The Clare Echo 15/08/24 by The Clare Echo

Bust up at Clare GAA meeting THAT WINNING FEELING

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

TENSE exchanges at the July County Board meeting have resulted in the departure of Clare GAA’s PRO and calls for the Assistant Treasurer to withdraw unproven claims of “harassment”.

Clare GAA’s first meeting off the field since winning a fifth All-Ireland SHC title saw two board officials storm out of the gathering.

PRO Anne Hayes and Assistant Treasurer, Sean Chambers walked out of Tuesday’s meeting in Caherlohan after clashing with Chairman Kieran Keating and Head of Operations Deirdre Murphy.

Hayes has called for comments made by the Chairman and Head of Operations at the meeting to be withdrawn. She confirmed on Wednesday to The Clare Echo that she has left her post as PRO.

Chambers claimed he had been “harassed” by fellow board officers but when pressed by Keating to provide examples he was unable to do so.

Following the meeting, the Chairman asked the Asst Treasurer to back up the allegations or publicly withdraw them, “Should Sean fail to do either, then regretfully I feel his position on the Management Committee will also be untenable”.

Story page 6

Former Clare captain and current Crusheen selector, Paddy Vaughan celebrates beside Gearoid O’Donnell as his side overcome Newmarket-on-Fergus in the opening round of the Clare SHC

Photo by Gerard O’Neill

IN SPORT

Call: 065 - 6719021

NEWSDESK

Email: editor@clareecho.ie or

news@clareecho.ie

SALES

kieran@clareecho.ie

36C Abbey St., Ennis, Co Clare ross@clareecho.ie denise@clareecho.ie

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

Top of the Hill

Ciara, Colette and Malachy O’Loughlin from DSI Clare Branch pictured at the end of the 2024 Tour de Munster Charity Cycle on Patricks Hill, Cork City on Sunday, August 11. Cyclists completed the epic four-day, 600 km route across Munster raising vital funds for the Munster branches of Down Syndrome Ireland and were joined by cycling legend Sean Kelly. To donate, visit https://www.idonate.ie/ event/tdm24

National Heritage Week in Clare

A bladesmithing workshop in Milltown Malbay, a traditional shopfront heritage walk in Ennistymon, whale watching at Loop Head Lighthouse and a monastic tour along the Wild Atlantic Way are among the many free events taking place across Clare during National Heritage Week 2024, from Saturday August 17 to Sunday August 25.

Coordinated by the Heritage Council, some other highlights from this year’s National Her-

itage Week programme in Clare include: Willow Weaving Workshop at Bunratty Castle and Folk Park (17-25 August, 10.305pm), Unique Sounds of the Medieval Bagpipes at Craggaunowen, Kilmurry (21-23 August, 2-5pm); Stories Through Generations with Ciara Carew, Arthur’s Row, Ennis (20 August, 3.30-4.30pm) and much more.

Commenting, Chief Executive of the Heritage Council, Virginia Teehan said: “Brows-

ing through the over 2,000 events taking place during National Heritage Week this year gives a sense of the shear variety and colour of our nation’s heritage – they cover nature, culture, music, traditions, folklore, writing, history, architecture, archaeology, archives and so much more.

“It is also a sign of the strength of the sector, the depth of knowledge people have and their generosity in sharing that knowledge.

‘Huge anxiety’ over school transport pilot

by Páraic McMahon news@clareecho.ie

LOCAL Fianna Fáil Councillor in the Shannon MD and Newmarket-on-Fergus native David Grifﬁn has called on Bus Eireann and the National Transport Authority (NTA) to be ﬂexible in their approach when operationalising the school transport pilot scheme.

Cllr Grifﬁn said “News of the pilot scheme broke late last week, and the lack of communication with affected families has caused huge anxiety and frustration in the local community. As public representatives we were unaware of any of these changes.”

“On Sunday Cathal Crowe TD and I were due to meet a handful of parents, but we ended up meeting over 50 that morning and a further 35 with other public reps on Sunday, which shows the level of confusion and frustration in relation to this. We secured a formal meeting with representatives of Bus Eireann and the Department of Education on Tuesday to discuss the proposal,

where we managed to glean further information. We were informed that this pilot integration will be going ahead and that no alternative arrangements will be offered before the start of the school year.

“There had been no consultation on this, and when the 343 route improvements were put out for consultation earlier in the year there was no mention of its use as a school transport operation. A huge number of queries and concerns were raised with us relating to pick up and drop off times and locations, as well as safety concerns, all of which were put to Bus Eireann.”

“For some parents this will be a welcome move as they will receive access to school transport under new eligibility criteria, which in previous years they may not have been entitled to. However, for many parents these changes are not being viewed favourably. We have done what we can to raise the concerns, but given that schools are returning on the 26th of Au-

gust, and there is no other option on the table, we are engaging with Bus Eireann to seek amendments to their plans that will be more workable for these students.

“This morning I wrote to Anne Graham, the CEO of the NTA with suggested route amendments, such as maintaining a stop at Kilulla Cross, that could make the scheme more accessible for some families and in terms of drop off point for students in Shannon. I would call on Bus Eireann and the NTA to be ﬂexible with how they implement this to ensure that where possible we are minimising disruption to local families.”

Grifﬁn concluded “The way this has been handled and communicated by Bus Eireann and the Dept of Education has been very poor, and at this late stage in the summer it leaves many families with no other option. They must be ﬂexible and open to suggestion and amendments that will limit its impact.”

Reports on 1st round of Clare SHC

Photo by Diane Cusack

Fibre broadband rollout expands in Tiermaclane

by Stuart Holly editor@clareecho.ie

NATIONAL Broadband Ireland (NBI), the company delivering the new future-proofed, high-speed Fibre-to-theHome network under the National Broadband Plan on behalf of the Government, has said that over 600 Clare properties in its Tiermaclane deployment area will soon be able to connect to its high-speed ﬁbre broadband network. This includes the rural areas and townlands surrounding Ennis, Tiermaclane and Lisheen. 23,000 premises in Co Clare are included in the State’s Intervention Area, which will see NBI deliver minimum speeds of 500 megabits per second to homes, businesses, farms, and schools. As the biggest investment in rural Ireland since rural electriﬁcation, Co Clare will receive €89M of Government investment under the National Broadband Plan.

Construction works are underway to connect 1,900 Clare homes, farms and businesses in the Tiermaclane deployment area to the NBI™ network. The first 600 premises within this deployment area will be able to avail of NBI’s high-speed fibre broadband in the coming weeks. National Broadband Ireland is calling on people living near Tiermaclane and the surrounding areas to visit nbi.ie/eoi to sign up for notifications on when they will be able be able to join the network.

Network build works are continuing across Co Clare. Over 900 premises near Ogonnelloe are due to be connected next year, while works have already been completed in other parts of the county. A total of 10,421 premises can pre-order or order high-speed, reliable broadband through the NBI™ network, with 3,658 connections made so far.

Peter Hendrick, Chief Executive Ofﬁcer, National Broadband Ireland, said: “We are delighted to announce that Clare premises in the surrounding areas of Tiermaclane can begin to order highspeed broadband services in the coming weeks. This will enable users to experience the life-changing beneﬁts that highspeed broadband provides.

“Almost 10,500 homes, businesses and farms in Co Clare can now order a high-speed ﬁbre connection to the NBI™ network. This includes almost 3,600 premises near Kilkishen, almost 1,500 near Feakle, over 2,900 near Coroﬁn and almost 1,700 in the Limerick deployment area near Cratloe. We are working hard on the ground to progress other areas of the county through engineering survey, design and construction phases. We encourage Clare residents to visit the NBI website to check their Eircode and sign up for updates.”

As a wholesale network operator, NBI does not sell ﬁbre broadband directly to end users, rather it enables services from a range of broadband providers or Retail Service Providers (RSPs). As a wholesale provider, NBI will make the new Fibre-to-the-Home network available to all RSPs operating in the Intervention Area. Some 72 RSPs have already signed up to sell services on the NBI™ network and 68 are certiﬁed as ready to start providing connections as of today. To see the retail broadband providers that are currently licensed to sell on the NBI™ network, visit NBI.ie/buy.

National Broadband Ireland contractors have been on the ground across the country and over 297,401 premises nationwide can order or pre-order broadband on the NBI™ network so far. The National Broadband Ireland website is regularly updated to show estimated connection dates.

‘A

remarkable & extraordinary speaker of truth’ - crowds say goodbye to Edna O’Brien

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

EDNA O’BRIEN made her final trip home as The Country Girl was laid to rest on Holy Island. Regarded as one of the greatest writers of her generation and one of the country’s finest scribes, Edna died at the age of ninety three on July 27th following a long illness.

She was buried on Holy Island on Saturday following a funeral mass at St Joseph’s Church in her native Tuamgraney. The church was filled to capacity with dozens of mourners watching the service on screens outside. A violinist and cellist performed ahead of the mass.

President Michael D. Higgins and his wife Sabina were among the mourners in attendance, they stayed in The Old Ground Hotel in Ennis on Friday night. A large floral wreath from the President and Sabina Higgins read: “With deep appreciation and all our love for what Edna gave to life and culture and in a most memorable way to all of us and future generations”.

Taoiseach Simon Harris (FG) and Tánaiste Micheál Martin (FF) were represented at the mass by Commandant Claire Mortimer. Actor Stephen Rea, producer and director John McColgan and lyricist and author Tim Rice were among those also in attendance. Chief Executive of Clare County Council, Pat Dowling was also present alongside Mayor of Clare, Cllr Alan O’Callaghan (FF), Cllr Pat Burke (FG) and Senator Timmy Dooley (FF).

During the procession of symbols, family members and friends laid items which held significance for Ms O’Brien. Her grandson Oscar presented the Irish author’s French Legion of Honour to represent a “lifetime of extraordinary achievement”. Other items included a Buddha statue offered by her niece, which was said to symbolise how Ms O’Brien was a “deeply spiritual woman whose curiosity and open heart led her

to many faiths throughout her lifetime” including Buddhism.

Her Irish literary inspirations were honoured by a friend who carried a copy of James Joyce’s Ulysses, while another presented a portrait of the late author Samuel Beckett, a friend of Ms O’Brien.

Gifts representing her life were brought to the altar at the beginning of the mass. They included a gold Torc, which she received from President Higgins in 2015, when she was elected Saoi of Aosdána. Flowers from the garden of Drewsborough House, her childhood home in Tuamgraney, were also offered.

Her grandchildren India, Jack, Finn, Georgia and Euan read the Prayers of the Faithful. Following her requiem mass, her wicker coffin was carried from the church to applause.

Chief celebrant Fr Donagh O’Meara described her as “a remarkable” and “an extraordinary” woman. He said she was “a profound family person, a mother, a grandmother and a great grandmother”.

Fr O’Meara said the late author was “hugely determined and she worked so hard”. He also said she “experienced many challenges during her long life”. “She was a speaker of truth. Edna held up a mirror for us in a very narrow time in Ireland”.

He continued, “We didn’t thank her for it. Like a lot of prophetesses of the past, we undermined her, we isolated her and rejected her message and she must have deeply felt that,” he admitted in reference to the fact that her debut novel Country Girls was banned and burned in East Clare in 1960.

Among the challenges he touched on were the difficulties in standing out like she did. “When you stand out at any moment, at any time, you find yourself isolated quite quickly. And we did that. And that is to our shame as a society and as a church. That is to our shame”.

Edna’s Marcus ‘Sasha’ Gébler told the mass, “In the last week, I’ve been moved and overwhelmed by the tributes and affection for our mother from so

many different people in so many countries”.

He said, “For many writers, it is their first book that is their best, and they never quite live up to that initial curated distillation of their own life. But in our mother’s case, her development as a writer was an arc continually ascending from the lives of young women in 1940s Ireland - through age, experience and suffering - to 1990s Bosnia or Nigeria in 2014”.

Reflecting on the purpose of his mother’s stories, he added, “I believe in her case, it has been and will remain, to illuminate, inspire, give courage to and speak for those who are rendered dumb. Mr Gébler also read a poem he wrote for his mother, which received a round of applause from the congregation.

In the region of 150 mourners were ferried from Knockphort, Mountshannon to Holy Island on numerous boats with assistance from Clare Civil Defence volunteers, the Killaloe Coast Guard and the RNLI.

40 exemptions to convert vacant properties

by Stuart Holly editor@clareecho.ie

ALMOST 40 properties received planning permission exemptions to convert vacant commercial properties into homes in Clare since 2018

The Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh O’Brien TD today published ﬁgures showing a total of 38 notiﬁcations were received by Clare County Council to change suitable commercial premises into homes between 2018-23. If realised, these have the potential to result in 90 new

homes across the county. Turning vacant properties into occupied homes is a key pillar of the government’s Housing for All Plan. The planning exemptions, introduced by The Planning and Development (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 2018, and extended by S.I. No. 75/2022, remove the requirement for planning permission to convert certain types of vacant commercial properties into homes until the end of 2025.

Speciﬁcally, in 2023, a total of 267 change of use notiﬁcations were received by local au-

thorities across the country. Properties with a previous commercial use showing the highest potential include former shops (30% of notifications received), followed by services such as barbers and accountants (18%), offices (18%) and public houses (12% of notifications received).

Since the exemption was extended to include public houses in 2022, 92 notiﬁcations for a change of use relating to vacant public houses have been received by local authorities over two years, which would provide 295 new homes if developed.

l Mourners on Holy Island for the late Edna O’Brien (inset)

170 years of Loop Head Lighthouse

by Páraic McMahon news@clareecho.ie

LOOP HEAD Lighthouse is gearing up to mark 170 years.

A special programme of events has been organised for Monday (August 25th) for an anniversary celebration at Loop Head Lighthouse.

Cathaoirleach of the West Clare Municipal District, Cllr Rita McInerney (FF) will open the celebration at 12:30pm. The itinerary for the day includes talks on the Lighthouse, Lighthouse Keepers and Local Area by Stephen Rowan and Martin Gleeson (1.00pm-2.00pm), and a talk by Dr. Simon Berrow of the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group talk about the dolphins and whales that can be regularly seen around the Loop Head Peninsula (12.301.00pm).

There will also be traditional Irish music, a scything exhibition, energetic yoga (2.00-2.30pm) and relaxing yoga (3.30-4.00pm) with Retreat Yourself, an introduction to Kettlebells with Jane Graham (2.45-3.15pm), and an opportunity to meet Alpacas from the nearby Flying Alpaca

Farm.

Loop Head Lighthouse, located at the mouth of the Shannon Estuary, is steeped in history and rich in maritime heritage with its origins dating back to the 1670s. The existing tower style lighthouse was constructed in 1854 and was operated and maintained by a keeper who lived within the lighthouse compound.

In January 1991, the lighthouse was converted to automatic operation. Minister for Rural & Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD (FG) recently visited the attraction to officially mark the completion of upgrade works, including the restoration and conservation of the historic lighthouse keeper’s cottages and a new visitor hub with interpretation panels featuring stories from the local area.

Free entry to the exhibition centre and compound will be provided during the 170th anniversary celebration on August 25th.

A charge will apply for the guided tours of the lighthouse.

Ombudsman receives 27% increase in public service complaints from Clare

THE Ombudsman, Ger Deering, received 108 complaints about public services from people in Clare during 2023.

The ﬁgure represents a 27% increase in the number of complaints coming from the county since 2022. The Ombudsman received a total of 4,465 complaints about public services in 2023. Details of the complaints are set out the Ombudsman’s annual report for 2023 available at www. ombudsman.ie

The Ombudsman investigates complaints from people who feel they have been unfairly treated by a public service provider such as a government department, a local authority or the HSE.

People in Clare complained about a number of issues including social welfare payments, but also about services provided by local public bodies, including Clare County Council and public hospitals.

The Ombudsman’s Ofﬁce marks 40 years in existence in 2024. Ombudsman Ger Deering said that people should not be afraid to complain:

“In most cases people’s dealings with public services go well. However, when something goes wrong we should complain. This gives the opportunity for the public body to not only rectify the individual mistake, but to help improve its overall service.”

What does the Ombudsman do?

The Ombudsman investigates complaints about public services provided by government departments, county councils, the HSE and most

public bodies.

The Ombudsman is independent of government and provides a free and impartial service for dealing with complaints about most providers of public services.

How do you complain to the Ombudsman?

The Ombudsman can investigate your complaint once you have complained to the service provider whose action or decision has affected you.

The easiest way to make a complaint to the Ombudsman is through its website: www.ombudsman.ie

You can also write to the Ofﬁce of the Ombudsman at: 6 Earlsfort Terrace, Dublin 2, D02 W773 or you can call 01 639 5600.

Which public services can I complain about?

You can complain to the Ombudsman about services provided by most public bodies including:

• government departments and Ofﬁces, such as the Department of Social Protection or the Revenue Commissioners • city and county councils

the Health Service Executive

public hospitals

publicly funded third-level education bodies

public and private nursing homes.

More information is available at www.ombudsman.ie

Starfish Enterprise

Cousins Elaine Littleton and Antonia McMahon Schmidt, enjoying the Pollock Holes in Kilkee last weekend

Limerick Mayor ‘must promote interests’ of entire Midwest

LIMERICK having a Directly Elected Mayor will have implications for neighbouring Clare, the Chief Executive of Clare County Council has cautioned.

Addressing a recent meeting of Clare County Council, Chief Executive Pat Dowling referred to the recent election of John Moran in June as the ﬁrst ever directly elected mayor in the county.

Moran’s election and subsequent changes to local government in Limerick “has implications on us here in Clare,” Dowling said. He will be serving as Clare County Council’s representative on two steering groups, Limerick 2040 and a transport sub-group.

Dowling explained, “To stress the importance of this for local government and where it is going, the Mayor now elected is the Executive head of the Council in Limerick and serves for ﬁve years, he takes on responsibilities for functions previously carried out by the Chief Executive at strategic and policy level including housing, road transport and safety, economic development, he is also Chair of the Council Policy Group and has responsibility for proposing an annual budget to Limerick City and County Council”.

He continued, “the new Director General who was Chief Executive, he will be responsible for supporting the Mayor in their day to day operations, he will retain speciﬁc functions like accounting, stafﬁng, managing events, enforcement and legal proceedings, there is no longer a Cathaoirleach in the revised structure, instead there is Priomh Chomhairleoir who is like a convener who only has duties inside the Chamber”.

Knockaderry native Dowling said, “If I have my way we will throw the LNDR into the Limerick Shannon Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy (LSMATS)”. A former Deputy Chief Executive of Limerick City and County Council, he ﬂagged that these are “signiﬁcant changes on role structures which will impact on our engagement with Limerick City & County Council going forward”.

Cllr Michael Begley (IND) encouraged the Chief Executive to “throw in the SDZ as well as the LNDR” into the discussions.

On the position regarding the South Clare SDZ, Dowling informed the meeting they are due to meet with UL on the matter. “We’re not giving up on this. It is still a live project from our perspective despite all that is going on”.

Cathaoirleach of the Shannon MD, Cllr Pat O’Gorman (FF) commented, “The LNDR is going through our area, the Green Party leader might have took half of it away with the stroke of a pen, we’re still hoping it will continue”.

Inclusion of the Shannon in the title of the LSMATS is a positive indicator, Cllr Gabriel Keating (FG) maintained. “Having listened to the Chief Executive, will there be a huge funding beneﬁt to Clare, he has a huge pot of money to spend”.

In response Dowling stated, “That is the challenge for us. They have speciﬁcally included Clare in this reform programme which has happened in the City and in the road from us, they have included Clare because of the metropolitan plans that they have. Our challenge will be to ensure that our interests are protected, that will be the difﬁcult part of talking about the SDZ and LNDR, I don’t want a situation where we have a directly elected mayor in a neighbouring authority who is not supporting our objectives, it is important the newly elected mayor is promoting the interests of the region as well as the authority that elected him”.

Slow progress of the SDZ was lamented by Cllr Bill Slattery (FG) who as a member of the Southern Assembly with the retired Pat McMahon (FF) up until 2019 fought for its inclusion. He admitted, “I’m getting very worried on the impact this newly elected Mayor will have”. Mayor of Clare, Cllr Alan O’Callaghan (FF) responded, “That is something that we will have to watch with both eyes”.

Ambitious plan for Kilmaley GAA launched

Kilmaley GAA is at an exciting phase it its development. Coinciding with the launch of their Conor Cleary Hurling and Camogie Summer Camp this week, the Club also launched their new fundraising campaign.

As Kilmaley hurling and camogie clubs work to come together under the One Club GAA integration model, they are keen to continue the development of facilities at Lisbiggeen, the home of

Kilmaley GAA. Building on the club’s existing facilities, they are proposing to add a covered stand, resurface and extend the carpark, extend the existing gym and ball wall, add floodlights and continue the development of their new walkway.

Ger Daly, Chairman of Kilmaley GAA Club said, “Like many clubs across the county right now, Kilmaley is very proud of its hurling

roots. The Lisbiggeen facility is not just for hurlers but for everyone in the community and beyond to enjoy. The next proposed phase of development will ensure that Lisbiggeen continues to be a welcoming, inclusive and impressive destination for families for many years to come.”

Adding to Ger’s comments, Vincent Hennessy, Chair of Kilmaley Camogie Club added,

“We’re calling on all current and past friends of Kilmaley to play your part in helping to make this vision a reality. Maybe you are originally from Kilmaley but now living outside the parish, or even living abroad. With a significant annual footfall at Lisbiggeen, maybe you’d like more visibility for your business? With lots of donation options available, this is

an ideal opportunity for you to make an impact by taking your place in a more permanent way at the core of the facilities.“

Finally, bringing Liam McCarthy to Lisbiggeen this week, Conor Cleary, All-Ireland Winning Clare Senior Hurler commented, “I started off playing in Kilmaley when I was 9 or 10. Your club and its facili-

ties play such a critical role in your development and in fostering that passion for the game when you start out as a young hurler or camogie player. It’s so important that we continue to invest in our young players both directly and indirectly in terms of an ambitious fundraising campaign like this.

Jacqueline Joyce (right) receiving her prize from Miriam Abernethy, Lady Captain Lahinch Golf Club, following her victory of the Lahinch Golf Clubs Ladys Captains Prize on Saturday Photo by Brian Arthur

Winner of Lahinch Ladies Captain’s Prize

Changes to school bus system for Shannon secondary school students prompt concern

A CLARE TD has said the wrong part of the county has been chosen for inclusion in a pilot school bus transport scheme while the manner of communication from Bus Éireann has been slammed as “very poor”.

Secondary school students travelling by bus to Shannon will have to use the public bus network as opposed to a dedicated school transport system prompting concern and frustration among parents while politicians have said they were blindsided by the development and it also caught school principals by surprise.

In place for the last ﬁfty years, a review of the school transport scheme has resulted in an overhaul of the entire policy with the introduction of two pilot areas, Athlone Town (Roscommon) and parts of Co Clare served by the 343 bus corridor which includes Cratloe, Newmarket-on-Fergus and Shannon. The move is from a school bus pass to a leap card and the removal of a dedicated school bus to students having to use the 343 public bus.

Last Tuesday, parents of secondary school students who were

expecting to travel via school transport received communication from Bus Éireann with scant detail on a pilot school transport scheme, they were advised that some students would be getting a leap card and would be able to travel on the public bus network to travel to school.

is planned is not what they were signing up for. Parents will be entitled to a refund if they return the Leap card to Bus Éireann.

Concerns were then raised with political ﬁgures and a meeting was organised on Saturday morning for Treacy’s Oakwood Hotel by Cathal Crowe TD (FF) and Cllr David Grifﬁn (FF).

They were expecting to meet ﬁve parents but ﬁfty one people turned up. This led to the organisation of a subsequent meeting in Cratloe on Sunday which was attended by 48 people and at this meeting St Caimin’s Community School principal Maria Sheehan outlined that they were unaware of the changes until they were contacted by parents.

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

Parents in April paid for school bus passes but have said what

The Town Hall Bistro

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

Among the items raised by parents are the prospect of their children travelling on a public bus with strangers, the “chaotic” trafﬁc that could ensue with 250 students getting collected outside McGregor’s in Sixmilebridge where no bus shelter exists, the collection of students in Cratloe along the hard shoulder of a dual carriageway plus the potential impact for residents of Cronan in Shannon which is a dedicated collection point in the evening time for up to 400 students.

On Tuesday, Deputy Crowe,

Senator Timmy Dooley (FF), Senator Roisin Garvey (GP), Senator Martin Conway (FG), Cllr Grifﬁn and Cllr Pat O’Gorman (FF) met with four ofﬁcials from Bus Éireann and two from the Department of Education to discuss the proposed pilot scheme.

Ofﬁcials from Bus Éireann outlined that this area of Clare was chosen because of plans to enhance the 343 service to a 24/7 service, the enhanced schedule is to commence on August 16th. They conﬁrmed that staggered pick-up points will be in place at McGregor’s in Sixmilebridge to avoid large numbers congregating. Students in Sixmilebridge will be able to get the bus from Minister’s Cross and McGregor’s to Ennis.

Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) have previously flagged Setright’s Tavern in Cratloe is not a safe collection point. An approximate 28 students are to be collected here. Bus Éireann and the National Transport Authority are looking at amending the suggested stop at Setright’s on the Dual Carriageway. A new location will be agreed and communicated directly to parents in due course.

Garage, Minister’s Cross, Scoil na Maighdine Mhuire NS or Boheroan.

At the meeting it was also outlined that Bus Éireann and the National Transport Authority are trying to organise a stop closer to St Caimin’s School and they hope to agree this with the National Transport Authority and communicate directly with parents in due course.

On the matter of twelve year old students in ﬁrst year of secondary school travelling on a public bus unaccompanied by a supervising adult, Bus Éireann pointed out that school children of this age in Dublin already travel unaccompanied on public bus services. The enhanced 343 bus service will be a public bus service. There will be no supervision provided at bus collection areas.

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

Students in Newmarket-on-Fergus will have options to be collected at Ballinoosky, Halpin’s

The Poets Corner Bar

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

Cllr Grifﬁn has written to Anne Graham, the CEO of the NTA with suggested route amendments while Deputy Crowe told The Clare Echo that the 343 corridor is “extremely complex, adding, “It is my honest belief that the Department of Education have chosen the wrong part of the county in which to trial the new school transport scheme. I think this would have worked far better if they chose a one-school town such as Scariff, Tulla or Killaloe.”

The Brendan O’Regan Restaurant

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

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

l LETTER: Cllr David Grifﬁn

lCONCERN:

Aer Lingus must be held to account

AER LINGUS must be held to account over their decision to shut its cargo facility at Shannon Airport, a Clare TD has said.

Concern has been expressed by Cathal Crowe TD (FF) over the decision by Aer Lingus to close operations of its cargo facility at Shannon Airport by the end of the year.

Deputy Crowe told The Clare Echo he has been contacted by a number of workers in the Aer Lingus facility in Shannon who are “devastated to hear from their central management in Aer Lingus that this facility is being earmarked for permanent closure”.

He outlined, “The workers I have spoken to are naturally very worried about their futures and are expected to meet with union representatives in the coming days”.

Workers must be protected, the Meelick native stressed.

“This is a major blow for the workers and their families and I will be using my political voice to ensure that Aer Lingus are held fully to account and fulfil all statutory obligations to their employees. I hope that redeployment packages will also be offered to workers who wish to remain with Aer Lingus in Shannon”.

It is a blow for the entire

Aer Lingus to close cargo facility in Shannon

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

EIGHTEEN jobs are set to be lost as Aer Lingus prepares to shut its cargo in Shannon Airport.

International Airlines Group (IAG) Cargo has decided to close its facility at Shannon Airport by the end of this year. IAG said the level of capital investment required for the building is not supported by the level of cargo activity at Shannon, a view refuted by airport management.

The Clare Echo understands that IAG’s decision will result in the loss of eighteen jobs, a move which has been labelled “a massive industry blow” to the Mid-West. The Aer Lingus cargo facility had been in operation in Shannon since the 1960s.

This is the latest move from Aer Lingus to cut back on its operations at Shannon Airport. In 2012, the airline closed its maintenance base at Shannon while in 2021 it shut its crew base.

Mid-West region, he said. “Beyond the Aer Lingus cargo workforce in Shannon, this has serious ramifications for the region. Many manufacturing plants in the MidWest depend on the Aer Lingus cargo facility to transit their products globally. They now have to scramble to find alternative solutions and I will be asking Aer Lingus to engage with Shannon Airport management and groups representing industry and commerce in the region to ensure alternative cargo distribution facilities can be available at Shannon Airport”.

The 2015 sale of a 25% Government stake in Aer Lingus to the International Airlines Group (IAG) has proved to be the wrong move, Deputy Crowe said. “Successive governments have sold off state shares in the Aer Lingus company to the point that the State no longer has any shares. Aer Lingus is now centrally managed by the parent AIG company, which is headquartered in Madrid and decisions taken by this company are at all times made on economic grounds rather than the need for regionally balanced development that the Aer Lingus company was once guided by. It was a gross mistake for the State to sell of their shares in Aer Lingus and yet again this is coming back to haunt us”.

Consultation with impacted staff will commence in the coming weeks, IAG have said.

In a statement, a spokesperson for IAG outlined that the decision to close the Shannon facility was taken

following a review of its operations. “This is because the building requires significant capital investment that is not supported by the level of cargo activity at Shannon airport. The company will now enter a consultation process with staff representatives to explore the options”.

IAG stated, “Cargo volumes at Shannon have declined by half in recent years and unlike other locations, these volumes have not recovered post Covid, making the business model for remaining at this location unsustainable.

“Every effort was made in the last few years to secure additional cargo business for the Shannon facility both locally and by diverting cargo from other areas, but regretfully it was concluded that the Cargo operation for Ireland could no longer support a dedicated presence in Shannon, particularly in light of the fact that over 95% of all Shannon cargo travels by road to fly in or out of Dublin”.

Figures from the Central Statistics Ofﬁce detail that cargo operations at Shannon Airport have grown by 23 percent since 2018. Shannon Airport carried 13,600 tonnes in 2018, and

16,752 in 2023 meaning that freight volume grew 23% over the last ﬁve years. Shannon Airport Group in a statement to The Clare Echo said, “we will be sorry to see the operation cease”.

The statement added, “Shannon has a strong cargo operation, and we

will continue to work with our other cargo operators at Shannon Airport among these, DHL, UPS and FedEx. We remain dedicated to serving our community and supporting the growth and resilience of our regional economy. Our focus is on maintaining the highest levels of service

Aer Lingus yet to accept Minister’s

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

AER LINGUS have been requested to attend a meeting by the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment over their sudden decision to axe its cargo facility at Shannon Airport.

Since the Government sold its 25 percent share in Aer Lingus to International Airlines Group (IAG), the airline which carries the national flag has gradually reduced its services from Shannon Airport including shutting its maintenance and crew bases.

By the end of this year, IAG will close the cargo facility at Shannon Airport which will result in the loss of eighteen jobs.

Subsequent to this announcement, Senator Martin Conway (FG, pictured) made contact with Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Peter Burke (FG) which has led to the Minister requesting an “urgent meet - ing” with Aer Lingus chiefs. The re - quest for this sit-down was

Deputy Cathal Crowe Photo by Natasha Barton

and connectivity for our customers, and we will continue to seek ways to attract new business and investment to our airport”.

Aer Lingus “remains a valued and long-standing airline partner of Shannon Airport, and we are committed to continuing our collabo-

rative relationship,” the spokesperson for Shannon Airport Group stated. Aer Lingus continues to operate a range of passenger services from Shannon Airport, daily transatlantic passenger services to New York JFK and Boston; three times daily services to London Heath-

row, and a service to Paris Charles de Gaulle airport. “We will work closely with Aer Lingus to explore potential opportunities that may arise in the future, ensuring that our airport continues to be a key hub for both passenger and cargo operations”.

request for meeting

issued late last week but no date for such a gathering has been agreed or set despite its ‘urgency’.

According to Conway, “Minister Burke is requesting an urgent meeting with Aer Lingus seeking a rationale as to why they have decided to close its cargo offering and facilities in Shannon and to explore the potential of reinstating the service”.

Speaking to The Clare Echo, Senator Conway stated, “I am very disappointed with the manner in which Aer Lingus have unilaterally and without any consultation or engagement withdrawn its cargo service in Shannon. The level of engagement and communication with staff has been totally unacceptable, it is not a good reflection on Aer Lingus given the decades

of fantastic business it has enjoyed from Shannon Airport and its staff”.

Ennistymon native Conway added, “It is my belief that instead of eliminating its cargo facilities at Shannon, that Aer Lingus should be using the fantastic facility that Shannon Airport and its environs is to increase its cargo offering at Shannon. I believe there is huge potential for increasing this not eliminating it. I’m calling on Aer Lingus to engage with an open mind with Minister Burke with this decision and also to have an open mind on reversing it”.

Last month, Minister Burke urged Aer Lingus pilots to accept a Labour Court recommendation for a 17.75 per cent pay increase in a bid to resolve their industrial dispute, which they later did. The industrial action lasted a fortnight and saw Aer Lingus forced to cancel hundreds of flights from June 26th with thousands of customers impacted.

Echo slimmers steady the ships

WITH a target weight-loss of two stone for both our slimmers over a 12-week period, the finish line is starting to come into viewbut are our slimmers where they want to be?

Clare Echo account manager Kieran Murphy had another steady

SLIMMER PROFILE

Kieran Murphy

Title: Account Manager

same weight he was at the end of Week 2.

He explains, A“This week was a very tough week for me, with lots of challenges between family events and birthday celebrations. I have introduced cycling into this mix to support my weight loss but I am aware I can’t cycle away from poor choices!

“The plan for this week while I am on my holidays is to relax and enjoy it while being mindful of what I eat. I will choose the healthy options available and be mindful of the benefits of my choice.”

DENISE QUINN

This week I was thrilled to have lost half a pound as I was on holidays in Kerry.

I was surprised how my mindset was different since joining Slimming World, especially when I was out of routine, eating out and socialising more than usual.

SLIMMER PROFILE

Denise Quinn

Title: Head of Sales

49 Height: 5ft 3in Starting weight: 14st.05lb

Week 1: Lost 7lbs

Week 2: Lost 3.5lbs

Week 3: Gained 2lbs

Week 4: Lost 6lbs

Week 5: Lost 0.5lbs

Week 6: Lost 0.5lbs

Current weight: 12st 13lb

Goal: To lose 2 stone

week, losing half a pound however as we approach Week 7, he is at the

Normally on holidays I would

lPROGRESS: Denise

have been really lazy and taking full advantage of the break while this week I was full of energy because of my food choices and I went for walks, swimming in the sea and to the Gleneagle Hotel leisure centre and I felt amazing.

I also found while eating out, my appetite was smaller and I wasn’t eating everything in front of me. Of course I had a few treats and a few beverages (a few more than I planned).

I loved the app this week which was so convenient while out and about helping with eating out choices and syns. I thought it would be very hard to get back on track but it wasn’t hard at all.

I am looking forward now that the holidays are over to achieving my target and seeing and feeling the benefits. To give me a little extra boost this week I am going to join Louise’s group on Friday at 9.30 am in Newmarket-on-Fergus.

This week Louise will be announcing the Slimmer of the

Year while also having a tasting morning so I’m looking forward to this already.

This weeks Tipps

1. Introduce Body Magic into your weekly plan.

2. Need a boost? Take advantage of Slimming world members benefits and sit in on a different Slimming World Group.

3. Pick up your slimming world magazine for lots of inspiration, tips and recipes.

Slimming World Venue Details

Louise: Friday at 9.30am, Newmarket on Fergus Community Hall, V95 RH93. Facebook: Slimming World Newmarket on Fergus

Tarah: Monday at 7pm, Hope Cafe In Shannon, also at Treacys West County Ennis every Tuesday at 5.30pm and 7pm. Facebook: Slimming World with Tarah Pamela: Tuesday and Thursday 8am and 9.30 am at Treacys West County Ennis. Also on Wednesday 4pm and 5.30pm Teach Ceoil Church Ennistymon. Facebook: Slimming World Ennis & Ennistymon with Pamela

Martina: Saturday at CBS primary school, New Road Ennis 8.30am and 10.30am. Facebook: Follow Slimming World Southcourt and Caherconlish

Replace bedding that’s

no longer

Well, some of the summer bedding has given us the best it has to offer at this stage and the best thing to do is replace the bedding that has stopped flowering or gone leggy and just isn’t looking good anymore. They are lots of options to replace it with like the Autumn flowering pansy and viola. The cyclamen with a lovely variated leaf and a mix of colour some are even two toned colours. Ivy can add a lovely flowing look to the front of any pot or basket, we have lovely selection of carnations

flowering

and colours available.

Heathers are starting to appear and a nice mix of colour again in this range. I personally like using foliage colour like Heuchera, they have a lovely leaf shape and vary from a plum colour to a lime green. So you wont be stuck when it comes to jazzing up those planter.

If you have been harvesting your vegetable and have some nice fresh ground maybe consider planting cabbage or broccoli plant for winter harvest it’s a great way to keep the ground clean

and you can have a lovely meal from your own vegetables. Keep watering those pots and baskets they can often stay lovely right into October with regular maintaining and dead heading the flowers.

Feeding will help to prolong them too. In the garden you will always find a plant that needs a little bit of help weather its to stake it up or an extra feed.

You will be in the best company when you are out gardening I hope you are all enjoy the special place in your homes.

lAutumn flowering pansies

Ham radio operators in tune with the Wild Atlantic Way at Loop Head

by Páraic McMahon

paraic@clareecho.ie

A GROUP of amateur radio operators from across the Mid-West Region will mark the 170th anniversary of Loop Head Lighthouse this weekend.

Using voice, morse code and data systems, the radio operators will communicate from the West Clare landmark via radio with hundreds of radio clubs and individuals worldwide.

Lighthouse and lightships as far away as Brazil, Australia, Asiatic Russia, the US Virgin Islands and Japan were successfully contacted by the Limerick Clare Amateur Radio Club. Most of the radio contacts were made with operators in the United States, Germany and Italy. Approximately two thirds of the overall communication was conducted via voice with the remaining third being conducted via Morse code.

During the operation from midnight on Friday (August 16th) to midnight on Sunday (August 18th) visitors to the popular tourism landmark will be able to listen-in to communications with some of the other participating radio operators broadcasting from 500 other lighthouses and lightships in 65 countries.

Clare County Council, along and the Commissioners of Irish Lights (CIL), is facilitating the broadcast operation while the Limerick Clare Amateur Radio Club also has received approval from Ireland’s Communications Regulator, ComReg. The call sign used will be E I 0 L H L and the broadcast also will coincide with of the 27th annual International Lighthouse and Lightship Weekend.

“We are delighted to have the oppor-

tunity once again to establish an amateur radio station at the lighthouse on the edge of the Loop Head Peninsula in an effort to achieve long distance communications with regions in Asia, North and South America, Australia, New Zealand and throughout Europe” commented Dermot Gleeson, Chairman of the Limerick Clare Amateur Radio Club.

He added, “We will be informing

anyone whom we establish radio contact with that we are operating from a Signature Discovery Point on the Wild Atlantic Way and one of the Great Lighthouses of Ireland. Our club members, who come from Clare, Kerry, Limerick and Tipperary, are happy to play their part in promoting these wonderful tourism initiatives”.

Mr. Gleeson pointed out that Loop Head Lighthouse is particularly suitable for long distance radio communications attempts due to its isolated location on

the edge of the Atlantic Ocean and, critically, the lack of radio interference in the general area.

He continued, “A special QSL Card (conﬁrmation of communication) has been designed to mark the event. The Club will operate two stations, one of which will be at the entrance to the Lighthouse so that members of the public can listen to some of the transmissions. Our club members are looking forward to taking part in the International Lighthouse and Lightship Weekend and all we need now is good weather for what will be a very enjoyable weekend”.

Simon Day, Acting Head of Operations for Clare County Council at Loop Head Lighthouse said, “We are delighted to be able to once again facilitate members of the Limerick Clare Amateur Radio Club, who have helped to further raise the proﬁle of Loop Head Lighthouse through their conversations over the airwaves with fellow amateur radio operators internationally”.

He added, “The International Lighthouse and Lightship Weekend is a wonderful mechanism for connecting and promoting the shared maritime heritage of countries throughout the world. It also serves to further promote the Great Lighthouses of Ireland initiative and the special interest among the wider community in lighthouses. We wish the members of Limerick Clare Amateur Radio Club the very best of luck this weekend”.

A warm welcome awaits at the Inn at Dromoland

VISIT the Inn at Dromoland this August 23, 24 and 25 to experience the newly refurbished Ballyhannon Suite.

The Inn at Dromoland is renowned for its warm welcome and ideal location along the midway point of the Wild Atlantic Way. Situated in a majestic setting on Dromoland Estate, and overlooking the Shannon Estuary it poses as a unique and convenient wedding location for couples to mark their special day.

As one of Clare’s premium wedding destinations, The Inn at Dromoland will host a Wedding Showcase Open Weekend for wedding couples to visit and view the recently refurbished Ballyhannon Suite to get an overview of facilities to create the perfect wedding day itinerary.

Wedding guests comment

time and again on the exceptional quality of food, top class service and now the brand new refurbished Ballyhannon Suite with soft lighting, enhanced surround sound, a walk out Garden for Outdoor Ceremonies or Drinks Receptions, along with options for an Indoor Ceremony and select activities on Dromoland Estate to avail of including packages for Pre Wedding Day skincare preparation at the Castle Spa.

Pre-Booking for the Showcase is not required, walk ins are welcome to meet with Pauline Cassidy, Wedding Coordinator.

Dermot Gleeson and Simon Day

When it comes to combating stubborn bacterial infections, many of us might immediately think of antibiotics as the go-to solution.

However, there’s an often-overlooked option that’s quietly revolutionising the way we treat infections, both internally and externally: Hyperbaric Oxygenation (HBOT).

HBOT is simple yet powerful—under increased atmospheric pressure, your lungs can take in more oxygen than they would at normal air pressure. This extra oxygen is then dissolved into all the body’s fluids—plasma, central nervous system fluids, and even the bones—reaching areas where normal oxygen levels might not penetrate effectively.

HOW DOES HBOT HELP FIGHT BACTERIAL INFECTIONS?

One of the most fascinating aspects of HBOT is how it enhances your immune system, specifically by supercharging your white blood cells. These cells are your body’s frontline defenders against infections, attacking and destroying harmful bacteria. When exposed to higher levels of oxygen, white blood cells become more potent, better equipped to neutralise bacteria and prevent infections from spreading.

Imagine having a stubborn internal infection like osteomyelitis, a severe bone infection that can be notoriously difficult to treat. With HBOT, the concentrated oxygen can penetrate deep into your bones, directly targeting the infected area and giving your white blood cells the boost they need to fight off the infection more effectively. For external wounds at high risk of infection, such as those that are

non-healing or slow to heal, HBOT accelerates the healing process, reducing the risk of complications.

Unfortunately many of us know how it feels to be stuck in a vicious cycle of antibiotics and steroids, often with diminishing returns. HBOT offers a different path, one that supports your body’s natural healing processes.

Helena, who sought treatment at OxyGeneration for osteomyelitis due to a non-healing wound, shared her experience:

“Having gone through my second set of sessions, I can honestly say the results have been amazing. OxyGeneration hyperbaric treatment has helped me immeasurably in preventing bone infections in my foot. This has given me the breathing space I needed to cope with constant breakdowns in my foot. As a result of all my sessions, my foot now feels a lot stronger, and I feel confident that the effect of oxygen hyperbaric treatment has improved my condition no end since I first started. I would highly recommend this treatment to improve health ailments and accelerate the healing of open wounds. It is a great service, and I will be forever grateful.”

Thought for the week: Be cheerful givers! Spreading

RONAN SCULLY

“God loves a cheerful giver” – 2 Colossians 9:7. If you have been at one of my Self Help Africa talks or fundraisers you will be familiar with this verse.

As during and at the end of my events when I am looking for support for our work with the poor and needy you can hear me saying, “Now remember, God loves a cheerful giver!” For God really does love a cheerful giver. Being a cheerful giver isn’t just about money; it’s also about being thankful in giving our time, care, support, help, compassion, affection, hugs, smiles and service.

POWERFUL SMILE

It has been said that a smile is the lighting system of the face, the cooling system of the head and the heating system of the heart. But a smile is also a powerful weapon against toxic attitudes of all kinds. A line from one of my favourite songs which was made famous by Louis Armstrong says: “When you’re smiling,

the word of positivity

when you’re smiling the whole world smiles with you.”

Think about that for a moment after you have stopped singing it in your mind and then think about the people in your life you know who have a lot of love in their lives, and recall whether they smile a lot and then try to be one of them! No financial crash, coronavirus, war or adversity can devalue the power of a smile, and it might be just the stimulus package you or a loved one or a friend needs.

SMILES CHANGE PEOPLE

Many people speak the language of smiles, especially children. I remember the smiles on orphaned and abandoned children in Africa and India where I worked during the last 37 years and indeed the smiles of mothers and children of thanksgiving as they passed over the war-torn Ukraine border recently where I had been working for awhile. The unspoken words of love and appreciation in their smiles is a memory I will never forget. Smiles transform the faces of all people, giving them charm,

grace and a beautiful radiance. Such smiles portray the presence of love. They pour into others a portion of that love. Love and a smile changes people and it encourages them. The value of a smile is priceless, yet it is the cheapest, easiest, most rewarding and most sincere gift to anyone that crosses your path.

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK

As your thought for the week, see what your smile and cheerful giving does for you. You might find that you should smile and cheerfully give more often and that the power of a smile and cheerful giving will work wonders for you and for others.

As Woody Allen said, “Life is full of miserableness, loneliness, unhappiness, and suffering. And it’s all over much too quickly.” So let a smile be your protection from the despair of life.

As you go through your day, remember to smile. Your smile is a message to everyone you meet that you know the joy of living. Sadly, so many people simply forget to smile as they worry too much about what

is going to happen tomorrow.

Here are 26 Tips for a Life of Good Cheer“Ask for what you want. Be who you say you are. Care about others. Dare to live your dreams. Ease through the day. Find the best fit. Give to another. Hug a friend. Inspire someone to greatness. Jump over a boundary. Kick a bad habit. Leap across a fear with faith. Mention something uplifting. Never say never. Open your mind, heart and soul to God. Pursue your innermost prayers and passions. Quit complaining. Restore your smile. Set your sights high. Trust yourself and God. Use your smile and cheerful giving all day. Value everything. Wait until it feels right. Xpress yourself. Yank weeds from your mental garden. Zoom into the now.” And always remember the five simple rules to live a cheerful life are as follows: “1. Free your heart from hatred. 2. Free your mind from worries. 3. Live simply. 4. Give more. 5. Expect less.” As Mother Teresa said, “We shall never know all the good that a simple smile or a cheerful gift can do!”

BOOSTING GUT HEALTH AND OVERALL WELL-BEING

Another intriguing benefit of HBOT is its positive impact on gut health, which is increasingly recognised as a cornerstone of overall immunity. Our gut is home to trillions of bacteria, many of which play a vital role in keeping our immune system in check. When gut health is compromised, it can lead to a weakened immune response, making us more susceptible to infections.

HBOT supports gut health by improving oxygenation and reducing inflammation, helping to restore the balance of healthy bacteria in the gut. This holistic approach not only aids in fighting infections but also contributes to your overall health and well-being. By addressing gut issues, HBOT indirectly bolsters your immune system, making it more resilient against potential infections.

Scientific studies have shown us that HBOT is a treatment that not only targets infections at their source but also strengthens your immune system and promotes healing from the inside out. It really is simple yet powerful!

Seachtain na nOidhreachta ag Páirc Chaisleán Bhun Raite

Macalla an Chláir STEP BACK IN TIME AT BUNRATTY CASTLE THIS HERITAGE WEEK

LE MACDARA Ó CONAOLA

BEIDH go leor ag tarlú ag Caisleán agus Páirc Oidhreachta Bhun Raite an Seachtain na nOidhreachta seo ón seachtú lá déag go dtí an cúigiú lá fichead de Lúnasa.

Beidh fáilte romhaibh úsáid a bhaint as bhur gcúpla focal le muintir na páirce freisin! Beidh cainteanna, taispeáintaisí, agus imeachtaí idirghníomhacha ar siúl ó cheardaithe cosúil le Liv an chróiseálaí, Tomás Ó Dubhshláine an caoladóir (@ OuldCrafty), Seámas Ó Conchúir an gabha (@ jamesoconnor_blacksmith), agus réalt mór TikTok, an siúinéara Eoin Ó Ríordáin (@ EoinReardon). Tuilleadh eolais ag www.bunrattycastle.ie AN BHFUIL SCÉAL LE ROINNT AGAIBH?!

l Seachtain na nOidhreachta / Heritage Week ag Bun Raite: Bígí liom fhéin, Tom, agus Eoin ón 17ú go 25ú Lúnasa! www.bunrattycastle. ie

Bígí i dteagmháil linn agus leanaigí ar Facebook agus Twitter muid ag: @macallaanchlair R-phost: macallaanchlair@gmail.com

Foclóir/Glossary: Beidh go leor ag tarlú – there’ll be loads happening cainteanna – talks taispeáintaisí – exhibitions imeachtaí idirghníomhacha –interactive events ceardaithe – craftspeople cróiseálaí - crochet-worker caoladóir – basketmaker gabha – blacksmith siúinéara – carpenter

Imeachtaí/Events:

• LUIMNEACH – AIFREANN GAEILGE, chuile Dé Domhnaigh, 10.30am, Mainistir an tSlánaitheora, Sráid San Doiminic, Luimneach • Clare FM - Cúl-chaint le Domhnall Ó Loingsigh chuile Dé Sathairn, ag 9am ar Clare FM

• CILL INÍNE BAOITHECiorcal Comhrá san XPO, chuile Dé Céadaoin ag 7.30pm

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

• LUIMNEACH – Ciorcail Comhrá. Chuile Dé Céadaoin ag 10.30am, Bialann Eden, Ollscoil Luimnigh.Tuilleadh eolais ar fáil ó Noel ag 086 792 8389.

• AN SCAIRBH – ‘’Lón i nGaeilge’’, 1-2pm, CHUILE DÉ MAIRT i gcaifé ‘’An Gáirdín’’, fáilte roimh chuile dhuine.

Karina honoured for promoting health and well-being of LGBTQ+ Women and non-binary individuals in Ireland

by Stuart Holly editor@clareecho.ie

KARINA Murray from Shannon is amongst the everyday heroes of the Social Entrepreneurs Ireland (SEI) Ideas Academy who was recognised at a special graduation event in Dublin.

Karina founded Conscious Connections to provide alternative avenues for women from the LGBTQ+ community and non-binary individuals to connect through activities and events that promote health and well-being.

The project is underpinned by core values of inclusion, connection, and the pursuit of optimal well-being, with

a focus on addressing health disparities within these communities.

Karina seeks to address these challenges through the delivery of workshops and events specifically designed for LGBTQ+ women and non-binary individuals to create opportunities for these groups to connect in a meaningful way. These events are not just about promoting health but also about building a sense of community and belonging, which is crucial for well-being.

Part of a €500,000 investment into early-stage entrepreneurship, this year’s programme had over 90 applications from people across Ireland with an idea to solve a social problem close to them.

Over the past three months, participants have received training, consultancy and peer mentoring to refine and progress their solution and build core social entrepreneurial skills. The graduates will now have the opportunity to apply to pitch for a portion of a €25,000 seed fund to pilot their idea.

A graduation event was held at Richmond Barracks in Dublin to celebrate the achievements and learnings of this year’s cohort and highlight their potential to drive impactful social change in Ireland. Karina says: “Having the opportunity to learn from others who are on a similar journey to myself, as well as people who have completed the programme in the past, has had a significant impact on how I view my own Idea and what it is capable of in the best possible way. I have made so many super connections and the peer support has been amazing!”

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

SHANNON man Jake Tiernan took on the Celtic Warrior Half Marathon in Mullingar to raise €5,000 for the National Breast Cancer Research Institute.

Jake joined Lauren Gallagher from Sligo in taking on the challenge, after Lauren’s mother Lorraine was diagnosed with HER2-positive breast cancer in 2023. It has been a long journey of chemotheraphy, surgeries, and radiotheraphy and her Mum is still undergoing preventative chemotherapy today.

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in Irish women, 1 in 7 women will develop breast cancer in their lifetime.

To learn more about how you can support breast cancer research visit; www.BreastCancerResearch.ie

Shannon Airport celebrates 15th anniversary of US preclearance services

by Páraic

Shannon Airport is this month celebrating the 15th anniversary of the introduction of US Preclearance services at Shannon.

In a further initiative designed to speed up the US Preclearance process at Shannon Airport, a new innovative Mobile Passport Control app (MPC) was recently unveiled. MPC is a free mobile app, designed to streamline the traveller’s entry process into the United States by reducing inspection time at the US pre-clearance facility in Shannon Airport.

US-bound passengers can now complete part of the pre-clearance process on the app before coming to the airport.

Through the secure app, available on the Apple App

Store and Google Play, passengers can create a profile using their passport information, which will then allow them to submit their travel documentation, photo and customs declaration electronically, removing the need to complete a paper declaration form.

In August 2009, Shannon became the first airport in the world, outside of the Americas to introduce full Preclearance for passengers, meaning passengers arrive in the US from Ireland as domestic passengers, allowing them to avoid lengthy immigration queues upon arrival and pick up their bags and go. Shannon remains one of only two airports in Europe to have US Preclearance facilities.

The following year in 2010, Shannon Airport had another first, becoming the first airport in the world to of-

fer full US Preclearance for business jets.

Building on this, in 2016, Shannon Airport became the first airport in the world to operate a combined European compliant and US Transportation Security Administration (TSA) compliant checkpoint system, which means the passenger is screened only once to both regulatory standards

and therefore eliminates the additional screening requirements which apply at other Preclearance airports.

These provisions, combined with the airport’s shorter queues, sensory room and age friendly initiatives, mean it has never been easier to fly Shannon.

Welcoming the anniversary, Mary Considine, CEO of The Shannon Airport Group

said: “At Shannon Airport, our focus is on ‘making it easy’ for our passengers, so it is wonderful to be celebrating this milestone of 15 years of full US Customs and Border Preclearance in operation at the airport.

“The US Preclearance system has truly revolutionised the transatlantic travel experience, with our passengers enjoying an efficient and uncongested airport experience at Shannon Airport, while they also avoid lengthy immigration queues and delays when they land back on US soil as domestic passengers.

“Over the last 15 years, we have worked closely with our colleagues in US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) on process improvements and technology upgrades.”

Shannon Airport has a long and proud history of world first achievements.

These include establishing

the world’s first airport duty free shop in 1945; opening Europe’s first sensory room in 2017 and being one of the first airports in the world to be awarded age-friendly status by the World Health Organisation (WHO) in 2022.

“We are immensely proud of our history of innovation at Shannon Airport and we are committed to building on this legacy into the future. Collaboration with our colleagues in US CBP will be central to this and we look forward to continuing to strengthen this important relationship and explore methods by which we can further enhance our US Preclearance service,” concluded Ms Considine.

McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

Turbines pass through Ennis

ENERGIA Renewables announced the delivery of the ﬁrst wind turbine blades to Crossmore Wind Farm, near Lissycasey this week. The transportation of the 57-metre-long blades was undertaken overnight in the early hours of last Wednesday with a Garda escort. Specialist hauliers, MarTrain Heavy Haulage, transported the Enercon turbine tower and blade sections from the Port of Galway

along the M18 to Ennis, before travelling via the N68 through Lissycasey and onto the L6180 to the site entrance of the wind farm. A test drive using a fulllength trailer was carried out along the route earlier this year to ensure safe delivery of the blades – the largest turbine components. Some permanent and temporary road upgrade works have been carried out at certain points along the route to

accommodate the length of the blades.

The Crossmore Wind Farm remains on track to enter commercial operation in 2025 and will consist of seven wind turbines generating up to 25.2 MW of renewable energy. The wind farm will be capable of producing enough renewable electricity to power around 14,500 homes and offset over 45,000 tonnes of carbon per annum.

Stone forts explored on Heritage Week

National Heritage Week

Event – Stone Forts in the Quin Area

2:30-4pm August 18, 2024

The local History Group, Quin Heritage, is hosting a visit to one of the many stone forts in the area on Sunday August 18th as part of Heritage Week.

The Quin area is especially rich in early habitations – earthen forts, stone forts, ‘peel towers’ crannogs and ‘Big Houses’).

John Power has kindly offered us an opportunity to see his fort at Creevagh Beg which is substantially

intact.

The event combines a short chat on the local forts and the opportunity for a closer look at the construction.

We hope to have a chance to share stories, history and folklore about these ancient residences.

(Directions: Take a right from Quin at Clooney GAA ﬁeld crossroads, through the next cross roads and keep an eye out for the stone fort on the right after the bungalow, Eircode V95 V529).

This is a free event, open to everyone.

Reading of a forgotten play, Róisín’s Robe

AN ALLEGORY by a former Clare TD will be read publicly for the first time this weekend, writes Páraic McMahon.

Róisín’s Robe was an allegory by former Clare TD, Patrick Hogan (LAB). The one-act play will be read publicly for the first time by Clare Youth Theatre in glór on Saturday, at 7pm.

Originally billed for production by the Dramatic Society of the Irish Transport and General Workers Union on Sunday April 23rd, 1916, the performance of Róisín’s Robe did not take place due to the Easter Rising.

This production is presented by Clare Arts Office as part of the Decade of Centenaries Programme and is supported by the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sports and Media and Clare County Council. This rehearsed reading by the youth theatre members is produced by Jessica Curtin.

The play delves into themes of loss, resilience, and national identity through the allegorical rep-

resentation of Ireland as Róisín. Róisín, a matriarch longing to reclaim her stolen robe, symbolises Ireland’s quest for freedom and unity. Her family, each embodying different facets of the Irish struggle, face both internal and external conflicts as they strive to restore their mother’s dignity and heritage.

Killmaley born Hogan was a Clare TD from 1923 to 1938 and 1943 to 1969. He was a Senator for the Labour Panel from 1938 to 1943. As a young man he joined Conradh na Gaeilge and the Irish Volunteers; however, he was deported to England for his activities. During the Irish War of Independ-

ence he fought against the Black and Tans in County Clare. After the Anglo-Irish Treaty he became an official with the Irish Transport and General Workers’ Union (ITGWU).

In 1951 he became Ceann Comhairle of Dáil Éireann, a position he held until his retirement in 1967. He welcomed United States President John F. Kennedy to the house on 28 June 1963 during his visit to Ireland. He died in office on 24 January 1969.[5] No by-election was held for his seat.

Admission is free to this Heritage Week event. No tickets are required, and all are welcome.

Vitalograph celebrates 50 years of innovation & growth in Ennis

n Unique exhibition opens to the public in glór n Company set to open new premises in Ennis & Limerick in ongoing expansion

VITALOGRAPH, a global leader in respiratory diagnostic solutions, has opened a special commemorative exhibition in glór entitled ‘50 Years of Growing with Ennis’ as it marks its 50th anniversary of operating in County Clare.

Mayor of Ennis Cllr Clare Colleran Molloy officiated at the launch event at the weekend. The exhibition celebrates Vitalograph’s connection with Ennis and provides a fascinating historical and social commentary for everyone to enjoy. Engaging displays and interactive elements document the company’s evolution and achievements over the past five decades as seen through the eyes of past and current employees.

“The central focus of this exhibition is our people, past and present. If it weren’t for the Vitalograph team over the past 50 years, Vitalograph would not be where it is today, or indeed be in existence at all,” said Vitalograph’s CEO Frank Keane. “We are one of the largest employers in Ennis and we want to celebrate the fact that you can develop a world-class company right here. The support, infrastructure and talent are here and they’ve been cru-

cial to our success.”

Based in Ennis since 1974, today Vitalograph has become a global leader in respiratory diagnostics. The company develops and manufactures

innovative respiratory diagnostic devices for all levels of the healthcare sector. It also delivers clinical trial services to pharmaceutical companies around the world that are de-

veloping therapies with a respiratory focus. Notably, Vitalograph is the only company in the world providing FDA-validated objective cough monitoring to commercial phar-

maceutical companies, biotech and research organizations. In 2022, Vitalograph announced the opening of two new sites in Ennis and Limerick, with the creation of 200 new jobs due to increased global demand for its solutions. At that time, it also completed the reshoring of its consumables manufacturing from Asia to Ennis. Two years on and the company continues to grow; now employing almost 600 people worldwide with 404 employed between Ennis and Limerick.

Having outgrown its space at the Innovation Hub in Limerick, Vitalograph recently purchased a 10,000 sq ft office on Mount Kennet Street which is currently being remodelled to accommodate Cough Analysis and R&D teams working on the development of respiratory diagnostic solutions. The acquisition of a facility adjacent to its Ennis headquarters at Gort Road Industrial Estate has also been completed, increasing Vitalograph’s footprint by 40,000 sqft. This new warehouse space will facilitate Vitalograph’s growing exports of PFT and spirometry devices as well as its consumables.

Speaking at the official opening of the new exhibition Frank Keane said, “We wanted to use the occasion of our 50th anniversary to pause and reflect upon the journey that we’ve had so far in Ireland, at the heart of the Ennis community. We’re really proud of what we have achieved and how we’ve contributed to the improved management of lung health. We are excited to continue our journey of innovation and excellence in respiratory diagnostics from Ennis.”

The exhibition “Vitalograph - 50 Years of Growing with Ennis” will remain open to the public at glór until 30th August, with free entry for all visitors.

l EXHIBITION: (above) Cllr Clare Colleran Molloy, who ofﬁciated the launch event at the weekend, with Frank Keane, CEO, Vitalograph; (left) Mary Considine, CEO of the Shannon Airport Group and Laura Colleran, Vitalograph

Photos by Brian Arthur

l INNOVATORS: Bernard Garbe (Chairperson of the Board, Vitalograph), Frank Keane (CEO, Vitalograph) and Helen Venn (Chief Science and Strategy Ofﬁcer, Vitalograph) attending the launch of Vitalograph’s special commemorative exhibition as the company marks its 50th anniversary operating in Ennis

Photo by Brian Arthur

Ennistymon debuts community film event

THIS summer, Ennistymon will host its inaugural community film festival, A Pot of Films Festival, on Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 August, 2024.

This new event aims to celebrate both local and national talent, inspire creative expression and bring the community together through the enchantment of film.

A Pot of Films Festival will offer a morning of engaging workshops delivered by film industry professionals followed by an evening of diverse short films, culminating in the screening of award-winning feature film North Circular and an insightful Director’s Q&A.

The success of last year’s ‘A Pot of Films from North Clare’ short film screening event at Pot Duggans

demonstrated a strong local passion for films and filmmaking, prompting event organisers Aoibheann Boyle and Jo Barker to create an extended community festival.

Last year’s event showcased four short films from local filmmakers, a trailer for a local feature film and live music from musicians featured in one of the films, leaving the audience eager for more such events.

“There is a wealth of talented filmmakers in North Clare,” says Jo Barker, filmmaker and co-founder of Black Bark Films and A Pot of Films Festival. “We want to nurture this talent, inspire a new generation of filmmakers, and create a space for film industry professionals to connect.”

Aoibheann Boyle adds,

“The Burren and North Clare have always been recognised as hubs of creativity, with stunning landscapes

rich in heritage and history. It feels right to ignite the local community’s creativity and offer a festival where ev-

eryone can come together.”

Boyle also expresses gratitude for the local support received: “We are so grateful for the help of Liam Grant and Clare County Council who have generously funded this year’s festival. We’ve also received support from local businesses such as Fitzpatrick’s SuperValu Ennistymon, The Falls Hotel & Spa, The Aloe Tree, Jimi’s Barber Shop, The Milk Step, Pot Duggans, Cooley’s House, Airmid, The Courthouse Gallery and Studios, Teach Ceoil and The Salmon Bookshop. It is heartwarming to see so many representatives from the community backing the festival”.

More information at https://www.tickettailor. com/events/ennistymonfilmfestival/1333164

Honorary doctorate for Caherconnell’s Davoren

JOHN Davoren, owner and founder of Caherconnell Fort and Sheepdog Demonstrations, will be awarded an honorary doctorate in Science from the University of Galway on 26 th August.

This is in recogni-

Burst pipe in Liscannor

A BURST watermain has left Liscannor and Kilshanny without water.

Crews from Uisce Éireann have been working to restore supply since Tuesday afternoon. A burst watermain has left households and businesses without water. Areas impacted include Liscannor, Derreen, Ballysteen, Moymore, Ballycotton, Carrowduff, and parts of Kilshanny.

Expert water service crews have been dispatched and are carrying out the required repair works, with every effort being made to complete this work as quickly as possible. A traffic management plan will be in place for the duration of the works. Repair works were expected to be completed by 6pm, a spokesperson for Uisce Éireann said.

tion of his pioneering work establishing a highly successful archaeological school in collaboration with Galway University which throughout the years has unearthed numerous artefacts of huge historical and social significance and led to a much greater understanding of how our ancestors lived in the Burren.

Ever the innovator, John has developed a thriving tourism business in the heart of the Burren with archaeolo-

gist led guided tours of the fort, fun and interactive sheepdog shows and the groundbreaking archaeology school led by Dr Michelle Comber and attracting archaeology students from the US and elsewhere.

River biodiversity walk at Ennistymon

Heritage Week 2024 -

River Biodiversity Walk: Saturday, 17th August

10:00-11.30hrs, meet at the river below the front of the Falls Hotel, Ennistymon.

IT IS just over a year since the major ﬁsh kill on the Ballymacraven River, which happened in May 2023.

Signiﬁcant activity has taken place to help restore, enhance and protect the river for the local community of Ennistymon and North Clare.

Much of this activity has been undertaken by the volunteer members of the Restore Ballymacraven River Association.

A screening project is currently underway to bring forward plans for the restoration of habitat along the river. This will be used, in conjunction with inputs from state agencies, and other stakeholders, to outline the framework of actions for the next number of years. The Restore Ballymacraven River Association envisage that initial works will commence later this year.

As part of Heritage Week 2024, an event will be held, hosted jointly by the Restore Ballymacraven River Association and the Local Authority Waters Programme, to celebrate the

river and the plans to help restore, protect and enhance this beautiful section of the lower Ballymacraven River. The Saturday morning event will be suitable for people of all ages,

including children and families.

It will review the wonderful biodiversity of the Ballymacraven River and the planned work to restore the river and the river banks.

The event will also explore the sights and sounds of the river and the ecosystem services this river provides to us all. It will include fun activities for young and old, including citizen science to ﬁnd out what lives in the river and along the river.

This free event is open to all and people of all ages are encouraged to attend. It will follow the river path down the Inagh River and along the Ballymacraven River and up the beautiful banks of The Glen. It promises to be a very special event to explore the wonderful biodiversity of the Ballymacraven River. This Heritage Week event is a free and all welcome. Please bring suitable clothing and footwear.

“As per best practice, most homes and businesses will have on-site water storage to provide a backup source of water for sanitation purposes. Following repair works, it typically takes two to three hours for normal supply to be fully restored to all areas as the water refills the network, especially for those on higher ground or at the end of the network”.

A BATHING advisory notice in Lahinch has been lifted. On Saturday, Clare County Council lifted the bathing advisory notice at Lahinch on the advice of the HSE. This followed additional investigative sampling. In accordance with An Taisce’s Blue Flag programme, the Blue Flag will be reinstated. First announced on Wednesday, the notice remained in place for four days. It was the second time this summer that a temporary bathing prohibition is introduced in in Lahinch. Back in June, a bathing prohibition was in place for three days as water tests showed elevated levels of bacteria.

lFESTIVAL: Trish O’Dea and Kieran Fitzpatrick at A Pot of Films From North Clare 2023 Photos by Anja Kolic

Feakle Festival hits the high notes

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

EAST CLARE’s musical icon, Martin Hayes was honoured as the Feakle Festival kicked off.

Feakle was a hive of traditional music from Wednesday to Monday as the thirty seventh Feakle Festival took hold.

Over the past thirty years, Martin Hayes has made rich contributions to the festival. His emotive style and technical brilliance have earned the Maghera native international acclaim. In his youth, he played alongside his father P. Joe Hayes, Joe Bane, Paddy Canny, and John Naughton.

His mark on the festival was celebrated with the opening event on Wednesday evening.

A devoted supporter of the festival since its early days, Martin’s music is steeped in the rich traditions of East Clare and has resonated across the globe, showcasing our local heritage to the world. He has missed at most two festivals of the thirty seven that have been held.

Martin has not only graced the stage of the Feakle Festival with captivating performanc-

his invaluable contributions to the preservation of traditional song and his exceptional songwriting talents within that genre.

On Sunday, the late Brían O’Rourke was remembered

es but also shared his expertise as a tutor, inspiring new generations of musicians. Other musicians to perform during the course of the Feakle Festival were Eileen O’Brien, Sorcha Costelloe, Mary MacNamara, Brian Donnellan, Danny O’Mahony, Geraldine McNamara, Gearóid McNamara, Paraic McDonnchadha, Terrance O’Reilly, Suzanne Leahy and Cáit Ní Ríaín.

in song. Brían was a beloved known for his humorous, witty, and poignant songs. He had a deep passion for the Feakle Festival, where he often shared his vibrant compositions. Brían was renowned across Ireland and beyond for

He was also an accomplished poet, and in 1992, he published a booklet titled When I Grow Up, described on its cover as containing ‘jocoserious songs unaccompanied’. This special session will bring together family, friends, and admirers to honour his memory through song.

Hosted by Fear an Tí Con “Fada” Ó Drisceoil and he was joined by fellow singers Peter Casey, Mick Scanlan and Seán Mone.

A special guest in the guise of the Liam MacCarthy lifted the already high spirits. Clare trio Eibhear Quilligan, Adam Hogan and Con Smyth from Feakle were happy to pose for photographs and lend their singing talents when assisting on a rendition of ‘My Lovely Rose of Clare’.

Secretary of the Feakle Festival, Aoife Hayes said of its growth, “It is getting stronger and stronger each year”. She added, “You meet people from all over the world each year and it amazes me. It is crazy how the small village of Feakle can attract people to it”.

Safety measures by Scariff NS set to be complete by end of school holidays

PROPOSED road realignment and pedestrian safety enhancements in the vicinity of Scariff NS at Fossabeg are to proceed, writes Páraic McMahon.

New footpaths and an uncontrolled pedestrian crossing point are part of the proposed works in the Section 38 proposal along with the construction of build outs and new parking bays plus tactile paving and all associated line marking and signage.

No submissions were received in relation to the scheme which had been available for public viewing and inspection up until the middle of July.

Acting senior executive engineer in the Killaloe MD, Declan Flanagan explained that the proposal was part “of an overall desire by Killaloe MD to create enhanced shared pedestrian and cycling facilities and connectivity between the National School, Fossabeg Housing Development and the various sports and recreation amenities” such as the rugby grounds and GAA complex.

This would enable “students, residents and the many attending the games and training at the sports facilities to safely and sustainably travel along this road, where currently there is no footpath adjoining or serving the showgrounds and sports grounds”.

Detailed designs have been prepared for the full extent of the route from the National School to the showgrounds but the proposal is restricted to enhancement works for the area around the National School and Fossabeg housing development and does not incorpo-

rate the Showgrounds lands.

He outlined that the traffic calming scheme and uncontrolled crossing “will provide a safer environment around the school grounds from a traffic calming perspective. The provision of new parking bays and new footpaths will ensure safe pedestrian access to and around the National School in Scariff, whilst the alignment of the junction will enhance traffic safety and turning movements. The enhancement of the existing footpath to provide a shared cycle and footpath from the school to/from the adjoining housing development, will in part enhance safety and connectivity for students,

children and those travelling onwards to the sports facilities”.

Cathaoirleach of the Killaloe MD, Cllr Joe Cooney (FG) proposed the adoption of the section 38 and this was seconded by Cllr Pat Hayes (FF).

Cllr Pat Burke (FG) welcomed the progress and expressed his desire that it be extended as far as the rugby grounds.

Responding to this, Cllr Cooney commented, “that is what we would all like to achieve but it is not achievable at the moment, it is what we are working on. The Board of Management of the school are anxious to get safety

works done by the school”.

Questions were raised by Cllr Hayes on how the proposal would improve “the whole system around the school” with the absence of a new car park. “The issue is the dropping off, we’re looking at it here in front of us. We might get a full briefing on the design rather than trying to read the map”.

Senior planner, Brian McCarthy advised that the proposal “formalises the car parking arrangement”.

Flanagan told the meeting that the feedback from students was the lack of a footpath “so we’re creating a safe pedestrian access and a parking bay off the public road, it is a big improvement on what is there, it will allow for nine or ten parking bays that weren’t there. It is more of a safety issue and providing for facilities”. He said the local authority were keen to have the infrastructure in place before the school holidays are over. “Our long-term focus is to deliver towards the rugby grounds over time,” he added.

Cooney advised his colleagues that consultation has taken place with the school principal, “they are happy with what is going on at the moment”.

Potential for an Active Travel scheme on the L4106 is worth exploring, Cllr Burke maintained, “there is a lot of young kids out that direction that would like to walk or cycle to school”. Cllr Cooney agreed, “it is a narrow section of road which should get consideration”.

lFUN WEEKEND: Shots from the Feakle Festival

Photos by Ruth Grifﬁn

Second annual mural art jam takes place in Gort

by Páraic McMahon news@clareecho.ie

A SECOND annual mural art jam has been held by Gort Tidy Towns.

Commencing on the August Bank Holiday weekend, the mural art jam transformed the once neglected Kelly’s (or Courtney’s) Lane into a colourful and inspiring public art space. Local artists came together to paint a series of murals on the garden walls of residents and businesses, injecting new life into this often-overlooked corner of the town.

Gort Tidy Towns is a community-based organisation dedicated to enhancing the environment and overall quality of life in Gort. Through initiatives such as the Mural Art Jam, the group aims to create a more vibrant and attractive town for residents and visitors alike.

Sign painter Paul McGuigan said, “It was a pleasure to be invited and to be able to paint something in the Irish language, I’ve really taken a liking to this town, so I chose the word ‘anseo’ or ‘here’ to paint”.

McGuigan was one of the participating artists along with Kept, Otto Stoneman,

Bren McMahon, Claudia McMahon, Fernanda DeSouza, Nicole Miller Santana, Lorenna Rodrigues, Jim Ricks, and Brian Twomey. A diverse range of styles and themes were showcased, from traditional Irish music, dry stone walls, Georgian Architecture, and W.B Yeats to more abstract, modern, and whimsical designs. The dozen plus murals not only beautify the area but are also thought provoking and serve as a reflection of the town’s rich heritage, diversity, and vibrant culture.

Speaking to The Clare Echo, a spokesperson for Gort Tidy Towns outlined, “The Mural Art Jam was a true community effort, bringing together artists, residents, and businesses to create a shared space that makes our town that little bit nicer to be in”.

Property owners were also praised by Gort Tidy Towns for generously permitting their walls to be repainted by Tidy Towns and then the artists, as well as the numerous volunteers who contributed to cleaning and priming the walls, removing litter in the area and the overall project’s success.

Indreabhán marks Heritage Week with seashore event at An Trá Mhór

A SEASHORE bio blitz is to take place in Indreabhán, Co Galway on Monday (August 19th).

Members of the local community of Indreabhán have been invited to participate in a Seashore Bio-Blitz, Scavenger Hunt, and Litter Beach Clean-Up in An Trá Mhór on Monday next.

Organised by Galway County Council’s environment section, the bilingual event is part of National Heritage Week, which celebrates Ireland’s cultural, built, and natural heritage including County Galway’s many beaches.

Councillor Albert Dolan (FF), Cathaoirleach of the County of Galway said, “It will be great to see people of all ages participating in the seashore Event. The support that Galway County has received from Noirin Burke and Tara Noonan, Galway Atlantaquaria, National Aquarium of Ireland has been instrumental in organising this event”.

Liam Conneally, Chief Executive of Galway County Council added, “We want to promote our pristine beaches in County Galway and create awareness of biodiversity on our seashores, as well as the importance of keeping our beaches clean and tidy, and the invaluable natural environment that can be discovered on the beach”.

Jacqueline O’Carroll, Director of Services for the Environment Section of Galway County Council commented, “Healthy beach and dune systems are important for many organisms, including rare and endangered birds and seals. Maintaining nourished beaches provides important wildlife habitat areas that are threatened by erosion, litter, and climate change. Our young people need to be made aware of these factors and events like this contribute to that”.

The Seashore Bio-Blitz, Scavenger Hunt, and Litter Beach Clean-Up in An

takes place from 11am to 1pm on Monday next (19th August).

Trá Mhór

l An overview of the project; (below right) Otto Stoneman painting and (left) Fernanda DeSouza, Nicole Miller Santana and Lorenna Rodrigues completeing a painting

Photos by Annie De la Riva

Council to lodge planning for Kilkee flood relief

APPROVAL has been given to Clare County Council by the Office of Public Works (OPW) to submit a planning application for the Kilkee flood relief scheme.

There have been a number of instances of flooding in Kilkee. The Victoria

that face a variety of issues and challenges relating to ground conditions, timelines for consultations and planning decisions or a limited capacity within the engineering consultancy market. These challenges impact the timeline for flood relief schemes’ delivery, which can take up to ten years to design, develop and con-

Stream is noted to overflow its banks over a length of 200-300m on an annual basis, causing flooding of Church Street, Well Road and a number of properties with many more properties at risk.

In 2014, winter storms damaged a section of the existing seawall and promenade, a protected structure, and a 45m section was replaced with a terraced structure. In 2018, following the Government’s introduction of Flood Risk Management Plans, Clare County Council with funding from the OPW appointed JBA engineering and environmental consultants to design a flood relief scheme for Kilkee.

New flood defence walls, embankments, box culverts and open channels along the Victoria Stream and Well Stream, combined with a channel diversion and the creation of flood water storage areas along the Victoria Scheme are included in the scheme design for Kilkee. Once the scheme is completed, discussions will commence on the reinstatement of the Well Field Car Park to the community. Flood relief schemes are implemented in five stages. They are large, complex, multiannual projects

struct.

Minister of State with responsibility for the OPW, Kieran O’Donnell (FG) confirmed on Tuesday that Clare County Council had received the go-ahead from the OPW to lodge a planning application for the flood relief scheme. “I wish to acknowledge the support from the Kilkee community that was valuable to inform the design of a scheme for its town, which will protect the 134 properties including 118 residential and families at risk from flooding”.

He stated, “This is the first of two planned schemes for Kilkee and work is separately continuing on design for a scheme to manage the risk from coastal flooding in the town. Flood Relief Schemes are already in place in Ennis, protecting some 2,000 properties and Sixmilebridge. A €5m flood relief scheme at Springfield is nearing completion and will protect 21 properties. Flood relief schemes are also being progressed for Shannon Town, with planning application expected in the first half of 2025. Clare County Council is preparing tenders to employ technical engineering and environmental services to progress flood relief schemes for Bunratty and Kilrush”.

The cost of constructing the proposed scheme will be met from the Government’s commitment to managing Ireland’s flood risk through the €1.3bn for flood relief measures set out in the National Development Plan. The design of this and all flood relief schemes is future proofed and is adaptable to meet the increasing flood risk from climate change. The Government is investing some €120m to manage the flood risk across Co Clare

In addition to these major schemes, the Office of Public Works has approved €3.8m to Clare County Council under the Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme for localised flood relief works across 42 other locations in the county.

Clare TD, Cathal Crowe (FF) said the works in Kilkee are “badly needed”. He stated, “This is significant news and opens the way for the Council to submit their plans to An Bord Pleanála. I have been liaising with residents and business owners in Kilkee for quite some time on this issue and these flood protection measures are badly needed”.

Deputy Crowe outlined, “With climate change affecting sea levels, it’s important that those living in our coastal communities feel protected. It’s vital that we don’t see a repeat of previous instances where serial objectors from outside the county object to vital infrastructural developments like this. This announcement comes after years of environmental assessments and detailed engineering analysis and I hope the application will be submitted as soon as possible”.

Ex councillor, Cillian Murphy admitted,”I can’t say how pleased I am to see this project get to planning stage. Over my five years as a councillor it’s something that I’ve been extremely heavily involved in, and it’s not something that has magically arrived out of the blue, it has taken a long time, a lot of effort, conversations and discussion with council and OPW staff, and local community members over five years. This is the end of the beginning of this project and a major step in its progress”.

l Kilkee beach

by Páraic McMahon news@clareecho.ie

GREEN CLARE

€808k allocation for Clare grounds under Community Climate Action Programme

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

Moneypoint a major part of our 'untapped potential'

26 groups in Clare will be funded under the Community Climate Action Programme with the county securing an allocation of over €800,000.

PÁRAIC MCMAHON paraic@clareecho.ie

Under the new community climate action fund, €808,636 has been awarded to projects in Co Clare.

MINISTER for the Environment, Eamon Ryan (GP) has pinpointed Moneypoint as a vital component in Ireland reducing its energy emissions.

This fund is for organisations and community groups with projects and initiatives which address the challenge of climate change. The overall objective of the Community Climate Action Programme is to support and empower communities, in partnership with Clare County Council, to shape and

Members of the Shannon Estuary Economic Taskforce are currently assessing the strategic strengths and comparative advantages of the Estuary will be assessed by the Taskforce while also scoping out potential economic opportunities. The group is to have a report compiled by the end of November.

Barry O’Sullivan recently met with Minister Ryan and for the Green Party leader their engagement hammered home the possibilities for the entire region surrounding the Shannon Estuary.

Communications, Energy and Natural Resources from 2007 to 2011, Ryan set a target of 40 per cent of the country’s energy com

build low carbon and sustainable communities in a coherent way to contribute to national climate and energy targets.

ing from renewable sources, this was met in 2020. Now, he wants this doubled to 80 percent by 2030.

“I’m convinced we can do it, one of the ways we can do it is by switching offshore, our sea area is seven times our land area, there is a limit in Kerry as to how much turbines you can put up in any area but at sea, the resource is huge and the wind power is really strong,” he stated.

Under Strand 1 of the programme (Building Low Carbon Communities), a total of €572,000 has been allocated to community groups around the county. Groups funded under this strand are, Bodyke Tidy Towns (€5,882.85); Bridge United AFC (€36,180); Carrigaholt Development Association (€30,259.66); Clarecastle Community Development (€11.994); Clooney Spancilhill CDG (€13,581); College Green Residents Association (€1.047.74); Corofin Tidy Towns (€6,500); Cratloe Community Council

Offshore wind energy by Moneypoint is central to this. Speaking on Radio Kerry’s flagship current affairs show, Kerry Today, Minister Ryan outlined, “We will have a lot of offshore wind which will come

(€9,770); Doonbeg Tidy Towns (€9,194.14); Ennis Mens Shed (€38.058.26); Ennis Tidy Towns (€20,000); Inagh Development Association (€80.000); Inch Tidy Village (€766.31); Lisdoonvarna Fáilte (€36,869); Mike McTigue Community Centre (€8,284); Obair Newmarket-on-Fergus (€7.964.25); Ruan Tidy Towns (€3,788); Scariff Rugby Club (€12.507.70); Shannon Tidy Towns (€31,554); Smith O’Briens GAA and Camogie Club (€65,000); St. Joseph’s GAA Miltown Malbay (€30,000); Waterworld Kilkee (€100.000); and West Coast Surf Club (€9.249.09).

connecting to both Tarbert and Moneypoint, you can put that electricity onto that grid to power the country.

“When the wind isn’t blowing, the ESB are saying we should do and everyone in Europe is now talking about and starting to do, you convert the electricity into hydrogen and use electrolysis, it is a new but advancing technology, when the wind isn’t blowing you burn the hydrogen to generate power and you run the power out on the same grid, you have a continuous stable electricity source,” he explained. rienced a shutdown, this will cost

Three Clare projects received funding from Strand 1a of the fund (Shared Island Community Climate Action). These are Crusheen GAA, Feakle GAA and Clare GAA. These projects received €236,636 in funding. The Strand 1a projects supports cross-border and all-island community climate action partnerships between community organisations in County Clare and Northern Ireland. These projects will work in partnership with Derry GAA, St. Patricks GFC Greencastle and Trillick

St. Macartan’s GAC with the Northern Irish partner receiving 50% of the funding. Clare GAA are working in partnership with Derry GAA with an allocation of €36,636 while a €100,000 allocation has been granted for the links between Crusheen GAA and Trillick

GAC and also Feakle GAA and Greencastle GAA.

Community energy, travel, food and waste, shopping and recycling, local climate and environmental action are the five themes that the projects will deliver on.

Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council, Cllr Alan O’Callaghan (FF) stated, “It is clear that communities in Co Clare have a huge interest in taking climate action. The groups funded as part of the Community Climate Action Programme will provide leadership to their communities and be a focal point of local climate and environmental action”.

Groups funded “will inspire even greater interest in climate action in their communities,” Chief Executive of the Council, Pat Dowling predicted.

Alan Farrell, Director of Services, Physical Development Directorate, Clare County Council, explained, “These projects present an opportunity for local community groups and organisations, supported by Clare County Council, to scale up community climate action throughout Co Clare. This will enable climate action at a local level and provide a template for other groups and individuals to help create a more sustainable future for all of us”.

Speaking at a meeting of the Shannon Municipal District, the

Minister Ryan insisted that this was necessary. “We will have emergency generators to provide back up as well, we do need that, the really big strategic option by 2030 what we’re planning to have is 5GW of offshore wind and to put that in scale, that is equivalent to the amount of energy we’re using

el, then the following decade and this is the really big industrial plan for the country, we can use that to go further to really tap into the scale of power that is available”.

Council’s climate action co-ordinator, Morgan Lahiffe described the fund as “a real opportunity for communities to get money and funding to carry out climate actions in their community”. He told elected members that “the Shannon Municipal District has done well out of it”.

Clonlara’s omission was criticised by Cllr Michael Begley (IND). “The biggest group we have in our community, we have three elements of operation, a community centre, community childcare and the development of a community graveyard, because of the fact that we attract Government funding under the childcare elements we seem to be barred from a variety of grants because we’re seen as getting Government aid already. We’ve had numerous applications over the last two to three years”.

Lahiffe explained, “It is my understanding that you would not be barred from community climate action programme”. He added, “the funding is distributed on population and nothing else other than that, there was a small window of six months to get a climate office in place and to meet communities. We had €2m worth of applications for a €750,000 fund”.

Pictured at the Community Climate Action Programme funding announcement are. From Clare County Council: Cllr Alan O’Callaghan, Cathaoirleach; Cllr Mary Howard, Leas-Chathaoirleach; Pat Dowling, Chief Executive; Alan Farrell, Director of Services, Physical Development Directorate; Morgan Lahiffe Climate Action Coordinator; Dara Dever, Community Climate Action Officer. Representatives from: Ennis Tidy Towns; Inagh Development; Clooney Spancelhill Development Group; and Shannon Tidy Towns.

Photo by Eamon Ward

Discussions underway on creation of catchment community forum in North Clare

by Páraic McMahon

CONVERSATIONS have commenced on the discussions and design of a model for the catchment community forum in North Clare.

Organised by the Local Authority Water Programme (LAWPRO), a community workshop on public participation on water catchment management brought a strong crowd to The Falls Hotel in Ennistymon. Community groups and representatives from across the Mal Bay Catchment, in North and West Clare, met to discuss and help co-design a model for a Catchment Community Forum for the Mal Bay Catchment and for other catchments across Ireland. The Catchment Conversation workshop was focused on improving local water quality and to review ways to actively include communities in the river basin management process.

This is part of a wider national initiative to develop a model for community and public participation in

the next River Basin Management Plan (RBMP) which is due to be published shortly and will run from 2024 to 2027. The Plan is Ireland’s roadmap for restoring and protecting water quality across Ireland’s 46 river catchments.

One of the elements within the River Basin Management Plan, is to put in place catchment community fora that meet the needs of local communities and their involvement in water quality matters and integrated catchment management. The Mal Bay catchment was chosen as one of ﬁve pilot areas in Ireland on account of its regional signiﬁcance in the South West, the nature of the water quality pressures, and the fact that local community groups are active on the ground.

On the day of the workshop, LAWPRO’s Community Water Ofﬁcer Ruairí Ó Conchúir outlined the importance of the event to enhance public participation in water management Ireland. He detailed some

of the work that is already taking place in North and West Clare by local community groups including the Restore Ballymacraven River Association, the Inagh EIP, local farmers and forestry owners to protect water quality. He also highlighted the importance of water quality and how it is linked to the social and economic fabric of the West Coast of Clare, highlighting the importance of surﬁng to the local economy.

Niamh Rogan, LAWPRO’s Catchment Manager for the South West region, gave a presentation on the water quality status of the Mal Bay catchment. She presented detailed maps of the main rivers, lakes and coastal water bodies and noted the water quality pressures in the catchment. Large scale maps of the local water bodies and water quality pressures were displayed on the day for attendees to review. Phillip Isard with Quality Matters outlined the purpose of the workshop, co-facilitating the session,

with the support of LAWPRO staff, from both the catchment science and community teams. A range of questions and potential management scenarios were presented and workshopped by the participants. The workshop also included a discussion on the type of model a catchment community forum could be, with various community perspectives taking on board, and fully recorded.

There were some questions speciﬁc to the Mal Bay catchment concerning coastal water quality and ensuring that any Catchment Community Forum to emerge would take on board the concept of ‘From Source to Sea’ and be fully inclusive of a diverse range of actors in the catchment. Discussions also took place on how better joinedup thinking could be achieved to ensure that all waterbodies in the catchment could be better protected and done so in-partnership with local community groups and implementing bodies at a local, regional

and national level.

Community groups represented on the day included the Restore Ballymacraven River Association, the Inagh EIP, Burren Beo, Surfrider Chapter Lahinch, the Inagh River Catchment Management Association, Cuan Beo, Hometree, Ben’s Surf Clinic, the IFA, local farmers, as well as local anglers, local artists and private individuals with an interest in the Mal Bay catchment. As part of the next steps in the process, feedback from the workshop and other information, will be used to prepare a synthesis report. This will be prepared by Quality Matters and presented, along with the output from the other pilot catchment areas, to the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage for consideration during implementation of the next River Basin Management Plan. You can access the latest Catchment Assessment for Mal Bay on the EPA website www.catchments.ie.

paraic@clareecho.ie

Ryanair reach milestone at Shannon Airport of 20m passengers since 1987

by Páraic McMahon

RYANAIR has as of this week carried over 20 million passengers through Shannon Airport.

In 1987, Ryanair began operating services from Shannon Airport and it has grown to have more routes from Shannon than any other airline.

It was the first lowcost airline to operate from Shannon and over the past 37 years, it has invested heavily in the region, including its three Shannon-based aircraft, which saw an investment of over €300 million, supporting over 1,250 local jobs. The airline’s state-of-the-art maintenance facility, opened in 2022, saw a further €10 million investment as well as the creation of 200 highskill local jobs.

When Ryanair first came to Shannon Air-

port, it operated a single route to London/ Luton. Today, Ryanair and Shannon Airport provide essential connectivity for passengers to 26 destinations across 10 countries in Europe. This summer alone,

Ryanair are operating over 90 weekly flights from Shannon Airport to 26 destinations in Europe. To facilitate additional holiday travel demand from Shannon, the airline is also operating increased fre-

quencies on nine of its services including Alicante, Faro, Lanzarote and Tenerife. Ryanair’s Gran Canaria service is also operating through the summer season for the first time, providing passengers with even

more sunshine destination options.

Welcoming the 20 million Ryanair passenger’s milestone, Mary Considine, CEO of the Shannon Airport Group said: “Reaching over 20 million passengers is an extremely impressive result and proves the popularity of Ryanair’s 90 weekly flights to 26 destinations from Shannon Airport.

“We would like to congratulate Ryanair on this remarkable milestone. It is a testament to the exceptional service, dedication, and commitment that Ryanair consistently delivers to travellers.

“We have forged a strong partnership with Ryanair, built on our shared commitment to providing essential business and leisure connectivity for passengers in this region and beyond to destinations across Europe and the UK,” she

Shannon Airport shortlisted for two digital media awards

SHANNON AIRPORT has been shortlisted for two awards at the Digital Media Awards 2024.

Now in its 21st year, the Digital Media Awards recognise the creativity and innovation across multiple areas which include digital content creation, advertising, mobile media and more.

Nominated in the ‘Best App’ category is the recently launched Shannon Airport app. The category recognises app developers who showcase their innovation in creating top tier apps. Shannon Airport’s app, launched in July 2024, is the ﬁrst of its kind in Ireland to feature smartwatch integration and augmented reality bag size checkers to further enhance the passenger’s journey from booking ﬂights, and car parking right through to check-in, and departure.

Shannon Airport was also nominated in the ‘Best Col-

laborative Campaign’ category alongside its media agency partner, Havas Media for Shannon Airport’s Dream Partnership for a Dream Holiday campaign. This category recognises collaborations which demonstrate creativity, innovation and best practice across multiple platforms and channels.

The ‘Dream Partnership for a Dream Holiday’ campaign worked to drive route awareness to top summer city and sun destinations from Shannon while championing its ‘hassle-free airport experience through a targeted multimedia campaign encompassing print, radio, out-of-home, cinema and social media. The campaign also included a partnership with RTÉ 2FM on the Dream Ticket Giveaway, which saw the airport give away ﬂights to all 33 of Shannon’s summer destinations during a week-long part-

nership with the national broadcaster, which also included a live broadcast from Shannon Airport.

Trevor Curran, Marketing Manager at The Shannon Airport Group commented, “We are honoured to be shortlisted in two categories this year in the renowned Digital Media Awards. We have had very positive feedback from customers on our recently launched Shannon Airport app and it is fantastic to have it acknowledged by our industry peers with the nomination for ‘Best App’.

“We are amongst some incredible other brands in this year’s nominations list and wish all ﬁnalists the very best of luck at the upcoming awards in September,” he added.

The winners will be announced at a gala din-

ner on the 6th September at the Clayton Hotel, Burlington Road, Dublin.

added.

Ms Considine stated, “Over the years, Ryanair has demonstrated its commitment to Shannon. In 2022 they opened their first aircraft heavy maintenance facility in Ireland with an investment of €10 million going into Shannon Airport. We are immensely proud to support such a distinguished partner in connecting communities,

supporting the regional economy and employment, and enhancing the travel experience for millions and we are excited to continue working closely with them as we aim for further milestones in the future”.

Clare County Council is currently inviting applications from suitably qualified persons for the below competition. Clare County Council will, following the interview process, form a panel for the area set out below from which future relevant vacancies may be filled subject to sanction approval from the Department of Housing, Local Government & Heritage.

Please complete online application form available on www.clarecoco.ie under Careers Section. Only applications completed online will be accepted.

• Part-time Fitness Instructor

Active Ennis

Closing date: 12 Noon Thursday 12th September 2024.

Clare County Council is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all sectors of the Community.

Scriobh chugainn as gaeilge más fearr leat.

l Shannon Airport has welcomed more than 20 million Ryanair passengers since 1987

REFLECTING on my recent journey to the AIB headquarters in Dublin for the national awards, I am ﬁlled with a sense of accomplishment and gratitude.

Winning the ‘Solo Business Woman’ award at the regional ﬁnals in Limerick was a pivotal moment in my career, and attending the interviews for the national ﬁnals, alongside 89 other inspiring women was a testament to the collective strength and determination of female entrepreneurs across Ireland.

MY PERSONAL STORY - A JOURNEY OF RESILIENCE AND GROWTH

In preparing for this award submission, I had to reflect on not only the successes I’ve achieved in business, but also on my own personal growth. My journey in business has been anything but conventional. As the first person in my family to start a business, I faced numerous personal and professional challenges. At 17, I left university to care for my mother, who was battling a brain tumour. After her passing, I found myself a young single mother, determined to provide a good life for my daughter. This period of adversity ignited a fire within me to succeed against the odds.

While working at GE

Capital, I pursued a Diploma in Business and Marketing through distance learning. Later, I achieved a Graduateship in Marketing from the Marketing Institute of Ireland. These experiences taught me the value of perseverance and continuous learning. In 2016, I took a leap of faith and founded O’Brien Learning Solutions, a leadership development ﬁrm dedicated to helping organizations navigate change and develop leaders.

THE POWER OF NETWORK IRELAND

Joining Network Ireland has been instrumental in my journey. The organization has provided me with invaluable support, mentoring, and networking opportunities. Through Network Ireland, I have connected with like-minded women who are equally passionate about their businesses. This community has been a source of inspiration and motivation, reminding me that I am not alone in my entrepreneurial journey.

One of the highlights of my involvement with Network Ireland was the opportunity to host Gina London on my podcast, EXTRAordinary Women. Her insights on leadership and communication have been transformative, not only for my listeners but for me personally. Additionally,

mentoring sessions with the expert panel at Network Ireland, which is included with the membership fee, have helped me reﬁne my business strategies and explore new avenues for growth.

CELEBRATING SUCCESS AND LOOKING AHEAD

Winning the ‘Solo Business Woman’ award is a recognition of the hard work and dedication I have poured into my business. It validates the sacriﬁces and efforts I have made to support my clients and serves as an inspiration to other women facing similar challenges. This award is not just a personal accolade; it is a testament to the power of self-belief and resilience.

Looking ahead, I am excited about the growth opportunities for O’Brien Learning Solutions. This year, I will begin an MSc in Work & Organisational Behaviour at the University of Limerick, which will equip me with the knowledge and skills to further expand my business. My one-year plan includes enhancing my online presence and developing e-learning capabilities to reach a global audience. Within three years, I aim to grow my business abroad and take on a full-time employee.

FOUR TIPS FOR AWARD APPLICATIONS

Readiness: Preparing for award applications involves

strategic planning and self-reﬂection. Here are three tips to help you get ready:

Start Early and Stay

Organised: Give yourself ample time to prepare your application. This includes gathering all necessary documents, outlining your achievements, and ensuring you meet all criteria. Starting early allows you to reﬁne your submission and seek feedback from mentors, friends or colleagues.

Tailor Your Application: Each award has speciﬁc criteria and focuses. Make sure your application is tailored to highlight how your achievements align with the award’s objectives. Avoid generic responses and ensure that your answers are concise and directly address the questions asked.

Gather Evidence and Tell Your Story: Back up your claims with evidence such as statistics, testimonials, or case studies. Use your narrative to connect emotionally with the judges, showcasing your journey, challenges, and the impact of your work. This makes your application more compelling and memorable.

INSPIRING THE NEXT GENERATION

As I reflect on my journey, I am reminded of the

importance of sharing our stories to inspire and empower others. By telling my story, I hope to encourage other women to pursue their dreams, regardless of the obstacles they face. The path to success is rarely straightforward, but with determination and hard work, it is possible to achieve great things.

In conclusion, winning the ‘Solo Business Woman’ award is a signiﬁcant milestone in my career, but it is just the beginning. I am committed to using this platform to inspire and empower other women, and to continue driving positive change in the business community.

Thank you to Network Ireland for their unwavering support, and to all the women who have been part of this journey. Together, we are paving the way for a brighter future for female entrepreneurs in Ireland. I look forward to celebrating with all the ﬁnalists on the night of September 27 in the Lyrath Hotel, Co. Kilkenny.

Please contact me if I can support your journey towards becoming an award-winning success story, both at a personal and organisational level; denise@obrienlearningsolutions.ie

Banner flying high at major US festival

LESS than one month after Clare lifted the Liam MacCarthy cup at Croke Park, the Banner will once again be raised high this week when the county is placed on centre stage at the world’s largest celebration of Irish music and culture.

A Clare County Council-led tourism delegation is travelling to Wisconsin for the Milwaukee Irish Fest (15-18th August) to target US holidaymakers who are planning overseas holidays for 2025.

‘Fly Shannon’ will be the focus of the promotion, with four scheduled services between Shannon Airport and JFK, Newark, Boston Logan and Chicago O’Hare airports.

Cllr Alan O’Callaghan, the Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council is leading the delegation. He said, “The clear message we will be sending out to more than 120,000 festival goers over the next four days will be that direct services into Shannon Airport and the West of Ireland are available.”

tourists toward using Shannon’s transatlantic services,” he added. “In an increasingly competitive international tourism market, it is critically important that we continue to ﬂy the ﬂag for our international airport by showcasing it and the county to overseas audiences.”

Seán Lally, Chair of the Clare Tourism Advisory Forum commented, “This tourism promotion is particularly timely as American tourists begin planning their foreign holidays for 2025. The domestic market has been a key focus of our tourism marketing efforts during the ﬁrst half of 2024 but as we head into the autumn, our focus must shift to the key US market where people are now beginning to plan where they are going to holiday abroad next year. We need to get out there and convince people to ‘Fly Shannon’.”

Group, which yields beneﬁts to local businesses, the tourism sector and local government across the region and encourages all to proactively market the services available,” explained John O’Malley, Acting Director of Service for Tourism Development, Clare County Council.

“Everyone interested in Clare tourism has a role to play in growing these ﬁgures and our cross-sector delegation looks forward to showcasing Shannon and County Clare, including our rich heritage and culture, to prospective American visitors over the next few days.”

“Clare has maintained a presence at this event for more than two decades which has undoubtedly helped to steer

“Shannon Airport recorded 8% passenger growth during the ﬁrst six months of this year, which is a great success by the efforts of the Shannon Airport

Covering 74 acres of Lake Michigan’s shoreline at Henry Maier Festival Park, Milwaukee Irish Fest showcases Irish music, history, dance, sports and culture. This year, Maurice Walsh of Durty Nelly’s will provide Irish coffee-making demonstrations at the event, which also will be attended by agencies such as Tourism Ireland and Aer Lingus.

l Stephen Hanley (General Manager, Clare Tourism East); Siobhán King (Fáilte Ireland); Alan Kiely (Cliffs of Moher Experience); Philomena O’Connell (Clare Co Co, Tourism Dept); Cllr Alan O’Callaghan (Mayor of Clare); Colette Costello (A/SEO, West Clare Municipal District); John O’Malley (Acting Director of Tourism Development); Seán Lally (Hotel Woodstock and Chair, Clare Tourism Advisory Forum); and Maurice Walsh (Durty Nelly’s and Vice Chair, Clare Tourism Advisory Forum).

Photo by Eamon Ward

n Celebrating my regional win earlier in the year at the Clayton Hotel with Network Limerick President, Fiona Doyle and Vice president, Eve Stafford

Champions Clonlara blow away Ballyea

in opening round of club championship

TUS CLARE SENIOR HURLING CHAMPIONSHIP GROUP

1 ROUND 1

Ballyea 1-20 Clonlara 1-28

Venue: Cusack Park, Ennis

Compiled by Gerry Quinn

STORY OF THE GAME

BALLYEA

Frees For: 11 (6/5)

Wides: 12 (4/8)

Scores from play: 1-16

Spread of scorers: 9

Top scorer: Tony Kelly (0-6, 2f's)

Bookings: None

Own puckouts won: 22 out of 41 (54%)

REFEREE: John Bugler (Whitegate)

“

CLONLARA Frees For: 11 (6/5) Wides: 11 (6/5)

Scores from play: 1-23

Spread of scorers: 9

Top scorer: Ian Galvin (14, f)

Bookings: None Own puckouts won: 23 out of 32 (72%)

MANAGER COMMENT

Barry Cullinane, Ballyea manager

“My initial thoughts are that Clonlara were the better team – we probably contributed a lot to that. We had a lot of silly enough turnovers. But I thought the second half performance was an awful lot better than the ﬁrst. We were slow to start but we showed a bit more energy in the second half and battled away, which is testament to themselves. Our backs are against the wall now. I saw a bit of the ﬁrst game and Éire Óg and Clooney-Quin were impressive but we’ll give it a good shot and see how we come out against them.”

SCAN HERE FOR MATCH

Donal Madden, Clonlara manager

“I think that the scoreboard ﬂatters us a bit. I think it was a much more even game than that and you know Ballyea are a serious side, they have some serious hurlers, great guys and look it, they have the greatest hurler Clare has ever had, in Tony Kelly. Just watch him down there signing autographs and posing for videos with kids. He’s a credit to his club and his family and everybody else. Shane O’Donnell did it, Peter Duggan did it for his club, Johno (Conlan) did it, Iano (Galvin)we are just delighted.”

Éire Óg edge out Clooney/Quin by a point in Group of Death

TUS CLARE SENIOR HURLING CHAMPIONSHIP GROUP 1 ROUND 1

Clooney/Quin 3-13 Eire Óg, Ínis 1-20

Venue: Cusack Park, Ennis

Compiled by Ross O'Donoghue

STORY OF THE GAME

10 (5/5)

Brian McInerney (2)

For: 9 (6/3)

8 (3/5)

of scorers: 8

Top scorer: Danny Russell (0-6, 4f's, sl)

Bookings: None Own puckouts won: 16 out of 26 (62%)

REFEREE: Fergal O'Brien (Broadford)

“We came out at the wrong end of it. We’re disappointed that we’ve lost. At the same time, we’re very proud of the way the

l David

lads applied themselves today. Their attitude was brilliant. We did our best. We’ve got very intelligent guys on the ﬁeld and we’ve got good ball winners. We’ve worked really hard over the course of the last six months on certain plays and building on what lads have done the year before".

Gerry O'Connor Éire Óg, Ínis manager

“It all came down to that last tackle by Aaron Fitz, and then the composure of our forwards to work the ball into Robert Loftus to get the score. They’re the ﬁne margins, We conceded sucker punch goals. We know what Peter’s going to do. You have to accept that he’s going to do damage. But the composure to work that last score was just fantastic".

TUS CLARE SENIOR HURLING CHAMPIONSHIP

GROUP 2 ROUND 1

Coroﬁn 1-11 Kilmaley 6-22

Venue: Clarecastle

Compiled by Ronan Judge

COROFIN

Frees For: 11 (7/4)

Wides: 8 (7/1)

Scores from play: 1-10

Spread of scorers: 6

Top scorer: Diarmuid Cahill (0-5)

Bookings: Gearoid Hnarahan (33), Gearoid Kelly (48) Own puckouts won: 22 out of 38 (55%)

KILMALEY

Frees For: 18 (5/13) Wides: 10 (7/3)

Scores from play: 6-13

Spread of scorers: 10

Top scorer: Michael O'Malley (0-10, 9f's)

Bookings: Seán O'Loughlin (30)

Own puckouts won: 16 out of 20 (80%)

REFEREE: Jarlath Donnellan (Wolfe Tones)

MANAGER COMMENT “

Joe Cahill, Coroﬁn manager

"We were in many ways coming into the unknown. Kilmaley played very well. We have targets set in the dressing room and we were way behind on those targets. We didn't do enough to disrupt Kilmaley. They punished us every time we failed to do that. But look, no excuses, they were by far the better team".

Conor McMahon, Kilmaley selector

"We're very happy with the performance. Our work rate from the very start was good and we made it pay then on the board. There's plenty to go in the group and plenty to go in the championship".

l Jathan McMahon tries to shake off Eoghan Donnellan’s challenge as he bursts out of defence.

Photo by Gerard O'Neill

McNamara is fouled by Ryan Taylor and Trevor Egan. Photo by Gerard O'Neill

l Aidan McGuane clears his lines with James Organ trying to close him down. Photo by Burren Eye Photography

SCAN HERE FOR MATCH REPORT

Broadford take ﬁrst blood overcoming O'Callaghans Mills in East Clare derby

Feakle off to a ﬂyer with opening round win over Cratloe

TUS CLARE SENIOR HURLING CHAMPIONSHIP GROUP 2 ROUND 1

Cratloe 1-16 Feakle 0-23

Venue: O'Garney Park, Sixmilebridge

Compiled by Eoin Brennan

STORY OF THE GAME

CRATLOE

Frees For: 10 (5/5)

Wides: 7 (3/4)

Scores from play: 1-7

Spread of scorers: 6

Top scorer: Rian Considine (0-9, 7f's)

Bookings: Kevin

Danaher & Diarmuid

Ryan

Own puckouts won: 19 out of 28 (68%)

FEAKLE

Frees For: 10 (3/7) Wides: 7 (6/1)

Scores from play: 0-18

Spread of scorers: 7

Top scorer: Shane McGrath (0-9, 5f's)

Bookings: None

Own puckouts won: 13 out of 24 (54%)

REFEREE: Kieran Liddane (Sixmilebridge)

MANAGER COMMENT “

John O'Gorman, Cratloe manager

“Everyone is out to get off to a good start in the group so this defeat means that we are now on the backfoot straight away. I thought as the second half progressed that we had got ourselves back in contention as we got their lead back to a point but we just didn’t push on.

Ger Conway, Feakle manager

“Cratloe have a lot of experience that have won championships before so there was nothing going to be easy about it, but lads dug in and hurling well so it was great to get over the line on the ﬁrst day out".

“ MANAGER COMMENT

Paddy Meehan, Broadford manager

“We absolutely got a tough East Clare battle, I suppose we got a few breaks and the team that was going to get the breaks would be the team to come out on top, we got the breaks and we got great scores.

MANAGER COMMENT

“We

TUS CLARE SENIOR HURLING CHAMPIONSHIP GROUP 3 ROUND 1

Broadford 2-17 SO'Callaghans Mills 0-19

Venue: Clonlara

Compiled by Páraic McMahon

BROADFORD

Frees For: 16 (5/11)

Wides: 11 (5/6)

Scores from play: 1-9

Spread of scorers: 5

Top scorer: Craig Chaplin (0-8, 7f's, '65)

Bookings: Cathal Chaplin (26) & Darren Chaplin (33)

Own puckouts won: 16 out of 26 (62%)

REFEREE: Joe Mullins (Clonlara)

O'CALLAGHANS MILLS Frees For: 15 (10/5) Wides: 7 (6/1)

Scores from play: 0-9

Spread of scorers: 8

Top scorer: Colm Cleary (0-6f's)

Bookings: Gerry Cooney (28), Conor Cooney (31) & Eugene McEntee (coach - 63)

Own puckouts won: 20 out of 30 (67%)

PJ O'Connell, O'Callaghan Mills manager

“We knew it was going to be tough, we got enough ball to win it but we came out second best in the full-forward line, the Broadford full-back line cleared out our full-forward line bar Seán Boyce, like Colm Cleary didn’t get a smell off Eoghan Gunning, it was a major factor, Seán Cotter didn’t get a smell either and our full-back line were up against it with their full forward line, that is where it was won and lost”.

“Inamona is the game I was most looking forward to in the group, we’ll see what we’re made of as it is knockout now".

Inagh/Kilnamona 0-20 Scariff 0-24

Venue: O'Garney Park, Sixmilebridge

Compiled by Eoin Brennan

INAGH/KILNAMONA

Frees For: 13 (7/6)

Wides: 11 (5/6)

Scores from play: 0-9

Spread of scorers: 9

Top scorer: Fred Hegarty (0-10, 8f's, sl)

Bookings: David Fitzgerald, Darren Cullinan & Keith

White

Own puckouts won: 20mout of 33 (61%)

SCARIFF

Frees For: 11 (6/5)

Wides: 9 (4/5)

Scores from play: 0-17

Spread of scorers: 6

Top scorer: Mark Rodgers (0-7, 6f's)

Bookings: Conor Downes & Patrick Ryan

Own puckouts won: 21 out of 31 (68%)

REFEREE: Chris Maguire (Wolfe Tones)

Mark McKenna, Scariff manager

“We are delighted to get over the line because we never looked any further than this match. We lost the opening game two years in a row and it made life awful difficult after that. But the difference last year when we won our first round against Doora/Barefield got us going immediately so to win again today is a great start".

l Adam Hogan gets to the sliotar before Cathal McInerney. Photo by Ruth Grifﬁn

l Stiofan McMahon gets away from Conor Cooney.

Photo by Ruth Grifﬁn

l Patrick Ryan gets away from Jason McCarthy.

Photo by Ruth Grifﬁn

Crusheen have the upperhand over Newmarket for second year running

TUS CLARE SENIOR HURLING CHAMPIONSHIP GROUP

4 ROUND 1

Crusheen 1-21

Newmarket-on-Fergus 2-17

Venue: Ruan

Compiled by Ross O'Donoghue

STORY OF THE GAME

CRUSHEEN

Frees For: 10 (5/5)

Wides: 16 (7/9)

Scores from play: 1-16

Spread of scorers: 6

Top scorer: Ross Hayes (05f's) & Breffni Horner (0-5)

Bookings: Cian Dillon (43)

Own puckouts won: 17 out of 34 (50%)

“

NEWMARKET-ON-FERGUS

Frees For: 11 (6/5)

Wides: 15 (9/6)

Scores from play: 2-15

Spread of scorers: 7

Top scorer: Peter Power (0-9, 2f's)

Bookings: Eoin Guilfoyle (43) & Shane Lynch (58)

Own puckouts won: 19 out of 38 (50%)

MANAGER COMMENT

Michael Browne, Crusheen manager

"That game could have gone either way in all fairness. The wind made it very tricky to get scores, both with it and against it. The Newmarket goalie had an opportunity at the very end but he was under pressure so it’s easy talk.

Really and truly we’re delighted to get the two points but it was real touch and go right to the bitter end.

"We led for most of the game so in that situation if you let it go, you’d be feeling very aggrieved and very upset. We tried to control the game and thankfully we succeeding in doing

it reasonably well. For us, we haven’t won a ﬁrst round in championship in I think ﬁve years.

James Carrig, Newmarket-on-Fergus manager

"Our shot selection has to be better and we have to start games better. We cannot stand off teams and let them dictate the pace of the game. That’s what Crusheen did today and that’s what we need to correct for the next day. We need to be the ones on the front foot from the word go.

-We’re disappointed today. We lost by a point. But the next day, we’ve another chance to get it right”.

TUS CLARE SENIOR HURLING CHAMPIONSHIP GROUP 4 ROUND 1

Sixmilebridge 1-18 Doora/Bareﬁeld 1-12

Venue: Fr. Murphy Memorial Park, Newmarket-on-Fergus

Compiled by Eoin Brennan

SIXMILEBRIDGE

Frees For: 12 (7/5)

Wides: 8 (5/3)

Scores from play: 1-9

Spread of scorers: 7

Top scorer: Alex Morey (1-9, 6f's, '65)

Bookings: None

Own puckouts won: 18 out of 22 (82%)

ST. JOSEPH'S DOORA/BAREFIELD

Frees For: 11 (4/7)

Wides: 9 (6/3)

Scores from play: 1-11

Spread of scorers: 7

Top scorer: David Conroy (0-4, f)

Bookings: Eoin McMahon (11) Own puckouts won: 15 out of 27 (56%)

REFEREE: Eoghan O'Leary (Whitegate)

MANAGER COMMENT “

Tommy Liddy, Sixmilebridge joint-manager

“We are happy is the main thing today was to come home with two points from Newmarket. Now we’re probably not as happy about the performance as we’d like to be but at the same time it’s something to work on for the future.

Oisín O'Brien, St. Joseph's Doora/Bareﬁeld manager

“It’s disappointing. I thought we were in the game at times but made a few mistakes which cost us. I think we got it back to two at one stage of the third quarter but missed a few chances and got punished.

l Jamie Fitzgibbon takes on Niall O'Connor.

Photo by Gerard O'Neill

SCAN HERE FOR MATCH REPORT

REFEREE: Niall Malone (Éire Óg, Ínis)

l Fiachra O'Braoin takes on the challenge of Eoin Lahiffe.

Photo by Gerard O'Neill

SCAN HERE FOR MATCH REPORT

Friday night feel for camogie championship

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

FRIDAY night lights will kick start the race for the McMahon Cup as the Clare Credit Unions senior camogie championship hits into gear.

Truagh/Clonlara won their maiden championship last season and put their title on the line for the first time. They will be expected to advance to the knockout

Group 1:

Truagh/Clonlara

stages and will certainly be in the shake-up for honours.

Losing key pillars Ciara Doyle and Amy Barrett will be a setback for last year’s beaten finalists Scariff/Ogonnelloe but it won’t derail their challenge as Alphie Rodgers looks to lead the East Clare amalgamation back to the promised land.

Inagh/Kilnamona after the disappointment of losing the semi-final following extra time to

Management: Bob Caulﬁeld, Owen Fitzgerald, Eoin Powell, Ger Begley, PJ Gully, Kieran Foley, Ryan Morris, Josh Egan, Jo Clancy, Michelle Caulﬁeld

Joint Captains: Laura Foley & Ellen Horgan

Key Player: Áine O’Loughlin

One to Watch: Aoife Dillon

Fresh blood: Aisling Hannon, Aisling Cahill and Amy McMahon

Departures Gate: Sinead Ryan (abroad)

Treatment table: Sophie Cullen (ﬁnger)

Newmarket-on-Fergus

Management: Patricia O’Grady, Brian Enright, Diarmuid O’Leary, Shirley Kilmartin

Captain: Jenny Kelly

Key Player: Ellen Casey

One to Watch: Emma Crowe

Fresh blood: Kate Kennedy, Julie Fitzgerald, Jessie Hogan, Caoimhe Hegarty, Sally Kelly, Hollie Fahy, Sammi O'Looney, Laura Mae Hannon, Amy Kilmartin, Ava Kelly, Ellen Byrne, Amy Madden, Kate Jones, Ella Woods

Departures Gate: Aoife Grifﬁn, Treatment table: Laura McMahon

Kilmaley

Management: Shane Slattery, Marie Hehir, Eoin Keane, Paul Kennedy, Colin Slattery, Padraig O’Connor, Michael ‘Pa’ O’Loughlin, Hazel McGauley.

Captain: Caoimhe Carmody

Key Player: Caoimhe Cahill

One to Watch: Keela Markham

Fresh blood: Kate Hayes, Emily Carmody, Keela Markham

Departures Gate: Rebecca Cahill, Alisha Pyne, Ashling Cahill

Treatment table: None

Sixmilebridge

Management: Sean Chaplin, Nathan McNicholas, Monica Fitzpatrick

Captain: Rachel Kelly

Key Player: Chloe Morey

One to Watch: Molly Purcell

Fresh blood: Molly Purcell, Orla Cahill, Mollie McClosky, Roisin Scanlon, Sophie Grady, Emma Fitzgerald.

Departures Gate: Sarah Loughnane (overseas)

Treatment table: Helena Ryan

Clarecastle/Ballyea

Management: Jason McCarthy, Christy Cusack, Catherine Carmody, Kitty Talty.

Captain: Doireann Murphy

Key Player: Doireann Murphy

One to Watch: Hannah Mai Neylon

Fresh blood: Leah Kelly, Gillian Scanlon and Ivanna Costelloe

Departures Gate: Amie Wiley, Emma O'Connell and Carol Browne (all emigrated)

Treatment table: None

Group 2:

Scariff/Ogonnelloe

Management: Alphie Rodgers, George Fitzgibbon, David Kennedy.

Captain: Rachel Daly

Key Player: Abby Walsh

One to Watch: Áine Rodgers

the champions, having previously been unbeaten will look to roar back into contention. They will be the three fancied sides with Newmarket-on-Fergus having slipped down the pecking order along with Kilmaley in recent seasons. Sixmilebridge, Clarecastle/Ballyea, Kilkishen and St Joseph’s Doora/Barefield will be bidding to cause upsets along the way.

Fresh blood: Áine Rodgers, Tara Murnane, Joanna Grady, Caoimhe McNulty, Nisha O’Neill

Departures Gate: Ciara Doyle, Amy Barrett (overseas)

Treatment table: Aoife Power

Feakle/Killanena

Management: Michael Helebert, Jim Loughnane, Donal Moloney, Pauline McNamara

Captain: Roisin McMahon

Key Player: Zi Yan Spillane

One to Watch: Bronagh Brady

Fresh blood: Bronagh Brady, Niamh House

Departures Gate: Laura McGrath

Treatment table: Lorna McNamara

Kilkishen

Management: John Cooney, Ollie Nash, Nigel Davy, Jim Lynch, Sean Hehir, Marty Baker

Captain: Alannah Ryan

Key Player: Alannah Ryan

One to Watch: Olivia Moroney

Fresh blood: Grainne Cooney, Olivia Moroney, Rhia Kavanagh, Eimear Cassidy, Claire Shanahan, Lily Boyce, Aine Moroney, Kara O'Flynn, Hayley

McMahon, Ashling McNamara

Departures Gate: None

Treatment table: Kate O’Gorman

St Joseph’s Doora/Bareﬁeld

Management: John Hoey, John O’Connor, Siobhan Hoey, Orla Ni Chonaill, Damien Burke, Emmett Moran

Captain: Aisling McMahon

Key Player: Siofra Ní Chonaill

One to Watch: Meabh O’Connor

Fresh blood: Departures Gate:

Inagh/Kilnamona

Management: Eugene Foudy, Flan Barry, Eoin McMahon, Marie Kenneally, Jack O’Connor, Tara Rynne

Joint Captain: Laura Rynne, Sinead Power

Key Player: Clare Hehir

One to Watch: Orla Vaughan

Fresh blood: Kate Dowling, Shauna Queally

Departures Gate: Sinead Quinn, Aoife Keane, Andrea O’Keeffe, Rebecca & Amy Keating

Treatment table: None

1974 All-Ireland champions hold reunion in EnnisGAA's ﬁrst performance lead

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

CLARE camogie’s first side to win an All-Ireland final held a reunion in Ennis on Thursday.

In 1974, the Clare Juniors defeated Dublin to win what was the first All-Ireland camogie title for the county.

Camogie was not as profilic in terms of the amount of clubs in the county with some players lining out with teams in Dublin and Cork. Teams were twelve a side with a goalkeeper, a full back, three half backs, three midfielders, three half forwards and one in the full forward line.

Ballynacally’s Margaret O’Toole who played for Éire Óg, was the Clare captain and the team was managed/coached by Éire Óg’s Michael Brennan.

Of the 74 side, Claire Harrington and Maureen Davoran were lining out with Celtic in Dublin while Mary Mahon played her club camogie with Muskerry in Cork.

The members of the Clare panel in 1974 were: Maureen Saunders, Anne Marie Russell, Geraldine Crowe, Martina O’Grady, Theresa McDonagh, Kitty McNicholas, Mary Griffin, Catherine Glynn, Maureen Kelly, Margaret O’Toole, and Pauline Ryan (all Éire Óg) Claire Harrington, Maureen Davoran (Celtic, Dublin) Teresa Daly, Bridie McGirl, Rose Kelleher, Mary Dolan, Eleece Fitzgibbon, (all Shannon) Anne Marie O’Loghlen (Dal gCais) and Mary Mahon (Muskerry (Cork).

The 1974 All Ireland Champions hold a seat with candle for deceased and absent members.

SCAN HERE FOR MATCH REPORT

Action from the meeting of West Clare Gaels and Kilmihil

Photo by Gerard O’Neill

Shine on course to be next Clare manager All roads lead to Limerick track

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

GRAHAM SHINE is set to be appointed as the new manager of the Clare intermediate ladies football side, The Clare Echo has learned.

Listowel Emmets clubman Shine who previously managed the Kerry and Limerick ladies footballers is to receive a two year with the option of a third as he becomes the successor to Wayne Freeman.

His appointment has yet to be ratified by the Clare LGFA.

One of the county’s top ladies footballers, former goalkeeper Emma O’Driscoll has been recruited as the team’s goalkeeping coach. A member of the Clare panel to win the All-Ireland intermediate title in 2009, she was between the posts when the county contested the 2016 All-Ireland final. She has won thirteen senior championships with Banner Ladies.

Eoin Murray who was coach to the St Joseph’s Miltown side crowned county champions in 2018 will be the team coach. The O’Currys clubman also worked at inter-county level as the coach to the Clare U20 footballers managed by Michael Neylon, both Murray and Neylon worked together during a successful stint with Miltown.

A member of that 2018 St Joseph’s Miltown panel is also part Shine’s proposed management team. Ex Clare footballer Graham Kelly is understood to be on board as a selector. He has coached the Clare minor

ladies footballers for the past two seasons and over the last six years has coached the St Joseph’s Miltown ladies footballers, guiding them back to the senior ranks.

Former Chairman of Clare LGFA, David O’Brien is another addition to the management as a selector. The Cooraclare man is currently sitting on the Clare LGFA officer’s board as Fixtures Secretary.

Shine’s full backroom team is to be finalised but physio Claire Gilligan is anticipated to remain in her role.

Graham was in charge of Limerick up until September 2023. During his two year term, the Treaty County reached the All-Ireland Junior final and the Division 4 League Final.

With his native Kerry, he also served for two years. In 2017, his first year in charge, Shine guided Kerry to the Munster senior championship title, while they bowed out at the All-Ireland semi-final stage to eventual winners Dublin. He resigned midway through the second season, shortly after Kerry were relegated to Division 2 of the National League but not before the league campaign had concluded. He was also at the helm of the U16s as they won two provincial and two All-Ireland crowns in 2015 and 2016.

by Michael Maher news@clareecho.ie

ALL ROADS lead to Limerick Greyhound Stadium this Saturday night for the Final of the 2024 willwego. com Irish St Leger.

Winners of the semi-finals, Clonbrien Treaty and Ventry Faith are sure to head the market, the latter was fastest in the semis but Clonbrien Treaty the defending champion can win back to back titles on Saturday night.

Racing manager Jody Thomson has a top class card on offer for patrons featuring several other finals with a big entry of Clare Greyhounds.

kicking three lengths clear of their rivals entering the back straight with Crokers Barky over a length to the good. Exiting the back straight the John Croker owned and trained by Stephen Murray of Sixmilebridge Crokers Barky had a narrow advantage and he just about lasted home to defeat Creevy Jet by a short head in 30.92.

The Final of the inaugural running of the Martin Fahy Memorial A4 525 yards stake took centre stage over Race week at Galway Greyhound Stadium and as the traps rose for the €3000 to the winner decider it was the Thomas Keane of Kilmihil owned Glynnscross Ted that trapped best on the wide outside and racing toward the opening bend the son of Droopys Sydney and Glynnscrosstyler just about lead from Peteles Phantom and Petes Noah.

Turning down the back Glynnscrosstyler led by over three lengths from Petes Noah as Guideys Bullet began to make ground along the inner. Between the final two bends the leader began to come back to his field and although Guideys Bullet closed with every stride Glynnscross Ted was home by three parts of a length in 29.42 to claim the inaugural running of a stake that commemorates one of the true gentlemen of sport and life.

On the long run towards the opening bend in the Crokers Kennels A5 550 Stake Final Crokers Barky showed pace to lead from Creevy Jet and Peteles Spirit with the front pair

As the traps rose for the Watchman at Stud Stake Final the well fancied Konfu Tommy trapped well along the inner and racing towards the opening bend. The Donal Cooney and Pat O’Donoghue of Broadford owned runner showed good pace to lead Esme Lady by over a length rounding the opening bend. Racing along the back straight the son of Concrete Jungle and Here Comes Sally extended his advantage to over two lengths and from the third bend he extended his advantage with every stride to six lengths at the over Esme Lady in 29.40.

The opening contest of the night was an A8 graded 525 yards contest in which Confey Junior and Killdoo Lass both trapped well and led the field towards the opening bend. Rounding the bend Confey Junior switched inside his rival to lea day a lengthy entering the back straight but approaching halfway the Kerrill Wade owned Da Final Whistle began to lengthen his stride and was as they passed halfway and once striking the front the Stephen Murray of Sixmilebridge trained son of Broadstrand Bobo & Believer drew right away to defeat Ard Molly by eight and a half lengths in 29.56.

The Tony Brigdale of Ennis owned Blaze Bay made it fourth time lucky in the S7 graded contest as he made most of the running to comfortably see off the challenge of Lallys Legacy by a length at the line in 18.60. From traps Rathkerry Anne was best away in the centre of the track but once finding his stride along the inside Balze Bay really lengthened well on the run towards the opening bend as Lallys Legacy showed pace out wide. Between the two bends the pair raced stride for pride but on the run home Blaze Bay(Slippery Robert-Sports Olivia) proved the stronger and won well. The Donie Duggan of Tulla owned and trained Rylane Lass stepped up markedly on his debut effort although he was hampered as he proved a length too good for the staying on Makaylas Dream in the A6 graded contest in a time of 30.04. The daughter of Burgess Bucks & Notimetotalk was away well in company with Calafia Park and rounding the opening bend Rylane Lass led by a length but running wide entering the back she allowed Calafia Park to lead down the back. Exiting the back straight Rylane Lass edged to the front and staying on gamely landed the spoils.

The concluding contest of the night was an A3 graded affair and as the traps rose the striped jacketed Hanover Storm was away well and racing around the opening bend the Leanne Fleming owned son of Slippery Robert & Be Slow Dor led Bay Firefly by two lengths. Turning down the back the lead was now three lengths as Baby Firefly and Knockdrum Charly gave chase. Exiting the back straight the lead had grown to four lengths and although the Declan McDonagh of Liscannor trained leader drifted a little wide off the home bend Hanover Storm eased home two and a half lengths clear of Baby Firefly in 29.16.

Clare man David Durack at The Olympics

by PÁDRAIG

David is currently on Morgane Metraux's bag, a Swiss professional golfer who plays on the LPGA Tour and the Ladies European Tour (LET). In 2021, she won the Symetra Tour's Island Resort Championship, which helped her graduate to the LPGA Tour. In 2022, she won the Ladies Italian Open and in 2024 with David on the bag they won the Jabra Ladies Open in France, which was located at the Evian Resort only hundreds of meters away from the Switzerland border her home country.

David recently experienced what it was like to be at the Olympics as he caddied for Morgane in Paris for this year's 2024 Olympics. Morgane led the field for the first three days which included a front nine of (-8 under) on day two which was an impeccable performance. Although Morgane fell just shy of the medals I spoke to David about his experience in this

year's Olympics along with some of his journey to date out on Tour.

1). What are the main challenges you find caddying on the tour and how do you overcome them ?

I find there are two main challenges. Being away from home for most of the year is tough. You miss family and friends. You overcome this by calling home often and by reminding yourself how lucky you are to have this opportunity. Another main challenge is energy levels. I probably walk the course 10 times over the week and it's usually hot where we are. You eat, drink water and rest as much as possible when not on the course.

2). Is most of your work done before an event and do you need to arrive days before the player ?

Most of my work is done on Monday and Tuesday. When I get there depends on where we're coming from the week before. If I can I'll arrive a day earlier than Morgane (or else early in the morning before her) so I can walk the course, see the tee lines and map the

greens in preparation for her practice rounds. You're always learning about the course throughout the week, particularly with changing conditions in terms of firmness.

3). Where did the inspiration come from to decide to take the leap to become a professional caddy ?

I was secondary school teaching for a while but fell out of love with it. I had caddied in Doonbeg and Adare so I just decided to give it a go and showed up to an LET tournament in Spain, was lucky to pick up a late entry bag, met a few people in the circle and

away we go. It was steep learning curve at first but you learn and improve all the time.

4). The Olympics is an incredible sporting event. How did you find it compared to a normal event ?

In terms of the golf, it wasn't much different to what we normally play on the LPGA. The course was probably the best of the year and the crowds were a lot bigger but otherwise it was a normal tournament for us. The Olympics and the Village itself was an incredible experience. You had great energy, colour and camaraderie everywhere.

Busy week of competitions at Kilrush

by Séamus Hayes news@clareecho.ie

It’s been a busy week of competitions at Kilrush resulting in some very good scores across ladies and men’s events.

In the Buggles Bar men’s competition Dominic Enright (11) won with 41 points from David Keane (9) with 39 points and Michael Meehan (12) also with 39 points.

The category winners were Geremiah Brennan (14) Andrew Egan (15) and Jason Hanrahan, Doonbeg Links (22) each with 38 points.

AIDEEN AND AINE HELP IRELAND TO VICTORY

Aideen Walsh and Áine Donegan represented Ireland in the Home Internationals at Mulcair Links, Scotland,. Playing against the host nation they won the foursomes match against Lorna Mc Clymont and Jenifer Sexton 4/3.

ENNIS GOLF CLUB

The TempleGate hotel sponsored Gaiety Cup 18 hole foursomes at Ennis was won by Patricia Moroney and Anne O’Loughlin (19) with 44 points from Carmel Cummins and Geraldine O’Mahoney (41) with 42 points and they were one ahead of third placed Peg and Bridie Hanrahan (19) with 41 points.

In the 9 hole stableford competition the overall winner was Mary McGrath Fahy (28) with 24 points.

WOODSTOCK GOLF CLUB

Winners of the weekend fourball betterball at Woodstock were Frank McEnery (18) and

John Dormer (26) with 52 points. They won by four from Joe Keane (9) and Rory O'Dea (20) with Ray Keogh (4) and Kieran Quinn(13) a point further back in third spot.

DROMOLAND GOLF CLUB

John O'Neill (19) won the men’s 18 hole v par competition at Dromoland at the weekend with a score of 3 up.

Cathal Nolan (8) with a similar score was second one ahead of Brian Maloney (15).

SHANNON GOLF CLUB

Laura O’Brien with 40 points won the ladies 18 hole stableford competition at Shannon from Margaret Ryan with 38 points. The gross was won by Michelle Pyke with 29 points.

EAST CLARE GOLF CLUB

Last week’s ladies open team of three at East Clare was won by Siobhan Shanahan, Catherine Minogue and Margaret Hoey with 66 points.

The ladies 18 hole stableford competition was won by Loretto O’Donnell with 46 points from Siobhan Shanahan with 42 and Nick Ryan from Pat McNamara and Chris Davi with third spot ﬁlled by Martin Crotty and Paddy O Brien.

LAHINCH GOLF CLUB

On this Friday and Saturday, John Madden’s President’s prize will be played for on the old course while the President’s prize to the senior Men takes place on the Castle course on Saturday between 12pm and 2pm.

On Saturday the presentation of prizes for the President’s prize along with the following competitions will take place in the clubhouse, from 9:00pm.

5). Representing your country has to be tougher mentally than just playing a normal event. Is it ? Do you prepare the same ?

Well, I was part of the Swiss team so no I didn't feel too much more stress or pressure. I'm sure to be playing was mentally difficult but my job as a caddie felt the same as a normal week - just there to carry the bag and give her the right information. Obviously being in contention brought its own pressures but it was more enjoyable than anything (regardless of our tough final day).

6). Shooting 8 under for the front nine on day two is the lowest nine holes I have ever heard of. What was the conversations between you going into the back-nine ? It was a crazy couple of hours to be honest. When it's going well then you actually don't do much caddying, you just stay out of the way and let her do her thing. We just discuss each shot as it comes and never what score we're on or how we're doing (unless trying to make the cut or trying to win on

Sunday).

7). How would you summarise your experience being a part of the 2024 Olympic games ? It will be one of the most incredible experiences of my life. I feel very fortunate to have been there, to meet so many people from all over the world, to stay in the village and be in contention for a medal. I hope I can do more Olympics but if this was the only one then what a week it was!

8). Have you many events left this season and what are the next few months looking like for you both ?

We're playing in Scotland the next two weeks including The Open at St. Andrew's so the experiences just keep coming! We then go back to the States for 3 events in September. We need to move up the rankings in these next few weeks to get into the limited field events in Asia from October then we finish our LPGA season in Florida in November before playing the LET finale in Malaga in December. It's pretty non-stop but exciting!

Eighteen qualify for National Finals

by Mary Phelan news@clareecho.ie

REGIONAL ATHLETIC FINALS

St Francis Credit Union

Clare Community Games were well represented by over fifty children at the Community Games Regional Track events in Clonmel on Saturday 10th August. They brought home eighteen medals, six gold, eight silver and four bronze. They all now qualify for the National Finals in Carlow on 24th August.

Gold

Hugh Melody, Ennis St

John’s – U12 200m

Emily Moran, Newmarket – on – Fergus – U10 100m

Caoimhe Mc Namara, Inch/Kilmaley/Connolly –U16 200m

Aoibhin English, Sixmilebridge/Kilmurry – U10 60m Hurdles

Ava O’Boyle, Ennis St

John’s – U14 800m

Abbie Gallagher, Doonbeg – U14 80m Hurdles

Silver

Grace Gleeson, Corofin/ Kilnaboy – U8 80M

Faye Waldron, Cratloe –U10 60m Hurdles

Gabriella Flynn, Doora/ Barefield – U16 200m

Elle Murray, Moylusa –U10 100m

Cian Vaughan, Crusheen/ Ballinruan/Tubber – U12 100m

Rian Barry, Clarecastle/ Ballyea – U12 600m

Jack Higgins, Ballynacally/ Lissycasey – U10 200m

Anna Murphy, Ballynacally/Lissycasey – U10 200m

Bronze

Padraig Healy, Inch/

Kilmaley/Connolly – U16 1500m

Rhys Cusack, Ennis St John’s – U14 100m

Evan Murphy, Newmarket – on – Fergus – U12 600m

Aidan Reynolds, Quin/ Clooney – U10 60m Hurdles

PITCH AND PUTT

The Community Games National Finals of Pitch and Putt for boys and girls was held on Sunday 11th August in Westport Golf Club. Clare was represented by three boys and one girl. Brian Conway of Ballynacally/ Lissycasey came away with the gold medal in what was a very highly contested event.

l David Durack ﬁst bumps Morgane Metraux

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL

BALLYBEG, ENNIS, CO.

CLARE

Take notice that Michael McMahon intends to apply to the planning authority for permission to construct an extension to the rear of an existing dwelling house and carry out alterations to the existing dwelling along with ancillary works at the above address. The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority, Clare County Council, Aras Contae an Chlair, New Road, Ennis during its public opening hours and that a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the planning authority of the application.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL

NOTICE OF FURTHER INFORMATION/ REVISED PLANS

Name of Applicant: Micheál O’Loughlin Site Location: Drumlesh, Inagh, Co Clare Reference Number of the application: 23/60450

The development applied for consisted of ; Permission for the construction of a 2 storey dwelling, detached domestic garage, onsite wastewater treatment system and percolation area, connection to necessary services, new entrance together with all associated ancillary and incidental site works

Significant Further Information / Revised Plans have been furnished to the Planning Authority in respect of this proposed development, and are available for inspection or purchase at the offices of the authority for a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the further information or revised plans may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee, not later than 2 weeks after the receipt of the newspaper notice and site notice by the planning authority.

CLARE CO. COUNCIL

CLONMONEY NORTH, BUNRATTY CO. CLARE

Take notice that Joseph Melody intends to apply to the Planning Authority

for permission for development which will consist of a revised dwelling house design, including amendments to site layout, all to that previously granted under Planning Ref. P19-987 At the above address

The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the offices of the Planning Authority Clare County Council, Áras Contae An Chláir New Road, Ennis Co Clare, during its public opening hours, and that a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the Authority in writing, on payment of the prescribed fee, within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the Authority of the application.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL, FLAG ROAD, MILTOWN MALBAY, CO. CLARE

Take notice that S. Mulcahy intends to apply to the Planning Authority for permission to alter and extend her existing dwelling house along with associated site works at the above address.

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

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL BALLYNAGRANAGH, CRUSHEEN, CO. CLARE.

Take notice that Ethan O’Donnell & Shauna Ferguson intend to apply to the planning authority for permission to construct a new dwelling house and garage, complete with a sewage treatment system and ancillary works at the above address. The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority, Clare County Council, Aras Contae an Chlair, New Road, Ennis during its public opening hours and that a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in

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

NEWSPAPER

PLANNING NOTICE

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL RIVERSIDE, SIXMILEBRIDGE, CO CLARE V95 TE29

Take notice that Dawn Kearney intends to apply for Retention Permission to retain a) the front elevation of the original dwelling house as constructed and b) the rear extension to the original dwelling house including all ancillary site services and works at the above address.

The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the offices of the Planning Authority, Clare County Council, Aras Contae an Chlair, New Road, Ennis, Co. Clare during its public opening hours.

A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the Planning Authority, in writing, on payment of a fee of €20.00 within five weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the Authority of the Planning Application.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL

DOUGH, LAHINCH, CO. CLARE.

Planning permission is being sought by Joanne Hession & Rob Henderson for modifications to the existing dwelling which include the removal of the existing rear extension, the construction of a new single storey extension to the rear of the existing dwelling, the construction of a new two storey extension to the side of the existing dwelling, a single storey car port to the side of the proposed two storey extension and associated site works at Dough, Lahinch, Co. Clare.

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

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL

ROSLEVAN ENNIS CO CLARE

Take Notice We, Tom McEvoy and Margaret Purcell intend to apply to the planning authority for permission to construct, a dwelling house together with all associated site development works and connections to public services at the above address.

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

A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application and such submissions or observations will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions or may refuse to grant permission.

CONTINUES

PAGE 37

The District Court No. 86.3 Public Dance Halls Act, 1935 NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR A PUBLIC DANCING LICENCE

District Court Area of Ennis District No. 12

Shannon Heritage DAC Applicant

LOCATION Knappogue

Castle situate at Knappogue, Quin, County Clare, in court area and district aforesaid, for public dancing.

Signed MHP Sellors LLP

Solicitor for Applicant

Solicitors 9/10/11

Bindon Street, Ennis , Clare

The District Court No. 86.3 Public Dance Halls Act, 1935 NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR A PUBLIC DANCING LICENCE

District Court Area of Ennis District No. 12

Shannon Heritage DAC Applicant TAKE NOTICE that the above-named Applicant Eamonn Fitzgerald as nominee of Sunny Bay Limited of 28 Pine Grove, Ennis, Clare, Ireland intends to apply to the District Court at Ennis District Court on the 27 Sep 2024 at 10:30 for the grant of an Annual Dance Licence a Licence to use a particular place, to wit:

LOCATION Claremont Hotel, Lahinch, Clare situate at Lahinch, Lahinch, Clare, in court area and district aforesaid, for public dancing.

Signed MHP Sellors LLP Solicitor for Applicant Solicitors 9/10/11

Bindon Street, Ennis , Clare

The District Court No. 86.3 Public Dance Halls Act, 1935 NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR A PUBLIC DANCING LICENCE

District Court Area of Ennis District No. 12

Shannon Heritage DAC Applicant

TAKE NOTICE that the above-named Applicant Camison Limited of Auburn Lodge Hotel, Galway Road, Ennis, Clare, Ireland intends to apply to the District Court at Ennis District Court on the 27 Sep 2024 at 10:30 for the grant of an Annual Dance Licence a Licence to use a particular place, to wit:

LOCATION Auburn Lodge situate at Gort Road, Ennis, Clare, in court area and district aforesaid, for public dancing.

Signed MHP Sellors LLP

Solicitor for Applicant Solicitors 9/10/11

Bindon Street, Ennis , Clare

The District Court No. 86.3 Public Dance Halls Act, 1935 NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR A PUBLIC DANCING LICENCE

District Court Area of Ennis District No. 12

Shannon Heritage DAC

Applicant

TAKE NOTICE that the above-named Applicant

Glor Music Designated Activity Company of Friar’s Walk, Ennis, Clare, Ireland intends to apply to the District Court at Ennis District Court on the 27 Sep 2024 at 10:30 for the grant of an Annual Dance Licence a Licence to use a particular place, to wit:

LOCATION Glor situate at Glor, Causeway Link, Ennis, Clare, in court area and district aforesaid, for public dancing.

Signed MHP Sellors LLP

Solicitor for Applicant

Solicitors 9/10/11

Bindon Street, Ennis, Clare

The District Court No. 86.3 Public Dance Halls Act, 1935 NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR A PUBLIC DANCING LICENCE

District Court Area of Ennis District No. 12

Shannon Heritage DAC Applicant

TAKE NOTICE that the above-named Applicant

Shannon Heritage DAC of Bunratty Castle & Folk Park, Bunratty, Clare, Ireland

intends to apply to the District Court at Ennis District Court on the 27 Sep 2024 at 10:30 for the grant of an Annual Dance Licence a Licence to use a particular place, to wit:

LOCATION Bunratty Castle situate at Bunratty Castle & Folk Park, Bunratty, Clare, in court area and district aforesaid, for public dancing.

Signed MHP Sellors LLP

Solicitor for Applicant Solicitors 9/10/11

Bindon Street, Ennis, Clare

Recent Deaths

Pat Browne Doolin, Clare

Brigid Haran (née Scanlan) Ennis, Clare

Bernadette Hayes (née Byrne) O’Callaghans Mills, Clare

Josie McInerney Cree, Clare

Sylvia Mc Namara (née Bolger) Meelick, Clare

Robert Forde Ruan, Clare

Margaret (Peggy) Hehir (née O’Brien) Kildysart, Clare

Michael (Mick) Honan Kilrush, Clare

Terry McGann Kilfenora, Clare

John WORLAND Shannon, Clare

Mary Deely (née Flanagan) Ballyvaughan, Clare

Margaret Garry (née Kelly) Bunratty, Clare

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 35

The District Court Licensing (Ireland) Act 1833 Section 6 Intoxicating Liquor Act, 1960 Section 29 NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR CERTIFICATE OF TRANSFER OF A LICENCE District Court Area of Killaloe District No. 12 Joe O Gorman Applicant TAKE NOTICE that the above-named Applicant Joe O’ Gorman of Belvoir, Sixmilebridge, Clare intends to apply to the Annual Licensing Court to be held at the Court at Killaloe District Court on the 03-Sep-2024 at 10:30 for the TRANSFER to the Applicant of the Publican’s Licence (7-Day Ordinary) licence attached to the premises known as Gallaghers Bar and situate at Kilkishen, Kilkishen, Clare in the court area and district aforesaid.

Dated 07 Aug 2024

Signed Stiofan Fitzpatrick

Solicitor for Applicant Solicitors, The Square, Sixmilebridge , Clare

To the Garda Superintendent, at CT.Clare.CE@Garda.ie, Ennis Garda Station, Abbey Street, Ennis, Clare, V95 TR83

To the Fire Officer, at fireoff@ clarecoco.ie, Clare Fire Station, Ennis, Clare, V95 CD74

To the Health Service Executive Official, at pehoclare@hse.ie

To the District Court Clerk, Ennis District Court

Joan Giblin (née Duggan) Scariff, Clare

Teresa MOLONEY (née Tyrrell) Kilrush, Clare

Pauline Whelan (née Corbett) Crusheen, Clare

Patrick (Pat) Connellan Ennis, Clare

The District Court No. 86.3 Public Dance Halls Act, 1935 NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR A PUBLIC DANCING LICENCE

District Court Area of Ennis District No. 12 Shannon Heritage DAC Applicant

TAKE NOTICE that the above-named Applicant Shannon Heritage DAC of Bunratty Castle & Folk Park, Bunratty, Clare, Ireland intends to apply to the District Court at Ennis District Court on the 27 Sep 2024 at 10:30 for the grant of an Annual Dance Licence a Licence to use a particular place, to wit: LOCATION The Barn, Bunratty Castle and Folk Park situate at Bunratty Castle & Folk Park, Bunratty, Clare, in court area and district aforesaid, for public dancing. Signed MHP Sellors LLP

Solicitor for Applicant Solicitors 9/10/11 Bindon Street, Ennis , Clare

The Clare Echo Quiz

The population of Clare pre-famine was: 94,000, 192,000, 212,000

Mooghaun Hill-Fort is the site of a prehistoric walled village and is regarded as the oldest ring fort of its kind in Europe. Is it in: Tulla, Newmarket on Fergus, Carron

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

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

5 Patrick Joseph “Pat” McDonald 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

which school? Ennistymon Vocational School, St Caimin’s or St Joseph’s, Spanish Point

7 The St Peter & St Paul Cathedral in Ennis is the 11th tallest spire in Ireland. But how tall is it? 226ft, 326ft, 426ft

8 Moneypoint power station chimneys 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 £5.2m, £15.2m, £25.2m

10 Which area in Clare is home to the Slow Worm, one of Ireland’s only two reptiles. Doonbeg dunes, The Burren, Shannon Estuary

Spot the Difference Last weeks Answers

James Doherty in possession

in which Clarecastle came out on top against Ruan

Photograph: Chris Copley

Burren

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

Photo by Julie Tillett

Best Daily Word Search: 8 August 2019

WORD

SEARCH

Creation

Dawn

Debut

Entrance

Entry

Outset . Overture . Preamble . Preface . Premiere . Prologue . Start . Womb

The Clare Echo Crossword

Onset

Origin

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

ACROSS 1 Distinguish (7)

5 Revolves (5) 8 Wooden shoes (5)

HOW TO PLAY

More Puzzles

9 Lingered (7) 10 Endangered (2,5) 11 Wingless parasitic insect (5) 12 Portuguese currency unit (6) 14 Foreigners (6)

Best Daily Word Search - 8 August 2019 -Openings Solve now (/games/best-daily-word-search/? puzzleDate=20190808)

18 Father Christmas (5)

20 Loss of memory (7) 22 Place of shelter for ships (7) 23 Maladroit (5) 24 Large, unwieldy (5) 25 Nullified (7)

1 Mislead (7) 2 Exclusive news story (5) 3 Guaranteed (7) 4 Stinging plant (6) 5 Of the country (5) 6 Free time (7) 7 Move furtively (5) 13 Restraint (7) 15 Yearning (7)

Began (7)

Infertile (6)

Term of respect in India (5)

Great pain (5)

Perfume (5)