The Clare Echo 16/01/25

‘Cusack

would turn in his grave’

by Lisa Mullaly lisa@clareecho.ie

CLARE County Councillors are taking on the GAA over their move to in troduce a €5 charge for U16s to attend Nation al League Football & Hurling matches. The previously free admission tickets now cost €5 and can only be purchased alongside an adult ticket. The GAA claims that the new arrangement has been introduced “to as sist with event control and health and safety protocols

for fixtures”.

However on Monday at the monthly County Council meeting, Cllr Paul Murphy (FG) said, “It is nothing but a money-making racket at a time when the GAA’s pocket has never been heavier.

“We are the home county of Michael Cusack, a founding member of the GAA and I’m sure Cusack would be turning in his grave if he heard of this” said Murphy.

CLARE’S YOUNG

l Michelle Shannon & Adam Hehir, from St John Bosco Community College, Kildysart with their project ‘Smog Sucks’ at the 61st BT Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition in the RDS Dublin Photo by Chris Bellew / Fennell Photography

Full Story p7

Health & Fitness

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by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

LIFE after Joe Cooney (FG) TD in the Killaloe Municipal District saw tensions rise between Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael councillors in East Clare.

At Wednesday morning’s meeting of the Killaloe MD in Scariff, Fine Gael members were left fuming after they ended up losing the position of Cathaoirleach.

Following the local elections in June, Cooney was elected Cathaoirleach of the Killaloe MD but his subsequent election to Dáil Éireann created a vacancy.

O’Callaghans Mills native Conor Ryan (FG) was co-opted to Clare County Council in December to take Cooney’s seat on the local authority. However both he and Cllr Pat Burke (FG) were unsuccessful in their attempts to get Ryan into the Chair of the Killaloe MD.

Cllr Alan O’Callaghan (FF). Cllr Burke then proposed Cllr Ryan for the role but he did not receive a seconder thus ensuring Hayes’ appointment. Cllr Burke expressed his annoyance at the meeting with the lack of engagement with Fianna Fáil on the matter, he was of the belief that Fine Gael should have retained the role. Cooney’s predecessor as Chair, Cllr O’Brien said he was upset with comments from Cllr Burke who was “politicising positions” instead of co-operating. Cllr O’Callaghan said he wanted all councillors to get along. Burke was proposed as Leas Cathaoirleach by Cllr Ryan, this was seconded by Cllr Hayes.

Dowling to retire as Chief Executive

Youth Worker with Clare Diocesan Youth Service, now Clare Youth Service and concluding it as Chief Executive of Clare County Council.

Dowling’s exit had been expected but was cember 31.

Appointed to post in June 2016 on a seven year term, the Knockaderry native arrived in Áras Contae an Chláir in September 2016 as Chief Exec utive and has since Novem ber 2016 lived in Kilkee with his wife Rose. The 61 year old is a father of six.

Outgoing Leas-Cathaoirleach of the Killaloe MD, Cllr Pat Hayes (FF) was proposed and seconded as Cathaoirleach by his party colleagues Cllr Tony O’Brien (FF) and

While last month’s co-option of Cllr Ryan to the Council along with Cllr James Ryan (SF) was a low-key affair, “True Blue” comments from Cllr Burke and Cllr Paul Murphy (FG) were understood to have caused annoyance among the Soldiers of Destiny.

Young Scientist

In March 2023, he in formed the Department of Local Gov ernment and the Public Ap pointments Service that he wished to avail of the op tion of a three year extension to his seven year appoint ment. Twenty months on, he has announced he is to retire from the role. It means his first and last jobs were based in Co Clare, having started his career as a

“It has been my privilege to serve the Council and the county for almost eight and a half years and it is my earnest hope that I have made a positive contribution to the reputation and standing of the organisation and the county. Working with Clare County Council has represented the pinnacle of

Feirme and rural development with Kildare Leader Company.

1999 when he joined the Limerick Corporation, previously he worked with Clare Youth Service, National Youth Council of Ireland, Macra na

“one of the biggest risks” in the 125 year history of the Council. He was involved in the multi-million euro redevelopment of the Vandeleur Walled

Garden in Kilrush; and the most significant tourism project to be undertaken in East Clare with the development Inis Cealtra visitor centre. On two occasions during his tenure, Clare County Council was named local authority of

He was also to the fore in Lahinch’s hosting of the 2019 Dubai Duty Free Irish Open serving

Also under Dowling’s watch, the County Council has voted to implement the highest charge of local property tax on a consistent basis. He has always stressed the importance of the Council maintaining a balanced budget and noted his pride at the local authority never recording a deficit during his tenure. He previously issued promises that issues at Blake’s Corner would be solved during his term as Chief Executive and has been a central figure in the creation of the Ennis 2040

Active Company (DAC).

Designated

Matheo Boghi and Mark Sexton, Holy Family School, Ennis trying out the newly opened DeValera Library in Ennis. The brand new DeValera County Library opened its doors to the public on Monday morning. The 2,321sqm building on Causeway Link, Ennis comprises a public library over two floors which includes the local studies centre, a 100sqm art

Photo by Eamon Ward

p24-30

Cllr Pat Burke (FG) and Cllr Tony O’Brien (FF)

Oisin Jackson from Mary Immaculate Secondary School Clare with his project ‘An investigation into the feasibility of using Ulva lactuca as a method in the removal of nitrates and phosphates from sea water’ at the 61st BT Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition in the RDS Dublin. This year, BT Ireland celebrates 25 years as custodian of the Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition, which is one of the leading school science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) exhibitions in the world

Photo by Fennell Photography

Future of Quin’s only montessori at risk due to planning discrepancy

THE only montessori in Quin is at risk of closing down due to a discrepancy in planning permission documents.

Páistí Beaga montessori was opened by local couple Patricia and John Hennessy in 2004. After 24 years in business and multiple expansions, the créche and montessori may have to close due to ongoing planning permission disputes.

The business started as a small créche from the ground floor of the Hennessy family home, located on Newline Road in Quin. The number of enrollments quickly grew and the business outgrew the space.

Currently, Páistí Beaga can cater for up to 70 children at a time. The business offers a pre-school service and after-school program.

In 2004 the couple received planning permission to build a bungalow next to their home to expand their business and cater for more children, under the condition that they move all childcare services to the new building and cease using the residential house as a place of business upon completion of the proposed project.

The purpose-built building was completed in 2005 and acts as the main location for the services of the

Montessori.

Despite the conditions of the original planning permission, John and Patricia have continued to use the ground floor of their home to facilitate huge demand in Quin for the pre-school programme.

To keep up with the growth of the créche there have been multiple changes made to the property.

In order to continue providing childcare services throughout Covid restrictions, Patricia and John built a covered outdoor area for the children to have lessons and still be pro-

The Town Hall Bistro

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

tected from poor weather. This was built with the aid of Government funded grants. They have also since built a steel tech shed to be used for storage or toys and play equipment.

John explained that due to a miscommunication, he believed that Páistí Beag did not need to receive planning permission to build the steel tech shed and outdoor structure.

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

In 2020 John and Patricia received a notice from Clare County Council for an unauthorised development due to the breach of conditions from

the original planning permission in 2004, despite the fact that the couple moved out of the residential house in 2009. The notice was also issued due to the lack of planning permission for the two new structures.

The couple had been advised by Clare County Council that they are not permitted to continue using their family home as a childcare service as the building is classed as residential, not commercial.

The Hennesseys submitted a new planning application in 2021 to attempt to retain the use of the ground floor of the house, the steeltech shed and the open shelter but then withdrew the application later that year.

This application was resubmitted in 2022. The Hennessys were granted permission on the steel tech shed but refused permission on outdoor shelter and the use of the ground floor of the house.

The couple made an appeal to An Bord Pleanala, but the organisation agreed with the decision of Clare County Council. They have submitted a second appeal and are currency under judicial review.

been no response by the CCDP, subsequently, the house remains a residential property.

Under the current circumstances, John and Patricia are required to cease any childcare activity within the residential property in order to retain the use of the purpose-built bungalow. However the Hennesys have said that if they had to stop using the residential property, they would have to shut down their after-school programme. This cut in enrollments would mean that the couple would no longer be able to afford the expenses of the play school and Páistí Beaga would have to close its doors.

“If the council proceed we are going to have to shut down the business, that is just a reality.

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.

In 2022 they also submitted an application to the Clare County Development Programme (CCDP) 2023-29 in an effort to change the status of the house from residential to commercial. They say there has

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..

“The staff’s going to be affected and you have the parents who need childcare. You’re talking up to 100 people and the kids themselves who need this facility. In fact, we need a bigger facility in the community, not reducing the size of the one we have,” added John.

Clare County Council told The Clare Echo that they can’t comment on the case due to ongoing judicial proceedingsand as the site is subject to a current planning application which is under consideration by the council.

The Brendan O’Regan Restaurant

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

by Lisa Mullaly lisa@clareecho.ie

l Páistí Beaga in Quin

Myers family ‘so grateful’ to community as tragic brothers to be laid to rest together

by Lisa Mullaly

lisa@clareecho.ie

A PAIR of brothers from Shannon who both died in tragic circumstances 26 years apart, will finally be laid to rest together following a huge fundraising campaign.

A Go Fund Me initiative was set up last week in a bid to reunite brothers Jack and Danny Myers, who were both victims of separate road traffic accidents 26 years apart, so they may be laid to rest together.

In just one week, the people of Shannon have exceeded their goal raising almost €11,000 for the Myers family.

Jack, the second of four boys, died at the age of six, in a road traffic accident outside of his primary school, St Aidan’s National School in Shannon, in 1998.

He was buried in Limerick with his paternal grandmother, because at the time Shannon did not have a graveyard of its own. For 26 years Alice and Denis have driven 45 minutes to visit Jack’s grave.

Christmas is a difficult time

for Alice and Denis Myers as it brings to mind the loss of their youngest son Jack. However, this year was especially hard for the Myers as they journeyed to graveyards in both Shannon and Limerick to be with two of their sons at Christmas.

“Having Jack in Limerick, it’s never something we have been comfortable with. Especially now that we have to drive over the site of Danny’s accident to get there,” Alice explained.

The eldest Myers son, Danny (38), was struck by a car on the N18 near Cratloe, in the early hours of the morning on June 1, 2024, whilst walking home from Limerick. At the request of his two children, Danny was buried in Shannon graveyard, walking distance from his son and daughter.

Since the opening of the graveyard in Shannon in 2000, Alice and Denis have intended to bring Jack home to Shannon. Danny’s recent accident has made the reinternment of Jack a priority for them.

Alice explained to The

Clare Echo that the cost of moving Jack’s remains to Shannon has been the Myers family’s biggest obstacle.

“To pay for Danny’s funeral costs, we took out a loan from the Credit Union,” Alice explained. “We thought about taking out another loan to get Jack home, but then Michelle broached the subject with us.”

ing help was uncomfortable for Alice and Dennis. The family had always felt that this was something they should be able to do on their own, a matter of pride in their own strength.

Michelle Halpin, a family friend of the Myers, has seen the difficulties the family has had to deal with throughout the past 26 years. Michelle spoke to Alice about allowing her to organise a community fundraiser to relieve some of the financial burden and help to bring Jack home. Initially, the idea of accept-

Michelle’s initiative to create the GoFundMe campaign allowed the family to accept the support of their community, a gesture that has brought them unexpected relief in their time of need.

The campaign has garnered support from the entire community of Shannon. In only eight days the campaign has surpassed its goal of €10,000.

Alice expressed deep gratitude to the community, saying, “We are so grateful to every single person who has donated. We are so grateful to the entire community.”

The overwhelming re-

sponse to the GoFundMe campaign has not only provided the funds needed for Jack’s reinterment, but also given Alice and Dennis a sense of hope and support they did not expect.

Through Michelle’s efforts, messages of love and solidarity have flooded in from friends and neighbours.

“Since Michelle started the GoFundMe campaign, we have been receiving messages from friends and neighbours saying that they have wanted to reach out and help, but didn’t know how. They are delighted that they can help in this way,” Alice said.

For the family, bringing Jack home is a step toward healing. The hope is that Jack will be reinterred in Shannon, where his family can visit him more easily and where he will be laid to rest beside his brother.

“We just have to hope and see. We just have to get there and get it done, and it would be really, really nice to have them together for Danny’s anniversary,” said Michelle.

Council treats more than 12,000km of National Secondary and Regional Roads in 10 days

by Stuart Holly editor@clareecho.ie

CLARE County Council gritted more than 12,000 kilometres of road utilising over 1,600 tons of salt over 10 days of this month’s cold spell.

Implementing its Winter Maintenance Plan, the local authority gritted more than 770 kilometres of the national secondary and regional road network during each treatment carried out daily both in the early hours of the morning and overnight.

Meanwhile the Motorway Network and National Primary Routes in the county were treated by Transport Infrastructure Ireland through its Maintenance Contractor.

Approximately 80 tons of a pre-wet salt with a brine solution is used per standard treatment by the council’s seven gritters, with this doubling to 160 tons as required during this current cold spell.

Acknowledging the commitment of the council winter maintenance staff over this period Director of Service for Physical Development Clare County Council Alan Farrell said, “Council staff have been working consistently since New Year’s Day from early in the morning until late into the night to ensure that the roads prioritised in our Winter Maintenance Plan were treated, often working in very challenging conditions. Staff will continue this work into the weekend as required, as temperatures remain

low in many parts of the county and winter showers make many of our roads treacherous.”

The Director of Service also thanked the Civil Defence who were on the ground assisting the public and other agencies during this period.

Civil Defence Officer Steven Hayes said that 20 of its volunteers work in challenging circumstances to assist the public and other agencies such as the Health Service Executive (HSE) and An Garda Síochána approximately 30 times last week.

“We set up a control room in our Headquarters at the beginning of the month to monitor the weather and the health and safety of our crew.

“The volunteers were often called upon very early in the morning and late into the night to assist with transporting public health and palliative care nurses to patients around the county, and patients to essential medical appointments.

“We also provided assistance to the gardaí with a number of incidences including missing persons search operations,” he said. For updated weather information see www.met.ie.

n Danny & Jack Myers pictured together; (inset) Danny; and Jack Myers Boulevard outside St Aidan’s National School

‘Cusack would be turning in his grave’ over U16 ticket price hike

by Lisa Mullaly lisa@clareecho.ie

AHEAD of the 2025 season, the GAA has moved to impose a charge for U16 spectators attending some senior hurling and football matches.

The previously free admission tickets now cost €5 and can only be purchased alongside an adult ticket. This new cost is only applicable for matches in Divisions 1 and 2 for the National Football League and Divisions 1A and 1B for the hurling equivalent.

In a statement, the GAA explained: “This new arrangement has been introduced after consultation with our counties and to assist with event control and health and safety protocols for fixtures that attract bigger attendances.”

All other ticket prices remain unchanged for the upcoming season.

On Monday at the monthly County Council meeting, Cllr Paul Murphy (FG) put forward a motion for Clare County Council to call on the GAA to reverse this decision.

“This levy is aimed at the

top 2 divisions in hurling and football. It is nothing but a money-making racket at a time when the GAA’s pocket has never been heavier” said Cllr Murphy. Clarecastle native Murphy

believes that this extra charge will discourage attendance and engagement with the GAA.

The added condition that a U16 ticket may only be purchased with an adult tick-

et will further discourage underage players and their families from participating in GAA matches as well as taking away teenagers’ independence.

“We are the home county of

Michael Cusack, a founding member of the GAA and I’m sure Cusack would be turning in his grave if he heard of this” said Murphy.

Cllr. Tony O’Brien shared his support and agrees that

this extra cost on families could impact the communities engagement with the GAA. “I think it’s a cynical move by the GAA based on an isolated incident. I think it’s going to discourage participation and attendance.”

Cllr Pat Burke also shared his support for the motion to reverse the decision made by the GAA. He expressed that he believes that this change was made due to an isolated health and safety incident and Clare supporters should not be punished for the actions of other clubs.

l Cusack Park in Ennis, where U16s will now be charged for entry to some club games and (inset) Cllr Paul Murphy; (right) Michael Cusack

Photo by Gerard O’Neill

Man home for family funeral charged with indecent assault of sister 40 years ago

by Gordon Deegan news@clareecho.ie

GARDAI swooped on a 55 year old man while home in Ireland for a family funeral and charged him with the indecent assault of a sister 40 years ago, a court heard today.

At Ennis District Court today, the man appeared in connection with the six counts of alleged indecent assault of the female in 1984 and 1985 at a location in Co Clare.

Det Garda Margaret Leahy of Shannon Garda Station said that the accused was aged 16 to 17 and the complainant aged 7 to 8 at the time of the alleged offences in 1984 and 1985.

Judge Gabbett commented “the charges are very serious”.

Det Leahy said that the man - who can’t be named for legal reasonshas not been home to Ireland in a number of years and had returned here for a family funeral.

Det Leahy said that she arrested the man in Ennis and he was charged in the early hours of Tuesday morning at Ennis Garda Station with the alleged offences and made no reply after charge and caution.

Det Leahy said that Gardai were objecting to bail as the man has cit-

izenship and family in the country where he now lives.

Objecting to bail, Det Leahy said that her concern is that the man has not returned to Ireland for a number of years, has family where he now lives “and my fear is that he will not travel back and return here for the hearing of the case”.

Det Leahy said that the complainant in the case has made a detailed written statement concerning the allegations.

Det Leahy said that the accused was aware that there had been a complaint made against him by a sister but was not aware of the charges pending following DPP directions.

Det Leahy said that she had begun the process of extraditing the man back to Ireland from his adopted country before he returned to Ireland for the family funeral.

Det Leahy said that the accused has no previous convictions and no bench warrant history.

Counsel for the accused, Cian Kelly BL told the court that his client had returned to Ireland despite knowing that there was a complaint made against him.

Judge Gabbett granted the man

bail on conditions to allow him to return to his adopted country pending the trial.

Judge Gabbett granted the bail after a brother of the accused came to court to provide an independent surety of €20,000 and the accused provided his own cash surety of €5,000.

Judge Gabbett told the man’s brother that if the accused doesn’t show up for trial, he will forfeit the €20,000. Judge Gabbett said that the accused will face extradition is he doesn’t return to Ireland voluntarily.

Part of the bail conditions is that the accused is not to have any contact, direct or indirect with the complainant in the case.

Judge Gabbett said that bearing in mind the charges, a senior and junior counsel would be required in the case and Mr Kelly agreed that the case “won’t be a legal aid matter”.

Sgt Frank O’Grady told the court that the DPP has directed that the case be heard in the circuit court and the accused was remanded on bail for the serving of a Book of Evidence on February 19th at Ennis District Court.

Clare house prices are expected to rise 6pc in 2025

THE price of the average second-hand three-bed semi in Co Clare is predicted to increase by 6pc in 2025, according to a national survey by Real Estate Alliance.

Three-bed semi-detached homes in the county now cost an average of €290,000, up 21pc on the December 2023 average of €240,000, the Q4 REA Average House Price Index shows.

The REA Average House Price Index concentrates on the sale price of Ireland’s typical stock home, the three-bed semi, giving an accurate picture of the second-hand property market in towns and cities countrywide.

House prices in western counties increased at twice the rate of the east coast last year as buyers battle over the

lowest supply on record, the survey found.

The absence of new home bilding, and historically low supply has seen three bed semi-detached homes in counties Clare, Donegal, Galway, Limerick, Mayo, Roscommon and Sligo increase by over €10,000 in the past 12 weeks – with an average annual rise of 16pc.

This is twice the rate of increase in commuter counties, which rose by 7.5pc over 2024.

The actual selling price of a three-bed, semi-detached house across the country rose by 2.1pc in the past three months to €330,602, and 9pc overall annually.

REA agents nationwide are predicting a 6pc rise in house prices in 2025.

The Hawthorns, Limerick Road ENNIS

Cluain Ard KILMALEY

36 Maigh Dara QUIN

37 Ashfield Park ENNIS

Lough Garr House, Dromore RUAN

Clonreddan, Cree KILRUSH

Moyriesk QUIN

13 Georges Head KILKEE

13 St. Senan’s Road ENNIS

64 Inis Clair, Kildysart Road ENNIS

Connolly ENNIS

9 Cois Eilbhe LISDOONVARNA

32 Rathban, Tulla Road ENNIS

Creggaun, Doora ENNIS

Ballyashea, Kilnamona ENNIS

72 Acha Bhile, Lahinch Road ENNIS

500 tickets sold for Clare football poker classic

by Seamus Hayes news@clareecho.ie

THE annual poker classic raising funds for the promotion of Clare football will take place on this Sunday (January 19) at the Temple Gate hotel in Ennis.

Over (500) tickets have been sold for this very popular event which carries valuable prize money as well as numerous spot prizes.

Since the event was first run six years ago, it has gone from success to success with numbers participating increasing each year..

All of the funds raised will be used to help with the preparation of the county football development squads along with the county minor, under 20 and senior teams.

Club members from across the county together with many past players and officials will take part in what, apart from raising much needed funds, has proven to be a most enjoyable social outing.

Support for this venture is strong from clubs across the county which support has also come from former club members who are now domiciled overseas.

Proceedings will get underway at the Temple Gate hotel on Sunday evening at 6.30pm.

Further information on this event can be had from organising committee members Colm Collins, Paul Madden, Mary Farrell-Keane, Niamh Madigan, Ciaran Browne, Kevin Callinan, Seamus Hayes, Tommy Tubridy, Donagh Vaughan, Fergal Neylon, Mairtin O’Loughlin, Michael Clancy, David O’Brien, Brendan Rouine, Ger Kelly and Michael Talty.

‘Cruel and insensitive’ to halt grants for gas and oil boilers

by Lisa Mullaly lisa@clareecho.ie

CLARE Councillors have strongly criticised the Government’s directive to halt grants for replacing gas and oil boilers in private homes, labelling the move as unfair and potentially harmful to elderly residents in rural areas.

The Department of Housing recently directed councils to cease grants for the replacement of fossil fuel boilers, effective from the start of this year. Under the Housing Aid for Older People Grant, boilers can still be repaired but cannot be replaced with new fossil fuel systems.

The policy, introduced under EU regulations, has been described as an effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by phasing out fossil fuel systems.

However, the decision has been met with sharp criticism locally, with calls to consider the unique challenges faced by Ireland’s ageing population, particularly in poorly insulated rural homes.

Sixmilebridge Councillor John Crowe (FG) said, “I think

that this decision should be challenged and it should be sent to every council in the country because this is a national issue.

“To exclude fossil fuel is a major setback for the entire country,” added Cllr Pat Burke (FG).

Councillors Crowe, Pat Daly (FF) and Joe Killeen (FF) have proposed a motion to Clare County Council calling on the government to reinstate the grant system for replacing boilers in homes occupied by older residents. The motion includes

a recommendation to lobby for flexibility within EU guidelines to better suit Ireland’s rural and ageing population.

The councillors’ main concern is the safety of the members of the elderly community particularly during the winter months.

“This week past has opened our eyes an awful lot to looking at alternative fuel as the main source of heat,” said Cllr Crowe.

Ennis-based Councillor Clare Colleran Molloy (FF) expressed her support of this

motion.

“I think it is very cruel and very insensitive and with respect to everything it’s not just the cost of retrofitting and making everything airtight, but a lot of the plumbers out there are so busy and it’s difficult for them to avail of the grants. It’s a much bigger issue,” she told Monday’s monthly council meeting.

Councillor Shane Talty also shared his support of the motion expressing his belief that the grant scheme is moving in the right direction in regards to pushing Clare towards its climate targets and reducing the county's greenhouse emissions but he expressed his reservations with the current parameters of the grant scheme.

“The idea of elderly people with broken down boilers, a simple repair, you're going to turn this into a full retrofitting job, it’s just way too much far too quickly. Those changes will come with the next generation.” As winter continues, the issue is expected to remain a contentious topic in local councils and national discussions alike.

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n Cllr John Crowe (inset) said recent cold weather has brought this issue of home heating into the spotlight Photo of Killaloe by John Mangan

Medical service in the Mid-West resume following cold-snap

HEALTH services across the HSE Mid West have largely resumed operating as normal after a number of days of weather-related disruptions.

We ask that patients and service users in both hospital and community settings attend for their appointments unless they hear directly from our staff and are advised otherwise.

Where hazardous conditions remain in local areas, we ask that patients do not travel to their appointments where it is unsafe for them to do so. Service users can contact their service and a new appointment will be ar-

ranged for them as soon as possible. Some local disruptions to community nursing, home support and other community services may also be experienced in the coming days as we return to normal levels of service.

Dr Catherine Peters, Regional Clinical Director, HSE Mid West, said: “We expect to see an increase in demand for health services over the coming days. This comes at a time when our acute hospitals are already seeing an increase in trauma cases associated with the winter conditions as well as a surge in influenza, with almost one

in every 10 inpatient beds in UHL currently occupied by flu patients.”

“We are grateful to the Defence Forces and to all of the voluntary agencies who assisted with transporting staff and in ensuring patients continued to access time-critical appointments, including dialysis and cancer treatments, during the worst of the weather conditions. As we return to normal, we are appealing to members of the public to choose the right care option and ensure that the Emergency Department is kept for the most seriously injured or unwell patients who need it most. For medical emergencies, please attend the ED,” Dr Peters said.

If you are unwell you should consider all available healthcare options, including local pharmacies, your GP, or the out-of-hours GP service. Many GP practices in the Mid West are offering extended opening hours. Please contact your GP to check availability and services near you.

Injury Units are open in Ennis, Nenagh and

St John’s Hospitals from 8am to 8pm, every day. Injury Units can treat broken bones, dislocations, sprains, strains, wounds, scalds and minor burns.

Medical Assessment Units located in Ennis and Nenagh Hospital have recently expanded their operations to 16 hours a day, 8am to 12 midnight, seven days a week. They provide a direct referral pathway for GPs to secure prompt assessment and

treatment of medical patients.

Patients who attend our Injury Units and MAUs have considerably shorter turnaround times compared to patients who attend our Emergency Department.

The Emergency Department at University Hospital Limerick remains open 24-7 for patients with the most serious illnesses and injuries, including life-threatening

emergencies. Anyone attending the ED with a less urgent condition may face long waiting times as the hospital continues to manage high attendances. With flu continuing to circulate at high levels, face masks are now mandatory in UHL. Everyone attending or visiting UHL is asked to wear a face mask for the duration of their stay and these are widely available throughout the hospital.

In all other acute hospitals in our region (Ennis, Nenagh, St John’s and Croom Orthopaedic Hospital) and all residential facilities we are urging visitors to please wear a face mask to protect themselves, our patients and staff from the risk of infection. Please be vigilant and wash your hands and use hand gel regularly.

Patients urged to consider alternative care options amid high numbers presenting to ED at UHL

THE EMERGENCY

Department (ED) at University Hospital Limerick is currently seeing high volumes of patients and members of the public are advised to consider alternative care options before attending the ED.

The hospital is working to ensure that care is prioritised for the sickest patients.

Surgery is limited to urgent cases only at UHL to help us meet the increase in demand from medical patients associated with the high levels of flu and other respiratory illnesses currently circulating in the Mid West.

Patients who are seriously ill or injured

or worried that their life is in danger must continue to attend the ED where they will be treated as a priority.

Less acutely unwell patients can expect long waiting times in our ED and are asked to first consider our Injury Units, GPs, out-ofhours GP services and pharmacists before attending ED.

Injury Units are open in Ennis, Nenagh and St John’s Hospitals from 8am to 8pm, every day. Injury Units can treat broken bones, dislocations, sprains, strains, wounds, scalds and minor burns.

Medical Assessment Units located in Ennis and Nenagh Hospital have recently expanded their operations to

16 hours a day, 8am to 12 midnight, seven days a week. They provide a direct referral pathway for GPs to secure prompt assessment and treatment of medical patients.

The Emergency Department at University Hospital Limerick remains open 24-7 for patients with the most serious illnesses and injuries, including life-threatening emergencies. With flu continuing to circulate at high levels, face masks are now mandatory in UHL for anyone attending or visiting and are encouraged in all other acute hospitals in our region (Ennis, Nenagh, St John’s and Croom Orthopaedic Hospital).

lSERVICES RESUME: University Hospital Limerick

He’s coming up on the radar’ - Dooley set for shootout for Ministry

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

CLARE versus Limerick has turned into one of the keenest hurling rivalries over the past three seasons but now the counties are set for a shootout on the political field.

The Clare Echo understands that Clare TD Timmy Dooley (FF) is up against his good friend Niall Collins (FF)

for one of the final positions in Cabinet.

Since the beginning of December, The Clare Echo has reported that Mountshannon native Dooley has been in the frame for a Ministry following his poll-topping performance in the General Election. He recorded the second highest vote of all Fianna Fáil TDs nationally.

There was surprise at Christmas time when predictions and pre-

views from Ivan Yates on the ‘Path to Power’ podcast and Fionnan Sheahan in The Irish Independent completely omitted Dooley from the shake-up of potential Ministers in the new Government.

Most likely portfolios for Dooley include Climate, Energy and Communications given his work in bringing the ‘Powering the Future: Liberal Energy Forum’ to Ennis in February, a

ADDENDUM NEWSPAPER NOTICE AN BORD PLEANÁLA CASE NUMBER 321474-24

role which would offer huge hope for offshore energy plans in Money point. Transport is an other potential Depart ment for the Tulla man.

On Wednesday eve ning, Fianna Fáil held a parliamentary party meeting to try agree a Programme for Government. If the programme is cleared by the parliamentary

party, Fianna Fáil plans to hold an árd fheis this weekend to hold a vote on entering into government among their members.

An internal list circulating this week among senior figures in Fian-

na Fáil details that Dooley will be promoted to a Cabinet position along with Mayo TD, Dara Calleary (FF), Kildare TD James Lawless (FF) and Waterford TD Mary Butler (FF). Outgoing Ministers Jack Chambers, Darragh O’Brien and Norma Foley are on course to be re-appointed to different roles with Agriculture Minister Charlie McConalogue to be dropped.

NOTICE PURSUANT TO SECTION 175(3) AND SECTION 177AE OF THE PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT ACT 2000 (AS AMENDED) AND THE PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS 2001 (AS AMENDED). APPLICATION TO AN BORD PLEANÁLA FOR APPROVAL: PROPOSED UPGRADE AND ENHANCED VISITOR FACILITIES AT INIS CEALTRA (HOLY ISLAND) AND MOUNTSHANNON VILLAGE, CO. CLARE.

Further to notice published on 12 December 2024, Clare County Council has sought the approval of An Bord Pleanála under Section 175(3) and Section 177AE of the Planning and Development Act, 2000 (as amended) for the ‘Inis Cealtra Visitor Experience’. The proposed development provides for upgrade and enhanced visitor facilities on lands measuring approximately 20.3 hectares located at Inis Cealtra (Holy Island) in Lough Derg, and at two locations in Mountshannon Village, in the Townland of Mountshannon. The two sites in Mountshannon Village include: (1) lands within the curtilage of the ’Old Rectory’ (a Protected Structure, RPS No. 464) and extending south to encompass a section of Harbour Road (L-4034) and Mountshannon Harbour car park, and (2) lands to the north of Aistear Park on the north side of Main Street (R352).

The proposed upgrade and enhanced visitor facilities development will consist of:

(a) Demolition of an existing concrete shelter (16sq.m) at Inis Cealtra adjacent to the existing pier at the north-west of the island;

(b) Installation of a new L-shaped floating access jetty and walkway at the north-west of Inis Cealtra Island at the location of the existing pier, consisting of a floating breakwater jetty, a stone and concrete causeway connected by a steel access ramp and a canoe launch jetty with access ramp;

(c) A series of new mown grass pedestrian paths on Inis Cealtra facilitating enhanced access to the island’s main monuments and natural landscape;

(d) Provision of three staff and public welfare facility ‘pods’ including a weather shelter (20sq.m), WCs (15sq.m) and a staff rest room (25sq.m), principally made up of prefabricated timber components;

(e) Removal of foul waste from a holding container forming part of a proposed dry toilet system on Inis Cealtra Island, and its transportation by tanker to an off-site licenced wastewater treatment facility;

(f) Construction of a public car park on the north side of Main Street, incorporating 169 total car parking spaces including 105 standard car parking spaces, 11 accessible car parking spaces and 53 overflow car parking spaces on reinforced grass in the northern part of the site, together with 6 coach parking spaces and 40 secure bicycle parking spaces;

(g) To facilitate the new car park in Main Street, it is proposed to remove two sections of an existing mound/wall (approx. 155m combined length) extending south to north through the site, together with the access gate and a 7.8m section of the existing masonry wall at the site’s frontage to Main Street on the southern boundary;

(h) Construction of a new part one-storey, part two-storey Visitor Centre with a gross floor area of 1,594sq.m to the south of the existing ‘Old Rectory’ building (RPS No. 464), incorporating a series of interpretation, exhibition and education spaces, together with a café and ancillary supporting spaces;

(i) Removal of two sections of the existing stone wall (approx. length 45m combined total) at the south and south-west boundary of the ‘Old Rectory’ site at its frontage to Harbour Road, to enhance access from Harbour Road and provide a visual connection between the new Visitor Centre and Lough Derg;

(j) Reconfiguration of the existing Mountshannon Harbour car park, providing for 49 total car parking spaces, including 46 standard spaces and 3 accessible spaces, together with public realm enhancements;

(k) All ancillary infrastructure and site development works above and below ground level including undergrounding of an existing ESB overhead line at the site of the new car park in Mountshannon Village, public lighting, drainage, connections to public services, site access, traffic calming, hard and soft landscaping, public realm works and boundary treatments.

An Environmental Impact Assessment Report and Natura Impact Statement have been prepared in respect of the proposed development and are included in the application for approval.

An Bord Pleanála may give approval to the application for development with or without conditions or may refuse the application for development.

A copy of the Environmental Impact Assessment Report and Natura Impact Statement and the Plans and Particulars of the proposed development will be available for inspection on Clare County Council’s website at https://yoursay.clarecoco.ie/holy-island-application free of charge or purchase at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy up to and including Tuesday, 28 February 2025, at the following locations:

• The of fices of Clare County Council, Áras Chontae an Chláir, New Road, Ennis, Co. Clare, V95 DXP2, during its public opening hours;

• The of fices of Clare County Council Killaloe Municipal District, Mountshannon Road Scariff, Co. Clare, V94 NY33, during its public opening hours; and

• The offices of An Bord Pleanála, 64 Marlborough Street, Dublin 1, D01 V902, between the hours of 9:15 am and 5:30 pm Monday to Friday (excluding public Holidays).

Any submissions and observations on the proposed development may be made in writing to An Bord Pleanála, 64 Marlborough Street, Dublin 1, D01 V902 or through the An Bord Pleanála website at https://www.pleanala.ie/en-ie/observations

Submissions to An Bord Pleanála must be accompanied by a fee of €50 (except for certain prescribed bodies) and must be received no later than 5:30pm on Friday, 28 February 2025, relating to:

i. the implications of the proposed development for proper planning and sustainable development in the area concerned, ii. the likely effects on the environment of the proposed development, and

iii. the likely significant effects of the proposed development on a European Site, if carried out,

A person may question the validity of any such decision by An Bord Pleanála by way of an application for judicial review under Order 84 of the Rules of the Superior Courts (S.I. No. 15 of 1986) in accordance with section 50 of the Planning and Development Act, 2000 (as amended).

Practical information in respect of the judicial review process can be accessed on the Board’s website www.pleanala.ie or on the Citizens Information website www.citizensinformation.ie

Siobhán Mc Nulty, Director of Tourism Development 16th January 2025.

Deputy Collins has been a Junior Minister for Skills and Further Education since July 2020. Geography means it may be a tossup between Collins and Dooley but Timmy’s cause would be helped if Limerick TD Patrick O’Donovan (FG) is given a Ministry by Simon Harris (FG).

A source close to Dooley told The Clare Echo this week “he’s coming up on the radar now” after the internal list emerged. “Micheál Martin will have to take into account Timmy’s very high first preference vote, it was the second highest Fianna Fáil vote in the country, the 38% Fianna Fáil vote in Clare was the highest of any constituency in the country”.

Speaking to The Clare Echo, political analyst and communications consultant Mark Dunphy from Connolly maintained Timmy’s vote in the General Election showed he is deserving of promotion. “A Ministerial portfolio should go to government TDs who receive the most significant mandate in the past election. Having received the eighth highest first preference votes in the country amongst members of the incoming government, Timmy Dooley has more than earned his seat at the cabinet table”.

On the value of Clare having a voice around the Cabinet table “for the first time since Tony Killeen was Defence Minister is significant. With strong senior and junior Ministerial representation for the counties surrounding Clare, Deputy Dooley’s appointment takes on added importance. The issues affecting our county and the wider Mid-West Region will be given a voice at decision making level.

“Deputy Dooley knows the senior civil servants and his way around the halls of Leinster House which will be to his advantage as he settles into the role and brings key local issues to the attention of his own and other government departments. His primary role will be as a parliamentarian acting on behalf of the entire country, but his appointment does place Clare in a stronger position to receive more than just the scraps from the cabinet table that we have become accustomed to”.

Fellow Clare TDs Cathal Crowe (FF) and Joe Cooney (FG) have not been in the reckoning thus far for a Junior Ministry.

l Cllr Timmy Dooley (FF)

Thought for the week: Is Your Light Shining?

Spreading

the word of positivity

RONAN SCULLY

“YOU are the light of the world." Matthew 5:14-16.

In many different faith traditions as well as in the secular world, many people are encouraged to be light to others or to bring light to others.

To be the light means in times of darkness you offer hope, encouragement, kindness, love, forgiveness and compassion. In times where others are struggling you offer a way to help them to regain their light and to help them shine again. You become as is often said a light in someone else's storm. You help them see the good and beauty of life again. To “Be the Light” may be to offer hope, or just to sit with someone, and be the presence and guidance they need. It may be offering strength to those that are in a moment’s weakness, or offering a smile, hug and joy to someone in random parts of your day.

When I think of being the light, I think of the ways other people have helped my heart to glow even brighter than it has in the past, from a kind word that is said, through encouragement, through a smile or hug that is given or joy that is shared.

Sometimes to “Be the Light”

means to carry on the torch for what needs to be completed or be made new. It may mean to give of yourself in a new way to a situation or cause or relationship you are in.

It may also mean to just be still and show that nothing really needs to be said at a given time, until the time is right. “To Be the light” is to foster peace and to show others the joy that is present.

It also means that you try to protect your flame from being blown out, so that you can be the light, and so that light remains. In all truth, beauty, and goodness, we are the light. In times of trial and struggle it means to illuminate what is wonderful.

In concrete reality, being the light may be loving someone despite their flaws. It may mean helping people through situations they do not know how to overcome, it could be empowering others to overcome whatever they are facing. It may be to radiate joy and celebrate the blessings that are present in life. But we must always remember to nurture the light in our own lives by spending time in prayer and listening to the word of God so that we can be that light to others in need in our world.

Saint Mother Teresa of Calcutta recounts in one of her books her visit with some of her sisters to an elderly man living alone for a long time as an outcast on the edges of society. This man was living by himself and had no family. When the sisters entered his house, they

saw that it was in a terrible mess, filled with dust. This man was tired of living and was simply waiting for death. The sisters cleaned his house. In the process of cleaning the house, they saw a very old lamp and asked him if they could clean the lamp and light it. The man refused, saying, “For whom am I going to light the lamp; there is no light anymore in my life.”

Mother Teresa told him that if he let them clean the lamp and light it, she would make sure that the sisters visited him regularly to share the love of God with him. The man agreed, and they cleaned the lamp and lit it and prayed and had a meal with him. Many years later, Mother Teresa received a letter from this man that simply said, “Dear Mother Teresa, I just want to tell you that the light you lit in my life is still burning.” Whenever I read Corinthians 13: 4-13, I think of this testimony of Mother Teresa, and the ordinary and extraordinary acts of kindness and love that many of us show in our relationships with others. To love is to light the flame of life in another person. The fire of love that we are called to light in people’s lives is the divine creative energy that gives them new life, new hope, new purpose, and a new inspiration and courage to believe and to live again. There are so many people today whose lives are covered by the dust of pain and sorrow; and whose lives are messy like the home of this lonely man that

Mother Teresa's sisters visited. Can we be their light? It is our calling as fellow human beings on this journey called life to raise those who have fallen, to wipe away the tears from the eyes of those who are despairing, and to bring the light of Christ into a world that is filled with so many pockets of darkness in the brokenness and wounds of these worrying times.

Thought for the week

As your thought for the week, we must remember that the most fundamental vocation and purpose of our lives is to love. However, love without sacrifice is empty, and love without pain is vain. Mother Teresa once said that humanity has cured so many incurable diseases, but one disease that afflicts humanity today is that there are many people who feel unwanted and unloved. May each and every one of us become God’s light and hand in the world to touch a wounded soul and heal a broken heart through acts of kindness, love, charity, mercy and forgiveness that flows from a deep place. Let me leave you with a daily prayer recited by Mother Teresa and attributed to St. John Henry Newman, it was said to be among her favorites. "Dear Jesus, help me to spread Thy fragrance everywhere I go. Flood my soul with Thy spirit and love. Penetrate and possess my whole being so utterly that all my life may only be a radiance of Thine. Shine through me and be so in me that every

soul I come in contact with may feel Thy presence in my soul. Let them look up and see no longer me but only Jesus. Stay with me and then I shall begin to shine as you shine, so to shine as to be a light to others. Amen." Whatever talents, gifts, and creative ideas you have, there is an unlimited number of ways to let your light shine. So go ahead, be a lighthouse and spread your light for you might be the bright light that others need to see through darkness and find their way home. We cannot let our light shine for God unless we admit our need for Him. Once we’ve surrendered our will, it is then the light can shine through the cracks of our sinful lives. Watchman Nee, one of China’s most influential Christian church planters, leaders, and evangelists during the twentieth century, wrote: “To secure one’s freedom we must experience God’s light which is God’s truth.” Once we’re free of the darkness, God can use us to spread the light of His truth. As we spread His light wherever we go, it will continue to grow as we pass it on. "Dear Lord, I'm sorry for all the times I have hidden my light from the view of others. I don't ever want to be so shy or ashamed that I don't share my faith when I have the chance. Moving forward, please grant me the courage to shine my light for all to see so that I might point others to you. In Jesus' name, Amen."

An tAmhrání as Oileáin árainn, Pádraig Jack, mar aoi ag Dáithí Ó Sé ar TG4 anocht/ Aran Islands singer Pádraig Jack, will be Dáithí Ó Sé's guest on TG4 this evening

LE MACDARA Ó CONAOLA

Imeachtaí/Events:

l CILL ROIS – Preab-Ghaeltacht chuile oíche Dé Ceadaoin ag 8pm i mBuggles Bar

l LUIMNEACH – AIFREANN GAEILGE, chuile Dé Domhnaigh, 10.30am, Mainistir an tSlánaitheora, Sráid San Doiminic, Luimneach

l Clare FM - Cúl-chaint le Domhnall Ó Loingsigh chuile Dé Sathairn, ag 9am ar Clare FM

l CILL INÍNE BAOITHE - Ciorcal Comhrá san XPO, chuile Dé Céadaoin ag 7.30pm

l 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

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

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

AN BHFUIL SCÉAL LE ROINNT AGAIBH ?!

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

Macalla an Chláir

lSeal le Dáithí: Pádraig Jack, anocht, Déardaoin, ag 7.30pm

Clare students learn about the benefits of beef at BTYSTE 2025

STUDENTS from St Joseph’s Secondary School, Tulla, Co Clare visited ABP’s stand at the BT Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition 2025 at the RDS in Dublin. This marks the eleventh consecutive year that the company has been involved in the event.

ABP staff were on hand to discuss some of the benefits of beef and potential careers in the meat production sector with visitors. Attendees learned about some of the health benefits of eating beef, which is a source of protein and vitamins.

This year ABP sponsored the Sustainable Farming Practices cat-

egory at the exhibition. The company has extensive experience with research in Irish agriculture including its demonstration farm in Carlow, which aims to help beef farmers reduce their carbon emissions.

A group of students from St.Joseph's Secondary School took 2nd place Junior Group Technology Category Award at the 61st installment of the event. Mae Burns, Noah Hanrahan and Orla Connolly claimed second prize with the project 'InstaVape: Ensuring Safe Vaping with Instant, On-the-Go Substance Detection.

l ABP's Michael Doyle with Emily Cronin and Kiera Kelly from St Joseph's Secondary School, Tulla

l Tánaiste Micheál Martin with St Joseph's Community College students at BTYSTE 2025

Photo by: Fennell Phottography

Doolin Ferry unveils new groundbreaking ship

DOOLIN Ferry is proud to announce the successful completion and launch of its brandnew, custom-built passenger ferry – Cliffs of Moher Express.

The largest and most advanced vessel ever to operate from Doolin, the flagship ferry marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the Co. Clare-based company. This eagerly anticipated milestone was celebrated with a christening ceremony attended by the O’Brien family, owners of Doolin Ferry, alongside the skilled team of professionals who brought this vision to life.

The state-of-the-art ferry marks a new era for Cliffs of Moher boat tours and Aran Islands ferry services along Ireland’s stunning Wild Atlantic Way.

The new ‘Cliffs of Moher Express’ is designed to provide an unforgettable journey, whether you're heading to the Aran Islands or embarking on one of Doolin Ferry’s renowned Cliffs of Moher boat tours. Key features include:

lA state-of-the-art stabilisation system for smooth sailing in any conditions.

lA retractable canopy on the up-

per deck for all-weather comfort and breathtaking views.

lAnti-motion sickness technology, ensuring a comfortable trip for all passengers.

lClimate-control system and amenities including toilets, bar and snack shop.

lFull Wifi coverage and cutting-edge sound system to add to the onboard experience

lEco-friendly innovations, including solar-powered technology and an emissions reduction system, demonstrating Doolin Ferry’s commitment to sustainability.

This new custom-built ship represents a lifelong dream come true for owner, Liam O’Brien and underscores the relentless pursuit of excellence that defines Doolin Ferry.

Speaking about the new ship, Liam remarked “This latest addition to our fleet offers unrivaled comfort, speed and innovation and is a testament to our commitment to providing an exceptional experience for every passenger. We can’t wait to welcome visitors aboard for unforgettable trips to the Aran Islands and Cliffs of Moher this coming season.

He added, “We’ve poured passion and innovation into every detail, ensuring a vessel that embodies the essence of Doolin Ferry’s commitment to sustainability and customer satisfaction.”

Sliver of Light line-up anounced

by Lisa Mullaly lisa@clareecho.ie

NEW MUSIC & arts weekender;

A Sliver of Light, has announed its lineup.

The weekender features a cast of incredible Irish & International artists.

There will be livce music from: Waterford dream rockers Ana Palindrome, Cinematic fiddle player Caoimhín Ó Raghallaigh, Cooks But We’re Chefs, Ireland’s own polymath David Kitt and Galway’s electronic folk artist Emma Lohan.

There are many more acts taking to the stage in Doolin that you won’t wnat to miss.

Alongside the live music there will also be a line-up of DJ’s playing at the weekender.

The brilliant Sean Johnston from

A Love From Outer Space will take to the decks - the famous party he ran with Andrew Weatherall for many years - and continues to run with nothing less than a devotional following for his incredible selections and expert control of pace and tempo. Add to this a cast of great Irish djs - our very own dancefloor destroyer Ali Morris, the wonderful January Winters, local heroes My Name Is John and Sunday Spinners, alongside the crew from much loved bar The Big Romance Soundsystem, Clare’s Piqué, and of course Homebeat Djs.

A Sliver Of Light will take place in Hotel Doolin, Friday 24 – Sunday 26 January. Tickets & Info: www.asliveroflight.ie

Proactive vehicle maintenance; how to avoid an NCT fail

HALF of the the vehicles tested in Ennis failed the National Car Test (NCT) in 2024.

The road Safety Authority (RSA) is calling on vehicle owners to embrace the responsibility of car-ownership as National Car Test (NCT) failure rates increase.

The RSA reported 875,901 (47%) vehicles failed their NC in 2024, with 7,639 of thesew vehicles recieving a “failed dangerous” result.

Martin Daly Autos has teamed up with The Clare Echo to bring you a complete vehicle checklist so can avoid a failed NCT test.

Tyres

According to the RSA; tyres are the leading cause of “Fail Dangerous” results, often due to tread depths below the legal limit of 1.6mm. Make sure to get your tyres checked regularly and changed by a professional when needed.

The horn

If your car horn is not working properly or is not securely mounted, it can fail the NCT, so it’s important to make sure the horn works properly.

Seat belts

Seatbelts are the most important safety feature in your car. Ensure all seatbelts are in good condition and operate correctly.

Windscreen wipers and washers

Visibilty is crucial when driving, so if the wipers and washers don’t clean the windscreen area adequately, the driver won’t have a clear view and it can fail the NCT.. Make sure that water comes out of the washers, that the washer fluid is topped up and that they aim directly onto the right area that needs to be cleaned.

Lights

Make sure all of the lights in

your car are in good working order. This includes indicators, side lights, stop lights, head lights and even your registration plate light.

Front and rear registration plate

Both the front and rear registration plate should be cleaned, visible and legible and of the right colour.

Brakes

Your brakes should be working effectively without any unusual noises or sensations. If you can, check the brake fluid level too and ensure it’s at an appropriate level.

Exhaust and emissions

Check for any unusual noises or smoke coming from the exhaust. If possible, have the emissions tested beforehand to ensure they meet the legal requirements.

Steering

Check for any excessive play in the steering wheel and ensure it operates smoothly.

The NCT, although it may be an inconvenience is necessary to ensure all of the cars on our roads are safe to operate.

Make sure to get your car ser-

viced regularly by a registered professional, like Martin Daly Autos, to ensure your car is running safely and smoothly.

l WEEKEND FESTIVAL: Hotel Doolin

l NCT FAIL: Get your tyres checked prior to your NCT

l CLIFFS OF MOHER EXPRESS: The O'brien family at new ship launch

Ennis native Bláthnaid to guest judge on TG4 fashion series

Ennis singer and TV presenter Bláthnaid O'Donoghue (Ní Dhonnchadha) is scehduled to appear as a guest judge on TG4's new sustainable fashion competition.

Síorstíl, the premiere Irish language fashion competiton that challenges six talented designers to transform second-hand and recycled materials into high fashion masterpieces. The show will be hosted by Sinéad Ní Uallacháin and judged by Moya Doogan and Rónán Ó Dálaigh,

In each episode, contestants face different design challenges that test their skills in sustainability, innovation, and style. The grand prize goes to the designer who can best demonstrate the transformative power of repurposed materials while maintaining the creative flair needed for high fashion. Alongside the regular judging panel, each episode features a guest judge connected to the challenge, including notable figures like Ciara Ní É, Bláthnaid O’Donoghue, Sexy Tadhg, Jade Pepper, Don O’Neill, and Fionnu-

ala Jay. Bláthnaid will be judging in the second episode on Wednesday January 22 at 8.30pm.

The show’s first episode, airing on January 15, kicks off with a bold challenge where the designers must create a fashion-forward outfit using leftover items found at a festival campsite, such as sleeping bags and tents. From there, the contestants will take on new challenges each week, testing their

ability to reimagine the potential of everyday materials. From drag to the red carpet, the possibilities are endless. “We are delighted to have had the opportunity to produce this really important series, putting creativity and sustainability front and centre,” says Darach Ó Tuairisg, Executive Producer at Fíbín Media. “The importance of sustainability can’t be underestimated, and we need to be pioneering in our approach. Síorstíl does exactly that, and we hope it inspires everyone to rethink their approach to fashion.”

Tune in to Síorstíl starting Wednesday January 15 2025, and join us in reimagining the future of fashion.

The series was funded by Coimisiún na Meán along with TG4.

lSustainable Fashion: Bláthnaid O'Donoghue

Blue Monday at Arc Cinema

BLUE Monday, often called “the most depressing day of the year,” is getting a much-needed twist at The Arc Cinema.

On Monday, 20th January, all tickets for every film will be just €6.50 all day long—nearly a 50% discount!

Now in its third year, The Parnell Street cinema’s Blue Monday promotion has become a hit with customers, helping them swap the January blues for the magic of the big screen.

The idea of Blue Monday was first introduced in 2004, when psychologist Cliff Arnall created a formula identifying the third Monday of January as the year’s gloomiest day. With factors like weather, post-Christmas debt, failed New Year’s resolutions, and low motivation, it’s easy to see why. But instead of giving in to the gloom, The Arc Cinema invites everyone to turn it into the most entertaining Monday of the year.

Movies on offer include the critically acclaimed ‘Better Man’ (the Robbie Williams story from the director of The Greatest Showman), the stunning Bob Dylan biopic ‘Complete Unknown’ starring Timothée Chalamet, or family fun with ‘Sonic the Hedgehog 3.’ With plenty more great films showing, check out ArcCinema.ie for full listings and to book tickets.

Cathal O’Sullivam Cinema Manager at The Arc Cinema, said: “We’ve been running the Blue Monday promotion for three years now, and it’s always amazing to see people turning what’s supposed to be a gloomy day into a joyful experience. Last year, the response was fantastic— so many people came to enjoy a day at the movies with us. This year, we’re thrilled to do it again and make Blue Monday the highlight of January! Grab your friends, grab your tickets, and join us for an unforgettable cinema experience.”

Tickets are on sale now at ArcCinema.

Clare Type 1 Diabetes Group January meet-up

The next meet-up of the Clare Adults with Type 1 Diabetes Group will take place on Wednesday, January 22 from 7:30pm - 9:30pm in The Old Ground Hotel, Ennis. The meetings are free to attend, open to anyone who wants to learn more about Type 1 Diabetes and an excellent opportunity to meet others. Newcomers and parents of children with Type 1 Diabetes are welcome! More information is available via email diabetesinClare@gmail.com.

Start planning your 2025 garden in January

JANUARY can be a quiet month in the gardens but lots to get ready for and her are some suggestions for you to thinks about or consider doing to be ready for the spring. Plan for the year ahead, sketch out your garden layout and decide on crop rotation for your vegetable garden.

Check what seeds and bulbs you may have stored and have your pots and compost/soil ready to start planting. Maybe you want to add some varieties to your collection for upcoming season like more bulbs bluebells snowdrops.

Feed the soil of beds before planting with soil enricher, farmyard manure, or by adding compost.

Check the structures in the garden for any damage due to the weather like trellises and fences or even the gardening panels with the storms these needs a regular inspecting. Now is an ideal time for planting bareroot hedges and filling in gaps in existing hedges it’s not only cost friendly they are easy to plant once the ground has been prepared. January may not be the most glamorous gardening month, but it’s the foundation for a successful year ahead.

Primulas are a lovely addition to brighten up your pots now and make a lovely addi-

l BAREROOT HEDGES: now is te ideal time for planting hedgaes and planning out your garden

Judge orders Shannon based Halal meat operator to court over unpaid debt to meat firm

by Gordon Deegan news@clareecho.ie

A JUDGE has directed that the owner of a Shannon based Halal meat plant operator, Asba Meats attend court in relation to an unpaid debt of €16,931 to another meat firm.

At Ennis District Court, Judge Alec Gabbett made the order that the owner of Asba Meats Ltd attend, commenting that the court has been “led a merry dance” by the company in the past.

Judge Gabbett made the order concerning a case being brought by Town and Country Meats Group Ltd against Asba Meats Ltd over the unpaid €16,931 debt.

Solicitor for Town and Country Meats Group, Stiofan Fitzpatrick told the court that his client had obtained judgement against Asba Meats for the amount.

The summons directed that Asba Meats attend after Town and Country Meats Group had obtained an order in the circuit court on June 4th 2024 and that the company recover €16,181 from Asba Meats along with €750 in costs and expenses.

The court documentation states that Town and Country Meats Group claim that the order has not been complied with and the total now due is €16,931.

Last month, in a separate case, the Agri-Food Regulator recorded its first conviction for a breach of the unfair trading practices (UTP) Regulations against Asba Meats at the same court.

The case concerned Asba Meats Ltd over the non payment of €10,059 for cattle delivered to the slaughter plant by a west of Ireland farmer, Pat McGrath.

In relation to the Town and Country Meats Group case, Mr Fitzpatrick said that there was no attendance in court on behalf of anyone representing Asba Meats.

A court summons was issued

last November for a representative of Asba Meats to attend under the Enforcement of Court Orders Act concerning the Town & Country Meats Group case.

Judge Gabbett said that he would issue his own order for the attendance of Asba Meats for the next civil date in court on February 21st.

Recently filed accounts show

that Asba Meats Ltd recorded post tax profits of €138,813 for 2023. Numbers employed by the business increased from 44 to 55 in 2023.

As part of the penalty against Asba Meats of Beechpark Logistics Centre, Smithstown Industrial Estate in the Agri-Food Regulator case, Judge Gabbett ordered the firm to pay a hefty district court

DEBT: Asba meats

l

costs bill of €10,163 (incl VAT) along with a €1,000 fine.

Mr McGrath was fully paid after the firm paid the outstanding €5,000 in the day before court.

Judge Gabbett commented: "This man chose to go to the regulator in order to get paid - he is now paid in full, but by God has he had to wait a long time and that is not very comforting to the farmers of Ireland who are trying to survive.”

Owner of Asba Meats, Tarequr Rahman Khan appeared for the first time in court last month in relation to the Agri Food Regulator case after Judge Gabbett directed that he attend.

Mr Khan was also legally represented and on his behalf, Mr Khan’s solicitor, Enda O’Connor told the court that the “debt has been fully repaid and I don’t believe that there are other outstanding debtors and Mr Khan is almost fully back on his feet”.

Mr O’Connor added: “Mr Khan has a bit of road to travel yet but he has made significant progress. He is a serious employer. He is a serious business individual and he is doing his best."

He said that there have been other consequences for Mr Khan amongst other farmers.

Mr O'Connor said that Mr Khan has built his business through an aggressive expansion which put him under significant pressure.

He said: “Mr Khan has learned a salutary lesson from being here.”

Shannon Musical Society announce 45th production

AFTER the success of last years production

The Little Mermaid last year, the Shannon musical society have announced the title of their 45th production.

This year the organisation will bring the musical "Cry-baby" to the stage of St.Patricks Comprehensive School.

Tony Finnegan and Carmel Griffin are back as director and musical directors. Stephen O'Ríain will join the team this year as the productions choreographer.

The brain child of John Waters during his transition to mainstream film "Cry-baby" is nearly a parody of story telling itself. Aiming to satirise purity culture of 1950’s America. While this story is based in Baltimore there’s something so universal about sticking it to the man. Which is why the Shannon musical society have decided to delight Shannon audiences with this timeless tale of straight lacers and renegades.

The musical focuses on Alison, she is a total Square until she meets orphaned “Cry Baby” Wade Walker who is the leader of the

Drapes a group of delinquents. A romance occurs between the star crossed lovers.

This story was musicalised by the same people who produced Hairspray (another John Waters classic). The music has a humours twist using the upbeat sounds of the nineteen fifties as the perfect punchline.

The show will run from Sunday February 16 to Saturday February 22.

Tickets for this production will be on sale February 1, 2025. Tickets can be purchased using the QR code below. You can also click the link on the societies Facebook and Instagram pages.

UNPAID

lCRY-BABY: The cast of Cry-Baby with the Shannon Musical Society

Public Consultation on West Clare bus enhancements calls for community input

THE NATIONAL Transport Authority (NTA) has opened a public consultation on plans to improve the levels of bus services in West Clare.

The plans proposed aim to improve journey times for passengers while providing more reliable, frequent services to local communities along the Wild Atlantic Way.

Under the proposals, the NTA plans to increase the frequency of Route 350 to every 90-120 minutes throughout the day as well as introducing new evening services.

To ensure the reliability and efficiency of the service and to take account of local traffic issues, the proposals include plans to re-align the service to operate between Lisdoonvarna and Ballyvaughan via the N67, providing a more direct route for most passengers on the route.

Route 333, which operates between Ennis and Kilkee via Doonbeg, will be rerouted under the proposals to make the service more direct. This will see the route operate between Ennistymon and Ennis via Inagh instead of its current alignment through Corofin and Kilfenora.

A new service, Route 338, will be introduced under the proposals and will operate between Ennistymon and Ennis via Lisdoonvara, Kilfenora and Corofin, replacing the Route 333’s service.

To complement the changes to Route 350, Route 350C will operate along the R477

Kilmaley senior camogie team are seeking sponsors

HOW would your company like to Sponsor the Kilmaley Senior Camogie team for 2025 & 2026?

The Kilmaley Senior Camogie team are currently raising funds to cover expenses of the Senior & Junior squad over the next two years, which will include, Physio, Sliotars, Gear, Team Bonding, S&C Coaches/ Program, Pilates, Recovery Sessions, Hurling Coaches...

€250 donation per company will get the following:

- Entry into 2 draws to be Senior Team Sponsor for 2025 & 2026

- 1 Sponsor Front of Jersey & 1 Sponsor on Back

- Acknowledgement on Kilmaley Camogie Club Social media channels throughout the year

- Monthly Sponsors Draw: 1st of every month an alternative sponsor will be chosen to be featured on our social media pages and will be promoted throughout that month.

- Draw will take place on 1st of February at Kilmaley Inn, a table quiz will also take place on the night.

Kilmaley Senior Camogie Captain & Inter County midfielder Caoimhe Carmody shared ‘This initiative has been fantastic so far, the girls and the management team have really got behind it in a bid to raise funds to drive our standards on the pitch. We are a determined bunch who want to get to the next level and feel this support will be invaluable in enabling us to reach our full potential. As our underage teams are experiencing plenty success, we

want these talented, younger girls to be able to transition into a professional adult set up where they can reach their maximum potential. We as a squad are extremely grateful to all the companies and individuals who have supported us so far, it has been brilliant and is much appreciated.

Shane Slattery, Manager of both the Adult Senior and Junior squads for 2025, stated: ‘On behalf of the Kilmaley Adult Camogie squad & Management team, we would like to express our sincere gratitude to all the companies and individuals who have supported our fundraiser to date. Each donation plays a crucial role in helping us create a professional environment where all of our panel members can thrive and succeed. Our Kilmaley Adult Camogie squad is made up of exceptional role models to the community, including five county players, several underage development squad members across both codes, young mothers, and high-achieving professional and academic women—all of whom dedicate themselves to training three times a week to represent the parish of Kilmaley at the highest level. Any additional support will have a meaningful impact and provide this incredibly driven & immensely talented group with the best opportunity to succeed in 2025 and beyond.’

For more information or to make a donation, please contact Shane Slattery at 087673-1064 or any member of the Kilmaley Camogie Club executive before the end of January. ‘

via Fanore and onto Kinvara, providing a seamless connection via Ballyvaughan, New Quay, and Nogra.

The new services will be integrated with the TFI Live app for convenient journey planning, and cashless payments will be facilitated by the Leap Card fare system. Free Travel Passes will also be valid on applicable services along the corridor.

The public consultation will run for four weeks and closes on Thursday February 6, 2025.

Public input plays an important role in shaping these changes. The NTA welcomes feedback from residents and businesses along this corridor.

To review the proposals and submit feedback, visit: https://consult.nationaltransport.ie/

These proposed enhancements are part of the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan, a national initiative aimed at strengthening rural public transport as part of the Transport for Ireland Network (TFI). The plan, which is developed and funded by the National Transport Authority, is aligned with the goals of Project Ireland 2040 and the Climate Action Plan.

Galway’s Draft Local Area Action Plan is open for inspection by the public

by Lisa Mullaly

IN AN EFFORT to reinvigorate the village of Gort, the County Council have put together The Draft Local Area Action Plan (LAP) which covers a Strategic Environmental Assessment an assessment of birds and natural habitats in the county, a Local Transport Plan a Strategic Flood Risk Assessment.

The Draft LAP along with the supplementary reports are on public display and may be inspected from until 4pm Thursday February 20 2025 (excluding weekends and public holidays).

The document can be accessed at the following locations:

lPlanning Office, Áras an Chontae, Prospect Hill, Galway H91 H6KX (MondayFriday 9am-4pm)

lGort Library, Church Road H91 F5P8

(Wednesday /Friday 11.00am – 1.00 pm & 2.00pm – 5.00 pm; Thursday 2.00pm – 5.00 pm & 6.00 pm – 8.00 pm; Saturday 11.00am – 1.00 pm & 2.00 pm – 5.00 pm; (closed Sunday, Monday, Tuesday)

lGort Area Office, Crowe St, Gort, Co. Galway H91 W7W5 (Monday -Friday 9.00am -1.00pm & 2.00pm - 5.00pm)

All documents are also available to download from Galway County Council’s website https://consult.galway.ie/en/consultation/ draft-gort-local-area-plan-2025-2031

Members of the local community are invited to inspect the document and make written submissions or observations in respect of the Draft LAP or any of the supplementary reports.

Any submissions made to the Planning Authority during such period will be taken into consideration before the Plan is adopted by Galway County Council. Submissions or observations are also welcome from chil-

dren, or groups or associations representing the interests of children.

Submissions or observations should be made in writing and addressed to:

‘Gort Local Area Plan’, Forward Planning Section, Galway County Council, Áras an Chontae Prospect Hill, Galway H91 H6KX

Or online by visiting https://consult.galway. ie/en/consultation/draft-gort-local-areaplan-2025-2031

Or sent by email to forwardplanning@galwaycoco.ie

Artist talk with Irish painter Tadhg Ó Cuirrín

ARTIST Tadhg Ó Cuirrín will give a talk about the work in his groundbreaking exhibition “_knownunknown_unknownknown_” Saturday, January 18, 2025 at 12pm at The Cash Shop in Gort where this exhibition is currently on display.

Tadgh is an artist and teacher based in Co Galway, with a BA in Fine Art, Painting from the Limerick School of Art and De-

sign. He works in a variety of media, and his work was recently shortlisted for the Hennessey Craig Award at the RHA 192nd Annual Exhibition.

His most recent exhibition "_knownunknown_unknownknown_" is still open to the public everyday between 6pm and 8pm. The exhibition will continue until January 26, 2025.

lisa@clareecho.ie

lDRAFT LAP: The square Gort

PLAYERS past and present gathered together at the Inn of Dromoland on Saturday January 11, to celebrate the Clare Men's senior Hurling All-Ireland win. Ger Loughnane, the 1995 and ‘97 All-Ireland winning manager presented the current team with their celtic cross medals at the victory social night. The team was joined by past players, family and members of the management team to mark a historic occasion for the Clare hurling team.

Photos by: Gerard O'Neill

l Clare hurling manager Brian Lohan and host Marty Morrissey

l Siobhan Conway from Newmarwife Aideen

lJenny Mc Carthy, Jodie Cahill, Laura Hogan, Aine Murphy, Laura Egan & Alice Larkin

l Anthony Daly, Ger Loughnane and Ken Ralph

ket on Fergus with Mayor Alan O'Collaghan and his

l Clare Senior Men's All Ireland Hurling Champions 2024

lGer Loughnane and Tony Kelly

l Ger Loughnane and Shane O'Donnell Clare Hurler of the Year 2024

Clare forest owners recieve over €1.5 million of forestry premium payments

CLARE forest owners were among the highest beneficiaries of forestry payments in Ireland.

Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine with responsibility for forestry, Senator Pippa Hackett, has welcomed the issuing of annual tax-free forestry premium payments for 2025.

Annual forestry premiums totalling €24.2 million were paid in last week’s bulk payment run in respect of over 7,000 applications. The annual tax free payment is paid to farmers and landowners who plant trees under the Department of Agriculture’s afforestation scheme. Over €1566,255 million of the funding has been allocated as forestry premium payments to Clare landowners Minister of State for Land Use and Biodiversity in the Department of Agriculture,

l FORESTRY PREMIUM PAYMENTS: Minister of State for Land Use and Biodiversity in the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine

21% increase in solar panel installations in Clare last year

948 SOLAR panel installations were carried out in Co Clare in 2024 according to new SEAI data. This figure shows a 21% increase from 2023 as more people turn towards renewable energy to cut their energy bills.

Solar panel installations with grant support rose by 21% in Clare last year, as more people turn towards renewable energy to cut their energy bills.

Renewable energy expert Briain Kelly of EnergyEfficiency.ie said that it is extremely promising to see that installations increased across the board last year despite the grant being reduced.

“These new figures from the SEAI show that the demand for solar panels remains strong across the country,” he said.

“Energy costs in Ireland remain among the highest in Europe, resulting in more people

looking for ways of slashing their electricity bills.”

“Solar panels have many benefits for households – from saving them thousands of euros in energy bills each year and cutting their carbon footprint, to increasing the value of the home.”

Mr Kelly said that although installations have increased, the benefits of solar are still overlooked by some people due to our climate.

“A common misconception that persists is that solar panels don’t work unless it’s a clear, sunny day.”

“This simply isn’t the case – while direct sunshine does generate more free electricity, solar panels also create a great deal of electricity even on cloudier days.”

Food and the Marine Hackett said: “I very much welcome this significant payment to forest owners. Over 19,500 farmers are already enjoying the benefits that forestry brings to their farm enterprise. I would strongly encourage farmers who might be thinking about planting trees to speak to neighbours who have already done so, and to get in touch with a registered forester or a Teagasc Forestry adviser. The current Forestry Programme pays at the highest payment rates ever available to forest owners, and there is now an unprecedented range of planting options available: from small scale native woodlands, to agroforestry, to continuous cover forestry, among many other

forest types. There are valid afforestation licences currently available to plant more than 5,000 hectares and over 3,400 felling licences were approved in 2024, and I am confident that licensing figures will continue to improve throughout 2025.”

Forest owners who have not submitted their online applications so far, can still apply online for their forestry premiums through the Department’s Online Services website (www.agfood.ie). This facility will remain open during the whole year, and the Department will continue to process online applications for 2025 forest premiums as they are received, with payments being issued on a weekly basis.

FREE CHRISTMAS TREE COLLECTION DROP-OFF POINTS

2nd Jan 2025 - 25th Jan 2025

Scariff Recycling Centre & Transfer Station

GARDENING SECTION, GORT RD, ENNIS (V95 HY90)

9:00am-5:00pm

off point outside

Centre gates SCARIFF RECYCLING CENTRE AND TRANSFER STATION Tel: 061 921735 OPENING

Shannon Recycling Centre

Gardening Section (V95 HY9O), Gort Rd, Ennis (adjacent to Cois na hAbhna, drop off point outside the gates)

CENTRAL WASTE MANAGEMENT FACILITY, BALLYDUFF BEG, INAGH

Tel: 065 6836960

Opening hours Tues - Fri: (8:30am - 4:30pm) Sat: (8:30am - 1:00pm) Mon and Sun: Closed

LISDEEN RECYCLING CENTRE AND TRANSFER STATION

065 9060175

(9:00am - 4:00pm)

(10:00am - 2:00pm)

Pippa Hackett

High Court decision may change fate of renewable energy projects in Clare

by Lisa Mullaly

A LANDMARK High Court decision may break the deadlock on wind and solar farm projects in Co. Clare, prioritising national climate obligations over local objections.

The judgment, delivered by Mr. Justice Richard Humphreys, found that An Bord Pleanála failed to adequately consider Ireland’s and Europe’s climate goals when rejecting a wind farm application in Laois. This ruling is expected to have profound implications for Clare, where renewable energy proposals have frequently been denied on grounds like noise, glare, and nature protection.

Justice Humphreys made it clear that for renewable energy projects, “the answer to that will almost always be a grant of permission.” The decision marks a significant turning point for future planning in Clare, where stalled wind and solar developments could

now move forward to combat the escalating climate crisis.

Ennis Green Party representative Bridget Ginnity highlighted the urgency of this ruling, sharing a stark example of the present climate crisis. “I spoke last week with a young woman with close relatives in Los Angeles. Three of her family’s houses have been burnt to the ground – her grandmother, uncle, and brother,” she said. “That is the present reality of climate change and a glimpse into our future. I’m delighted to see that our court system sees and feels that danger, and is directing our public servants to act on our behalf to reduce emissions.”

Judge Humphreys described the climate challenge as “so big that to even describe it factually sounds like scaremongering.” He underscored the need for “rapid, deep, and immediate cuts in greenhouse gas emissions” to meet essential climate targets and protect the Earth as a liveable habitat. This shift in planning priorities may dis-

appoint those in Clare who have objected to wind and solar farms on environmental grounds. However, the court recognised that the overwhelming issue is climate change, with mitigation measures available to address other concerns like noise and visual impact.

The ruling also included pointed criticism of An Bord Pleanála, stating that “only duly trained people who understand climate issues at a deep level should be allowed near projects to which those issues are relevant.”

Ginnity welcomed this sentiment, adding, “When decision makers truly understand climate issues, it’s hard to imagine them supporting any project that will damage our world further.”

While the decision primarily supports renewable energy, it briefly addressed projects like data centres and LNG storage facilities, stating that their overall climate impact is less clear-cut. Judge Humphreys indicated such cases would require detailed analysis

in the High Court.

This ruling is likely to influence future renewable energy proposals in Clare and across Ireland, potentially accelerating the transition to clean energy while addressing the climate crisis head-on.

lisa@clareecho.ie

lLANDMARK DECISION: Bridget Ginnity, Ennis Green Party representative

Thursday, Jan 16, 2025

16 things for a healthier 2025

WITH 2025 in full swing, now is the perfect time to introduce new habits for a healthier lifestyle.

We all know that New Year’s resolutions rarely stay the course of time, so by starting in late February, you’re making the change for the right reason, yourself!not becuase everybody else is making resolutions. With that in mind, here are 25 tips to improve your health.

mendations. There’s also strong evidence that being active protects against cancers of the colon, breast and endometrium.

4. Eat more fibre

We should consume at least 30g of fibre a day. Eating a healthy balanced diet that contains plenty of fibre-rich food helps to support your general health.

5. Drink less alcohol

The less you drink, the lower the risk to your health.

1. Drink more water!

The human body comprises around 60% water, so drinking enough water will help improve your physical performance and increase your energy levels.

2. Eat more beans, legumes and pulses

They’re a great source of protein, iron and fibre, they’re much cheaper than meat and good for the climate.

3. Move more!

Being physically active is important to live a healthy life and it’s one of the World Cancer Research Fund’s Cancer Prevention Recom-

Short-term benefits of taking a break or cutting down can include: lower blood sugar; lower blood pressure; fewer alcohol-related symptoms, like headaches, heartburn, indigestion and stomach upsets; less fatty build-up around the liver; improving existing conditions - depression, high blood pressure or skin conditions such as rosacea; better sleep; more energy; weight loss; better absorption of nutrients like vitamins B1 and B12, folic acid and zinc; and fewer injuries.

6. Eat more fruit & veg

Fruit and veg is a vital part

of a healthy and balanced diet. It contains a variety of important vitamins, minerals and natural chemicals that our body needs.

7. Check your body

Get into the habit of performing regular self-checks at home. As soon as you see or experience something new or something unusual, see a doctor. Even if it’s nothing, getting checked earlier is always better.

8. Drink fewer fizzy or sugar-sweetened drinks

There’s strong evidence that regularly having sugar-sweetened drinks lead to weight gain over time, which can increase the risk of a number of ailments. Stick to water or other unsweetened drinks, such as tea and coffee.

9. Less processed meat

There is strong evidence that consuming processed meat is a cause of bowel cancer. Ideally, you should cut back on all the bacon, sausages, pork pies and ham that you eat.

10. Get better sleep

Sleep is vital for a healthy life, so whether it’s ditching screens before bed or establishing a routine, better sleep will have many benefits.

11. More wholegrains

Wholegrains are the seeds of cereal plants, such as wheat, barley, quinoa, oats, rye, maize (corn) and ricethey are a rich source of copper, zinc and dietary fibre.

12. Eat less fast food

There’s strong evidence that diets containing high amounts of “fast food” and processed foods high in fat, starches and sugars are a cause of weight gain, overweight and obesity.

13. Try a new recipe

Not only is it fun to cook new dishes, but it also introduces you to new flavours and can get you out of a rut of always cooking the same thing.

14. Get outside more

Keeping active is important and taking a break from screens and connecting with

nature is good for both our mental and physical health. Plus, spending 15 minutes a day in the sunshine helps restore the body’s vitamin D levels.

15. Walk more

Get off the bus/train a stop early, or leave the car at home and walk to the shops. Small things add up quickly

and soon you’ll prefer two legs over four wheels.

16. Change one thing If this list has made you feel overwhelmed, don’t feel as you have to do them all. Start by picking just one thing to do differently and then build up from there. Before you know it, you’ll be thriving!

l Drinking more water will increase your energy levels

Thursday, Jan 16, 2025

Break Through: from musical theatre to ‘first dance’ lessons

Break Through Dance Studios is a standard-setter in County Clare when it comes to dance and performance.

Known for its variety of classes for young people, there’s more than meets the eye at the hugely popular studio which has been operating for 17 years.

Located in the Quin Road Business Park, Ennis, Break Through Dance Studios offer a wide range of services including: Children and teen dance & musical theatre classes, wedding ‘first dance’ lessons, Easter and Summer camps and birthday parties.

Break Through’s annual Dance Fusion show takes place in glór this April 14th & 15th where students take to the stage once again to showcase their talents in a compilation of song, dance and musical theatre.

Based in the Quin Road Business Park, Ennis. V95XA32. For more information on classes please email breakthroughdancestudios@ gmail.com

Thursday, Jan 13 2022

Jan 16, 2025

Kickstart Your 2025 fitness journey with EMS – a stronger, healthier you awaits

AS THE New Year unfolds, many of us feel the excitement of a fresh start—a chance to make 2025 the year we achieve our fitness goals.

Imagine burning fat, building muscle, and feeling stronger than ever—all without spending hours in the gym. The revolutionary EMS (Electrical Muscle Stimulation) workout is here to change the way you think about exercise. And now, for a limited time, you can try it for FREE! What makes EMS so special?

n Time-Saving: Achieve the results in just 20 minutes!

n Enhanced Muscle Activation: Work deep muscle groups that traditional training often misses.

n Customizable for All Fitness Levels: From

athletes to seniors, EMS suits everyone. n Low-Impact: Perfect for those with joint concerns or recovering from injury.

Don’t let another year pass without achieving the health and fitness you deserve.

With EMS workouts, you can transform your body and mindset in less time than you ever thought possible. Join our growing community of people who are discovering the power of EMS to take control of their fitness journeys A Fitness Solution

Tailored to YOUR Needs

Whether you want to lose weight, tone your body, build muscle, or even relieve back pain, EMS can be tailored to target your desired outcomes.

n Are you a beginner who feels intimidated by traditional workouts?

If the gym feels overwhelming or you’re starting from scratch, EMS offers a welcom-

ing, non-intimidating environment. You’ll work one-on-one with a trainer who will guide you every step of the way, ensuring the workout is tailored to your fitness level and comfort.

n Are you a busy parent with no time for the gym?

We get it—your schedule is packed, and squeezing in an hour-long workout feels impossible. EMS workouts are the ultimate time-saver. In just 20 minutes a week, we deliver a quick, highly efficient solution that fits seamlessly into your busy life, leaving you more time for what matters most: your family.

n Are you recovering from an injury or worried about joint pain?

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n Do you want to improve athletic performance?

By activating deeper muscle fibers, EMS enhances strength, endurance, and muscle recovery. EMS can be incorporated into your routine to give you that competitive edge.

No matter your lifestyle, fitness level, or goals, EMS adapts to your unique needs.

Whether you’re a busy parent, a professional with limited time, an athlete, or someone looking to get back into shape, EMS workouts offer a personalized solution that gets results quickly and safely. It isn’t just a workout—it’s a boost to your confidence, energy, and overall well-being.

This is your moment to take control of your health and happiness. Don’t Just Dream It— Do It!

Motivation is key when starting a fitness journey, and there’s no better time than the beginning of the year.

Picture yourself stronger, healthier, and more energized in just a few weeks. EMS will help you unlock the best version of yourself—faster than you ever imagined.

Try Your FREE EMS Trial Workout Today! Why wait to transform your life? For a limited time, we’re offering a FREE EMS trial workout so you can experience the benefits firsthand.

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Denise from The Clare Echo underwent a personal transformation thanks to BodyWOW

Milford Care Centre announces annual 10k

MILFORD Care Centre is delighted to announce its annual 10km run/walk fundraiser which will be held on Sunday 16th February 2025.

Now celebrating its 13th year, we invite participants to join us in person at the starting line in Castletroy, Limerick, or to take part virtually from anywhere in Ireland and beyond.

This event kindly supported by DELL Technologies and Stryker, welcomes runners and walkers of all levels and abilities with the proceeds directly supporting the work of Milford Care Centre in the MidWest.

Irish Olympian and Limerick native Sarah Lavin, a longstanding advocate and supporter, officially launched Milford Care Centre’s annual 10km event, expressing her whole-hearted commitment to supporting and raising awareness for this cause. “I am excited to support and raise awareness for the crucial work done by Milford Care Centre. It is incredibly important and brings great value to the Mid-West region. I urge everyone to help Milford in raising the necessary funds for their services. We look forward to seeing you on February 16th “ Mary O’Brien, CEO of Milford Care Centre conveyed her gratitude to DELL and Stryker for their steadfast support of this event. And her appreciation of the participants, “We are thrilled to welcome each

participant to our first flagship fundraiser of 2025. Your participation and generosity are crucial in raising the vital funds needed for Milford Care Centre. Your unwavering support allows us to continue providing high quality specialist palliative care and older persons services in the Mid-West region. We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone involved and wish all participants, whether near or far, the very best of success with our event.”

Sean O’Reilly, VP Fulfillment & Logistics and DELL Technologies Campus Leader notes “We are proud to continue our support for Milford Care Centre’s annual 10km run/ walk, aimed at raising funds for its services. At Dell Technologies, we have a rich history of engaging in community initiatives, and Milford Care Centre is particularly cherished by our team at the Limerick campus. We are committed to helping Milford secure the necessary funds to sustain their essential services for those all that need it, across the Mid-West. Many of the employees are looking forward to participating in the run. We invite you to join us on the day and support Milford.

Register before Friday 31st of January to receive the early bird rate of €20, registration is €25 thereafter. Participants can register at www.milfordcarecentre.ie. For more information please contact our Fundraising department on 061 485860.

✨Embrace a Mindful Life ✨

Mindfulness and Positive Psychology for Adults and Teenagers

l Olympic Medal winner Sarah Lavin launches the DELL Milford Hospice 10K Run Walk to take place on February 16, 2025

Photo by Keith Wiseman

Two decades of warm welcomes at Varden’s

VARDEN’S Pharmacy, Quin has been proudly serving the local community and surrounding areas since 2006.

As an independently-owned local pharmacy, Varden’s strive to provide exceptional service and care.

The Quin-based pharmacy offers a comprehensive range of services, including prescriptions, over-the-counter medicines, the administration of the Covid and seasonal ‘flu vaccines, vitamins and minerals, mother and baby care, skincare products and first aid supplies. They also carry a large range of gift items for every occasion.

Varden’s tell The Clare Echo, “We believe in creating a welcoming environment where customers feel comfortable seeking guidance on their healthcare needs and our knowledgeable and friendly pharmacists and staff are always available to provide expert advice and personalised assistance.

“For added convenience, we offer free parking right outside our store.”

For more information, call in and visit Varden’s, telephone or email, follow on social media or visit www.vardenspharmacyquin. ie.

“We are always excited to welcome new customers to experience the warm and professional service we have been proud to deliver for almost 20 years.”

PICTURED: Owner of Varden’s Pharmacy, Joe Varden

A very brief history of Reflexology

CLIENTS often ask us at Glenina Reflexology about the origins of reflexology - how did it all begin and why.

Reflexology is a holistic treatment that has been around for almost 5,000 years with connections to China but stronger evidence from Egypt in the shape of a pictograph from 2500 BC. Reflexology, a little like acupuncture, divides the body into zones of energy or meridians. The founder of zone therapy was Dr. William Fitzgerald in the late 1800’s and he focused on ten equal zones of energy running from the head to the feet. During his time in Vienna, he was part of a group of doctors who were exploring the idea of treating organs with pressure points.

This reflex point idea was further developed by an American physiotherapist Eunice Ingham who began mapping the entire body and all its systems onto the feet in the 1930’s and she could well be known as the Mother of Reflexology. She was a fan of the feet because there are 7,000 nerve endings in the feet and that level of sensitivity enables the energy pathways to be opened and for congested energy to be unblocked.

The body’s nervous system is often known as the ‘electrical system’ and is split into three parts – the cen-

tral nervous system, the peripheral nervous system and the autonomic nervous system. If you can hang on in there with me, I need to split the last part again into two separate parts – the sympathetic and parasympathetic.

These two parts are very well known in terms of stress and illness as they control the involuntary action of internal organs, muscles and glands. However, they behave in opposing ways, the former being famous for its fight or flight responses but the latter is the part which encourages the body to relax, rest and digest.

Reflexology activates a bundle of nerves called the vagus nerve system which induces a relaxation response in the body leading to a combination of powerful health benefits. Other ways to activate the vagus nerve system are cold water exposure, walking barefoot on earth or sand, gargling or deep belly breathing.

Anything that connects with the parasympathetic nervous system helps the body return to a dynamic state of balance and encourages it to heal itself naturally. And in reflexology those 7,000 nerve endings that I mentioned earlier come in very handy to do just that.

Spotting the signs: Indications ageing loved ones might need help at home

WITH the country emerging from the cold snap and the New Year finally beginning to take shape, some people may have concerns that their older relatives aren’t as capable of looking after themselves as they were this time last year.

Events of the last few weeks may have highlighted the struggles ageing adults have with mobility, preparing meals or doing light housework.

It can be difficult for adult children to come to the realisation that their parents are getting less independent, especially if they are busy raising a family or live too far away to pop in and see how they are as often as they like.

However, “it is essential to address potential issues early on, even if that initial conversation may be awkward or met with resistance from a proud parent or ageing relative,” according to Danette Connolly, National Clinical Lead at Home Instead.

Knowing the signs

Some signs can be subtle, others might be more obvious, either way, the first step in figuring out if a loved one needs support is noticing if there is an issue that could potentially impact their independence.

“Falling is a common issue affecting ageing adults, but many people who experience a fall might not want to say anything about it, so keep an eye out for bruises or cuts and don’t be too shy about asking what happened,” Ms Connolly said.

“Your loved one’s home being unusually untidy or unclean could mean that they’re struggling to maintain a housekeeping routine. They may be in pain, or it might just take too much out of them,” Ms Connolly continued.

“A lack of food in the fridge or noticeable weight loss can also be indicators that they’re struggling with mobility issues, as it’s not as easy to pop out to the shop or cook for themselves anymore,” she added.

“Trouble recalling events from earlier that day or recounting the same story over and over can be indicators of cognitive decline, as can losing track of medications or a reluctance to leave the house,” explained Ms Connolly.

What to do

“If you are concerned about your loved

one’s health, it is important to broach a conversation about it with them in a compassionate way, bearing in mind that they may feel a little embarrassed to acknowledge they need support,” Ms Connolly says.

“For any physical or mental health concerns you may have, consulting your loved one’s GP might be the best thing to do. You may want to keep a list of concerns to bring up with them. It’s better to address a concern early rather than waiting until it becomes a health emergency,” she said.

“If it’s a case that they need some support with daily activities, companionship, or services that support their independence and participation in the community, reach out to your local home care provider to see how they can help,” Ms Connolly concluded.

Anxiety/ Turnaround in Young children

SO WHAT is it that comes over us? Where does it come from? What happened? We are not even fully aware of how anxiety slips into our lives.

We have this “keep going it will be fine” attitude, we are so good at pushing ourselves.

Anxiety is a state of being that brings uncontrollable feelings. Its an emotion characterised by an unpleasant state of inner turmoil and increased feelings of dread over anticipated events. Fear and overwhelm are the emotion it brings in bucketloads. We all have anxiety and a certain amount is good but when it overflows in our lives it hinders us from attending events, from being with people. It changes our inner state, so much so that when it becomes out of control it is the fear that controls our lives. We live in an existence where fear and inner turmoil are front and centre.

I see some young children and teens at the clinic, with emotions that are out of control. Their anxiety presents as anger, emotional outburst, physical symptoms, gut issues, bowel issues, disturbed

sleep etc. The first point is getting children to recognise their emotions and helping them to realise that their emotions are valid.

I believe that negative emotions, e.g anger, are a signpost that something is wrong. The emotion (an-

ger) tells us that something needs to change. It is at this point that getting to the emotion that is relevant to the child and relates to their beliefs and trauma of life. It is getting to the nuts and bolts of the emotion for the child. What happened? What limiting belief have they formed? Was there a trauma? How did the limiting belief manifest in the child’s thought pattern? What belief do we need to readjust/ redefine/ rebuild?

Many anxious children have a fear of judgement because they don’t understand themselves. This is also true for parents. It is important to note that an anxious child does not define parenting.

Homeopathy is a wonderful tool to support anxiety in our young children and teens. I use kinesiology to test supportive remedies and bush flower remedies, specific to their situation, beliefs and trauma.

A routine I put together for my clients has three aspects which are breathwork, affirmations and visualisations. I use this sequence of techniques to help create a safe space for each client.

The power of breath work is truly remarkable. I have often spoken to children about the benefits of breath work. The All-Blacks use breathworks in the middle of a rugby game to anchor, ground and support the body. When we breath it takes us into the “present mo-

ment” and redirects our nervous system.

I have seen Johnny Sexton in the Irish Examiner speak about mindfulness and breathwork explaining how it has helped him on and off the pitch. He also says that it was not something that he warmed to easily but has helped him in many aspects of sport and personal life.

“There is always another way” to be understood and to address the core emotions and where they develop is the core to awareness and taking the steps forward to remove anxiety from our children and teens today. It is over time and with weekly sessions that I help children to rebuild their emotions. Some of the tools I use in the clinic are positive psychology, talk therapy, breathwork, mindfulness, EFT and kinesiology.

We are all individuals and unique. Anxiety is something that effects all ages from the very young to senior members of society. Overcoming anxious thoughts is about teaching children to give their anxiety wings and to let it fly away.

Burke among speakers at Inspiring Sustainable Tourism Conference 2025

THIS year’s Inspiring Sustainable Tourism Conference, will take place in the Armada Hotel in Spanish Point on Thursday, January 23, with a number of industry professionals from County Clare among the speakers. The event, titled ‘Climate Action, Community and Collaboration’, is supported by Visit Clare, Burren & Cliffs of Moher Geopark and KPMG Future Analytics & KPMG Sustainable Futures.

Organised by the Sustainable Tourism Network (formerly Sustainable Travel Ireland), the country’s leading and longest-running sustainability training company for the tourism industry, this year’s event boasts a hugely impressive group of experts, industry professionals and leaders from the field.

Highlights include Darina Allen (pictured), Ballymaloe Cookery School & Organic Farm School, Adam Harris, Found & CEO of autism charity AsIAm; and James Chilton, Associate Director, KPMG Future Analytics Consulting while speak- ers from Clare include John Burke, CEO of the Arma da Hotel, House & Farm; Bronagh O’Rourke, Man aging Director, Bur ren Farm Experience; Brendan Dunford, Founder Burren Beo Trust & Farming for Nature; and Fiona McKenna, Sus tainable Des tination De velopment Officer with Clare County

Council.

Other speakers include Ray Ó Foghlú, Development Lead, Hometree; Barry Rogers, Head of the Dublin City Tourism Unit; and Eoin Cluskey, Co-founder, Bread 41, a wellknown bakery in Dublin recognised for its high-quality sourdough breads and pastries - and its commitment to sustainability.

For the full line-up and tickets, visit: Sustainable Tourism Network.

The Sustainable Tourism Network’s mission is to transform the Irish tourism industry into a regenerative business sector that respects and protects the environment, but also supports local communities and makes better places for people to live and work in.

Globally, tourism accounted for 8% of global greenhouse gas emissions from 2009 to 2013*, making the sector a bigger polluter than the construction industry.

However, as Ireland’s largest indigenous industry, tourism is vital to our economy, and particularly to the economy of rural Ire-

Speaking about the upcoming Inspiring Sustainable Tourism conference, Sustainable Travel Ireland Director Rob Rankin, stated: “Tourists are demanding more environmentally friendly and sustainable products and they are not happy when they can’t get them. So the tourism industry must step up - both to do the right thing by future generations and to meet their cus-

Tickets are available via Ticket Tailor and cost €145 + vat. Discounts are available for businesses that sign up for membership of the Sustainable TourFurther discounts are available for students.

CLARE TOURISM DEVELOPMENT DAC

Clare Tourism Development DAC is a subsidiary company of Clare County Council that oversees the management, development, and promotion of a portfolio of signature visitor attraction sites throughout Clare.

We are seeking applications from suitably qualified persons for a Booking Administrator for the Clare Tourism West and North West Visitor Attraction Sites.

Clare Tourism is now hiring for

• Booking Administrator

HOW TO APPLY / FURTHER INFORMATION:

If you are interested in applying or wish to obtain further information about the position, contact the HR department at careers@claretourismdev.ie or email your CV with a cover letter to careers@claretourismdev.ie

Closing date for applications is Friday, 31st January 2024, at 5pm.

SATURDAY 18TH JANUARY 2025

Would you like to work at one of Ireland’s most iconic visitors attractions:

Bunratty Castle & Folk Park, Craggaunowen Inis Cealtra or Knappogue Castle.

RECRUITMENT OPEN DAY FOR 2025 SEASON

At Bunratty Folk Park, Co. Clare

We are seeking, Customer Service Agents, Retail Assistants, Café Assistants, Animators, Musicians, General Operatives, Castle Guides

J Training Provided

J Competitive Remuneration Rates J Uniform Provided

Meet with staff and management who work at Bunratty, Craggaunowen and Knappogue Castle.

You are welcome to bring an up-to-date CV.

If you or someone you know would be interested in working as part of our team, please come to the OPEN RECRUITMENT day on Saturday, January 18th 2025, 10.00am to 4.00pm

If you require any further information, please email hrbunratty@claretourismdev.ie

www.shannonheritage.com

Clare’s best craft & design businesses set for 2025 showcase

SOME of Clare’s best up-and-coming craft & design businesses will be amongst over 100 companies who will get a chance to meet with buyers from all over the world as part of Local Enterprise Showcase at the 2025 Showcase event in the RDS, from January 19-21.

An initiative of the Local Enterprise Offices, the Local Enterprise

Showcase, is a special area at Showcase that houses a range of Ireland’s newest designers.

Rowena Sheen Jewellery Rowena comes from a family of designers & makers with a strong appreciation for natural & locally sourced products & materials. Rowena has developed a range of unique handmade wooden jewellery

which is made using, as far as is possible, native, sustainably sources Irish materials. Rowena works out of her gallery in the Courthouse Gallery in Ennistymon. https://rowenasheen. com.

Sam Gleeson – This is what I do

Sam is a bladesmith based in Miltown Malbay, specialising in culinary knives combining

AFFORDABLE HOUSING AT RADHARC DOIRE, SHANNON, CO. CLARE CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL

2 bedroom and 3 bedroom homes at Radharc Doire, Shannon are being made available for sale by Clare County Council under affordable dwelling purchase arrangements. This will be carried out under the Affordable Housing Act 2021 and associated Regulations. These will generally be available only for first-time buyers who do not own a home (although a small number of exceptions apply).

2 Bedroom homes €66,262 €260,000 ** 16.1% €294,500

3 Bedroom homes €71,606 €285,000 ** 15% €318,250

* Income to be assessed by the Council

** Potential for up to an additional €30,000 support via Revenue Help to Buy Scheme for eligible clients : http://www.revenue.ie/en/property/help-to-buy-incentive/index.aspx

The purchasers will enter an affordable dwelling purchase arrangement with Clare County Council. Under this arrangement the Council will take a percentage equity share in the dwelling equal to the difference between the market value of the dwelling and the price paid by the purchaser, expressed as a percentage of the market value of the dwelling. The Council may not seek realization of its affordable dwelling equity for a 40-year period (other than for breach of the agreement). However, the purchaser may choose to redeem or buy out the affordable dwelling equity at any time by means of one or a series of payments to the Council. Eligible applicants will be prioritised based on Clare County Councils Scheme of Priority. Further information on this scheme, including the Scheme of Priority and how to make an application, are available from https://www.clarecoco.ie/services/housing/affordable-housing/ Applications may be made through a link provided on the webpage above between 16th January 2025 and 12:00 noon on 21st February 2025. In relation to 70% of the dwellings, as per Clare County Council’s scheme of priority, date and time of application will be one of the criteria on which eligible applications will be prioritised under the Council’s Scheme of Priority. This means that eligible applications received first will be given priority.

For any other queries, reach out to affordablehousing@clarecoco.ie or phone 065-6846377.

Your journey to affordable homeownership begins here!

traditional blacksmith skills with the eye of precision furniture maker, creating heirloom pieces for daily use. Sam is a multi award winning designer/maker & sells work worldwide to private collectors, chefs & home cooks alike & his works have been purchased by they National Museum of Ireland, the National Gallery & more. https:// thisiswhatido.ie.

Quin Art

Artist Helen Lowe, is a visual artist with many paintings sold worldwide. Helen Lowe’s paintings, capture the solidarity of seascapes, landscape and fauna of Ireland. The selected awe-inspiring paintings are brought to life using classical elements of earth, water, fire, and air giving the images a

three-dimensional feel. https://quinartshop. com.

Siar Photography

SIAR meaning ‘West’ in Irish, is a range of contemporary photography prints of Ire-

land founded in 2019 by husband and wife team, Gary and Aoife.

SIAR Photography offers over 130 original photographs by Gary, with each print printed, packaged and sold from

PANEL FOR BEACH LIFEGUARDS & SENIOR BEACH LIFEGUARDS - SUMMER SEASON 2025

Applications are invited from suitably qualified persons for inclusion on a Panel for employment as Beach Lifeguards & Senior Beach Lifeguards for the 2025 Bathing season.

Age Limit: Not less than 18 years of age on commencement of employment.

Qualifications: Current Water Safety Ireland, National Beach Lifeguard Award or equivalent as recognised by the International Lifesaving Federation (ILS).

All candidates will be required to undergo a practical test in Basic Life Support (BLS), swimming ability, lifesaving techniques and a theory test conducted by an Examiner(s) nominated by Water Safety Ireland.

The Garda Vetting process will be carried out in respect of all applicants.

All relevant information must be included on application form to ensure appropriate marks are awarded.

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

Closing date: 12 Noon Friday 14th February 2025

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

Scriobh chugainn as gaeilge más fearr leat.

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

• Beach Operative Panel

Please complete online application form available on www.clarecoco.ie under Careers Section. Closing date: 12 Noon Thursday 30th January 2025

• Harbour Controller – Doolin Pier

Please complete online application form available on www.clarecoco.ie under Careers Section. Closing date: 12 Noon Thursday 30th January 2025

• Traffic Warden – Cliffs of Moher

Please complete online application form available on www.clarecoco.ie under Careers Section. Closing date: 12 Noon Thursday 30th January 2025

Only applications completed online will be accepted.

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

Scriobh chugainn as gaeilge más fearr leat.

their studio in Ennis. They also offer greeting cards, notebooks, postcards, an annual calendar and collaborated with a local candle producer to create their first candle Trá, a scent inspired by the Irish beach and coastline. https://siarphotography.ie.

The event, which is a pinnacle event in the global design and crafts calendar, will open its doors to thousands of buyers from across the world, generating millions of euros of sales orders during the show.

Recent participants from Clare include the likes of Wix & Wax, Palm Free Soap, Creative Clay, Moher Soap Company.

Local Enterprise Office Clare has been working with Rowena Sheen, Sam Gleeson, Helen Lowe & Gary Collins on merchandising for their stands, marketing, and sales techniques to ensure they maximise opportunities at the event.

Head of Enterprise at LEO Clare, Padraic McElwee believes this is an opportunity like no other for up-andcoming craft and design clients looking to make that break through. “To be exposed to this many high-quality buyers in one place is an incredible opportunity for any business starting out. If things go well at this event, a business could fill their book for the year and may well establish a partnership that could extend longer than that and help them grow. While that won’t happen for every business, just to be here, see other clients, get new ideas and develop their skills in marketing and sales will stand by them going forward.”

This year all Local Enterprise Showcase clients were entered into the Business of Craft Awards, and Rowena Sheen Jewellery as been named as a finalist in the Sustainability Champion category. The awards will take place Monday, January 20 at Showcase.

l Handmade jewellery by (inset) Rowena Sheen

Clare Cup draw made

by Seamus Hayes news@clareecho.ie

THE draw for the Clare soccer cup was held on Monday night at Frank Healy park during a committee meeting of the Clare league.

There will be five preliminary rounds as follows; Connolly Celtic v Newmarket Celtic A; Hermitage B v Sporting Ennistymon; Lifford v Shannon Hibs B; Rhine Rovers v Shannon Hibs A; Coole FC v Kilkishing Celtic.

The first round pairings are Bunratty/Cratloe v Connolly Celtic or Newmarket Celtic A Lifford or Shanon Hibs B V Corofin Harps

Bridge Celtic v Ennis Dons A Mountshannon Celtic A v Moher Celtic

Tulla United A v Hermitage B or Sporting Ennistymon

Avenue United B v Coole FC or Kilkishen Celtic

Rhine Rovers or Shannon Hibs A v Shannon Town A Newmarket Celtic C v Hermitage A Avenue United A v Manus Celtic

Fern Celtic v Bridge United A

Shannon Town C v Callan United

Tulla United B v Inch Cerusaders

Ennis Dons B v Fairgreen Celtic

Newmarket Celtic B v Kilrush Rangers

ShannonTown B v Bridge Unied B

Shannon Olympic v Mountshannon Celtic B

FAI action

Following the disappointment of having their Munster junior cup last sixteen ties cancelled last weekend

Avenue United and Bridge United turn their attentions to the prestigious FAI junior cup this week.

Both have home games on Sunday as they chase a place in the last sixteen of this much sought after National title,

Avenue United would have been without their key player Dylan Casey had last weekend’s fixture gone ahead but they expect that he will be in their squad this week having returned from a trip to Australia.

They face the current FAI junior cup champions, Corkhill from Donegal, a fixturee that is expected to

bring a big attendance to Roslevan

Meanwhile in Sixmilebridge, the local side will have Evergreen from Kilkenny as their opponents and they have some injury worries ahead of this fixture.

Avenue’s game on Sunday will kick off at 1p.m. while Bridge United’s game has a 2p.m. kick off time.

Doherty fires Flannans into Harty semis

St. Flannans 2-16 Midleton CBS 1-18

Trailing by five points with just ten minutes to go and playing against a stiff wind, not many would have forecast that St. Flannans College, Ennis would end up winning this exciting Dr. Harty cup quarter final tie played at Fethard on Monday.

The Ennis side simply refused to accept defeat and they put in a storming finish which ended with Harry Doherty firing over what proved to be the winning point, which came in injury time. It brought the Clare-

castle player's tally to a whopping 1-12. St. Flannans; Micheal O’Coilean (St. Josephs); Sean McNamara (Clooney-Quin), Joe Casey (Kilmaley), Conor Daly (St Josephs); Eoin Kennedy (Ballyea0, James Cullinan (Ruan) Robert Loftus (Eire Og) 0-1; Daniel Costello (Ballyea) Darragh Kennedy (Ballyea) 1-1; Ronan Kilroy (Banner) Darragh Ball (St Josephs), Conor Ralph (Clarecastle); Paul O’Connell (Clarecasle), Harry Doherty (Clarecasle) 1-12. 1-10 frees, Marco Cleary (Eire Og) 0-1; Subs; Dara McNamara (Clooney-Quin) for Ball; Graham Ball (St Josephs) for P. OConnell; Conor Hill (Ballyea) for S McNamara; Meanwhile Ard Scoil Ris, with a strong Clare contingent, bowed out to Thurles CBS side while Scariff Community College progressed to the semi-final of the senior B hurling championship with a 4-28 to 2-8 victory over Carrick on Suir in a tie played at the U.L, grounds.

New hurling managers

by Seamus Hayes news@clareecho.ie

Three clubs, Ballyea, Scariff and St. Josephs Doora-Barefield will be under changed managements for the 2025 senior hurling season.

Corofin remain the only senior club yet to appoint a backroom team. Outgoing manager Joe Cahill has stepped down after a couple of seasons at the helm.

In Ballyea, Robbie Hogan who has led the club to Clare and Munster honours and to being runners up in the All-Ireland final, has returned with his selectors from those successes, Raymond O’Connor, Diarmuid O’Sullivan and Jude Quinlivan. The S and C coach is Shane McNamara while former Clare goalkeeper and current Whitegate player Andrew Fahy will coach the team. He is currently enjoying great success as coach to the Scariff Community college senior side which has reached the

Munster senior B colleges championship semi-final.

St. Josephs Doora-Barefield will have a new management team for 2025. Former player Damian Kennedy takes over r and his selection committee includes Sean Flynn, Sean Duggan and Tubber native Tommy Lee.

Donal Moloney steps up to the manager’s role with his native Scariff, taking over from Mark McKenna. Donal was part of the outgoing management team as were Mike Long and Ger Rodgers who are continuing while Ross Horan and Conor McNamara join the team.

County champions Feakle will be managed by Ger Conway and his backroom team will be finalised next week.

2023 champions Clonlara will have the same management team this year led by manager Donnal Madden as will last year’s beaten finalists Sixmilebridge in Tommy Liddy and

Stiofan Fitzpatrick.

Other unchanged clubs include Inagh-Kilnamona, Broadford and Eire Og. Brian Culbert will again manage Kilmaley with one change to his backroom team. Conor McMahon has stepped down and he is replaced by Conor Neylon.

Fergal Lynch continues as manager at Clooney-Quin; The Crusheen management team comprises Michael Browne, Patrick Vaughan, Gearoid O’Donnell, Cronan Dillon, Alan Tuohy and Alan Griffin, Gort man Aidan Harte has left to join Micheál O’Donoghue’s Galway senior hurling management team. Newmarket remain unchanged under James Carigg while Cratloe will also have the same manaagement team.

Having led Wolfe Tones to the intermediate title in 2024 Barry Keane will continue as the Shannon club’s manager.

by Seamus Hayes news@clareecho.ie

WITH the start of the 2025 domestic playing season fast approaching, clubs across the county are busy putting plans in place for the new season.

While the majority of clubs have their management teams in place, a number have yet to finalise their backroom teams for the coming season and these include senior sides, Eire Og, Kildysart and Ennistymon.

It remains to be seen if either of the outgoing selectors Shane Daniels or Peter Cosgrove will be persuaded to step up to the manager’s role at Eire Og following Paul Madden’s decision to step down after eight successful seasons at the helm.

Reports circulating this week suggest that Limerick man Seanie Buckley, coach to the championship winning teams in 2021 and 2022 may be on the way back to coach the town side in 2025

Beaten county finalists Kilmurry-Ibrickane won’t have their annual general meeting until January 24 but it is understood that David Egan will be continuing as manager. The Offaly native completed his first season in the role in 2024.

Donagh Vaughan will continue as manager at St Josephs, Doora-Barefield with Eoin Troy continuing as coach. They led the club to the championship quarter final last year and finished off the season by leading the club to the under 21 A crown.

Aidan Moloney was re-appointed as manager of Lissycasey at the club’s recent annual meeting. This will be his third year as manager

Three football clubs still to appoint management teams

with the mid Clare club.

Former player Brian Shanahan is the new manager with his native Doonbeg. He replaces John Keane who has stepped down from the position.

Colm Collins and his managements team of Brian O’Connell, Sean O’Dea and Jody O’Connor will again be in charge in Cratloe for the 2025 campaign Martin Guerin remains at the helm with Miltown St Josephs but there are some changes to his management team.

Eoin Curtin, coach to the side last year, is now part of the Clare senior set up with manager Peter Keane. Miltown resident John O’Sullivan joins the backroom team as coach after a number of seasons with Kildysart. Jim Marrinan continues as a selector while David Talty also continues as a member of the backroom team.

Patrick O’Neill is the new manager at St. Breckans, replacing Declan O’Keeffe who has completed a number of seasons with the North Clare club.

Kilfenora native Killian Malone will coach the team and three former club players, John McDonagh, Aidan Fitzgerald and Cathal Blood will serve as selectors, After leading Wolfe Tones to the intermediate title in 2024, Johnnie Bridges is continuing as team manager for 2025. His backroom team includes Kieran Ryan,(coach), Fergal O’Donnell and Barry Murphy as selectors.

Mickey Doran is to continue for a second term as Kilmihil manager. For full report and Intermediate management round-up, visit www. clareecho.ie.

Committees ratified & finance charges debated

by Seamus Hayes news@clareecho.ie

The January meeting of Clare GAA took place at Clareabbey on Tuesday, when provisional start-up dates for the club leagues and county championships were outlined while the decision of the GAA authorities to charge under 16’s an entry fee of €5 for National league fixtures (division 1 and 2 in football and division 1 in hurling) led to some debate.

The meeting ratified a number of committees while sympathy was extended to the clubs and families of people who died in recent months.

Competition start up dates

Chairman of the masters fixtures committee Colm Browne informed the meeting that the proposed starting date for the domestic football leagues is the weekend of March 8&9 with the hurling leagues getting underway a week later, March15/16. It's expected that the leagues will be concluded by the end of June.

The provisional date for the opening rounds of the football championship are July 19/20 with the hurling starting a week later, July 26/27.

The Clare cup will comprise 16 teams. A draw will take place to determine the make up of the groups.

Admission charges

The decision of the GAA authorities to introduce a €5 charge for under 16s for the upcoming national leagues (division 1 and 2 in football and division 1 in hurling) was raised by Clarecastle delegate Tommy Guilfoyle.

An elected member of Clare Co Council he reminded the delegates that the local authority had passed a motion at its meeting on the previous day calling on the GAA to reverse this decision.

Board chairman Kieran Keating offered the view that Clare County council should not have discussed this issue. He didn’t feel that Clare should be instructing the ruling authority on this as they had made the decision after careful examination. The meeting heard the issue will be discussed by the finance committee.

Ladies handball

The biggest ladies handball competition in Ireland will be hosted in Clare this Saturday and Sunday, Clare handball delegate Mike Kelly told this week’s January board meeting when extending an invite to all to come along and see the action. He concouded by saying “there will be no charge”.

Appointments

The following appointments were ratified at this week’s meeting.

Maurice Walsh as under 20 football manager, proposed by Rory Hickey (Eire Og) seconded by Irish officer Joe Garry.

Coiste na nOg hurling ---Stephen McNamara (chairman), Kilmaley Pat Gavin (secretary) Ogonnelloe, Declan Moroney (Tulla), Gavin Moroney (Bodyke) Paul Gannon (Inagh-Kilnamona), Fergal O’Brien (Broadford) and Jimmy Corbett (Sixmilebridge). All were members of the outgoing committee.

Coiste na nOg football;--Joe Considine (chairman), Cooraclare; Frances O’Sullivan ( secretary), Cratloe; Paul Reidy (Kilmihil), Barry Keating (Lissycasey), Denis O’Driscoll (St. Breckans) and Kieran Hassett (Cooraclare).

Presenting the names to this week’s meeting the chairman Kieran Keating went on to say “the following will be working with the committee also Brian Dillon (Doonbeg), Odran O’Dwyer (Kilmurry-Ibrickane), Alan Malone (Eire Og), Karl Walsh (Miltown--he is currently residing in Australia), Ciaran Considine (Liscannor). They will all be working in conjunction with Micheal Duffy (Games development administrator) and the board’s coaching and games officer, Neil O’Brien.

Ruan delegate Michael O’Regan proposed a vote of thanks to the outgoing Coiste na nOg committee and this was seconded by Wolfe Tones delegate Joe Kelly. Planning and training committee; Paddy Smith (Eire Og), Vincent Delaney (Sixmilebridge) Sean McMahon (St Josephs) and Patricia O’Grady (Newmarket).

l Dylan Casey is expected to be in the squad for Sunday's game

The benefits of locking in your putting grip

by PÁDRAIG MCGRATH

I HAVE been playing golf since 1990 at Dromoland as a young kid and one of the most frustrating aspects of my own game has always been my putting.

As a kid I was very much a visual putter and my technique was horrendous looking back, yet I feel I held a lot more putts than I do nowadays as a PGA Golf Professional.

In a way putting is like a different sport when you compare it to a full golf shot, there is no comparison in the way we use our body for a driver in comparison to hitting a putt.

Over the years on many of occasions I have driven Par 4s and often left my tee shot close to the hole within five feet of the hole and managed to miss the putt. It is such a frustrating game when you can hit a drive over three hundred yards on to a green pretty close to the pin yet you miss the short eagle putt. Some might say it is still a birdie however from the golfer's

Golf courses back in action

by Seamus Hayes

news@clareecho.ie

AFTER a near week-long absence from the fairways due to the cold snap, most courses reopened earlier this week.

DROMOLAND GOLF CLUB

Last week’s 9 hole men’s compe was won by Billy O’Mahoney with 24 points from Pat McCoy (20 points) followed by Diarmuid O’Connor (19 points). The ladies equivalent was won by Anne McMahon with 19 points from Mairead Bergin (17 points). The 9 hole St. Stephens Day scramble was won by John Greer, Anne McMahon, Joan Dunne and Willie Fuller from Sandra, Pat, Cillian and Darragh Moylan.

WOODSTOCK GOLF CLUB

After the success of the Winter league it is hoped to commence the Ozone Health and Fitness Spring league this week.

KILRUSH GOLF CLUB

Michael Shannon Snr (16) won the Winter singles on Sunday with 31 points. He had two to spare over James McCarthy (8) with Bernard Coleman (8) a point further back.

perspective it is beyond frustrating.

My frustration however came to a point last year, after playing in a tournament and having shot level par with thirty-five putts almost hitting every green in regulation except for one, I decided I was going to once and for all address my putting technique because my technique just wasn't working and it never has.

On the two-hour drive back home, I had nothing else on my mind but how was I going to change the only technique I ever knew.

Firstly, I hate the amount of face rotation I see in my putting stroke so I was trying to figure out how I could reduce the amount of rotation.

Face rotation is usually linked to over use of your hands in your putting stroke and not using your shoulders enough.

I am aware the claw grip and cack hander or cross grip as some refer to it help to reduce your hands but I never felt comfortable with these techniques.

After over an hour into the drive tormenting myself, I had a eureka moment that if

I turned my lead hand or top left hand a full 90° and I had the back of my hand facing towards my body instead of the direction I was hitting the putt then surely this position

would lock the putter into a more stable position and reduce the amount of face movement I had in my putting stroke.

For the rest of my jour-

Murray is top trainer for 2024

by Seamus Hayes news@clareecho.ie

Frozen tracks over the past week-end put pay to greyhound racing at tracks across the country.

Friday night's Galway card was cancelled while Limerick on Saturday night was abandoned after race 6. Wizard was the winner here for owner Garry Pepper of Feakle, this was the 17th win for the Paraic Campion trained greyhound - this latest win brought his earnings to over €11,000. Congratulations go to Stephen Murray of Sixmilebridge who was the top Public Trainer in Galway for 2024. The Bridge handler had a total of 40 winners, 29 seconds and 34 thirds. Seekers Jet, bred by Kieran Browne of Cree, was named as the top Bitch at the track.

PASSING OF GERRY ARTHUR

The greyhound racing and hare coursing community lost another valuable member before the Christmas period, with the passing of Gerry Arthur from Inagh.

Gerry Arthur has been in greyhounds all his life and has enjoyed some very successful periods in the sport. Gerry was fortunate to qualify to the National Meeting in Clonmel on five occasions, the most recent being Squid of Inagh who subsequently won an all age stake as well as running up another all age the following year as a third seasoned greyhound.

Gerry’s most recent high quality coursing greyhound was ‘Isshenamedyet’ who reached the last four of the prestigious Patsy Byrne Champion Bitch stake at the Irish Cup meeting of 2018.

Gerry formerly raced his

dogs under the ‘Altra’ prefix for many years and then subsequently moved to the ‘of Inagh’ prefix. His most notable racer of recent times on the track front was Dreams of Inagh, a winner of 14 starts through-out her racing career.

Gerry is survived by his wife Matilda, sons Seán, Gerard, Brian and Niall as well as his two daughters Noelle and Aisling. Gerry was an adored grandfather to 11 grand children. Gerry will be sorely missed by many members of the public most notably from the GAA and greyhound communities respectively.

May Gerry rest in peace.

ney to Ennis I visualised this new position and I convinced myself this position was going to work. I drove straight to my store to test this theory out on my putting green and to my delight although it felt extremely awkward at first it definitely had reduced the face rotation in my putting stroke.

Fast forward to today I know I have definitely stumbled on a new technique that definitely works and it achieves a more consistent putting stroke, that not only keeps the face more stable but it also forces you to hit your putts more from your shoulders because of the way the putter is held in a locked position in the palm of the hand.

You do need to use a thicker grip though I found with this new position because it will help to fill your palm and allow you to hold the putter in a more stable secure position.

In the first image I am holding the putter using my old putting grip, whereas in the second image I am using my new putting grip.

You can see my top left hand it in a completely dif-

ferent position which will lead to having a more consistent putting stroke. I kept my right hand as normal because this hand is my release hand which determines the pace of my putts, so I didn't want to change this hand. By not changing my right hand it helped me to get used to the left hand position a lot faster also.

Basically, I see the left hand as my control hand to do with keeping the face stable and my right hand then tries to achieve the right pace of the putt. This has been a game changer for me yet I have never seen this technique on any golfer yet I know it works as I have definitely seen my average putts drop dramatically over the past six months since I have implemented this new putting grip.

If you also struggle with consistency with your putting why not give it a try and see if you too can stop the frustration of missing putts.

l (left) my old normal putting grip and (right) my new and improved, locked-in putting grip

l Gerry Arthur from Inagh sadly passed away over the holiday period

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL GORTEEN, DANGAN, TULLA, CO CLARE (V95 DF80)

I, Rosaleen Hynes, intend to apply for planning permission ‘to retain rear extension’ to dwelling house (previously granted permission under planning reference P04-1799) including all associated site works and services at 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 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. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions or may refuse to grant permission.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL, BALLYVELAGHAN, NEW QUAY, BURREN, CO. CLARE

Take notice that B. & M

Sweeney intend to apply to the Planning Authority for permission to construct a dwelling house, garage and proprietary waste water treatment system along with ancillary site works at the above address. That the planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours and that a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL CONNOLLY VILLAGE, CONNOLLY, CO. CLARE.

We, Connolly Community Development CLG, intend to apply to Clare County Council for Permission for the following: a) to construct a new multi-purpose community building b) to install a playground, sensory garden, landscaped areas and gravel walking paths with low

level bollard lights c) to construct a new site entrance, footpath, carparking area, community signage and public lighting d) to link in with new pedestrian crossing on public road e) to install an effluent folding tank along with ancillary site works at the above address.

The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority, Clare County Council, 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 authority of the application.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL MUCKANAGH NEWMARKET ON FERGUS

Take notice that Jennifer Huang intends to apply to the Planning Authority for planning permission To retain partially built access roadway and to complete access roadway and turning

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

CLARE CO. COUNCIL BALLINLISHEEN, TUBBER

John Whelan intends to apply for permission for the construction of a dwelling house, garage, treatment unit and all associated site works. A Natura Impact Statement (NIS) will be submitted to the local authority with the Planning Application. The planning application (and Natura Impact Statement) 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. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee of €20, within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL BALLYBRAN OGONNELLOE CO. CLARE V94ENN3 Megan and Colum Flanagan intend to apply to the above named planning authority for planning permission for the construction of a vehicular entrance and all associated site works at the above address. The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours 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. Such submissions or observations will be considered

by the planning authority in making a decision on the application and the planning authority may grant permission with or without conditions or may refuse to grant permission.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL

THE BUNGALOW, RAHEEN ROAD, BALLYMALONE, TUAMGRANEY, CO

CLARE V94 DA3Y

Take notice that Ben & Tracey Hynes intend to apply for Planning Permission to construct an extension to the side of the existing 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

POULAWILLIN, MILTOWN MALBAY, CO. CLARE

Take notice that Elaine Sexton intends to apply to the planning authority for permission consequent on the grant of outline permission (Ref: 24/60472) to construct a new dwelling house and garage complete with a new entrance, 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.

Conlon, P.J. Ballyea

Daly, Noel Sixmilebridge

Hopper (née Darcy), Jackie Mullagh

KEATING, Fintan Kilrush

Clune, John Crusheen

Clune, John Kilfenora

DONOHUE (née Quinn), Rita Ennis

HODGES (née Hawes), Kathleen Lisdoonvarna

Recent Deaths

HODGES(née Hawes), Kathleen Shannon

Hogan (née Maxwell), Ann Quin

Hynes, Andrew Ennis

Hynes, Andrew Ennistymon

Killeen, Michael Clarecastle

Killeen, Michael Miltown Malbay

McDADE (née Woods), Catherine Shannon

McNamara, Jane Labasheeda

McNamara, Jane Ennis

Michna (née Hourigan), Mary Anne (Maureen) Ennis

Flynn (née Coleman), Patricia (Pat) Kilkee

Kearney (née O’Hanlon), Hannah Ennis

Coote, Pat Ennis

CORRY, Anthony Kilmurry McMahon

MASON, John Broadford

Loughnane, Eileen Tulla

The Clare Echo Quiz

CLARE GENERAL KNOWLEDGE

1 What is the highest point in Clare? Mullaghmore

Moylussa

Slievecallan

2

What Guinness World Record do Clare men Kieran Ferns and Gordon O’Loughlin hold?

- Longest time spent under water without aid - quickest time to put up a pyramid of play cards

- Longest snooker marathon(singles)

3 What Clare man developed the first submarine? Harry Fitzgerald, Ashley Quinn

John Philip Holland

4 What is unique about the history of Clare? Clare hosts the oldest known evidence of human activity in Ireland, it was the first county with a court house, it has the most private beaches in the country

5 What year was Clare removed from the Presidency of Connacht by the British? Around 1500 1600 1700

6 Where is the island Inis Cealtra located? The Shannon Estuary Lough Derg Lough Gur

7 What year was the present building at Dromoland castle finished? Mid-17th Century 1912 1835

8 What is the oldest known building in County Clare? The Clare Abbey Ennis Friary McParland’s House

9 Which is a FALSE fact about the Burren?

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

10 When was the lighthouse at Loop Head built? 1670 1844 1896

Spot the Difference

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

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

The9. Arctic Fox can be found in the Burren 167010.

Clare4. hosts the oldest known evidence of human activity in Ireland

John3. Philips Holland

Longest2. snooker marathon, singles

Moylussa1.

Around5. 1600 6. Lough Derg 7. 1835 McParland’s8. House

Last weeks Answers

Lanyard missing (right)

Bun missing on white shirt (right)

Writing on lanyard missing (second from left)

Necklace pendant missing (second from left)

Pocket missing on jacket (second from right)

Pattern on jacket missing (left)

White piece missing on scarf

THIS WEEKS PUZZLES Jan 16th

WORD SEARCH

The Clare Echo Crossword

Actions Angels Apple

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Cloud Cooks Day

Doctor Dog Fools Hand Home

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