL 003928

5 OPEN VIEWING 5.15 ON MONDAY 19TH 17 GORT LEAMHAN, TULLA ROAD, ENNIS, CO. CLARE

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€260,000

OCATED in the much sought after Tulla Road and the equally sought after cul de sac estate of Gort Leamhan, Number 17 enjoys an excellent position within the development on a near corner site. The quality of this home is evident the moment you step in the front door, with extensive polished porcelain tiling running through to the open plan kitchen/dining room and connecting to the solid oak floor in the main reception. The lead glass feature doors from the entrance hall lead to the vast main reception with its marble surround feature fireplace, bay window feature and open arch connecting into the kitchen/dining room. French doors from the dining area lead to the rear decking and Sandstone Patio and the dining area is open plan to the Shaker Walnut fitted kitchen. From the kitchen is the utility and also from the main hallway is the ground floor bedroom (en-suite). To the first floor the quality carpeted landing leads to a further four bedrooms all of which have quality flooring finishes, two with built in wardrobes and the smaller room currently used as a music/office fitted with extensive shelving. Rounding off the first floor is the fully tiled main bathroom and for ease of access a stira stairs leads to the additional attic storage which is fully floored.

Contact: DNG O’Sullivan Hurley, 74 O’Connell Street, Ennis Tel: (065)6840200

PSL 002295

FANTASTIC VALUE €149,000

OPEN VIEWING 10AM ON SATURDAY 17TH

3 GLENINA, HAZEL LANE, GORT ROAD, ENNIS, CO. CLARE

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€209,000

UMBER 3 is a bright, spacious, well proportioned and nicely presented four bedroom detached home boasting a fantastic location just a short stroll to all local and town amenities and set on a stunning private site with private access off Hazel Lane. The interior lay out was very smartly designed with the main reception featuring a bay window onto the gardens and the open plan kitchen dining connecting to the utility which further connects to the rear gardens. The double ground floor bedroom and fully equipped shower room along with various storage presses, the ground floor accommodation leads to the first floor .

Contact: DNG O’Sullivan Hurley, 74 O’Connell Street, Ennis Tel: (065)6840200

PSL 002295

MOTORING

MOTORING EXPERT NEIL BRISCOE GIVES HIS VIEWS

HONDA’S HYBRID MAKES A WELCOME RETURN FACTS & FIGURES

HONDA’S ROOMY CR-V GAINS HYBRID POWER

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HONDA CR-V HYBRID

T seems like years since Honda was in the hybrid game, well.. it is. You see, Honda was actually the first car maker to get a hybrid on sale to customers in Europe. Its original Insight hit the market here in 1999, just a few months ahead of the original Toyota Prius. Unfortunately, while Toyota had created a sensible fourdoor saloon for its hybrid, the Insight was a tiny two-seater with concept-car looks, and although it was clever, it was expensive and it kinda sank without sales trace.

Honda decided to have another go in the noughties with the second-gen Insight — a much better car, a fast-back five-door very much in the same mould as the second-generation Prius. It was frugal and surprisingly good fun to drive. So much so that Honda actually spun-off a coupe version, the hugely underrated CR-Z, but again both cars kinda got run over by the Toyota hybrid sales juggernaut, and Honda gave both its hybrid models (and the Civic saloon hybrid) the bullet, so as to concentrate on petrol and diesel models.

Welcome, though, to 2019 and the sudden scramble for electric power. Honda has promised that by 2025, every single car it sell will be at leats partially electric. In the case of new models such as dinky-looking Honda E city car, some will be all-electric, but this year marks Honda’s return to the hybrid market, as the CR-V SUV gets the battery ball rolling again with this Hybrid model.

You may not notice it from the outside,

though, as there’s precious few visual differences between this and the standard petrol model.

Underneath though, it’s all change.

Out goes the 1.5-litre 180hp petrol turbo VTEC engine, and in comes a 2.0-litre petrol, with no turbo, running on the Atkinson combustion cycle. That leaves the inlet valves open a fraction longer than a conventional engine, which means that the engine runs on a leaner fuel burn.

That’s great for economy and efficiency, but bad for power. Ah, but that’s where the electric motor, with its 315Nm of torque, kicks in to assist the engine. Combine the two, and you get — theoretically — 184hp of smooth, frugal, power.

It’s normally at this point that we complain that the CVT gearbox allows the engine to rev too high when you’re accelerating, ruining refinement and driver enjoyment. Except we can’t. Because the CR-V doesn’t have a CVT gearbox. In fact, it really doesn’t have any gearbox at all, and instead uses a single fixed ratio transmission, which effectively makes the electric motor the ‘gearing’ for the car, speeding up and slowing down as needed. In fact, most of the time the petrol engine is essentially a generator to keep the batteries charged and the electric motor turning, although of course there’s a bypass clutch to allow it to directly drive the wheels for maximum acceleration.

Honda does this because, so it says, the single-gear idea is smaller and lighter than a CVT, and it allows for smoother switching between electric and petrol power.

That’s something that the CR-V does a lot. Honda estimates that in most urban driving situations, you’ll be running on silent electric-only power for around half

the time, dropping to one third of the time when you’re on bigger, faster roads.

As a package, it works pretty well. There is still a bit of that hybrid high-revving effect when you want maximum acceleration, but the engine’s inherent smoothness and good sound isolation means that it’s never much of a chore. Fuel economy is decent, but perhaps not exceptional. We squeezed an average 6.7-litres per 100km from the CR-V Hybrid — not bad, considering that most of our mileage was on motorways (never the best place to drive a hybrid) and commendably close to Honda’s claimed figure. If we’d been mostly driving around town we’d probably have done a lot better.

To drive, the CR-V Hybrid is an exemplary cruiser — quiet, refined, comfortable, capable. The cabin is exceptionally roomy and beautifully built. Not everyone’s going to love the (obviously fake) wood trim in the cabin, but it adds a touch of visual warmth so I’m OK with it. The seats are great, and there’s stretching room in the back (no seven-seat option though, as the hybrid batteries take up too much space under the boot floor).

If there’s a flaw, it’s that the CR-V Hybrid doesn’t live up to Honda’s usual sporting credentials when the road gets truly challenging and twisty. It’s a little too softly-sprung for that and doesn’t like being hustled around corners. A shame, but perhaps not that many of us will really notice.

We’ll be more concerned with things like cabin space, and economy, and on those fronts the CR-V Hybrid scores well.

Model tested: Honda CR-V Hybrid Pricing: Hybrid from €38,000 including VRT rebate; CR-V range starts at €33,500 Hybrid system : 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with twin electric motors and lithium-ion battery Transmission: single-speed reduction gear, all-wheel drive Body style: five-door, five-seat SUV CO2 emissions: 126g/km* (Band B1 €270 per annum) Combined economy: 51.4mpg* (5.5 litres/100km) Top speed: 180km/h 0-100km/h: 9.2 seconds Power petrol: 145hp at 6,200rpm, electric motors 184hp, quoted system maximum 184hp Torque petrol: 175Nm at 4,000rpm, electric motors 315Nm, quoted system maximum 315Nm Boot space: 497-1,694 litres Safety: EuroNCAP Rating for CR-V: Five-stars: 93 per cent adult; 83 per cent child; 70 per cent pedestrian; 76 per cent safety assist *figures are quoted as NEDC-correlated from WLTP testing

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42 SPORT

THURSDAY, AUG 15 2019

Brid on giving up her life to Clare camogie with PÁRAIC McMAHON

T

O HAVE held the smallest of involvements with Clare camogie in the past two decades be it as a supporter, player, mentor or officer, Brid MacNamara is a name you’ll know because truth be told she is at the backbone of the organisation within the county.

Best known for her administrative work, Brid’s own playing career was one with more injuries than medals, accolades for the game would follow upon retirement. “Broken fingers, broken wrists, broken ankle, torn calf muscles, broken teeth, you name it I’ve broken it - Ruan Camogie Club suffered in that sense.

“I played in secondary school in Colaiste Muire and I hated it, I absolutely and utterly hated the game. Played first year, started in second year and I think I gave it up after three months. I loved being out on the road in Ranaghan hitting the ball up and down the road with my sisters, brothers and father.

Maybe it was the structure of training that I didn’t like”. When she returned to live in the county in November 1998, Carmel Daffy paid her a visit to convince her to resume her playing days with Ruan, “she asked me to come along to training to make up numbers.

I wasn’t able to hurl spuds, my skills weren’t on the field of play, I’m no Chloe Morey or Laura McMahon, I think everyone has seen where my skills lie in terms of camogie”.

Doora/Barefield’s Seamus O’Sullivan was possibly guilty of giving her more praise than she warranted in her final years of playing. “I was actually county secretary in 2004 when we played Inagh in the Junior Championship and I lined out, Seamus O’Sullivan was PRO and we had been beaten by Inagh. Seamus credited me with a score which I didn’t get which was a bit embarrassing, ‘the County Secretary had scored a point’. It was 2005 when I finished playing, the people of Ruan would say ‘maybe she should have finished a bit sooner’”.

An All-Star may not have come her way from her exploits off the pitch but the Camogie Association have recognised her contribution by naming her PRO of the Year in 2011 and 2012 with awards received for social media in 2013 and 2014 before scooping the Programme of the Year gong in 2016, 2017 and 2018. For every year she has been involved in public relations with camogie in Clare, they have been chosen as the best in Ireland.

Three years ago, she stepped aside as Assistant PRO in Clare having done the maximum five years as PRO. The decision came following health indicators that she required a rest but also to explore other avenues as Munster Camogie quickly snapped her up as their own PRO. “There was more to life, even in the

This week, as part of our 20x20 series we delve into the world of Munster Camogie PRO Brid MacNamara, who despite admitting to ‘utterly hating’ the sport as a teenager is now a beacon for promoting the sport in the Banner

l POSITIVE INFLUENCE: For every year that Brid MacNamara has been involved in public relations with camogie in Clare, they have been chosen as best in Ireland

Photo by Veronica McMahon

last couple of weeks as our county teams have exited competitions I would have attended training with our seniors every Tuesday and Thursday. While you’re in it and you’re there every Tuesday you always wish for a Tuesday or Thursday night or a weekend off. Then when you get it you’re wondering what to do, you’re bored and looking at time to fill. I do understand where players are coming from when they retire saying they miss it, it leaves a massive hole.

“I had a weekend off the 8th of June and I didn’t have a weekend off again until the Saturday and Sunday of Bank Holiday weekend in August, that is a long time. If we ask someone to do a full-time job and work from the 8th of June up until August and not take a day off there would be uproar, when you’re a volunteer that’s what you have to do, you

do your job at the weekend. This year when you take into account we had some long-haul trips to the North, that was fairly tiring”.

On average, she would dedicate forty hours a week to camogie, this is on top of holding down a job in finance based in Shannon. Saying Brid’s life revolves around the game is not an exaggeration. “My annual leave at work is planned around county finals, Munster finals, I go into work in January and I know when I need to book time off, I always take six days off in October, the week before the county final and the Monday after. The Munster Final in November always falls on the second week of November, again three days off and the Monday afterwards”.

Prior to becoming PRO, Brid was Team Liaison Officer where many of the elder members of the 2019 senior panel first became

acquainted with her as U14s. She described them as “mischievous”, so much so mentors opted not to travel by bus with Brid their dedicated minder. On one trip to Mallow, they texted management to tell them a player was missing, the Ruan woman received a phone call, having already done the head count twice, she was shocked to discover she was actually down a panellist. “My heart absolutely sank into my boots. But, fourteen year olds have one problem, they can’t maintain a poker face,” as the laughter from the girls gave up the ghost.

Those players in particular hold a special place in her heart not because they tested it so regularly but on account of the women they have become. “We may not be lighting up the pitch in terms of inter-county but by God these women are lighting it up on the club scene in Clare. It’s incredible to watch them, to see how they’ve developed, they’re getting engaged, they’re getting married”.

Recent years have been disappointing from the senior side who have failed to make the knockout stages since 2014, coin toss the following year preventing them from making a quarter-final. “2008 we won the Junior All-Ireland, Wexford won the Senior All-Ireland, they did three in a row and now they’re going to be in the Division 2 League. There’s always going to be highs and lows, you’re always going to get that in sport, Tipperary dominated camogie in the noughties, now they are in a semi-final but they’ve struggled to get to that stage of the competition”.

She is confident the tide will turn for their seniors but talk of coin toss brings back memories of RTÉ journalist Áine Lawlor going toe to toe with Brid during a live radio interview.

“If you’re going to accuse Clare of throwing our toys out of the pram, we most certainly weren’t throwing our toys out of the pram. I will call you out when I think it’s needed, I would consider myself to be straight talking and fair, I will never run down a Clare camogie team, I’m here to promote camogie in the county but if I see a publication putting something out incorrectly, I’ll tackle you.

She’s paid to be a national broadcaster and didn’t know the facts, if you don’t know the facts, don’t take me on,” the 1992 Inter-Collegiate winning debater and ‘best overall speaker’ with Athlone RTC stated.

Increased media coverage in Clare during her tenure as PRO has seen more girls take up the sport, “our figures are up year on year”. Time will tell if her prediction that the county can turn it around at senior level will hold true, what’s guaranteed is that Brid MacNamara will be standing beside them, clipboard in hand, looking for coverage to give an update on Clare FM or to tweet on the good and bad days.

SPORT

THURSDAY, AUG 15 2019

43

Dromoland President’s Prize

All-Ireland final goal for 2020

S

UCCESS may have eluded them this year but the ambition for the Clare Junior camogie side is to contest the 2020 All-Ireland decider.

Moments after Kerry overcame Clare by ten points in the last four clash on Saturday, joint manager Ann Marie McGann declared their targets for next year must be bigger and better. She was first to admit that scoring six points in an All-Ireland semi-final is far from what is required. “You can’t justify scoring six points over the sixty minutes as a management team. To be fair, I thought our backs were outstanding... it was

just up front we were having issues getting the ball forward”.

Of their four championship outings in 2019, Clare’s record reads two wins and two losses, remarkably both defeats were their only home ties.

It is expected that their exploits will lead to more players wishing to represent the Juniors going forward but McGann said those that rowed in with the panel first would be acknowledged before anyone else. She added, “We want to bring this one step further next year and hopefully get into the All-Ireland Final”.

l KING OF THE CASTLE: Dromoland Golf Club President Willie Fitzgerald presenting his prize to the winner, Barry Nugent, former intercounty hurler (inset)

Cratloe impress as Clare SFC gets underway PÁRAIC McMAHON

paraic@clareecho.ie

C

RATLOE laid out their intentions as the Clare SFC got underway with five games taking place across the weekend.

Champions ST JOSEPHS MILTOWN survived a scare to record a 1-16 1-12 win over KILMIHIL in the first tie of the weekend. Seven points from the boot of Eoin Cleary plus a Kieran Malone treble and a double each from Cormac Murray and Gearoid Curtin saw David O’Brien’s charges home. Their scoring spread up front which also saw Graham Kelly raise a green flag will be difficult for every defence in Group One and the entire county.

Aidan ‘Horse’ Moloney’s return as KILMURRY IBRICKANE boss was a successful one as they oversaw LISSYCASEY 0-09 0-07. Daryn Callinan contributed six points of the Bricks’ final tally, their attack was diminished through the absence of Keelan Sexton and the subsequent hand injury sustained by Dermot Coughlan. Although they ended up on the wrong side of the result, Lissycasey will take a lot of positives from it before their do or die game with Corofin on the first weekend of September, the work they do between now and then will determine whether they make the quarter-finals.

In the battle of the Magpies, it was the North Clare ones from ENNISTYMON as opposed to DOONBEG in the West that flew home from Cusack Park with two points in the bag, finishing 1-11 1-08 in their favour. Doonbeg with two David Tubridy points were first on the board but Ennistymon replied with seven scores in a row to lead at the break. A Doonbeg revival followed on the restart but crucially a Paul Dillon penalty was saved

by Shane Keane who also stepped up to deny Shane Ryan and Eoghan Tubridy green flags at

other stages in the game. With one point between them and eight minutes remaining, a Sean McConigley penalty would swing the tie in Ennistymon’s favour.

2017 finalists CLONDEGAD received a heavy eleven point defeat going down to CRATLOE on a scoreline of 1-18 0-10. The impressive Cathal McInerney kicked 1-08 for the winners while Podge Collins was very lively at centre forward adding two points of his own with Liam Markham forming a solid anchor at the back, based on scoring difference Colm Collins’ side are effectively through to the knockout stages. It is most definitely a setback for Clondegad but the beaten Cusack Cup finalists have time and the players to turn it around ahead of their crunch third round meeting with Éire Óg.

KILRUSH SHAMROCKS made their first appearance in the senior championship in three years and ensured they collected a win as they edged past NAOMH EOIN/O’CURRYS 1-13 2-08.

The Shams led by five points at the interval with Darragh Bolton raising a green flag. Owen Lynch kicked both goals for the amalgamation who are managed by Joe Garry but Kilrush four of the last six points to secure a vital two point win.

Although victory eluded Naomh Eoin/O’Currys, one half of the amalgamation got a taste of success. O’CURRYS overcame ST SENAN’S KILKEE in the intermediate championship on Saturday evening. Goals proved pivotal for KILFENORA in the North Clare meeting with LISCANNOR. The green flags from Micheál Duffy, Matthew Egan and Cronan Howley determined the result in Ennistymon.

It finished all square between KILDYSART and ST JOSEPHS DOORA/BAREFIELD. Emmet McMahon goaled for last year’s beaten finalists with eight minutes of normal time remaining to put them ahead by two points but the Parish fought back to earn a share of the spoils. COOLMEEN overcame 2018 Junior champions ÉIRE ÓG by the smallest of margins in the final tie of the weekend.

The Scorecard in association with

KILRUSH GOLF CLUB OPEN WEEK AUGUST 2019 August 5 Cooraclare Golfing Society Men’s Singles 1 Jim Young (9) 41 pts 2 Michael McNamara (17) 40 pts 3 Joe Hurley (13) 39 pts (B9) Cooraclare Golfing Society Ladies 1 Mary Murphy (29) 37 pts

2 D O’Donovan (8) 40 pts 3 Shane Lillis (2) 37 pts (B9)

August 6 Crotty’s Bar and Restaurant Men’s Singles 1 Jim Kelly (22) 37 pts 2 Richard Hayes (14) 37 pts 3 John Stapleton (20) 36 pts (B9)

Friday Open Singles 1ST Sean Myatt (2) 41pts 2ND Andrew Whelan 37pts GROSS Kealan O Flaherty (5) 32pts 3RD Darragh Murphy (8) 36pts

August 7 Ennis Electrical Men’s Singles 1 Garóid Lillis (15) 46 pts 2 Pat Shannon (17) 40 pts (B9) 3 Jim Young Sr (8) 40 pts (B6)

9 Hole open singles 1ST Ciaran Coote (10) 19pts 2ND Conor Malone (10) 16pts

August 8 Hospital Cup Ladies’ Singles 1 Joan O’Malley (19) 38 pts 2 Margaret Donnelly (17) 37 pts 3 Ailish Lorigan (17) 36 pts 4 Margaret Clancy (15) 36 pts (B6/F9) August 9 Hylands Burren Hotel 18 Holes Mixed Foursomes 1 Rose Enright (28) & Michael Studdert (14) 60 2 Anne Brennan (12) & Ger Brennan (16) 61 GROSS Claire Pyne (20) Shane Lillis (2) 3 Lucy Blake & Denis Nagle August 10 Talty’s Lissycasey Men’s Singles 1 Sean Lyons (15) 39 pts 2 George Justice (18) 35 pts (B9) 3 Jim Kelly (21) 35 pts (B6) August 11 Hospital Cup Men’s Singles 1 Alan Howard (21) 41 pts

ENNIS GOLF CLUB Tuesday Fourball 6th August 2019 1ST Sean O’ Gorman & Andrew Mc Gloin 35pts 2ND Gerry O’Connor & Roger McMahon 35pts 3RD Peter Lyons & Tom Woulfe 34pts

GOY S/Ford Comp.2019, Hustle Fitness Sat.10th /Sun.11th August 2019 1ST William G Delaney(15) 40pts 2ND Enda Heaney(11) 37pts GROSS Darragh Murphy(8) 77gross 3RD Seamus Frehill(18) 37pts EAST CLARE GOLF CLUB Men’s Whites 1ST Jim Greene 2ND Aaron O Brien 3RD Brian Muldoon Men’s Yellow 1ST Donal Fleming 2ND Gerry Nugent 3RD John Conheady Ladies 18hole stroke Medal 3 1ST Siobhan Shanahan 70nett CAT 1 Kathleen O Brien 72 net CAT 2 Mary Hogan 75 nett CAT 3 Helen Downey 70 nett

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THURSDAY, AUG 15 2019

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QUIZ 47

THURSDAY, AUG 15 2019

The Clare Echo Quiz

Mooghaun Hill-Fort is the site of 2 a prehistoric walled village and is regarded as the oldest ring fort of its kind in Europe. Is it in:

ish Point

St Peter & St Paul Cathedral 7 The in Ennis is the 11th tallest spire in

Tulla, Newmarket on Fergus, Carron

Ireland. But how tall is it?

3

226ft, 326ft, 426ft

Who said of The Burren: “It is a country where there is not enough water to drown a man, wood enough to hang one, nor earth enough to bury him.”

Oliver Cromwell, Edmund Ludlow, Boris Johnson

4

Michael “Sonnie” Murphy, who competed in the 3,000m Steeplechase at the 1932 Olympics was from

Ennis, Clarecastle, Kilnaboy

Patrick Joseph “Pat” McDonald 5 who won a gold medal in the 1920 Olympics for shotput and worked as a traffic cop in Times Square, was born in: Doonbeg, Killaloe, Tuamgraney

6

Olympic 800m winner and world record holder David Rushida was pictured wearing a Clare jersey at

power station chim8 Moneypoint neys are 715ft tall. Where does it rank in terms of Ireland’s tallest structures?

First, Third, Fifth

9

The Shannon hydroelectric scheme cost the equivalent to one fifth of the Irish state’s annual budget, which was

l OUR COUNTY: What was the population of Clare pre-famine?

area in Clare is home to 10 Which the Slow Worm, one of Ireland’s only two reptiles.

Doonbeg dunes, The Burren, Shannon Estuary

Photo by Julie Tillett

ANSWERS

£5.2m, £15.2m, £25.2m

6. Ennistymon Vocational School 7. 226ft 8. Fifth 9. £5.2m 10. The Burren

94,000, 192,000, 212,000

which school? Ennistymon Vocational School, St Caimin’s or St Joseph’s, Span-

Spot the Difference Can you spot the difference? Spot the 7 differences. The answers will be revealed in next weeks edition.

1. 212,000 2. Newmarket-on-Fergus 3. Edmund Ludlow 4. Kilnaboy 5. Doonbeg

population of Clare pre-fam1The ine was: