The Clare Echo 16/02/23

A CROWNING SUCCESS

Dog attacks lead to calls for stricter Clare bylaws

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

STRICTER enforcement of by-laws could see the amount of dog attacks “dramatically reduced”.

Action is to be taken by Clare County Council to try prevent attacks by dogs. Data from An Garda Síochána detailed that there were 130 dog attacks which involved a person as an injured party in 2022.

Calls for an awareness campaign on the control of dogs in public places and the introduction of bye-laws making it compulsory “for people in charge of dogs in public places to have all dogs on a lead and listed dangerous breeds muzzled and also the banning of extendable leads” were sought by Cllr Gerry Flynn (IND), Cllr Joe Garrihy (FG), Cllr John Crowe (FG)

and Cllr Johnny Flynn (FG) in a motion debated before the Council. Citing “harrowing scenes” where children have been seriously injured or have had tragic outcomes, they appealed to Minister for Rural and Community Development Heather Humphreys (FG) and the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Charlie McConalogue (FF) to urgently review the Control of Dogs Act. Dogs covered under this include, American pit bull terrier, English bull terrier, Staffordshire bull terrier, bull mastiff, Dorbermann pinscher, German shepherd, Rhodesian ridgeback, Rottweiler, Japanse akita, Japanese tosa, Bandog.

l 2nd class pupils from Barefield NS Bella Walsh, Zaid Cheema, Orla Bolger and Damian Luca play Princess and the Pea at their Spring Concert in glór this week

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Search winding down to find next Clare Rose

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

DAYS remain for applications to be submitted for this year’s Rose of Clare.

Rose of Tralee, Rachel Duffy visited Kilrush the native town of current Rose of Clare, Victoria O’Connell last week as the deadline to apply to become this year’s Rose edges closer.

They toured the Vandeleur Walled Gardens and met pupils of Gaelscoil Uí Choimín.

Clare’s chosen Rose will not have to compete in any regional final or feeder events and instead will go directly through to the live

television show in August.

Victoria who was first named as the Rose of Clare in 2019 has held a grip on the title for the past four years.

The experience has been very memorable, she admitted, “Entering and becoming the Clare Rose has been one of the proudest moments of my life so far, being able to represent my county on a local, national and international base is a fantastic feeling that words just can’t describe”.

Further information on how to apply is available on the ‘Clare Rose Centre’ Instagram page which has links

to the application forms. The closing date for entries is Monday February 20th with the Clare selection to take place at The Inn at Dromoland on 12th March 2023.

The Clare winner will travel “via the Rose tour” to the international festival in Tralee in August and will take part in all the parades, Rose Ball, and numerous public engagements at the festival from which 32 Roses will appear in the live selection broadcasts.

The Rose of Tralee International Festival will be celebrated from Friday 18th to Tuesday 22nd August 2023.

lROSE GARDEN: Rose of Tralee Rachel Duffy with Clare Rose Victoria O’Connell

lWAVE: The Roses visit Gaelscoil Uí Choimín

New HSE figures show ‘chronic underinvestment’

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

FIGURES released by the HSE highlight a “chronic underinvestment” in the MidWest region, a Clare TD has said.

Goldilocks and the three Barefields

Building surgical hub can attack waiting lists

ESTABLISHING a surgical hub in Ennis can play a part in reducing waiting times and the trolley crisis in the Mid-West, a Clare TD has argued, writes Páraic McMahon.

Last month, reported crowds of 11,000 attended a demonstration in Limerick organised by the Mid-West Hospital Campaign. It follows continued frustration with the standard of healthcare in the region and that the Mid-West is only served by one emergency department.

Clare TD, Joe Carey (FG) said Oireachtas members have had “very constructive, robust engagement” with both the Minister for Health, Stephen Donnelly (FF) and the Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar (FG) on the matter since the protest.

In December, it was reported that Minister Donnelly was to bring a €100 million plan to Cabinet for five surgical hubs designed to slash waiting lists for day proce-

dures by providing more operating theatres. They are based on the Reeves Centre in Tallaght University Hospital, which saw a retail unit separate to the hospital converted into a hub for day surgeries. This is understood to have reduced waiting lists for certain procedures by 90 per cent.

The hubs are to be built in addition to three major elective care centres which are being planned for Dublin, Cork and Galway, which will take longer to deliver and must be administered through the public spending code. The hubs will focus on high volume surgeries like urology, vascular surgery, orthopaedics, gynaecology and ophthalmology.

Deputy Carey is adamant Ennis could be one of the five hubs.

“We could do the very same in Ennis, you’d be giving an enhanced role to Ennis. I think we also need to extend the hours for the

medical assessment unit, we need to upgrade it in the physical terms to make it bigger and more comfortable for patients, the minor injuries unit has been upgraded in a €2m investment, we could also increase the hours there and get more people in. I welcome the new protocol for ambulances where the paramedic in conjunction with the MAU in Ennis can receive people who they feel can be dealt with adequately in Ennis”.

He told The Clare Echo, “If you can get into the system it is great, there is wonderful cardiac care in Limerick, top class cancer care but where we are falling down really badly is through our emergency department and getting people into the system. I strongly believe there is a need for greater enhanced roles and investment in Ennis, Nenagh and St John’s to take the pressure off of Limerick and to maximise the assets that they are”.

Only 7 WTE (Fulltime /Whole-time Equivalent) healthcare professional positions in Acute Services were created at University Hospital Limerick (UHL) during 2022 despite UHL being the most overcrowded hospital in the country last year. This also comes despite claims from the Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar (FG) and Minister for Health, Stephen Donnelly (FF) that University Hospital Limerick (UHL) has grown its workforce by more than 1,000 full-time staff in the past two and a half years.

New figures released to Clare TD, Michael McNamara (IND) following a parliamentary question show 61 or 2.3% of the 2,645 WTE acute services positions created last year in Irish hospitals were located in hospitals within the UL Hospital Group. This compared with the creation of 579 WTE positions in Saolta University Hospital Care (21.9% of the national figure), 547 in the South/South West Hospital Group (20.7%), 498 in the RCSI Hospitals Group (18.8%), 459 in the Ireland East Hospital Group (17.4%), 418 in the Dublin Midlands Hospital Group (15.8%) and 77 in Children’s Health Ireland (2.9%).

University Maternity Hospital Limerick was one of only five hospitals across the country to experience a reduction in staff numbers in Acute Services with 265 WTE health professionals employed at the facility in December 2022 compared to 274 in December 2021. The other hospitals experiencing a reduction in overall staff numbers were Coombe Women & Infants University (-20), St. Michael’s Dublin (-10), CHI at Temple Street (-6) and CHI at Connolly (-1). The report is broken down by hospital and staff categories, namely Medical & Dental, Nursing & Midwifery and Health & Social Care professionals, including physiologists. The HSE states that an additional 666 and 38 W.T.E positions were created in Community Services and Health & Wellbeing services respectively during 2022.

Deputy McNamara said the figures are contrary to repeated claims by Minister

Donnelly about investments in resources within the UL Hospital Group. “UHL has been the most overcrowded hospital in the country for the past seven years, with a record 18,028 patients waiting on trolleys and on wards in 2022,” the Scariff native stated.

“This time last year, we discovered that none of the six hospitals in the UL Hospitals Group would receive any of the 411 acute and 36 ICU beds scheduled to open across Ireland in 2022. Now we discover that the increase in the healthcare workforce in Acute Services in the Mid-West falls far behind the increases seen in other regions across the country. The picture painted by these figures suggests a chronic underinvestment in hospitals across this region and therefore, there should be no surprise as to why waiting lists and trolley numbers here remain consistently higher than other parts of the country,” Deputy McNamara added.

He continued, “Minister Donnelly told me in the Dáil last week that 2023 will be the fourth year of record recruitment into the HSE since the foundation of the HSE, which will ring hollow for the people of Clare, Limerick and North Tipperary who will look at these figures and see that the UL Hospital Group has benefited little,” added Deputy McNamara. “The Minister also told me in the Dáil last week that 1,000 extra staff now work in UHL compared with three years ago. I have submitted a Parliamentary Question to Minister Donnelly in respect of a breakdown of these positions and I await his response”.

l Michael McNamara TD

Fiadh Coll as Goldilocks at the Barefield NS Spring Concert in Glor Photo by Natasha Barton

Getting accountability on health crisis ‘like playing handball against a haystack’

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

GETTING accountability off the Government “for the healthcare crisis in the Mid-West is like playing handball against a haystack,” a Clare TD has claimed while it has been confirmed that the Taoiseach is to visit University Hospital Limerick (UHL) this Friday.

Acknowledgements from the Taoiseach, Tanáiste, Minister for Health and HSE management that the model two hospitals in the MidWest, Ennis and Nenagh, have been made but no clear plan has been outlined to change the current situation. At the beginning of February, The Clare Echo reported how staff at Ennis Hospital were growing increasingly worried that its two fully equipped theatres remained empty and closed since Christmas with some warning that five successive weeks of elective day case procedure cancellations would result in delayed cancer diagnoses.

Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar (FG) is to visit UHL this Friday, the former Minister for Health had attended an online meeting with Oireachtas representatives from the region, HSE and hospital management after an internal incident was declared at UHL last month.

Speaking to The Clare Echo on Wednesday, Clare TD, Michael Mc-

Namara (IND) said he has requested the Taoiseach to also visit Ennis Hospital so that “he can get a better understanding of the underutilisation of Model 2 Hospitals, such as Ennis, Nenagh and St. Johns, and their capacity to contribute to reducing overcrowding at UHL”.

On Tuesday, McNamara highlighted this during Leader’s Ques-

tions in the Dáil. He recalled how HSE management acknowledged at a meeting on January 17th that “UHL’s model 2 hospitals such as Ennis, Nenagh and St. John’s Hospital were underutilised”.

At that particular meeting, Deputy McNamara asked what additional resources would be provided to Ennis following the new arrange-

ment whereby a limited number of patients were brought to Ennis Hospital by ambulance to ease the pressure on UHL. “It was implicit in the reply that those resources would be provided. Instead, all surgery stopped in Ennis for the month of January. Two newly equipped theatres lay idle and specialist staff were redeployed across the hospital,” he

commented.

McNamara asked the Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar (FG) if he was happy that the Mid-West and UL Hospitals Group was adequately resourced compared to other parts of the State and if he was content that the resources were adequately managed.

Varadkar admitted, “I am not satisfied with where we are with that as a country and I acknowledge that we have a lot more work to do and not just in the Mid-West region but across the country as well. People will bandy about a lot of different figures as to which region has the most beds, the least beds or which budget and I am not sure we always compare like with like when we do that”.

UHL’s workforce has grown “by more than 1,000 full-time staff since then, just two and a half years, and its budget has increased by 20%,” the Taoiseach claimed. He acknowledged the shift in ambulance policy will see the likes of Ennis Hospital require additional resources.

Minister for Health, Stephen Donnelly (FF) is to assess why surgeries have been cancelled in Ennis, the Taoiseach confirmed. “It could be that the hospital was simply full of medical patients. That happens, particularly during winter when the surgical wards have to be given over to medical patients”.

l CANCELLED SURGERIES: Ennis General Hospital

Crisis on the cards as mass housing evictions feared for April

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

“MASS evictions” will occur in April if the current ban is not extended, local councillors have warned.

A cap on rent increases nationally “for the remainder of the housing crisis” was sought by Cllr Liam Grant (GP) as he urged Minister for Housing, Darragh O’Brien (FF) to take action. He felt the addition of a national emergency policy to cap rent increases was required.

Cllr Grant stated, “People across the county are getting rent increases of up to and over 100% and this is morally wrong and shouldn’t be allowed. The legislation around Rent Pressure Zones does very little to help with rent pressure in rural towns and villages”.

An extension of the eviction ban until new legislation on short-term lets comes into effect was requested by the Lahinch councillor. “I am worried that there will be mass evictions in April of this year which will result in a huge demand for rental accommodation all at once and we could end up with a surge in homelessness,” Cllr Grant admitted.

Residents in parts of North

Clare have had to deal with rent increases, in some cases, it has doubled.

Speaking at Monday’s meeting of Clare County Council, Cllr Grant commented, “Ennistymon and Lahinch are not designated as rent pressure zones but are under huge rental pressure. The evictions ban was good over winter period but it has created a situation where people are under

more pressure. I’m really worried for the people who will be evicted in April and will have nowhere to go, I think some landlords have taken advantage, people have realised they can get a lot more for their house because of the housing crisis”.

As a county councillor he admitted to feeling “a sense of helplessness” in responding to constituents that are facing evictions

in over a month. “We don’t want to discourage landlords, we don’t want to push them out of the market, all I’m trying to do is give a chance to people who are going to be evicted in April. I feel helpless, I’m trying to represent the people who are really scared about where they will be living in a few months time”.

Ennistymon postmaster, Cllr Shane Talty (FF) acknowledged that this was “certainly an issue in North Clare”.

He predicted, “we’ll have a crisis again in the summer tourist season where businesses can’t attract staff”. Talty said the Ukrainian response “is putting a further squeeze on the housing market”.

Attempts by Clare councillors to have the county declared as a rent pressure zone failed previously, Cllr Gerry Flynn (IND) reminded his colleagues.

“The ban on evictions is an impediment for a lot of people, I don’t support that part of it, we’ve had lots of debates about dysfunctional tenants, some people who ring me are at their wits end,” he said. The Shannon representative supported the policy to cap rent increases.

‘Disquiet’ at plans to remove SCHM logo

ANGER has been voiced at University of Galway’s plans to remove the logo the Shannon College of Hotel Management, writes Páraic McMahon.

As part of a rebranding, University of Galway plan to relinquish the logo. Management of the Shannon college which is the only university level college in Clare, have been told new signage and branding will replace the Shannon logo. The plans have caused “immense disquiet in hospitality circles”.

In a proposal put before Clare County Council, Councillirs sought an intervention to stop the removal of the logo. “Much confusion will be caused in the international market for students. Already there is evidence that international students seeking to study at Shannon are under the illusion that the hotel school is now situated in Galway”.

“We don’t want to lose something that the great Brendan O’Regan put in place,” Cllr Pat O’Gorman said.

Do something INCREDIBLE today

THE HSE is hosting a number of public recruitment events for roles of Health Care Support Assistants (HCSAs) (formerly Home Helps) and is facilitating a quick and easy application process: Old Ground Hotel, Ennis23rd February 2023, 3pm – 8pm; Supervalu, Kilrush - 24th February 2023, 10am – 3pm; Supervalu, Ennistymon - 24th February 2023, 10am – 3pm.

As a permanent HCSA you will enjoy attractive rates of pay, job security, pension, paid travel time and expenses whilst availing of full-time or part-time employment. You will be part of a team and will have an opportunity to care for others.

Here's what recently recruited HCSAs said:

•“The highlight of my job is that I love what I do.”

•“It’s a very friendly environment.”

• “I enjoy being able to sit with the service user and listen, getting to know their likes and dislikes.”

•“It’s well paid and offers really good benefits.”

•“It’s a job you’d recommend to a friend.”

How to apply:

1. Bring your CV and qualifications with you to the recruitment event.

OR

2. Apply online via www.hse.ie/jobsearch using the following job references:

Limerick: MWCH 23.013

Clare: MWCH 23.007

North Tipperary: MWCH 23.014

OR

3. Send your CV and proof of qualifications to sarah.hurley@hse.ie , Human Resources Department, Midwest Community Healthcare, St. Joseph’s Health Campus, Mulgrave Street, Limerick, V94 C8DV.

Contact details for informal enquiries: 061-461185

Closing date for applications is 6th March 2023

Qualifications required are as follows:

A QQI Level 5 Certificate in ONE of the following:

Health Service Skill Major Award (8 modules in total); OR Healthcare Support Major Award (8 modules in total); OR Community Care Major Award (8 modules in total); OR Nursing Studies Major Award (8 modules in total).

AND Completion of the each of the following 6 modules is mandatory: Care Support; Infection Prevention and Control; Communications; Work Experience; Care of the Older Person; and Safety and Health at Work.

AND

Candidates must have completed a further 2 modules from the following list: Palliative Care Support; Care Skills; Personal Effectiveness; Activities of Living Patient Care; Nutrition; Equality and Disability; Dementia Enhanced Home Supports.

OR

Candidates must have an equivalent qualification from another jurisdiction with the above required modules as referenced, fully completed.

OR

Be currently employed as a Health Care Support Assistant or a comparable role AND have the requisite knowledge and ability to enable him/her to discharge the duties of the post satisfactorily.

Experience in a caring role (desirable). Further details on required qualifications can be viewed via www.hse.ie/jobsearch

Full driving licence and access to own transport.

lKeys

Shannon ‘stuck in a valley of tears’

by Páraic McMahon @clareecho.ie

SUDDEN deaths of two young men in Shannon have rippled across the entire community.

Huge crowds attended the funerals of Luke Shea and Conor Loughnane in Shannon on Friday and Saturday respectively with the town rocked by the deaths of two young men within a matter of hours on Tuesday last.

Speaking at the funeral mass of Conor Loughnane on Saturday morning, Fr Arnold Rosney referenced the amount of young people that have died in the locality. “We’ve had so many deaths since All Souls’ Day on November 2nd, so many young people. It feels like our community is stuck in a valley of tears”.

Luke, a talented soccer player who lined out at full-back for his county when representing the Clare Youths, was a member of Shannon Town Utd, having previously played for both Bridge Utd and Newmarket Celtic. A spokesperson for Shannon Town Utd said they were “deeply saddened at the devastating news and loss”.

From Líos na Rí in Shannon, Luke (20) is survived by his heartbroken family, parents Steve and Caroline, brother Scott, nanas Kathleen and Carole, aunts, uncles, cousins, neighbours and his many friends.

At Friday’s funeral service, a letter

Luke left to his family and friends was read aloud to the congregation at St John and Paul’s Church. He described his “beautiful parents”

Steve and Caroline as the “best parents that anyone could ask for” who “have given me so much in my lifetime that I will be forever grateful”.

He expressed his love for his brother Scott, his unconditional love for his girlfriend Ali “the most beautiful girl I could ever know” and told his friends that the memories they formed will always live on in his heart.

Large crowds also gathered for the funeral of Conor Loughnane at St John and Paul’s Church on Saturday. The 39 year old had been working at Ei Electronics at the time of his death. His loss is deeply regretted by his heartbroken parents, Mary and Ger, his brother Barry, his adored nephews Harry and Aaron and niece Neila.

Two-time All-Ireland winning Clare manager, Ger Loughnane when beginning to speak on Saturday remarked, “Usually when I came up here in the past, there was a gang of young lads in front of me for communion or confirmation. It’s a big change today but that is life”. The former school principal acknowledged the empathy and discretion shown by Gardaí during the week. He admitted he was struck by how “absolutely brilliant” Conor’s friends had been, “the stories told at the wake gave me a totally differ-

ent perspective”. He was “an expert” on films and television and always knew the right recommendation for his parents, indeed Ger quoted a passage from the 1992 film, ‘A River Runs Through It’ during the mass.

Conor had been a ‘junior waterboy’ for Clare’s hurlers in 1995 alongside Kenny McNamara while their elder brothers Barry Loughnane and Conor McNamara were ‘senior waterboys’. Conor had been booked on the sideline by one official for bringing water onto the two Lohan brothers, Brian and Frank who were pivotal figures of the Banner defence.

On the night of Clare’s historic All-Ireland win in 1995, the quartet had been unable to gain access to the bar so hatched a plan that they would order room service to their room where four large glasses of coke on a tray heading in the direction of one room were spotted by selector Mike McNamara, he later recounted the story to Loughnane.

Teachers of Conor at primary and secondary level would have been surprised with the “veracious appetite” he developed for reading after he left school, Ger outlined. A sense of adventure also became evident with trips to New York City and Australia in his twenties. Ger spoke of the drama that ensued when Conor lost his passport and had to use a fake ID in the States, leading to him coming across the radar of homeland security. On a

fishing escapade to Darwin after pulling in a catch, Conor was fortunate when a Chinese man on board jumped on a sea snake to save him.

“During all those adventures, that insidious grip of addiction began to tighten on Conor but when he came home he was in great form, he had a great adventure,” Ger stated.

An incident from July 2017 where Conor was arrested and later pleaded guilty to assaulting a garda, obstructing a garda and possession of cocaine, was described by Ger as “an awful occurrence in Shannon”. Comments from the District Court judge in March 2018 impacted Conor, Ger said, “The report was totally and utterly erroneous, it had a terrible impact on him. The judge

was one of these political lackies who was given the job for helping a politician out”.

After this, Conor began working at Ei Electronics, “he loved it, he never missed a day’s work and we all thought he was on the right road until last Tuesday,” Feakle native Ger added. “There is no understanding and there is no need for understanding, we always did his best and Conor always did his best. He has met up with Bridget and all those that we loved that have went before us, he is at peace”.

When life is difficult, Samaritans are here – day or night, 365 days a year. You can call them for free on 116 123, email them at jo@samaritans.ie, or visit www.samaritans.ie to find your nearest branch.

l Conor Loughnane, son of Ger Loughnane, passed away suddenly

Parents’ anguish as judge restores licence early for driver who caused death of Estlin

by Gordon Deegan news@clareecho.ie

THE parents of Estlin Wall (3) endured anguish as a judge restored early the driving licence for the driver whose careless driving caused the death of Estlin six years ago.

At Ennis Circuit Court on Tuesday, Judge Francis Comerford restored the driver’s licence for Senan O’Flaherty (66) despite Garda objections.

Outside court after the hearing, Estlin’s mother, Amy said, “We are beyond devastated that once again, the justice system has not valued the life of our beautiful daughter, Estlin. Nor has it valued the life changing injury that my husband will battle for the rest of his days”.

In April 2020, as part of his sentence at Ennis Circuit Court, a four year driving ban was imposed on Mr O’Flaherty of Lower Gowerhass, Cooraclare, Co Clare for the careless driving causing the death of Estlin Wall on March 15th 2017 - a number of days before Estlin was due to celebrate her fourth birthday.

In court this week, Judge Comerford initially deferred the restoration of Mr O’Flaherty’s licence until March 20th out of respect for the upcoming sixth anniversary of the fatal crash.

After a plea from Amy Wall from her seat at the back of the court to defer the restoration until what would be Estlin’s 10th birthday date at the end of March, Judge Comerford deferred the restoration of Mr O’Flaherty’s licence until April 10th.

Amy was seated with her husband, Vincent who today continues to recover from a brain injury he sustained in the crash.

Prior to making his ruling, Judge Comerford told the court that he didn’t wish to add the tiniest element of distress on the Wall family because their distress is so great from “their cataclysmic loss” in March 2017.

Mr O’Flaherty’s four year ban was due to expire in April 2024 and in restoring his licence one year early, Judge Comerford said that he was attaching particular weight to the evidence of Mr O’Flaherty’s diagnosis of Leukaemia 18 months ago.

In his ruling, Judge Comerford stated that Mr O’Flaherty has complied with court orders

and was someone of good character before the accident.

Judge Comerford said that he didn’t pay particular weight to the need for Mr O’Flaherty to have his licence back to allow him get back to work as a bus driver.

Judge Comerford stated, “I’m not sure Mr O’Flaherty was given much credit in the other courts for the remorse he was expressing. It wasn’t in the forefront of his mind in this application”.

“Rather he is concerned with his own circumstances and I suppose with time, that is what happens”.

Tuesday was the first time in the entire courts process concerning the fatal crash that Mr O’Flaherty gave sworn evidence.

While in the witness box, Judge Comerford put it to him that his driving “did cause terrible damage”.

Judge Comerford asked Mr O’Flaherty, “How do you feel about that?”

In response, Mr O’Flaherty said: “What can I say? Anybody that loses a child your honour, it is sad. I was 40 years driving, that is all I can say”.

Earlier in evidence, Mr O’Flaherty told his counsel Rebecca Treacy BL that “I live alone. I live in a rural area, very isolated. I am three miles from the town and there is no public transport. I have only a bicycle”.

Mr O’Flaherty said that since the driving ban “I haven’t been driving and I haven’t been working”.

Mr O’Flaherty said that if he can get his licence back, there is work available. He said, “I have been contacted by numerous companies asking ‘when would I be available?”

Two letters from bus companies confirming there is work for Mr O’Flaherty were handed into court.

Mr O’Flaherty said due to his Leukaemia diagnosis, he is “hiring cars, hiring people, private transport to make medical appointments”.

Objecting to the licence restoration, Det Garda Ruth O’Sullivan said that Gardai were objecting “due to severity of the incident and the continuous impact on the Wall family”.

In a statement outside court after the hearing on behalf of Amy and Vincent Wall, Amy said, “To say we are saddened by the court’s decision today would be a massive understatement.

She said, “Throughout this entire process, we have always felt that the courts have treated Senan O’Flaherty as a victim too, even though it is his actions alone that have found all of us here today. And for those actions, there must

be consequences”.

She added, “Having to stay off the road for a mere four years felt like a small price to pay. Senan O’Flaherty has never expressed remorse, in fact, we know he has convinced himself of his own innocence despite all the evidence to the contrary and multiple eye witness accounts stating otherwise and offering a guilty plea in 2019. For this fact alone, he should have had to serve his full sentence”.

She said, “We are one month from the sixth anniversary of this nightmare beginning and this has brought all the emotions from that horrific time back up to the surface”.

She added, “Senan O’Flaherty could’ve quietly served his short sentence and left us to grieve in peace. But instead he’s selfishly thought only of himself and insisted on reopening our wounds and today he has been rewarded for that”.

She said, “All we can do now is go home, hug our surviving children and cry for our sweet daughter who deserved so much better than the supposed justice system has given her”.

Amy commented, “He took the stand today and for the first time in the entire experience we heard him speak and the judge gave him ample opportunity to finally apologise to our face and he chose not to and I think that says everything about Senan O’Flaherty”.

She said, “We are horrendously disappointed but nothing that was going to happen here today or throughout this entire process would have ever brought Estlin back and all we can now is move forward and never have to be in a room with him again”.

At Ennis Circuit Court in April 2020, Judge Gerald Keys imposed a €750 fine on small farmer, Mr O’Flaherty for the careless driving causing the death of Estlin Wall on March

15th 2017.

Judge Keys also imposed a €750 fine on Mr O’Flaherty for careless driving causing serious bodily harm to Mr Wall on the same date near the village of Inagh.

Imposing sentence, Judge Keys stated that Mr O’Flaherty’s culpability was low and “at the bottom end of the spectrum” in the accident.

However, the DPP successfully appealed the undue leniency of the sentence and a three judge Court of Appeal in January 2021 imposed a 16-month sentence on Mr O’Flaherty but suspended the entire term on condition that he be of good behaviour for two years.

The court found that the trial judge was wrong to place Mr O’Flaherty’s culpability at the lower end of the scale with Ms Justice Isobel Kennedy saying he was at the “upper end” and that his blameworthiness was more significant than that identified by the judge. The court upheld the €1,500 fine and a four-year driving ban.

l Amy and Vincent Wall with Estlin

All we can do now is go home, hug our surviving children and cry for our sweet daughter who deserved so much better than the supposed justice system has given her

“ ”

Hotels housing Ukrainian refugees to be offered new contracts

by Páraic McMahon @clareecho.ie

NEW contracts are to be offered to existing accommodation providers in Clare housing refugees.

The Clare Echo understands that an approximate 35 percent of bed nights in the county will remain unavailable to tourists if all current contracts are renewed. The existing contracts are due to expire in March. Last August, The Clare Echo reported how seven accommodation providers in the county signed Government contracts with a cumulative estimated value of €6.36m to accommodate Ukrainian refugees in details released by the Department of Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth.

worth €1.52m while the Cliffs of Moher Hotel Ltd which operates the Cliffs of Moher hotel entered a contract worth €150,150. The Department entered contracts with two Ennis based hotel businesses for the second quarter of the year, the firm that operates the Auburn Lodge Hotel entered a contract of €1.523m while the operator of Hotel Woodstock, Tulipbay Bay entered a contract worth €354,900.

The Town Hall Bistro

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

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

Lisdoonvarna based firm, The Hydro Hotel Ltd which operates the Hydro Hotel entered a contract worth €1.53m with the Dept. Another hotel firm, Windward Management Ltd operating the Park Inn hotel entered a contract worth €955,000 while a third firm, Atlantic Hotel Management Ltd operating Lahinch Lodge entered a contract worth €329,400 to house Ukrainian refugees.

Figures also showed that Kilkee Town Ltd operating the Kilkee Bay Hotel entered a contract

Clare TD, Michael McNamara (IND) in a parliamentary question to Minister for Children; Equality; Disability; Integration and Youth, Roderic O’Gorman (GP) asked “if he will be renewing contracts with Clare hotels for accommodating beneficiaries of temporary protection and applicants for international protection beyond April 2023 and if he will make a statement on the matter”. Minister O’Gorman stated, “New contracts, with existing or additional suppliers, are commercial decisions made on the basis of scale and suitability in the context of the number of refugees and applicants for international protection that we need to accommodate and the budget available”. He added, “Demand for accommodation is strong at present and we are offering new contracts to many existing suppliers.”.

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 Brendan O’Regan Restaurant

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

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.

lACCOMMODATION: The Auburn Lodge Hotel in Ennis entered a contract of €1.523m last year

Crowe confident Airport management can deliver

by Páraic McMahon

DEVELOPMENTS of further continental hub connectivity, the establishment of a cargo hub and drone technology are viewed as Shannon Airport’s biggest opportunities for future growth according to a Clare TD.

Currently Fianna Fáil spokesperson on aviation, Cathal Crowe (FF) has in his time as a TD been quite vocal on Shannon Airport as has been the case during his sixteen year stint as a county councillor.

“Shannon is in a very strong position, it is about three years ahead in terms of recovery growth of where people expected it to be. The eighteen month period of COVID lockdowns was miserable and detrimental to Shannon.

“Politically I decided this was really the time to step up and represent Shannon like it’s never been represented before, I’ve spoken on Shannon 380 times in the Dáil, I was relentless on it,” Crowe added.

Several opportunities exist to increase its growth, he affirmed. “Continental hub connectivity is something we desperately need, since the advent of Brexit, the Heathrow slot is all important in Shannon but we shouldn’t just depend on that alone.

“We need connectivity to Amsterdam or Frankfurt, I would love to see more development of transatlantic routes. I think there’s huge cargo prospects for Shannon, only one percent of cargo leaving Ireland does so via air

“I think Shannon is the ideal airport where unlike Dublin or Heathrow you have a flight taking off every minute, there are time gaps in Shannon which would allow large freight companies to touch down in Shannon, offload their cargo and have it transferred onto road freight.

“There’s so many new aviation opportunities for Shannon, I’m particularly interested in drone technology, I know Shannon

has been a testing bed for possibilities there, in the next few years I’m aware of a company that will partner with the HSE in terms of delivering critical medical supplies, that’s a pipeline project.

“I’m aware of other companies that will partner up with FedEx and cargo distribution companies, I think Shannon has a huge role for that, the whole role for sustainable fuels, I think Shannon can be leading the way like it did for many years, it can pioneer like it has in other areas”.

A cargo hub has previously been mooted by Deputy Crowe but progress is not visible.

“I think Shannon has even more to offer because when you bring high value cargo products into the likes of Dublin there’s fantastic handling facilities but straight away after leaving the airport complex you’re into huge traffic congestion, there’s a lot of merit to the likes of Shannon being the receiving point for cargo and very quickly getting it to the motorway network”.

With the ideas outlined, does he have the faith in the management and board of the Shannon Airport Group to deliver is the question posed by The Clare Echo.

“I do have faith in the management and the board but I will unapologetically hold them to account, it’s a semi-state body, they are answerable to the taxpayer and to the House of the Oireachtas.

“I maintain a lot of contact with Mary Considine and her management team, I’ve faith in them, I think they have brought the Airport back to a good place, there are times when you would constructively criticise the airport but it is always constructive criticism, it’s in everyone’s interest that the airport is properly run and I think when we do see the Shannon Heritage portfolio leave the Shannon Group it will allow the airport to better focus itself on things aviation again”.

‘I didn’t get Shannon Heritage transfer wrong’

by Páraic McMahon @clareecho.ie

ACLARE TD has insisted he “didn’t get it wrong” on the transfer of the Shannon Heritage sites despite promising “a good deal for workers” before Christmas which later transpired as the Government offering Clare County Council a sixth of the total sum sought.

On December 19th, Cathal Crowe TD (FF) announced that a funding package to allow the transfer to proceed was imminent. “It took long enough but a good deal for workers and for the tourism offering at iconic sites like Bunratty Castle is now imminent,” he stated, ten days after the Council withdrew their interest, citing the absence of adequate financial backing. Two months on from his announcement, Deputy Crowe defended his remarks. “I didn’t get it wrong, I was disappointed that some political representatives tried to put it as such”.

He referenced the Government’s decision in the summer of 2021 to separate the Shannon Heritage sites from the Shannon Airport Group which resulted in fifteen months of “over and back discussions”. On the day of Leo Varadkar’s (FG) election as Taoiseach, Crowe said it was “the first time I heard with absolute certainty that the Government was committed to funding this”.

Crowe continued, “I heard unequivocally on that day Government was committed to funding Shannon Group, than an announcement was imminent and that it would be communicated to Clare County Council”.

That the funding was only one sixth of the €15m sought by the Council following a due diligence report suggested the Meelick native was misinformed. “I wasn’t led the wrong path and I wouldn’t want that to be suggested,” he responded. “There was initial confusion was that a multi-annual funding offer or a one-off funding offer.

I’ve gone back several times to the Government and the Council, the Government have said they are open to the Council applying

for that fund each year, making it multi-annual, however with the public purse you cannot commit to a multi-annual fund because you are locked into a budget”.

Deputy Crowe stressed that the Shannon Heritage workers have not been critical of this setback. “I have spoken with all the Shannon Heritage workers, you can see it on my social media when I clarified matters, not one of them have berated me, the only people that tried to make hay out of this were other politicians who tried to misconstrue matters entirely, I would say shame on them because I have been from the get go absolutely clear with the workers, my communications have been absolutely clear and my intent to represent them and ensure they get a good deal has been unwavering. I think each time you’ve been out at a protest I’ve been the only Oireachtas representative there, I will go morning, noon and night to represent them and I will take any flak coming my way but I won’t be found wanting in terms of representing them and that applies in the past and going forward now”. That his announcement offered what became false hope to workers right on the approach to Christmas did not alter his viewpoint. “I communicated the information I had to hand, it was appreciated by workers, it has been absolutely misrepresented by other politicians and deliberately so. The fact is it was a significant piece of news I heard that day, it was the first time in fifteen months we heard anyone in Government say they were willing to fund and not only did I hear it from one Minister that day, I heard it from three Ministers, that was significant and worthy of communicating to workers, they appreciated it that day, the funding announcement came up short of what all of us would have wanted, some of that coming up short was also due to a degree of confusion, was it multi-annual funding or a one-off fund, now both parties are committed to wrapping this up once and for all, I heard as recently as last Wednesday that Minister Eamon Ryan has said there is a will to wrap this up. None of the workers have criticised me,

the criticism has come from others in the political world, maybe they should have gone out and met workers rather than berating me for something I haven’t done”.

“There isn’t criticised me on phasised while repeating ment that he didn’t the announcement.

‘Independent TDs don’t have

INDEPENDENTS don’t carry “any significant clout in politics,” Clare TD, Cathal Crowe (FF) has claimed, writes Páraic McMahon

Would the Mid-West be better off electing four Independent TDs in Clare, Tipperary, Limerick City and Limerick County to provide a significant voting block in Dáil Éireann was a question for the Deputy from a reader of The Clare Echo. The consistent poor performances of University Hospital Limerick (UHL) and Shannon Airport’s overlooking were also referenced.

It prompted Deputy Crowe to criticise the performance of Independent TDs in the Dáil. “I don’t believe Independents carry any significant clout in politics, the more I see of it in the Dáil I think they have the easiest gig in town because they can decide on a whim if they are for or against something yet they have no governing responsibility, it’s not within the remit of an Independent to govern unless they are signed up to a coalition”.

He added, “I think within a party you have major clout, major say and major access to Ministers that an Independent wouldn’t

necessarily have, I would like the Mid-West and particularly Clare to have a Minister, I would like to serve as a Minister myself some day, I think when you have a Minister the voice of a region gets volumized, we could have done with some extra volume in the last three years on major issues, hopefully there will come a day when I or somebody will serve in the ranks of ministerial office, I don’t accept the sugges-

paraic@clareecho.ie

l UNWAVERING: Cathal Crowe at the Shannon Heritage

one worker who this,” Crowe emrepeating his comdidn’t regret making announcement. “I have no say

Crowe happy with Dooley relationship

FIANNA Fáil’s Clare Oireachtas duo “work very well” together, TD Cathal Crowe (FF) has said. writes Páraic McMahon

Following Crowe’s Shannon Heritage funding announcement prior to Christmas, his party colleague Senator Timmy Dooley (FF) in recent weeks noting the absence of an agreed deal on the transfer stated “the staff were most upset by the false information circulated before Christmas by another politician”.

When speaking to The Clare Echo, Deputy Crowe repeated that Shannon Heritage workers were not annoyed with him and rather it was fellow politicians trying to portray it as such.

This prompted The Clare Echo to flag that it was his own party colleague who was most critical in this regard. “I’ve no comment to

make on that. He is a colleague and I’m a team player,” Crowe said of Dooley’s remarks.

A constant social media battle between the duo to be first to share positive funding announcement has also been observed. “I’m a member of a party and when you’re a member of a party you’re elected to work as a team. I work very well with Timmy Dooley, we are a TD and Senator team for the county, we worked well before the General Election and we still work well together. My opposition would be other political parties not my running mate”. That criticism of Crowe was more visible from his own running mate and not opposition prompted the Meelick native to respond, “That’s The Clare Echo’s take, I’m giving you my take on it”.

on the figures, the final settlement will be negotiated and thrashed out by the Minister and their team.

I’ve never been privy to the whole figure, what was offered came up

short, it was disappointingly short but I remain committed to getting it resolved and I’m confident it will be resolved, in fact there isn’t a single worker who has criticsed me”.

any significant clout’

tion that an Independent could solve everything”.

The Clare Echo pointed then referenced the Gregory deal as an example of the influence Independent TDs can have in Irish politics. Tony Gregory (IND), the former Dublin Central TD achieved national prominence in February 1982 with the deal estimated to be worth £100m at the time, in return for supporting Haughey as Taoiseach, Gregory was guaranteed a massive cash injection for his inner-city Dublin constituency, an area beset by poverty and neglect.

Deputy Crowe acknowledged that the influence of Independent TDs grows if they can broker a deal in forming a Government.

“If an Independent comes into Government they have immense power but Independents who flip flop on votes each Wednesday night, decide positions on a whim or interrupt votes I don’t think they carry any clout in the 33rd Dáil where the Government is not propped up by Independents. I’m very respectful of their role, I get on very well with Michael McNamara and Violet-Anne Wynne”.

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Heritage Workers Protest at Bunratty Folk Park Photo by Natasha Barton

lTimmy Dooley

Action sought to clamp down on ‘harrowing’ dog attacks

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

STRICTER enforcement of by-laws could see the amount of dog attacks “dramatically reduced”.

Action is to be taken by Clare County Council to try prevent attacks by dogs. Data from An Garda Síochána detailed that there were 130 dog attacks which involved a person as an injured party in 2022.

Calls for an awareness campaign on the control of dogs in public places and the introduction of bye-laws making it compulsory “for people in charge of dogs in public places to have all dogs on a lead and listed dangerous breeds muzzled and also the banning of extendable leads” were sought by Cllr Gerry Flynn (IND), Cllr Joe Garrihy (FG), Cllr John Crowe (FG) and Cllr Johnny Flynn (FG) in a motion debated before the Council.

Citing “harrowing scenes” where children have been seriously injured or have had tragic outcomes, they appealed to Minister for Rural and Community Development Heather Humphreys (FG) and the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Charlie McConalogue (FF) to urgently review the Control of Dogs Act. “The Government need to protect the public from dog attacks and have the laws reviewed and properly enforced in order to eliminate the serious risk posed by dogs out of control”.

Senior executive engineer in the Environ-

ment Department of the Council, Cyril Feeney explained, “Under Statutory Instrument No 442/1998, Control of Dogs, the owners of certain breeds of dogs are required to have such dogs muzzled and be led by a sufficiently strong chain or leash, not exceeding two metres in length, by a person over the age of sixteen years who is capable of controlling the said dog while in a public place. The dog must also wear a collar with the name and address of their owner at all times”.

Dogs covered under this include, American pit bull terrier, English bull terrier, Stafford shire bull terrier, bull mastiff, Dorbermann pinscher, German shepherd, Rhodesian ridgeback, Rottweiler, Japanse akita, Japanese tosa, Bandog.

Speaking at Monday’s meeting, Cllr Flynn

argued, “the number of dog attacks could be dramatically reduced if the laws were properly enforced”. He referenced a recent report by Newstalk that over fifty percent of dog owners in Ireland have no licence. The Shannon representative said 1,700 attacks on humans were dogs were recorded from 2016 to 2021 and a further 1,351 on livestock in the same period. He told officials “stop kicking the can down the road” in response to comments that the Council would wait for steps to be taken from the working group established by Action needs to be taken following countless “harrowing stories,” maintained Cllr Garrihy. “We need to do what’s in our power, saying something isn’t required or necessary doesn’t mean it is not a good idea to do it. Let’s not make great the enemy of good, take a Clare needs to set the way in dealing with the problem, Cllr Crowe insisted. “The majority of Irish people look after their dogs very well but you have that small minority out there who do not do that”. In the past fortnight Cllr Johnny Flynn’s sister in law was attacked by two Alsatians,

“she was badly bitten, only for she used the bike she was on to protect herself she could have been very badly injured,” he flagged.

Animal welfare legislation “falls down on implementation,” remarked Cllr Donna McGettigan (SF).

“The number of dog wardens is completely inadequate,” she added. Progress has been non-existen on the matter, Cllr Pat McMahon (FF) said, “Every year since I’ve been on the Council this motion has come up in some form or another. We’ve seen a horrible attack on a child, this time next year if we analyse it, what will have happened, will the law have changed”.

Actions of a minority are allowing such attacks to continue, Cllr Tom O’Callaghan (FF) believed, “There are serious consequences to the health of people if this is not dealt with in some form”.

Council Chief Executive, Pat Dowling stated, “As a civic authority, we’ve a duty of care to people in this county, we don’t always have to wait to do what we’re told to do even though it is one positive approach to take, bylaws are difficult to implement”. He added, “The dog is the responsibility of the owner, if we had 10k wardens it still may not prevent a dog attacking someone”.

Dowling said action will be taken by the Council. “If we can prevent one single child or adult being attacked or god forbid worse then I think we should take that action”.

Outspoken Ennistymon priest makes pay out over First Holy Communion flashpoint

by Gordon Deegan news@clareecho.ie

AN OUTSPOKEN North Clare parish priest has made an undisclosed payout arising from a court action taken by a traveller woman concerning a First Holy Communion flashpoint eight years ago.

At Ennis Circuit Court, Judge Francis Comerford noted the outof-court settlement between parish priest of Ennistymon, Fr Willie Cummins and Caroline Sherlock.

Ms Sherlock took a separate action against the late Martin Drennan, former Bishop of the Diocese Of Galway and Kilmacduagh concerning her discrimination case.

The joint discrimination action by Ms Sherlock arose from the alleged refusal by Fr Cummins to allow her attend the Church of Our Lady and St Michael, Ennistymon for her niece and nephew’s First Communion on May 23rd 2015.

Judge Comerford made the out of court settlement between the late Martin Drennan - who died last November - and Caroline Sherlock a rule of court.

After being handed in the settlement terms, Judge Comerford queried was the amount in the settlement the amount to be paid by Fr Cummins and the late Martin Drennan the one sum or separate sums.

In response, counsel for the late Martin Drennan said “separate” and asked that on that basis the case can be struck out. He said that “both matters were resolved and both matters were settled on the same terms”.

The amounts paid out were not disclosed. Ms Sherlock or her Free Legal Advice Centre (FLAC) legal team were not in court and Fr Cummins and his own solicitor were not present. The cases were before the court on appeal from a failed 2020 discrimination case action at the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) brought by Ms Sherlock against Fr Cummins arising from her niece, Stacey and nephew, Martin’s Holy Communion at Ennistymon Church in May 2015.

At the WRC, Adjudicator, Louise Boyle dismissed Ms Sherlock’s claim on a legal point. At the WRC Fr Cummins denied the substantive discrimination allegations and it was successfully argued on his behalf that the type of religious service, Holy Communion, is not covered by the Equal Status Act.

In the published WRC ruling, Ms Boyle said that if she was to find otherwise, “it would be unlawful for Churches to refuse the Sacrament of Matrimony to persons who were divorced, or to provide that facility to persons of the same gen-

der. Likewise, it would be unlawful to provide access to Holy Orders to exclusively men to the exclusion of women”.

Caroline Sherlock alleges that on the day Fr. Cummins stopped her from entering the Church due to what she was wearing. Gardaí were called to the Church at 11am on the day but confirmed at the time that there was no public order incident of a breach of the peace detected and no one was arrested.

Caroline Sherlock could not be reached for comment on the settlement however, her sister, Kathleen and mother of the two children celebrating their communion welcomed the payout.

Speaking outside her home at the Deerpark Halting site overlooking Ennistymon in north Clare, Kathleen Sherlock recalled the events of May 23rd 2015 and said “it was humiliating - I wanted to be in the Church for my babies’ communion and I missed it”. She said, “It ruined our day. Completely destroyed it altogether. Everyone was upset”.

Kathleen Sherlock said that she was going in and out of the Church to see what the commotion was at the Church door “and I was trying to get them in and trying to explain to the priest. There were Guards there as well”.

She said, “Caroline had a skirt

above her knee and Fr Cummins didn’t want her to go in due to a (dress) policy. But there were a lot of settled people - ladies - with the same shortness of skirt and they were allowed into the Church”.

Kathleen said, “My own daughter, Kathleen Marie wasn’t allowed into the Church either because she had an off-the shoulder top”.

Ms Sherlock said, “We missed our children’s communion which we can’t get back”.

Ms Sherlock alleged that “it was discrimination against travellers”.

Ms Sherlock said that on the day, “Caroline was at the door and did all the speaking and did the answering back to the priest and she was right because she was entitled to go into the Church no matter what way she was dressed”.

Ms Sherlock said that her faith is “very important” to her. However she said that she has not returned to Ennistymon Church since her children’s Holy Communion in May 2015 and now goes to Lahinch Church instead.

Ms Sherlock - who said that Fr Cummins has been in her home before - has not made amends. She said, “I’m very disappointed about that.”

When contacted by phone to comment on the out of court settlement, Fr Cummins declined to

comment.

In 2021, Fr Cummins was in the spotlight after it emerged he was staging regular Sunday morning masses at Ennistymon Church during a Covid-19 lock-down period saying at the time that no person has got Covid-19 from attending his masses. During the same year, Fr Cummins denounced the planned ‘Púca of Ennistymon’ sculpture as “sinister” from the altar at Sunday mass.

A spokesman for the Diocese of Galway stated that it noted the court action was concluded “without liability being determined and in terms which both parties have agreed should remain confidential”.

The spokesman stated, “In light of this, no further commentary is available on this matter.” The spokesman stated that the Diocese of Galway, Kilmacduagh and Kilfenora was not a party to these proceedings. The spokesman declined to comment when asked if the diocese had covered the legal costs of Fr Cummins or the late Bishop Drennan or made the payments referred to in court.

A spokeswoman for FLAC stated that it not cannot make a comment on the case at this time given the terms of the settlement. FLAC highlighted the case in its 2021 annual report.

Hurleys, golf clubs, bikes & jackets stolen in spate of thefts

crossbar and insert of wheels were also stolen from the shed while a child’s set of golf clubs in a pink golf bag and a red jacket and navy jacket were stolen from an unlocked car. This incident is understood to have occurred between 9pm on Friday night and 9am on Saturday morning.

Houses in Tradaree Court, Tullyglass Court and Cluain Airne also had thefts between 9pm on Saturday night last and Sunday morning.

Survey ‘vital’ to informing application for affordable housing

lClare County Council

GARDAÍ in Shannon are investigating two thefts which occurred overnight on Friday night and Saturday morning, writes

Páraic McMahon

Three Torpey bamboo hurleys were among the items stolen from an unlocked shed in Tradaree Court. A child’s Python BMX black bike with red on the

A black ladies bike and a white man’s bike were stolen from a shed at the rear of a house in Tradaree Court, a red gearbag and two sports jackets were stolen from a car at Tullyglass Court and two kids bikes, a garden table and chairs, an electric saw and glue gun was stolen from a shed in the Cluain Airne estate.

EXPRESSIONS of interest for affordable housing schemes in Ennis and Shannon will be taken until Friday, writes Páraic McMahon

An Affordable Housing Scheme (AHS) is a program where the Local Authority assists members of the public to purchase a housing unit by purchasing a percentage of the house they wish to buy.

The Expressions of Interest (EOI) survey will be used as part of an application to the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage to run such a scheme in Ennis and Shannon.

Clare County Council are inviting members of the public to complete the survey before close of business on Friday to assist with their applica-

tion. The local authority had to engage with the Department of Housing to secure some flexibility for the consideration of urban areas with a population in excess of 10,000 for affordable housing schemes.

Speaking this week, Cllr Gerry Flynn (IND) who is Chair of the Council’s Social Development SPC remarked, “It’s our last chance to put together a proper application so that Ennis and Shannon is included for affordable housing, we still have to put it up to the Minister. This is our last chance to advertise it”.

Senior executive engineer in the Council’s housing department, Adrian Headd said the survey was a “vital piece in informing our application going forward”.

Conversations with Tessa Hadley at EBCF

THE weekend of the 3rd – 5th March will see Ennis buzzing with an influx of visitors attending live Ennis Book Club Festival events in locations across the town. The 2023 programme features events for all the family and something to suit all literary tastes.

A key event of the Festival over the years is the Saturday night author interview in glór and this year’s interview is no exception, with acclaimed author Tessa Hadley in conversation with Bríona Nic Dhiarmada.

Described by the Washington Post as “one of the greatest stylists alive”, Tessa Hadley has published eight

novels and three collections of short stories. Beloved of writers such as Hilary Mantel, Colm Tóibín, Zadie Smith and Anne Enright, she has contributed stories to The New Yorker since 2002. Hadley’s work is a triumph of restraint and superbly rich prose. She explores with fond exactitude the burdens and losses her characters live with as they negotiate their way through life.

Tessa Hadley writes with clear-eyed affection for her characters and a lack of judgement about decisions that can turn a life around with devastating impact. Her latest novel, Free Love, set in the 1960s, is a fascinating ex-

ploration of what transpires when a married woman falls for a much younger man, upending her own settled family life and setting off ripples that will entangle all around her.

EBCF is delighted to welcome this wonderful writer in 2023. Tessa will be in conversation with Bríona Nic Dhiarmada, (the Kathleen O’Donnell Professor Emerita of Irish Studies at the University of Notre Dame in the U.S., film maker and writer).

Saturday 4th March 8.30pm glór €16/€14 conc. + €1 Booking fee. Visit glor. ie for tickets.

lBambú hurley

SHANNON NEWS

in association with

Wings Festival flies back to Shannon

by Páraic McMahon

SHANNON is set for a seven day music festival which takes flight this coming Monday (February 20th).

Led by Damien O’Rourke of Cuppa Tea TV, Wings Festival is back for its second run in Shannon having proven to be a popular event in June 2022.

An open session kicks off the festival on Monday at The Shannon Springs Hotel at 7pm where all performers and listeners are welcome.

The Terrace Bar hosts an open mic on Tuesday at 7pm.

Youth in Music takes control from St Pat-

rick’s Comprehensive on Wednesday morning at 10:30am while the Hope Café hosts Ger O’Donnell, Trevor Sexton, David Hope, Ali Hayes and the Shannon Gospel Choir from 7:30pm.

Music moves to Newmarket-on-Fergus on Thursday where The Honk hosts a Slow Session from Sheila and Friends.

On Friday, Shannon Springs welcomes Cyril O’Donoghue and Blackie O’Connell on stage at 7:30pm while the later concert has North of Fortitude, Blue Herring, Wingmen and Moses McGuinness.

Multiple events will take place across the course of Saturday including busk-

ing in the town centre, a ukulele workshop at the grounds of Wolfe Tones GAA club, a drum workshop plus music from Sticky Fingers, 16 Tons Of Jive, Stoney Wall, Mangled Badgers and Fionn Hayes.

A Wings Wind Down Session is planned for Sunday at 1pm in the Shannon Springs.

O’Rourke has said the idea of spreading events across the town like a musical trail is inspired by the Shannonside Winter Music Festival and Doolin Folk Festival.

The Shannon festival is named after a chipper that served as a major meeting point but it also acknowledges the town’s link to Shannon Airport.

Shannon company IAC expands presence in Spain

A SHANNON headquartered company has been selected to develop and operate a new wide body hangar facility at Teruel Airport in Central Spain under a 25-year concession agreement, writes Páraic McMahon International Aerospace Coatings Group (IAC), a market-leading aviation services provider, has been selected by Teruel Airport Consortium for the deal.

With headquarters in Shannon, IAC has committed to developing this strategically located infrastructure, which will serve the company’s new and existing aviation customers and provide Teruel airport with its inaugural painting facility, creating an expected 80 new, highly skilled jobs for the region.

The Teruel project represents IAC’s first growth initiative since Tiger Infrastructure Partners (Tiger Infrastructure), a leading middle market growth infrastructure investor, acquired IAC in December 2022.

The Teruel facility will extend IAC’s current portfolio to 18 hangars located at eight airports and two customer sites throughout the

United States and Europe. IAC employs more than 1,000 people globally.

IAC’s core business involves aircraft painting, aviation technical services, aircraft interior refurbishment and aircraft graphic solutions.

IAC also provides engineering services and asset management solutions to help customers ensure regulatory compliance through its Eirtech Aviation Services (EAS) division. Its global customer base includes aircraft manufacturers, commercial airlines, aircraft leasing companies, air cargo carriers and governments.

Martin O’Connell, CEO of IAC said, “We are planning now for an anticipated shortfall in capacity within the global aircraft maintenance sector over the next three to four years.

“Demand for our services following the Covid-19 pandemic has soared, and we are strategically selecting locations that will support our growth as the needs of our customers grow.

“Wide body hangars, such as our new painting facility at Teruel, are particularly im-

portant to the business, as there are a limited number of dedicated aircraft paint hangars capable of handling wide body aircraft in Europe”.

“At IAC we are continually identifying new opportunities for the business in the US, Europe, Middle East and Asia and we have ambitious plans that are exciting for the company, our employees, customers, and the wider markets in which we operate,” he added.

Teruel Airport opened in 2013 and serves as an industrial-aeronautical hub with the largest maintenance, repair and operations (MRO) platform in Europe with aircraft storage capacity for up to 250 aircraft. Teruel is a small, growing province in Spain and its dry climate makes it particularly suitable for long-term storage as well as paint operations. The airport is the vision of the President of the region, Javier Lambán, and is bordered by Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Zaragoza and Bilbao, representing 60% of Spanish GDP and more than 20 million people in the 400 km surroundings.

paraic@clareecho.ie

lMUSIC TRAIL: Damien O’Rourke

Photo by Joe Buckley

Barefield National School Get into the Spring of it

Engineers appointed for Clareabbey redesign

ENGINEERING consultants have been appointed to model the redesign of Clareabbey Roundabout, writes Páraic McMahon

Members of the road design office in Clare County Council met with TII officials recently.

Senior executive engineer with the Council, John Gannon said TII “have confirmed that their appointed engineering consultants are modelling the roundabout redesign which includes improved and enhanced pedestrian and cycling connectivity and will revert with their findings when this element is completed”.

Cllr Paul Murphy (FG) who has consistently called for safety improvements at the roundabout said at this month’s meeting of the Ennis Municipal District, “It is lethal there at the best of times with speed from the dual carriageway from the Limerick side”.

He was hopeful the designs from TII would make the loca-

tion safer for the young and the elderly.

Mayor of the Ennis MD, Cllr Clare Colleran Molloy (FF) observed, “it is good to hopefully see progress on this long-running situation”. Cllr Tom O’Callaghan (FF) added, “It is utmost priority, anyone that goes onto the roundabout at any time it is shocking the amount of traffic that is there”.

Speed of traffic at Clareabbey Roundabout is “quite frightening,” remarked Cllr Johnny Flynn (FG). “I know the last speed limit review, we considered the reduction of the speed limit on the N85, was that considered and has it had any impact,” he asked.

Leonore O’Neill, senior executive officer for the Ennis MD advised the meeting “any speed limit review on a national primary or secondary road must have the support of TII, they are under the control of TII not the local authority”. She committed to reverting back to councillors with information.

Heritage mural trail forms part of PRISM

A HERITAGE mural trail in Ennis celebrates the lives and colourful stories of persons linked to the town that have been scribed in history, writes Páraic McMahon

Four lives are celebrated in the themed mural trail, namely Tom Steele, James Patrick Mahon, Harriet Smithson Berlioz and James Bartholomew Blackwell.

Their initial task was to brainstorm ideals for a heritage mural trail in the town to celebrate the lives and colourful stories of characters born in or associated with Ennis, persons who had not been yet celebrated in a visible way.

Their selection was decided by the ‘Memory Lane’ group which is comprised of Cllr Mary Howard (FG), Ennis Tidy Towns Chairperson Cormac McCarthy, local historian Larry Brennan and CEO of Ennis Chamber, Margaret O’Brien.

Cllr Howard who chaired the group admitted that choosing a shortlist was a challenge. “Some of the characters whose names cropped

lCHARACTERS: Margaret O’Brien, Joe Kelly and Cllr Mary Howard

up in our early brainstorm were unknown, and yet we were amazed by the colourful lives they led”.

Surprise on the wealth of characters in Ennis was also voiced by Margaret. “The group’s ambition was not only to create a mural trail but to also create linkages and opportunities for further discussion or celebration. For example, the real life version of the duelling gun depicted in Joe Kelly’s tribute to the O’Gorman Mahon on Halloran’s Lane can

be seen in Clare Museum and therefore gives visitors, and indeed locals an added reason to visit our fantastic local museum,” she said.

Clare Arts Office will shortly position a QR Code at each location to give locals and visitors access to the story behind each piece. Funding for the project was via submission to Clare Arts Office under the PRISM mural project, funded by Creative Ireland. The Tom Steele mural was separately funded but under the same scheme.

Neasa McCarthy playing the flute in the Barefield NS Spring Concert in Glor

Photo by Natasha Barton

Sixmilebridge uncovers lost link to 1916 Rising

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

APLAQUE has been erected in honour of a Sixmilebridge priest who administered the last rites to soldiers fighting in the GPO during the 1916 Easter Rising. This involvement in a seismic moment in Irish history and local connection had been known for over a century.

Fr James Austin was born in the towland of Coolycasey in 1876 to Martin and Bridget (Moloney), he was one of their seven children, the family comprised of four sons and three daughters. He attended Derranaveigh (Oatfield) National School and completed his secondary education in St. Flannan’s College, Ennis. He then went to St Patrick’s College, Maynooth to study for the priesthood.

On June 17th 1900, James was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Killaloe by Archbishop of Dublin, Dr William J Walsh. Fr Austin was sent on loan from Diocese of Killaloe to the Archdiocese of Glasgow for a year, serving at St Johns, Port Glasgow and Renfrewshire. In 1902, he returned to Ireland to serve in Broadford until 1905.

Across two decades he ministered as a curate in Feakle, Dunkerrin, Kilballyowen, Shinrone, Corofin, Ruan, Crusheen, Kilmurry Ibrickane, Coolmeen, Bournea and Killimer. In October 1935 Fr James retired as a priest on health grounds and spent the final 13 years in The Burton Arms Hotel in Carrigaholt. He died in hospital in Ennis on 26th August 1948 after serving 48 years as a priest. He was buried in the church grounds of his native

Notes

QUIN TIDY TOWNS

TWENTY-TWO bags of rubbish were collected by volunteers, young and old who came out on Saturday morning to clean the approach roads into the village of Quin. Quin Tidy Towns have appealed to all drivers, walkers and cyclists not to dispose of fast food containers, cans, bottles and sweet wrappers on these roads.

Colette Colleran of Quin Tidy Towns said, “We would like to welcome all new volunteers who joined us and those who joined our Whats App Group, Quin Tidy Towns. Please be sure to avail of our Book Exchange in the village, located beside the Hall where there are plenty of childrens and adult books to read”.

parish Sixmilebridge.

During his time in Shinrone, Fr James was elected Chairman of the local Sinn Fein Organisation and played an active role in promoting the party’s values. His brother Roddy Austin married a girl from Cratloe named Setright, they lived in Dublin where Roddy worked for Dublin County Council. In April 1916 Fr James decided to visit his brother in Dublin for Easter and while he was in Dublin, with his Sinn Fein background, he was

asked to visit the GPO in O’Connell St and administer the last rites to the soldiers who were dying in action.

This contribution to Irish history could very easily have been lost only for Michael Hyland’s decision to enquire about his background in Sixmilebridge. “He will now never be forgotten as people forever will talk about the priest from The Bridge who was in the GPO during the Easter Rising 1916,” secretary of the Sixmilebridge Historical

Society Tim Crowe stated. After Michael made contact with Tim, it was uncovered that Fr Austin was a close relative of Mary O’Loughlin née Stephens who was able to trace the family history.

To honour Fr Austin, the Historical Society has erected a plaque over his grave in the grounds of St Finnachta’s Church in Sixmilebridge. The cost of the plaque was appropriately sponsored by 10 families from his native townland of Coolycasey.

Emotional tribute to Axel Foley on Dancing with the Stars

KILLALOE’S Anthony Foley was remembered by his former rugby teammate Shane Byrne (pictured below with dance partner Karen Byrne) on the latest episode of Dancing With the Stars, writes Páraic McMahon

Sunday’s episode of the popular RTÉ series was dubbed ‘dedication week’ with contestants dancing in honour of people special to their lives in some personal way.

Former Irish hooker, Shane Byrne used the opportunity to pay an emotional tribute to Anthony ‘Axel’ Foley. The pair lined out beside each other for their country for a number of years including the 2003 Rug by World Cup in Australia where Ireland reached the quarter-finals before bowing out to France.

Indeed, they both retired from international rugby in 2005, Byrne earning his first cap in 2001 against Romania with increasing appearances following the retire ment of another Killaloe man, Keith Wood. Axel made 62 appearances for Ireland from 1995 until 2005.

At the age of 42, Anthony was found dead at a Paris hotel with the Munster squad as they were pre paring to face Racing 92 in its opening game of the 2016–17 European Rug-

by Champions Cup, it was later revealed that heart disease had caused an acute pulmonary edema.

Shane dancing alongside Karen Byrne received a score of 23 for his Viennese Waltz set to Queen’s ‘We Are the Champions’.

Speaking about his late teammate, Shane reflected, “Anthony was one of those that you could build a team on the back of. An amazing athlete, very very gifted, a man of few words and those words were probably spoken softly - that’s the rugby side. But then afterwards he was a far deeper man than that. A very, very caring family man. While remembering Anthony brings up pain, we don’t want it all to be pain we want to also celebrate all that he stood for”.

Among those supporting Shane in the audience were Anthony’s wife Olive and two sons, Tony and Dan.

After completing his dance, Shane wiped away tears after catching the eye of the Foley family.

Judge Loraine Barry praised Shane for his “beautiful tribute,” while Brian Redmond said he had no doubt Axel would be proud of him tonight.

Speaking to The Clare Echo, Tim admitted that it brought great delight to the Historical Society and local community to become aware of this link to the Easter Rising. “Everybody likes to say they had a relation or a link to the 1916 Easter Rising, the people of Sixmilebridge were delighted that Fr James Austin’s contribution in the GPO was recovered, developed and established in the last two years. The erection of the plaque in grounds where he was buried is a reminder to the future generations that a Sixmilebridge person contributed to the 1916 Easter Rising”.

When attempting to get further information on Fr Austin, Michael Hyland made contact with Sixmilebridge GAA Club where he was directed to Tim who found the grave and a photograph was identified by Fr John Jones which assisted in tracing distant relatives in Coolycasey.

A local newspaper in Tipperary first published details in 1916 of the then Shinrone curate administering the last rites.

Despite this, no awareness existed in The Bridge of their local link to the armed insurrection. “It was gone,” Tim admitted. “You die twice, once when your organs fail and again when people stop talking about you, Fr Austin would probably have been forgotten around here were it not for Tullamore historian Michael Hyland. Fr Austin wasn’t well known, he was a very quiet person, he didn’t spend much time in Sixmilebridge because of his parish work elsewhere. It is wonderful to establish the fact of his involvement and to acknowledge it”.

l SEISMIC: The plaque in memory of Fr James Austin

West Clare

New museum and cafe to open at Vandeleur Walled Garden

l DEVELOPMENT:

Pictured at Vandeleur Walled Gardens

Experience, Kilrush, County Clare, are (l-r): Stephanie Leonard; Liam Williams; Colette Costello; Leonard Cleary; Donnacha Lynch; Cllr Tony O’Brien, Cathaoirleach, Clare County Council; Pat Dowling, Chief Executive, Clare County Council; Ruth Hurley; Noel Kilkenny; Deirdre

O’Shea; Steve

Lahiffe; Cllr Gabriel

Keating; and Siobhan

King

ANEW interpretative museum is to open at the Vandeleur Walled Gardens Experience in Kilrush later this year, writes Páraic McMahon.

Works have been ongoing since 2021 to extensively restore and

renovate the old stable block at the site, which also will feature a new gardeners’ building.

Regarded as a location with massive potential in growing West Clare’s tourism offering, Vandeleur Walled Gardens Experience is centred on a sheltered walled garden

that was formerly part of the Vandeleur Family Demesne.

Donnacha Lynch, Head of Commercial Services, also confirmed that Clare County Council is funding the development of a new café/ restaurant on site with qualified applicants invited to operate the new

facility, which is presently known as The Woodland Bistro. Queries on this can be routed directly to Ben Pearson of Agar Commercial Property.

Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council, Cllr Tony O’Brien (FF) commended the local authority for its investment in the visitor attraction and the Visitor Development Strategy that also includes the improved use of the 420 acres of surrounding native woodland.

He said the Council with the support of Kilrush Civic Amenity Trust Ltd “is committed to delivering a top-class visitor attraction that will deliver long lasting and tangible economic benefits for Kilrush, West Clare and the wider economy”.

This commitment was reinforced by Council Chief Executive, Pat Dowling to help tourism recovery and assist rural regeneration in Kilrush “but also to create opportunities for economic growth and employment in the wider region”.

The project is funded by the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund, Project Ireland 2040, under the Department of Rural and Community Development with match funding by Clare County Council.

Noel Kilkenny, Chairperson of Kilrush Amenity Trust, said there has been a hugely positive response from customers and visitors to the Visitor Development Strategy for Vandeleur Walled Gardens Experience.

“This is good news for Kilrush, and we are proud to be able to add to the ever-expanding portfolio of high-quality tourist amenities in West Clare”.

Deirdre O’Shea, Head of Tourism, Clare County Council, commented: “The opening of a new interpretative centre and café is a significant move towards developing a best-in-class heritage attraction in West Clare at a time when heritage tourism continues to grow amongst domestic and international tourists alike”.

Ruth Hurley, Project Manager and Senior Executive Architect with Clare County Council, confirmed that the design team for the café project comprises Tom McNamara (Quantity Surveyor), P Coleman & Associates (Architects/Engineers), Moloney Fox Consulting Engineers (Mechanical & Engineering) and Ruth Minogue (Ecology).

Monument restorated in time for 120th anniversary

A MONUMENT commemorating the memory of the Manchester Martyrs in Kilrush has been recently restored in time for its 120th anniversary.

Clare County Council with grant aid from the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage under the Historic Structures Fund and with the support of Cllr Ian Lynch (IND) funded the restoration of the monument.

Both the Kilrush & District Historical Society and Kilrush Town Team had an input in the project which was managed by the Council. The works to the monument were completed by Mid-West Lime Ltd in collaboration with heritage blacksmith Brendan St. John and involved the full restoration of the stonework and wrought iron railings. All works were guided by conservation best practice.

The Manchester Martyrs’ Monument was erected in 1903. It was a longstanding ambition of the people of Kilrush to erect a monument to commemorate the memory of the Manchester Martyrs.

William O’Meara Allen, Michael Larkin and William

O’Brien were executed in Salford, Manchester, for the successful rescue of a Fenian prisoner. Their execution in 1867 sparked demonstrations and marches both in Ireland and the UK. It saw a rise in nationalism that culminated in the Easter Rising of 1916. The commissioning and erection of the monument was made possible through raising funds from the local population and the Irish diaspora in America.

The monument is composed of a carved limestone

statue of the Maid of Erin and her hound, sitting on top of a two-tier limestone pedestal. There are four marble plaques inset into each face of the pedestal. In 1921, the Maid of Erin statue was torn down by British Auxiliary forces. This saw the iron bars to the western side of the railings being damaged as the statue fell on them, and the Maid of Erin’s hand was broken. This damage is still visible today, with the fabric of the monument bearing the scars of a turbulent past.

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

Photo by Eamon Ward

lCONSERVATION: Paul Gleeson, Charlie Glynn, Cllr. Ian Lynch, Pat Dowling, John O’Malley, Tomás Prendeville

Photo by Paschal Brooks, Brooks Video

‘There is human excrement everywhere’ - wastewater infrastructure flaws flagged

Páraic McMahon

RENEWED safety concerns regarding the quality of water at Lahinch beach with “human excrement everywhere” along the Inagh River making its way downstream, a local councillor has claimed.

Launching a new appeal to improve the wastewater treatment infrastructure in Lahinch and Ennistymon, Cllr Liam Grant (GP) has produced a new online video which has clearly demonstrated the current flaws which are posing major health risks to the public.

Raw sewage has been pumped out of the Ennistymon wastewater treatment plant to the River Inagh on a regular basis, he flagged. “This happens because during periods of heavy rain the wastewater and the rainwater are being mixed together and the pumping station can’t handle this so it’s just pumping raw sewage into the river which makes its way down to Lahinch Beach there’s actually evidence of the last overflow event, which has human excrement everywhere. Toilet paper, sanity pads, tampons. Everything that goes down your toilet is ending up in the river here and

making its way out Lahinch beach”.

Lahinch experiences the same issues at times of heavy rainfall, he said.

“The wastewater and the rainwater mixes together, the wastewater treatment plant can’t handle it and raw sewage is expelled into the river. The Lahinch wastewater treatment plant was also built on

a floodplain, so every time there’s big tides and heavy rain, the treatment plant actually ends up underwater for a period of time. So raw sewerage from both Lahinch and Ennistymon are making its way to Lahinch Beach via the Inagh River on a regular basis”.

Frequent bathing restrictions imposed at Lahinch over the sum-

mer months were also referenced by Cllr Grant. He disagreed with the statements from Clare County Council and Irish Water that these do not swim notices were issued due to runoff from agricultural land.

Wastewater issues in North Clare are also impacting on the housing crisis, he said. “Last year, multi-

ple housing developments were refused planning due to our inadequate sewage treatment. So not only is our wastewater infrastructure poisoning our waters, they are also a huge part of the housing crisis. Unfortunately, this problem is a common one, and it’s happening all over the county and country”.

He praised his party colleague, Senator Roisin Garvey (GP) who was among those to highlight “the awful raw sewerage situation” which existed in Liscannor. A new wastewater treatment plant is to become operational in Liscannor this spring, seven years after campaigning efforts were pushed by Garvey. Liscannor’s plant will play a part in “massively reducing the amount of raw sewerage entering the bay in Liscannor. We now want the same for Lahinch and in Ennistymon and many of the other coastal villages in the county. We are going to have to kick up a fuss with Irish Water to do just that. I love Lahinch. I love surfing here. It’s such a beautiful place dear to my heart, as it is to many locals and tourists and we want to encourage people to come but I’ll be a lot happier telling those people it’s a safe place to swim, it’s a safe place to surf and that’s what we want, we want clean water,” Grant added.

Cliffs of Moher had over a million visitors in 2022

1.1 MILLION people visited the Cliffs of Moher Experience last year with it recently securing a gold award at the annual CIE Tours International Awards of Excellence, writes Páraic McMahon

Almost half (41%) of the 1,136,868 people who visited the Cliffs of Moher in 2022 were from the United States. Residents from the Republic of Ireland made up 29 percent of the overall visitor number, other visiting nation-

alities included the UK (7%), Canada and Germany (both 4%), and Spain, France and Italy (each 3%).

Ireland’s most visited natural attraction also recorded a 66% increase in online bookings in 2022 compared to 2019. FITs (Fully Independent Travellers) were up by 5% on 2019, the last full year of operation before the pandemic.

Reflecting on a positive year, Cliffs of Moher Experi-

ence Director Geraldine Enright said, “We are delighted with the impressive number of US visitors to the cliffs during 2022. The strong growth in FITs is especially welcome as it ties in with our goal of sustainably developing the attraction for the benefit of the wider economy, the tourism sector, and the environment.”

She added, “It is important to see the overall number of online bookings grow, as visitors learn about what to do in the area, where to stay and other experiences in Clare to visit. Our partner hotels also have reported direct revenue and referrals from the new Cliffs of Moher website, which was launched in late 2021. Meanwhile, Trade accounted for 27% of visitors with 17% coming from Route licence operators, 80% of whom now have a second stop in Clare included on their licence”.

There was further good news in North Clare with the Cliffs of Moher Experience winning a Gold Award and the accolade of ‘Best Visit’ in Ireland at the annual CIE Tours International Awards of Excellence. The awards, which are based on feedback received from customers of CIE Tours International throughout the year, were presented at a ceremony

held in the Irish Emigration Museum in Dublin last Wednesday.

The annual award scheme acknowledges tourist attractions which achieve a customer satisfaction rating in excess of 90%. The winners are chosen from an independent valuation of feedback surveys completed by over 30,000 CIE Tours International customers.

Accepting the CIE Tours International Awards of Excellence Gold Award, Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council, Cllr Tony O’Brien

(FF) said the win is a vote of confidence in the efforts of management and staff at the Cliffs of Moher to continually seek new ways of further enhancing the overall visitor experience at Ireland’s most visited natural attraction.

Bobby Kerr, Chairperson of the Board of the Cliffs of Moher Centre DAC, stated, “To receive such a high approval rating from our customers is an immense source of pride for everybody involved with the develop ment and management of the Cliffs of Moher Experience.

This award will undoubtedly help us throughout 2023 as we continue promote the Cliffs to international visitors and the growing domestic market”.

Last month, the Cliffs of Moher Experience was named winner of ‘Ireland’s Best Visitor Attraction’ in The Irish Independent’s annual Reader Travel Awards for 2023. Cementing relationships with local craft producers has been another

l APPEAL: Cllr Liam Grant (GP) has produced a new online video

l GOLD AWARD: Cliffs of Moher Experience Director Geraldine Enright and Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council, Cllr Tony O’Brien (FF)

by

paraic@clareecho.ie

Home Instead offers 1,000 opportunities to build a career

HOME Instead, Ireland’s largest private provider of home care services has launched Home Instead

Hiring Week, a national campaign of events taking place over the week of February 20th-24th,

that aims to hire 1,000 Professional CAREGivers to join its nearly 4,000-strong team.

Home is the preferred option for the majority of older people as they age, and the preferred option for their families. Home provides comfort, independence and familiarity, leading to better healthcare outcomes that ultimately positively impact on the quality of life of the person being cared for. Professionally trained CAREGivers give valuable support to ageing adults and play a critical role in the healthcare system by assisting them to live safe and well at home.

Brian O’Sullivan, General Manager, Home Instead Clare said, “The professional CAREGiver role is ideal for caring and compassionate individuals who are seeking job stability with a flexible schedule and a supportive environment as well as continued opportunities for career progression.”

“We like to say that it takes a special person to become a Professional Home Instead CAREGiver . . . and a desire to share their talents and skills with those they care for. It is a rewarding career for individuals from every walk of life and age group. Our teams are looking forward to meeting those interested in a meaningful career in home care at our events during Home In-

stead Hiring Week. We are a great company to work for with a culture steeped in values. We would not be where we are today without our exceptional employees.”

All Home Instead CAREGivers are provided training through Home Instead’s unique Home Care Professionals Academy with access to state-of-the-art content and practical training. CAREGivers receive recognition through award programmes, appreciation initiatives and social events. Thanks to this culture of support, CAREGivers feel a deep sense of belonging that they are part of a professional, compassionate and winning team that makes a difference in the lives of ageing adults every day.

If you are interested in a career in care, we have recruitment and hiring events taking place from Monday 20th – Friday 24th February at the following location in Clare:

Wednesday February 22nd: Open Day in Home Instead Clare, Roslevan Shopping Centre, U16, First Floor, Tulla Road, Ennis, Co. Clare, V95 NY8A from 10:00-16:00 For more information see www. HomeInstead.ie/Hiring-Week or apply now to Careers.HomeInstead.ie

Madeline's service to Credit Union movement marked

ENNIS MUNICIPAL DISTRICT GRANT SCHEMES 2023

The Members of the Municipal District of Ennis invite applications for grant assistance under the following schemes:

• Festival & Events Grant Scheme 2023

• Community Projects Grant Scheme 2023

The objective of these grant schemes is to encourage and support local organisations and groups who are active in community, cultural and artistic development within the Municipal District.

Organisations and groups and the projects for which they are applying must be based within the Municipal District of Ennis.

Application forms and guidelines for both grant schemes are now available for download directly from Clare County Council’s website: www.clarecoco.ie/services/community/grantsEnnis Municipal District Festival and Events/Community Projects Funding or can be requested by post, phone or email as follows: By Post from: Municipal District of Ennis Office, Áras Contae an Chláir, Clare County Council, New Road, Ennis, Co Clare. By Phone: (065) 6866101.

By Email: ennismunicipaldistrict@clarecoco.ie

Completed applications will be accepted any day up to the closing date.

The closing date for receipt of completed applications is: 4pm, Thursday 23rd March 2023.

IN DECEMBER, Madeline McCarthy

celebrated fifty years of service to the Credit Union movement in Co. Clare, writes Páraic McMahon

A recent reception held at The Temple Gate Hotel in Ennis saw the board and staff of St Francis Credit Union celebrate the milestone.

Madeleine was elected as a Director of Fergus Credit Union in 1973 where she served as Secretary for a short time until she took on the role of Treasurer, she held this position until 2013 when she became Chairperson.

During her time with Fergus Credit Union, Madeleine was Chapter delegate for Fergus Credit Union in Chapter 13 and she attended where possible every ILCU AGM. In 2014 Fergus & St Francis Credit Union commenced merger discussions with Madeleine leading the Fergus Credit Union Delegation in these discussions. The Transfer of Engagements process between Fergus & St Francis CU was completed in September 2014 at which time Madeleine joined the Board of St Francis Credit Union.

Such was the impact that Madeline made on the new board that she became vice chairperson in 2015 and in 2018 when the Chairperson’s position became vacant Madeleine was duly elected to the position. During her time on the Board Madeleine was involved with successful merger talks with Sixmilebridge Credit Union in 2015 and more recently in 2021, with the equally successful Transfer of Engagements with Shannon Credit Union.

The wealth of credit union experience, knowledge and understanding that Madeleine brings to every level of Board discussions has been vital to the continued success that St Francis Credit Union has enjoyed in recent years and the respect that all those who interact with her within the credit union movement is immense.

Speaking about her time in the Credit Union, Madeline reflected, “I have always considered it a privilege to be a volunteer in the credit union movement which has been a lifeline for many people living in our communities over the years. I am proud to be a part of credit unions who always

put the credit union member at the heart of everything they do, continue to push boundaries, are service driven, member centered and are continuously adapting to changing market sentiment. I am proud to be part of a movement that has such an impact on people’s lives”.

She added, “Credit Unions have long

been supporters of local communities across Ireland especially now at a time where more and more banks are choosing to leave the Irish market or close branches in rural areas. We continue to see the incredible trust and support our members put in us year after year”.

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.

•

DUTY MANAGER, ACTIVE ENNIS LEISURE COMPLEX, 2023

Completed applications must be emailed to: recruitment@clarecoco.ie not later than 4.00 p.m. on Thursday 2nd March, 2023.

•

BRANCH LIBRARIAN PANEL, 2023

Completed applications must be emailed to: recruitment@clarecoco.ie not later than 4.00 p.m. on Monday 6th March, 2023.

• EXECUTIVE ENGINEER PANEL, 2023

Completed applications must be emailed to: recruitment@clarecoco.ie not later than 4.00 p.m. on Tuesday 7th March, 2023. Application forms and further particulars may be obtained by requesting same from the Human Resources Department, Clare County Council at 065-6846250, via e-mail: recruitment@clarecoco.ie or can be downloaded from the following website: www.clarecoco.ie

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

Scriobh chugainn as gaeilge más fearr leat.

l WELL DESERVED:

Louis Fay and Madeline McCarthy

GREEN CLARE

Ireland’s first electric Medical Response Vehicle lands at Shannon

SHANNON Airport has become the first Irish airport to introduce an electric Medical Response Vehicle.

The vehicle, called “Rescue 14”, replaces its diesel-powered model and will be used for emergency medical responses at the airport.

Pat O’Brien, Chief Officer Fire & Rescue, Airport Police Fire Service at Shannon Airport said, “We are delighted to be the first airport in the state to take in delivery of this new electric Medical Response Vehicle. It will be a great addition to our fleet, as we transition to more sustainable vehicles.

“The continued investment by the Shannon Airport Group into new technology across our fleet, allows us to ensure continued safety of all passengers and staff at the Airport in more sustainable and efficient ways.”

Rescue 14 is designed and built to similar specifications as the National Ambulance Service vehicles and is fully equipped with a defibrillator, stretcher, medication bag, oxygen masks and more.

The Shannon Airport Police and Fire team, who are all Pre-Hospital Emergency Care Council (PHECC)

accredited Emergency First Re-

sponders, have already begun training on the new vehicle.

The new electric vehicle was built by Offaly based Wilker Group, which has more than 50 years’ experience in the design, build and delivery of ambulance and specialist vehicle conversions.

In 2019, the airport made a significant investment in two new state-of-the-art High Reach Extendable Turret (HRET) fire tenders, becoming the first airport in the country to take delivery of the cutting-edge vehicles.

Commenting on the delivery of the new electric vehicle, Head of Sustainability, Sinead Murphy says, “This is another chapter in our sustainability journey and the next step in the electrification of our fleet across the airport.

“This Medical Response Vehicle is part of our commitment to facilitate more sustainable mobility across the campus and beyond.”

The delivery of the new medical response vehicle coincides with the commencement of the roll out of a programme for Electric Vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure across the Shannon Campus.

Included in this are several ultra-fast charging points for the public.

lFirefighters Paddy Ryan from Corofin (left) and Mike Cotter from Kilkishen

Photo by Arthur Ellis

by Elaine Tubridy news@clareecho.ie

lThe new electric Medical Response Vehicle

Photo by Arthur Ellis

‘We’re a hurling county’ - caution advised after calls to remove all ash trees

CLARE’S standing as a hurling county underlines the need for caution following calls to remove all ash trees, writes Páraic McMahon

Widespread concern was once again voiced by Clare councillors on the impact of ash dieback this week.

Ash dieback is a serious disease of ash trees caused by the invasive fungal pathogen Hymenoscyphus fraxineus, previously known as Chalara fraxinea, which originates in Asia and was brought to Europe in the early 90s. It was first detected in the Republic of Ireland in October 2012 on plants imported from continental Europe. The disease is now prevalent throughout most of the island of Ireland and is likely to cause the death of the majority of the ash trees over the next two decades.

Cllr Alan O’Callaghan (FF) proposed on Monday that Clare County Council make contact with the Minister for Agriculture “to put in place a policy to remove all ash trees immediately and also create funding for same”.

He said “huge health and safety” concerns

were posed by trees with ash dieback in public areas and roadside hedges. The Kilmurry representative claimed, “every ash tree in public areas has the dieback. A policy should be put in place similar to what we have for Japanese knotweed, they might not be hazardous today or tomorrow but they will be hazardous in the next couple of years”.

Support was voiced for the removal of all ash trees in the county by ex Clare GAA Chairman, Cllr Joe Cooney (FG). “No branches should be hanging over any road, they should be brought to a certain level,” he Caution was advised by Cllr Cillian Murphy (FF), “I’ve lots of ash trees on my own property, some of them have dieback and it’s show-

ing but we have to be careful, it’s one of our native trees, especially for a hurling county these trees are critical, we need to be careful we don’t wipe out any chances they have of recovering”. Cllr O’Callaghan responded, “If one in ten trees may survive, are we going to take a chance”.

Putting trees “in the right place at the right time” is critical, Cllr Donna McGettigan (SF) commented as she said it was a futile exercise to test trees for the presence of ash dieback because “we know they have it”.

A North Clare neighbourwood scheme completed fifteen years ago is now “a very sad sight because the large trees there are all ash,” lamented Cllr Joe Garrihy (FG).

Cllr Pat Hayes (FF) added, “We need to start looking at our Municipal Districts to start a programme to take them down. The ivy is another issue”. Using the MDs was a stance echoed by Cllr John Crowe (FG).

Presence of ash dieback is “quite obvious”, Cllr Mary Howard (FG) acknowledged while sharing that two 200 year old trees on her property had to be removed, “they were fine beautiful trees but I had to do it”.

Cllr Pat Burke (FG) told the meeting he would be examining his ash plantation this week. The absence of a scheme has “people left in limbo”, he said while blaming Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Pippa Hackett (GP) of “dragging her heels”. He acknowledged, “it is a major issue but it is not easily solved”.

Director of Services, Carmel Kirby noted the disease was prevalent across Clare. “90% of ash trees will succumb to the disease, research is being carried out by Teagasc on the trees which can withstand it,” she added.

Macalla an Chláir

le MACDARA Ó CONAOLA

An Clár as Gaeilge Teo Togra Páirtnéireachta Forbairt Teanga Pobail do Chontae an Chláir

Pancógaí, Pancógaí, Pancógaí!

DIA dhaoibh a Chairde!

An bhfuil an plúr, na huibheachaí, an siúcra, agus an bainne ceannaithe agaibh do Dé Máirt na bPancógaí/Máirt na hInide?

I dteach s’againne is iad na pancógaí tanaí, nó crepeanna, a

Thought for the week: A heart of love

Spreading the word of positivity

RONAN SCULLY

l MÁIRT NA hINIDE: Pancógaí

PLEASE contact us at/Déan teagmháil linn; Fón: 065-6864474, e-mail/r-phost: anclarasgaeilge@ gmail.com

Lean ar na meáin-shóisialta muid ag @ClárAsGaeilge, Twit-

Imeachtaí/Events:

bhíonn againn. Is aoibhinn liom fhéin gráinnín siúcra a chaitheamh orthub, nó rud beag marmalade agus iad a ithe le braon breá tae. An iad na cinn tanaí nó tiubha a bhíonn agaibh fhéin? Cad a chuireann sibh orthu? Nutella agus bananaí nó sútha talún? Ú, tá mé ag cuir ocras orm fhéin anois!

AS IT’S said in one of my favorite movies, Moulin Rouge, “The greatest thing you’ll ever learn is just to love and be loved in return.” My daughters Mia and Sophie spoke to my wife Jacqui and I recently where we were able to put those words into action when they said that they really love us because, ‘when you love someone for real it means your heart loves their heart and that their hearts really love our hearts’. Very profound words from two young teenagers! Their words made me think (after I cried my eyes out) about, ‘what is real love?’

LOVE SIMPLY IS

We have somehow learned that there must be a reason to love someone. So we set up criteria by which we judge those we must love, and those we should exclude from our love. We have learned that there are some who are worthy of love, while others we can ignore. We have learned to love only those who are like us and at the same time, we have learned to close our lives from those who are different from us or unlikeable for whatever reason.

But what, for the moment, we lay aside

our prejudices and open our hearts to those we would like to dismiss? Then perhaps, we might just find them to be God’s blessings. For God has given each one of us a heart to love.

It is through our hearts by which he comes to show love and compassion to the world. As God is generous beyond our imaginings, this gift of love is something we must extend not just to a worthy few, but to everyone regardless of our natural inclination or prejudices or racisms and reasoning to reject or exclude. We must extend hospitality, compassion and love to those who are easy for us to ignore or dismiss. We must live the Beatitudes that Jesus gave us for they are “The Beatitudes of Love.” For love simply is. Love doesn’t need a reason, love doesn’t always rhyme. But what we have got is a heart to love. Simply use it. Simply give love away. We must welcome everyone without discrimination.

ST VALENTINE’S DAY

Most people’s attitudes toward St. Valentine’s Day are wrapped up in its secular version as a celebration of romance. Some people love it, plan for it, and spend lots of money on it. Others shrug it off as just another day of the year. Still others hate the idea of a made-up holiday that promotes

romance and shopping. Regardless of our feelings about Valentine’s Day, we should celebrate love every day of the year. It’s too easy to take our loved ones for granted. I hope and pray that you take time daily to notice and appreciate the people you love. Don’t let a day go by without saying or doing something to let them know how important they are to you. That’s a big part of what it means to be a human being. So don’t set your heart on the things of this world. Instead set your heart on knowing, loving, and doing God’s will. In this, you will discover the life God made you for, a life that is abundant and eternal in its blessings. You will experience the eternal love of God, a love that you share with others. That’s the real message of those Valentine hearts. This Valentine’s Day may Jesus give us all the richness of his mercy, the joy of his love, and the peace of his friendship.

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK

As your thought for the week, see what act of love you can do or give to someone that might need it most and sometimes it is someone very close to you that needs it!

Remember that true love is neither just physical nor romantic. True love is an acceptance of all that is, has been, will be, and will not be. Here is a prayer I love

ter, Facebook agus Instagram. Gaeilge is for all of us to enjoy! Until next week/Go dtí an tseachtain seo chugainn, tógaigí go réidh é!

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

• Ciorcal Comhrá san XPO, i gCill Iníne Baoith, chuile Dé Céadaoin ag 7.30pm

• Rith le Ruairí, chuile Dé Máirt ag 7.30pm, ag Local Motion, Inis

• Caint agus Comhrá, chuile Dé Luain ag 11am sa gCopper Jug, Dé Céadaoin ag 11am in Insomnia (Tesco), oíche Déardaoin sa Temple Gate (8pm), agus Dé Sathairn i nGlór, Inis, 11am-12pm

• Scéalta agus Rannta le Chéile, chuile Dé Céadaoin i Leabharlann

Shráid na Cathrach ó 10.30 – 11am, Saor in aisce / Free of charge

• Céadaoin an Luaithrigh, 22ú Feabhra

Gluais/Glossary

• plúr - flour

• uibheachaí – eggs

• Dé Máirt na bPancógaí/Máirt na hInide – Pancake or Shrove Tuesday

• I dteach s’againne – in our house

• pancógaí tanaí – thin pancakes

• Is aoibhinn liom – I love (as in food or something. Not romantically)

• gráinnín siúcra a chaitheamh orthub – to sprinkle them with sugar

• rud beag – some, a bit of

• le braon breá tae – with a nice drop of tea

• An iad na cinn tanaí nó tiubha a bhíonn agaibh fhéin? - Do you have the thin or thick ones yourselves?

• sútha talún - strawberries

• Ú, tá mé ag cuir ocras orm fhéin anois! - Ooh, I’m making myself hungry now!

to say now and then when love is the only answer needed - THE LOVE PRAYER - Today I remove all boundaries and walls, once used as a means of defence, I forgive those things from the darkened past, That in love’s divine realm make no spiritual sense. Releasing all worries, all burdens and doubt, I bring light to the shadows of fear. By centering myself with a loving thought, Harsh judgments I no longer hear.

The greatest experience that life has to give, Is love from an open heart, For it moves me to appreciate all there is, And I’m one with it all, not apart. It’s love that brings me closer to God, And leads me according to God’s way, to live “The Beatitudes of God’s Love.”

For love’s light warms my spirit, it nurtures my soul, And assures me everything is okay. I am one with God and never apart, As I live this day with an open loving heart through God’s guiding and loving grace. Amen. God Bless Your Valentine’s Day — A Day of blessings filled to the brim, a day of good things that come from Him. A day of beauty, a day of grace, a day of sunshine on your face. A day that keeps you in peace and rest, a day that brings you all God’s best. Wishing you a day overflowing with all the love God holds in His heart for you! Happy Valentine’s Day”

Steve’s parting gift: bacon jam

STEPHEN KEARNEY RECIPES

SADLY this is my last col umn for The Clare Echo, at least for the foreseeable future. Unfortunately life can get in the way sometimes, and between work, home and other things I have been struggling to put the effort this column deserves. I have thoroughly enjoyed writing my recipes down here for the past three years and hopefully I will be able to return some time in the future. For now though I leave you a parting gift, my Bacon Jam recipe.

This recipe was put on my radar a few years ago by my friend Jules, who was funnily enough a vegetarian. I fell in love with this condiment and have been making it since. It goes amazingly well with barbequed meats, burgers, cheeses or even on its own on toast.

I will of course put an instruc-

tional video on my Instagram @ kearneycooks this weekend, and I will continue to post content there but on a more adhoc basis. So for now, it’s goodbye and as always Enjoy.

YOU WILL NEED (for one jar)

• 250g chopped streaky bacon

• 1 diced red onion

• 1 minced garlic clove

• 50g brown sugar

• 50ml whiskey

• 50ml good coffee

• 15ml apple cider vinegar

• 10ml honey

Step 1

Fry your chopped bacon in a hot pan for about 10 minutes until it is golden and crispy. Remove from the pan with a slotted spoon making sure to leave the bacon fat in the pan. Set aside until we need it later.

Step 2

Reduce the heat to low and add

your onions to the pan. Cook for five to 10 minutes until your onions are soft. Then feck the rest of the ingredients and the cooked bacon into the pan and leave to simmer on low for 15 to 20 minutes until the mix is soft and a sticky gooey mess.

Step 3

After 20 mins turn off the heat and allow to cool. Then fire everything into a food processor and blend until it’s smooth. Make sure everything is stone cold and then transfer everything into a sterilized jar. This should keep in the fridge for a month.

Step 4

Serve it up as a burger topping, over a hot dog or even on its own on a nice baguette. This goes class with a cold beer as well.

Ciao for now

Hardware sector welcomes Vacant Homes Action Plan

HARDWARE ASSOCIATION

IRELAND has welcomed Minister Darragh O’Brien’s launch of the Vacant Homes Action Plan aimed at bringing empty and derelict properties back into use.

The Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant is offering grants of up to €50,000 for derelict homes and €30,000 for vacant homes. The Minister also announced a new €150 million Urban Regeneration and Development fund for vacancy related projects. The reform of the Fair Deal Scheme allowing residents to keep 60% of rental income on their principal residence is also part of the package.

Commenting on this, Hardware Association Ireland Chief Executive Martin Markey said; ‘’The Vacant Homes Action Plan is a very welcome set of measures that Hardware Association Ireland have been championing for the past year. We are delighted that the Minister and his Department are being proactive on the issue of vacant homes as it has the po-

tential to free up a lot of housing stock, create a lot of jobs, transform rural towns and villages and tackle dereliction in urban areas.’’

Martin Markey went on to say; ‘’Hardware Association Ireland has been leading the charge on empty homes for over a year and in 2022 we developed our Empty Homes strategy. From talking to people on the frontline of this issues including tradespeople, builders merchants, hardware businesses, policy experts and taking soundings from other countries where they have tackled this issue, we know that this plan will work and it will bring enormous benefits to communities across Ireland.’’

Hardware Association Ireland is the representative body for Irish hardware and DIY retailers, builders’ merchants, distributers and manufacturers. It represents over 400 members nationwide and 26,000 staff in the sector.

Home DIY Dos and Don’ts

DO: Start small. Change a lightbulb, then move on to hanging a picture. Then you might be ready for painting the kitchen. Before long you will be tiling the bathroom.

DON’T: Tackle something unless you are sure you can do the job. The last thing you want is to have to hire someone to clean up your mess. It will be expensive, not to mention embarrassing.

DO: Make sure you have all of the equipment you need before you start the job. There’s nothing

worse than finding out half way through a task that you have to run to the hardware shop for supplies.

DON’T: Touch anything electrical. There’s a reason electricians have to train for years before they are qualified. Messing with wires poses a serious health risk, with a good chance of electrocution or creating a fire hazard.

DO: Clean up after yourself. When working on your own home, it’s tempting to

leave the mess for another day. But remember that a professional wouldn’t leave without cleaning up and neither should you.

DON’T: Take short cuts. When you are doing a job for yourself, it’s tempting to take an ‘ah sure it will be grand’ approach. Trust us, you are better off to do the job properly.

DO: Follow the instructions. Whether it’s machinery that you have never

used before, or assembling a cot, take your time and make sure you read all the steps. And no, there are no spare parts!

DON’T: Be afraid to enlist some help. Going the DIY route doesn’t mean that you have to go completely lone wolf. Ask a friend or family member to help out and make sure you return the favour for them some

day.

DO: Wear protective equipment. It goes without saying, but sometimes it’s necessary to point out the obvious. Protective eye wear is especially important and make sure you wear a dust mask for any jobs that are well…dusty.

DON’T: Forget to enjoy the satisfaction of a job well done. Follow these instructions and make sure you give yourself a pat on the back for Doing It Yourself.

The complete design service from award-winning Kontour

KONTOUR DESIGN is an awardwinning company based in Ennis with a showroom in the Gort Road Industrial Estate that specialise in the field of bespoke kitchens, cabinets, bathrooms, bedrooms, appliances and commercial projects.

Kontour offer a complete design service. It’s not just the kitchen cabinetry design and functionality that is considered, but every aspect of the room, from light to any possible structural improvements. Kontour can advise on everything from counter tops to lighting to flooring choices and everything in between.

With 35+ years’ experience, directors Barry Meehan and Dave Gannon are designers, project managers and installers of bespoke kitchens with a wide range of styles from traditional to contemporary to modern. Awards

Kontour are in operation over five years and already are being recognised for their attention to detail and professionalism. Kontour, won the national “Showroom of the Year” at Ireland’s Kitchen Trade Guide Awards show in 2018 with competition from business’s around the country.

Kitchens

Kontour creates bespoke kitchens to cater your home and design. With kitchens from In-Frame to Modern designs, Kontour can tailor your kitchen to any design you wish. The experts at Kontour will explain the options you have available to you to help create the design you wish.

Worktops

No kitchen is complete without the foundation of your cooking.

Choosing the correct worktop to work with your kitchen design can be difficult, that’s why at Kontour we design your kitchen using some of the

best worktops available. From Silestone natural quartz surfaces to ultracompact surfaces from Dekton and natural granite surfaces from Sensa we work with Cosentino to provide you with the perfect surface for your kitchen.

Appliances

Choosing the correct kitchen appliances for your kitchen renovation is part of the finer details and also a key aspect in getting your kitchen just right. Kontour offers appliances from multiple world leading suppliers. For the perfect mix of professional performance, artisan quality and iconic design we offer multiple products from KitchenAid, Neff, Siemens, Bosch Quooker

The amazing convenience of boiling water on tap. Instant access to 100°C water, energy-efficient and money-saving, 100 percent safe and multi-purpose.

European Parliament agrees to end sales of new petrol and diesel cars by 2035

MEPs welcomed the landmark move by the EU today to end internal combustion engine car sales, saying that it must come with an unprecedented level of investment in alternative and public transport.

“Today we set out a new vision for our towns and rural areas. A Europe built for people, not for traffic,” MEP Grace O’Sullivan said in European Parliament debate in Strasbourg today.

The European Parliament this Tuesday voted to phase out the sale of any new international combustion engine cars by 2035 in a landmark European Green Deal decision as well as committing to reduce overall car emissions by 55% by 2030.

The EU’s current targets for reducing internal combustion engine car sales have already made the continent the largest market for the cars, and these targets have been made more ambitious with the vote today.

Speaking following the vote in the European Parliament today, MEP for Ireland South Grace O’Sullivan said: “About 18% of Ireland’s total emissions come from road transport

so this is a crucial sector to support in the transition to a more sustainable future. It’s also one of the only areas where we already hold all of the keys to solve the issue at handstrong investment in public transport, pedestrian friendly towns and affordable electric vehicles. Rural Ireland in particular should be supported as a priority.”

This legislation marks a step forward in terms of climate ambition and includes a bonus for car manufacturers who improve their electric vehicle output. The measure faced strong lobbying from the car and fossil fuel industries. The vote on “CO2 emission standards for cars and vans” passed in the European Parliament today by 340 votes in favour to 279 against.

Grace O’Sullivan MEP added: “The current cost of living crisis has seen fossil fuel companies make the biggest profits in history on the backs of working families. We need to move towards energy independence in Ireland, including cutting our dependence on foreign oil, gas, petrol and diesel.”

Why it’s important your SUV has the correct tyres

OVER the past ten to 15 years, Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs) have come to dominate the car sales charts in Ireland. Last year, SUVs accounted for eight out of the top ten selling vehicles across the country, from the Nissan Qashqai to the Hyundai Tucson, and more compact options like the Ford Puma and the Opel Mokka.

As well as being practical, the SUVs in the market now are considered to be some of the most comfortable cars that money can buy. But while much of their appeal is down to the features and technology onboard an SUV – it’s also a result of their shape and design, which is inspired by their off-road heritage.

Research by Continental Tyres has shown that the main reason SUV or 4x4 owners purchased their car was for the elevated driving position and extra headroom, leg room and storage space. And because their roof lines don’t sweep down

towards the boot of the car as they do on a saloon or estate, visibility is improved, and space can be used more effectively.

Tom Dennigan of Continental Tyres Ireland says: “SUVs have become very much the predominant vehicle choice for car buyers in Ireland. SUVs are generally larger and thus, heavier than a traditional hatchback or sedan so drivers of SUVs need to keep that fact in mind when it comes to replacing tyres on their vehicle. Another important consideration for SUV drivers is how and where they generally drive their vehicle”.

Continental has put together a checklist to run through when you’re thinking about tyres for your SUV.

• Is it electric, hybrid or does it have a traditional combustion engine?

• How powerful is it?

• How large and heavy is it?

• Do you often tow heavy loads?

• Is it an AWD (all-wheel drive), 4WD (four-wheel drive/4X4/ four-by-four) or 2WD (two-wheel drive)?

• Do you often face tough conditions like gravel, mud, and steep inclines?

• And will you use it in the city or suburban areas?

Dennigan continued: “It’s important first to consider the capability of your SUV – and then what you’re going to ask of it. Most small to medium SUVs will come fitted with summer on-road tyres on the basis they’re going to be used for 100 per cent on-road driving. Larger SUVs and 4x4s may well come with tyres that have a degree of off-road and/or all-season capability. Larger SUVs and 4x4s may well come with tyres that have a degree of off-road and/or all-season capability.

“If you regularly use off-road tyres on tarmac, you might be in for a hard, noisy ride. And vice versa – use onroad tyres on irregular terrain, and you’re likely to struggle for grip. Get it

right though, and you’ll enjoy the best experience at the wheel of your SUV, with maximum safety and comfort for everyone on board”.

Like most manufacturers, Continental Tyres has special ranges of tyres designed for SUVs. The CrossContactRX – which comes fitted to the new Land Rover Defender 130 – is designed for 90 per cent on-road driving, and 10 per cent off-road. Or if you want more off-road capability than that, the CrossContact ATR is designed for 70 per cent on-road and 30 per cent off-road use.

Continental has also adapted its tyres to suit the specific needs of electric and hybrid SUVs – where the weight of the battery is an extra consideration. The Mercedes EQC, Kia Niro, Kia EV6 and Polestar 2 all come fitted with specially designed SUV tyres from Continental.

Grace O’Sullivan MEP speaking in the European Parliament in Strasbourg

'Exceptional leaders' help Spanish Point to county title

CLARE SENIOR A FOOTBALL SCHOOL'S FINAL

St Joseph's Spanish Point 1-08

Venue: Cooraclare

Compiled by Derek Dormer

CBS Ennistymon 1-07

STORY OF THE GAME

SPANISH POINT

Frees for: 25 (13/12)

Wides: 7 (3/4)

Scores from play: 1-4

Top Scorer: Josh Maloney (10), Cathal Talty (0-3), Evan Cahill (0-3)

Own kickouts won: 9 from 13 (69%)

Bookings: Cillian Keavey (34), Evan Cahill (35)

CBS ENNISTYMON

Frees for: 24 (16/8)

Wides: 5 (1/4)

Scores from play: 1-5

Top Scorer: Ricky Wynne (1-1)

Own kickouts won: 9 from 16 (56%)

Bookings: Joshua Vaughan (7), Brian McNamara (19), Joshua O'Brien (21).

REFEREE: Pat Keane (Lissycasey)

MANAGER COMMENT “

Paul Reidy, St Joseph's Spanish Point Principal:

“It's just fantastic to win. Your county title is what you aim for all year. We have a long tradition in this competition and with this being a local derby it was amazing to come through in the end. It's great to get a reward for the work done. These lads have done everything we have asked of them and more. We never gave up. It was tough and dogged out there.

“We didn't take advantage

of the strong wind in the first half but we never gave in, never stopped working, never stopped believing. In fairness Ennistymon were probably the better team out there tonight but these lads have great character. Look at Gary Donnellan tonight. Coming back from a tough shoulder injury and he was the best player on the field. Josh who couldn't start due to injury scored an incred-

ible goal and Evan Cahill who is only 16 to kick that point was amazing. He is only in transition year and yet he is a leader. We have exceptional leaders all over the field and it'll take some team to beat these lads. They never know when they are beaten.

“We played CBS earlier in the year too and were down four points yet kicked the last five to win. This is nothing new to these guys. They have immense character and are a terrific bunch.

“We have an All Ireland semi-final to prepare for now and who knows where

Murrihy stays on as KIB manager

by Seamus Hayes news@clareecho.ie

JAMES Murrihy is to continue as manager of the Kilmurry Ibrickane senior footballers while their neighbours St Joseph’s Miltown have a new management in place for 2023.

For a second year, Murrihy will be in charge of the 16 time champions. He has assembled a new backroom team.

this incredible year will end. Winning Munster is always a bonus but winning the county is what we wanted the most. Tonight was amazing. The way we stuck at it and what a way to win it in the end.”

Clare begin League against Cats

by

CLARE’S senior camogie team begin their National League bid where they face off with the reigning All-Ireland champions, Kilkenny.

Cusack Park will host Sunday’s encounter which has a 12pm start time. Clare are among the top six teams in the country which make up Division 1A of the League.

John Carmody is back as manager of the county side, he had been joint manager last season alongside Conor Dolan but has previously been manager on his own.

Ryan Morris who was coach of Truagh/Clonlara has joined the management team this year which also includes Eugene Foudy of Inagh/Kilnamona, Killaloe’s Brendan Foley and St Joseph’s Doora/Barefield’s Anne Marie McGann. The backroom team is comprised of Alan Duggan (Video Analysis), Grainne Travers (Nutrition), Sandra Molloy (Sports Psychologist), Nicole Foley and Flan Barry (Stats) and Brid McNamara (Logistics).

“This is a great challenge and an opportunity for the girls to test themselves. We are relishing the game in the Park on Sunday and we will know then what we have to do. The top two will contest the final while the bottom team will be relegated,” Carmody outlined.

They face a busy schedule in the coming weeks, away to Cork on Sunday week and Galway a week later. That will be followed by an away fixture to Tipperary before concluding their programme with a home tie against Dublin at the end of March.

“We will be trying to retain our status in this Division but it’s all about preparation for the Munster and All-Ireland championships,” Kilmaley clubman Carmody said.

Last year Clare were in a group with Cork, Kilkenny and Limerick. They pushed Cork all the way but the Leeside outfit hit for a couple of goals late in the game. Clare lost to Kilkenny by the minimum margin before beating Limerick to seal their status.

Clare will be without

Inagh/Kilnamona’s Aoife Keane who is ruled out due to a long term injury. “The door is open for her to return when she is ready but at present she is unable to train due to a serious hand injury”, explained the manager.

Truagh/Clonlara’s Eimear Kelly will be returning the squad shortly having been out for some time due to in-

jury while Laura McMahon from Newmarket-on-Fergus is another who will be part of the panel this year opted out last season.

Claire Hehir (Inagh/Kilnamona) and Niamh O’Dea |(Kilmaley) will jointly captain the side again this year and they are expected to fill the central defensive positions on Sunday.

Munster player of the year in 2022, Doireann Murphy will fill the goalkeeping position while amongst those battling for places in the side this week are Ciara Grogan, the Daly triplets Susan, Jennifer and Linda, Alannah Ryan, Naoise Ryan, Orlaith Duggan, Aine O’Loughlin and Chloe Morey.

The race for championship honours will begin on June 3 and Clare will be in a group of three which has yet to be drawn from which two will qualify for the knock out stage.

“We feel that the league will be beneficial to us and will allow us to introduce new players to this level of the game. We are happy with the panel we have assembled. The senior and junior squads train together which gives us fifty players at training”, the manager told the Clare Echo.

For now the focus is on Sunday and manager Carmody and his backroom team are hopeful that with the help of a big home following that they can get their campaign off to a winning start.

Galway’s James Mannion who has coached the Leitrim U20 footballers and St Jarlath’s College senior team will coach the Bricks this year. Kilmihil’s Enda O’Halloran who worked as a selector for Murrihy with the Clare intermediate ladies footballers and the Kilmihil senior ladies football side links up with him again, as selector.

Gary Sexton is the S&C coach with Diarmuid Whelan remaining involved for stats and video analysis.

Former Clare footballer Odran O’Dwyer, a seven time senior championship winner the club and David Russell, who has senior championship medals from 2003 and 2005 with St Senan’s Kilkee, have not returned to the management. Kevin Sexton has also left his role as selector.

Ex Dublin and Clare coach, Mick Bohan has had an involvement with the club’s senior side in recent years including last season. It is unclear at yet if he will be part of the backroom team for 2023.

ST

JOSEPH'S MILTOWN

Neighbouring club, St Joseph’s Miltown will have a new management team in 2023. Liscannor man Martin Guerin takes over from Martin Flynn as team manager and he will be joined by another Liscannor man, John McDonagh and Miltown’s Jim Marrinan.

Flynn, a Munster SFC winner in 1992, was appointed last year and had former Clare ladies football manager Neil Moynihan as the side’s coach with Michael Talty and Michael Ryan as selectors.

Miltown also have a new executive for 2023 including Francis Lynch as chairman, Brian Ball as secretary and Seamus Byrne as treasurer.

l Clare Hehir and co are in action against the All Ireland champs

Seamus Hayes news@clareecho.ie

Limerick lower Clare under lights

NATIONAL HURLING LEAGUE DIVISION 1, RD2

Limerick 1-27 Clare 2-18

Venue: TUS Gaelic Grounds, Limerick

Compiled by Páraic McMahon

STORY OF THE GAME

LIMERICK

Frees For: 11 (8/3)

Wides: 9 (5/4)

Scores from Play: 1-19

Spread of Scorers: 9

Top Scorer: Micheál Houlihan (0-12 8f)

Own Puck-Outs won: 16 from 26 (62%)

CLARE Frees For: 9 (7/2)

Wides: 6 (2/4)

Scores from Play: 2-09

Spread of Scorers: 6

Top Scorer: Aidan McCarthy (0-13 9f)

Own Puck-Outs won: 27 from 37 (73%)

REFEREE: James Owens (Wexford)

LIMERICK proved too strong for Clare’s senior hurlers in the first meeting of the neighbours this year.

In what was the first real litmus test of Clare’s hurlers this year, they didn’t come out with first class honours, instead falling to a six point defeat at the hands of the All-Ireland champions.

It goes without saying that this February tie will have little complexion on the overall summary of Clare’s year but the gap that existed between the two sides was far bigger than what the final scoreline suggested.

Debutant Micheál Houlihan excelled for John Kiely’s side, finishing the evening with 0-12 to his name. He

was part of a half-forward line that really troubled Clare with Cian Lynch and Gearoid Hegarty scoring one and two points respectively. With their midfield duo of Darragh O’Donovan and Adam English dropping deep, it created an ocean of space in front of the trio which they duly capitalised on, pointing from distance and weaving passes together with superb off the shoulder running.

Inside the opening quarter, Limerick led 0-10 0-04 as Clare demonstrated an inability to get to the pitch of the game. A glimmer of hope then arrived when Peter Duggan batted a high delivery onto the path of Ian

New GAA coaching roles

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

CLARE GAA are to benefit as Munster GAA plan to recruit 20 new Games Development staff.

On Monday, Munster GAA announced its intention to begin the recruitment for the coaching roles. The positions will be based across the six counties in the province.

This will see two new full-time baseline Games Development Administrators (GDA) for Clare GAA with the title set to change to Games Development Co-Ordinator (GDC). The Clare Echo understands Clare GAA will attempt to utilise additional strategic funding from Croke Park to hire a Head of Athletic Development and an extra GDC to work dual or urban clubs.

Published in November 2021, the Clare GAA Strategic Plan titled Saffron and Blue outlined that Clare GAA should appoint an additional four GDOs should by the end of 2023. It also proposed the recruitment of a four person Hurling Academy Board, a four person Football Academy Board, a full time Clare GAA Hurling Performance Manager, a full time Clare GAA Football Performance Manager and a full time Clare GAA Head of Athlete Development.

An online recruitment information session takes place on Monday (February 20) at 4pm, further details are available on munster.gaa.ie.

Galvin who nestled the sliotar past Nickie Quaid, automatically reducing the gap to three points.

David Fitzgerald then converted from an acute angle but Clare didn’t build on this bounce with Limerick closing out the half with six of the next eight scores, Brian Lohan’s side crucially leaving their full-forward line starved of possession.

On the restart, it was all one way traffic with Limerick hitting a rally of 0-07 without reply into the Cratloe end of the Gaelic Grounds.

The jig was well and truly

up at this stage but to their credit the visitors would finish with 2-10 in the final ten minutes of normal time and additional time, substitute David Reidy adding a much needed lease of life.

While nothing was at stake in the contest, the hope underlying Clare’s League is to find new players that will make the step up to championship and in this regard few fresh options stuck their hand up. Aidan McCarthy showed despite missing all of last year’s championship that he was still at the high standard set in previous

years, Reidy showed what he brings to the table.

Getting overly upset over the result is a waste of energy as much bigger days are on the horizon. Getting to the level required for such occasions is the main test for Lohan, his management and panel of players.

For Limerick, it’s a statement, they parachuted back with a bang after last weekend’s one point defeat to Cork and the injection of new blood plus returning faces like Cian Lynch and Peter Casey strengthen the already mighty Green Machine. Houlihan, Kyle Hayes, Darragh O’Donovan and Cian Lynch were to the fore for John Kiely’s men.

Scorers Limerick: M Houlihan 0-12 (8 frees), D Ó Daláigh 1-0, P Casey and

K Hayes 0-3 each, G Hegarty, S O’Brien

A English and T Morrissey 0-2 each, C Lynch 0-1

PLAYER WATCH

Scorers Clare: A McCarthy 0-13 (9 frees), D Reidy 1-2, I Galvin 1-0, D Fitzgerald, S Morey and D Ryan 0-1 each Limerick: Nickie Quaid (Effin); Sean Finn (Bruff); Richie English (Doon); Fergal O’Connor (Effin); Ciaran Barry (Ahane); Dan Morrissey (Ahane); Kyle Hayes (Kildimo-Pallaskenry); Darragh O’Donovan (Doon); David Reidy (Dromin-Athlacca); Gearoid Hegarty (St. Patrick’s); Cian Lynch (Patrickswell); Micheál Houlihan (Kilmallock); Shane O’Brien (Kilmallock); Seamus Flanagan (Feoghanagh/Castlemahon); Peter Casey (Na Piarsaigh). Subs: Adam English (Doon) for Reidy (7) (inj); Aaron Costello (Kilmallock) for O’Connor (31) (inj); Donnacha Ó Dálaigh (Monaleen) for O’Brien (51); Tom Morrissey (Ahane) for Hegarty (52); Graeme Mulcahy (Kilmallock) for Lynch (57); Jimmy Quilty (Blackrock) for Hayes (65)

Clare: Eibhear Quilligan (Feakle); Rory Hayes (Wolfe Tones); Conor Cleary (St Joseph’s Miltown); Seadna Morey (Sixmilebridge); Diarmuid Ryan (Cratloe); David McInerney (Tulla); Aaron Fitzgerald (Éire Óg); Cathal Malone (Sixmilebridge); Paddy Donnellan (Broadford); David Fitzgerald (Inagh/Kilnamona); David Conroy (St Joseph’s Doora/Barefield); Aidan McCarthy (Inagh/ Kilnamona); Ian Galvin (Clonlara); Mark Rodgers (Scariff); Peter Duggan (Clooney/ Quin) Subs: 22: Robin Mounsey (Ruan) for Donnellan (30); Cian Galvin (Clarecastle) for Fitzgerald (48); Aron Shanagher (Wolfe Tones) for Galvin (48); David Reidy (Éire Óg) for Rodgers (56); Conor Leen (Corofin) for D Fitzgerald (58)

Ruan's O'Halloran resigns as Roscommon hurling manager

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

RUAN’S FRANCIS O’HALLORAN has resigned as manager of the Roscommon senior hurlers with immediate effect.

Appointed manager of the Rossies in October 2021, O’Halloran has made the decision following their surprise weekend defeat to Louth in Division 3A of the Allianz National Hurling League. Roscommon drew with Mayo in the opening round of the league. The 2-16 0-15 loss to Louth has been reported by The Roscommon Herald as “one of the worst defeats in the county’s history”.

Coach Tommy Guilfoyle of Feakle and Newmarket-on-Fergus’ Stephen Cusack who had been S&C coach have also departed their roles along with eight-time All-Ireland winner Richie Power from Kilkenny who had been a new addition for this year.

On Monday morning, Roscommon County Board confirmed they had received a statement from the management informing them of their decision to step down. O’Halloran had the option of remaining on for an additional third year.

Commitment had been lacking in recent months from players, the management stated. "Upon our appointment in late 2021, we committed to improving and developing the standard of hurling in Roscommon. We feel that significant progress was made in 2022 culminating with an appearance in the Nicky Rackard final in Croke Park. However, the commitment and efforts shown by the management team have not been matched in recent times by the playing members of

the panel despite our best efforts. Therefore, we have taken the decision to step away from the Roscommon Senior Hurling team with immediate effect.

"We want to thank the Hurling Board for affording us the opportunity to manage & coach the team. We would also like to thank the Hurling Board Chairman Christy McDermott for his support and dedication behind the scenes. We as a management team would like to wish everybody associated with Roscommon Hurling the very best for the season ahead & the future,” the statement added.

After reaching the Nicky Rackard final last year, hopes were high that Roscommon could continue to progress, however the decision of twelve to thirteen of the 2022 panel not to stay involved was an early blow. He previously stated of their

impact as a management, “we probably brought a new dimension to Roscommon hurling last year when we took it over”.

In an interview as recent as last week, O’Halloran stressed the importance of honesty in a sporting environment. “Talent will bring you so far, but if you have the honesty and attitude right we will bring these players up to another level that they can go back to their clubs”.

“Every day I go on to the field whether it would be here in Ruan or above in Athlone or Hyde Park or in UL - you are learning. I'm a tutor for the last 10 or 12 years doing courses like the Award Two, you are learning off all of the coaches that come through the doors. I'm learning every day. Like everything else every day you go out there you'd be hoping that you'd pick up some nugget or small bit you'd bring back to get something out of. Whether it be hurling, football, basketball, rugby - that is the way I would be looking at it, every day is a school day, you are learning all of the time.”

Prior to the Roscommon role, Francie was in charge of the Bodyke intermediate hurlers (2021), serving as the goalkeeper coach of the Clare camogie side that year. He was formerly in the backroom team during Donal Moloney and Gerry O’Connor’s time in charge of the Clare senior hurlers while he was also involved with Moloney at U21 level. He also has experience of colleges hurling having worked alongside Eamon Cregan at Mary Immaculate College.

PICTURED: Francis O’Halloran

Mark Rodgers controls the sliotar Photo by Gerard O'Neill

Coláiste team make a splash

AFTER a very successful day at the Munster Schools Swimming Championships, the Coláiste Muire Team returned with 22 medals.

In individual events Ella Holly took bronze in the U16 100m Breaststroke and Freestyle, while Elin Blake took bronze in the Senior 100m Backstroke.

All swimmers performed superbly with Leah O’Connor, Mia Holly and Olivia Cosgrove

also achieving top 10 finishes.

The junior relay of Roisin Hogan, Mia Holly, Ingrid Murphy and Leah O’Connor won silver medal in their freestyle relay and bronze in the medley.

The intermediate team of Ella Holly, Amy Ryan, Sarah Cosgrove and Fatima Sánchez took bronze in both freestyle and medley relays.

The senior team of Elin Blake, Olivia Cosgrove, Aoi-

Dual clubs 'being kicked around'

by Seamus Hayes sports reporter

REPRESENTATIVES of a number of dual clubs critical of the fixtures schedule agreed for underage games for the 2023 season, when speaking at the February meeting of Clare GAA which took place at Hotel Woodstock on Monday night. After a number of clubs had voiced their objections to proposals in recent weeks, the representatives of both underage boards were called to a meeting with officers of the county executive. That meeting decided to ask the clubs to vote on one of two options:

Option 1: Under 15 hurling and football running on alternate weeks from mid March. Option 2: Under 15 football on a 9 week block from March 19 with under 15 hurling after that to the start of July. The clubs voted 22 to 15 in favour of option 1.

bhinn Cullen, Muireann Corry and Jessica Brophy took bronze in the freestyle relay and 5th in the medley.

The Colaiste Muire team also included Lucy Crean, Noelle O'Connor, Claudia Haugh, Ellen Henry, Lianda McGuire and Keelin Forde. All Colaiste swimmers performed superbly in a competitive field of over 700 swimmers from secondary schools around Munster.

Ladies lead the way at East Clare Golf Club

by Seamus Hayes sports reporter

EAST CLARE GOLF CLUB

The men’s and ladies competitions at East Clare continue to be well supported and the past week’s competitions resulted in impressive scores provided by the various winners.

In round 2 of the ladies 9 hole re-entry the winner was Breda McCarthy from Noreen Doyle with Noreen O’Grady in third spot.

The winners of the ladies Wednesday competition were, Marie A Kelly, Mary Hogan and Nancy Starr from Margaret Lynch, Mary Jo Minogue and Pauline Nugent with third spot filled by Connie McKenna, Kay Gimes and Mary Stritch.

Tuesday’s senior men’s competition was won by Ger Shortt, Jim Willis and Noel Earley from Kevin Grimes, Michael Moloney and Brian Torpey with third place filled by John Farrell, Jimmy Nagle and Michael Heffernan.

In the mixed scramble on Friday the winners were John Torpey, Paul Husband and Mary Farrell from Pat McNamara, John Fahy, Siobhan Mulcahy and Brian Torpey with third place filled by Pat Duggan, Christy O Dea and Brid Hayes. The mixed scramble continues every Friday at 10am.

ENNIS GOLF CLUB:

Anne Kelly (29) was the winner of the Ennis ladies 14 hole stableford competition last week with 28 points.

She had one to spare over Della Vuns (20) with Ann Pyne Gallery (28) in third place with 25 points.

In the 9 hole competition the winner was Patricia O’Reilly (25) with 18 points from Anne Kelly (14) with 17 points while Patrice Ryan (17) was third with 16 points.

The winners of the senior ladies outing last week were Anne Kelly, Mary Gardiner and Anne McMahon with second place filled by Brid Cunningham, Margaret Flanagan and Gert Finn.

WOODSTOCK GOLF CLUB:

Gary Thompson was the winner of the club singles at Woodstock at the weekend with 40 points. He won from John Dempsey who had a similar score with Joe Keane in third spot with 38 points followed by Eugene Killeen with 38 and Joe Hurley with 37.

There will be another club singles this weekend while the Spring league will begin on Monday next, February 20 and members are reminded to have their names submitted this week if they will be taking part.

DROMOLAND GOLF CLUB:

In the senior men’s competition at Dromoland on Thursday last, Billy O’Mahony won category A from Barry Walsh with Willie Fuller in third spot. Ger Ryan was the winner of category B from Michael Flannery with third spot filled by George O’Carroll.

The winners of the ladies team of three St.Valentine champagne scramble were Leslie O'Flynn, Dolores Fox and Joan Dunne with 101 points. In second place with 95 points were Mairead Bergin, Colette Colleran and Colette Maguire with Majella Cotgreave, Michelle McCarthy and Anne McMahon a point further back in third spot.

KILRUSH GOLF CLUB:

Sunday’s weekly singles at Kilrush was won by Anthony Gilmartin (11) with 30 points. He had one to spare over John Sherin (10) who was followed by Pat Shannon (11) in third spot with Sean Moran (15) in fourth position and they both also scored 29 points.

GORT GOLF CLUB:

In the 18 hole mens singles stableford competition at Gort last weekend Peter Deegan (10) won category 1 with 41 points.

Category 2 was won by Seamus Noone (16) with 42 points while Shane Noylette (17) won category 3 with 41 points.

The category 4 winner was Josephs Nugent (38) with 46 points.

Anthony O’Halloran from St. Joseph’s Doora/Barefield described the decision as “absolutely ridiculous”. “We have two teams in under 15 hurling and two teams in under 15 football and in that schedule there is no scope to train. It’s madness and it will kill the dual club. This cannot happen. We are being kicked around the place. It’s a non runner and we are very disappointed with the proposal”, he said.

Supporting O’Halloran, Wolfe Tones delegate Dermot O’Donnell said “we had two meetings with Bord na nÓg Iomáint. We have no issue with the way it was run last year. We object to this. What about player welfare? A lot of these kids are playing one or two other codes. It’s absolute lunacy. The highest drop-off is between 13 and 16 years and we are going to lose a lot of players”.

Corofin’s Pat Curtis was another to voice strong opposition to the schedule. “This will run down dual clubs. There is no opportunity for players to train. It can’t be accepted”.

Cratloe’s Aidan Browne said “dual clubs are being treated disgracefully” when he voiced his opposition to the proposed schedule.

Clooney/Quin’s John Skehan felt there is too much emphasis on training. “It’s at training that injuries are being picked up. Matches will not lead to burnout. Players will learn a lot more from games”.

Safety and facilities officer Ambrose Heagney appealed to both boards to meet again. “Dual clubs are being punished for promoting both codes”, he said.

“The clubs accepted the plan. It’s not perfect but we are going with it for this year. We are not going back to the drawing board”, chairman Kieran Keating said.

Head of Operations in Clare GAA, Deirdre Murphy said, “We discussed this with both boards. The clubs voted 22 to 15 for this schedule. It’s a democratic process and there is no more we can do for this year”.

The underage boards will get the 2023 domestic season underway at the end of February with the minor hurling and football leagues which begin with football on February 25 with hurling a day later. Rounds 2 and 3 will follow on alternate weekends.

New

group team for senior football:

A group team made up of three intermediate clubs, Kilmihil, Shannon Gaels and Coolmeen will compete in this season’s senior football championship.

Coolmeen clubman Joe Corry told the meeting that the three clubs also plan to play separately in the intermediate championship.

“We believe this will benefit our own players who wish to play senior football and also help our intermediate players

to train at a higher standard with bigger numbers."

He expressed “concerns about some of our players playing two high intensity championship matches within 24 hours” and he went on to ask Clare GAA “to schedule our intermediate matches at the earliest possible time on a Saturday of a football weekend and to play our senior matches at the latest possible time on a Sunday”. Corry also requested that the new team be allowed to play in the first weekend of the senior football championship on July 15/16.

With no objections to the application, the request was approved.

Transfers:

Four inter club transfers were ratified at the February meeting as follows.

Robert O’Hara from Sixmilebridge to Cratloe, Roy Duffy from Parteen/Meelick to Broadford, Conor Keogh Howard from Kilmaley to Clarecastle and Sean Keane from St. Senan’s Kilkee to Kilrush

New teams:

Killimer and Clonlara will field an additional team each this season. Both requested special permission to have more that the regulation five players re-graded in order to field these new teams.

Prize money for league winners:

The winners of the Clare Cup and Cusack Cup will receive €1,500 each with a cheque for €1,000 going to the runners up in each of these competitions.

Head of Operations Deirdre Murphy informed this week’s board meeting that “Future Ticketing who are Offaly and Tipperary based have come on board as sponsors of these competitions”.

Masters Fixtures dates accepted:

There was unanimous support for the masters fixtures plan for 2023 at this week GAA board meeting.

The Clare cup hurling league will get underway on March 11/12 and will take nine rounds to complete. The Cusack cup will get underway a week later. There will be no dual weekends this year.

Because of the inclusion of a group team in the senior football it will necessitate a group of five which means the football will commence on the weekend of July 16 with the final going on October 29. The hurling final is set for October 22.

O’Gorman Cup:

Permission was granted to Doonbeg GAA to run the annual O’Gorman Cup football competition on the understanding that it doesn’t interfere with the domestic fixture schedule.

Referee’s foundation course

Well known referee Ger Hoey will be delivering a foundation course for new Clare referees in the coming weeks.

Clare referees administrator Seanie McMahon told delegates that the new module was launched in Croke Park last week. The Clare course will take place over four evenings with the final one an online exam. To date only one name has been submitted for the course (from Clooney/Quin). Clubs have two weeks to get names in.

Sub committees ratified:

The coaching and games committee for 2023 was ratified at this week’s meeting. The members are Neil O’Brien (O’Callaghans Mills) who will be the chairman, Games officer Micheál Duffy who will be the committee secretary, Fergal Lynch (Clooney/Quin), Kieran Corcoran (Broadford), Ger Keane (Lissycasey), Michael J. Malone (Clarecastle N.S.), Stephen McNamara (Coiste na nÓg hurling chairman), Anne Hayes (Coiste ns nÓg football secretary), Paul Reidy, Michael Griffin and Paul Hogan. For full report, visit www.clareecho.ie.

l Coláiste Muire Intermediate team (l-r) Fatima Sánchez, Sarah Cosgrove, Amy Ryan and Ella Holly

Russell sickened with Avenue's déjà vu Cup exit

by Seamus Hayes news@clareecho.ie

AVENUE United manager David Russell didn’t hide his disappointment at his side’s elimination from the FAI Junior Cup at Clarinbridge on Saturday.

“It’s deja vu, it’s the exact same as last year, beaten on penalties in the last 16 away from home. We scored a goal but conceded within 45 seconds and I think that galvanised them again. They are a fairly tight-knit unit, there are four brothers on their team and it showed their spirit. I have to commend them on that, they battled right to the very end,” the Clarecastle native told The Clare Echo A former centre-half for the club, Russell managed Avenue Utd to a League and Cup double last season. He admitted, “I thought our fitness would catch them for a finish but they battled on gamely. I don’t know about them deserving the win but they scored their penalties and we didn’t score ours. I am bitterly bitterly disappointed that we didn’t take our chances."

Reflecting on Colga FC’s equaliser from Boris Ajong, David said, “We have said it before, we are at our most vulnerable when we score. We lost the ball at midfield, were indecisive on the edge of the box and conceded a very, very soft goal when we should have been pushing on in search of a second goal to put it out of reach.

“I thought we were the better team throughout, I thought we were fitter and stronger but that’s the luck of the draw and we are now out of the competition.”

He had been confident the Roslevan club “would do better” with the advantage of an extra man and their fitness levels. “We created loads of chances, Eoghan Thynne was unlucky with a header, Ronan Kerin was unlucky and Na had a chance as well. It’s deja vu and its absolutely sickening. I can only wish them the best of luck in the last eight”. Focus now switches to returning both their League and Cup title, he stressed. “I have just said in the dressing room, the season doesn’t end here. We have to defend our cup and our league. It’s heartbreaking to be out of this one

but sport is sport and it’s not the end of the world, we pick ourselves up dust ourselves down during the week and we go again”. Russell admitted that his side were without two key players for this tie. “ Conor Mullen hurt his knee in the warm up. We made a change and Jamie (Roche) was outstanding at centre back. Cullen (McCabe) was unbelievable at right back. It was a change to the starting line up. Mark (Roche) got injured early on and he had to leave the action after twenty minutes. He is one of our talismen, that was a big loss, two very experienced men out but the men

Newmarket get home quarter final in Junior Cup

NEWMARKET CELTIC have received a home draw for the FAI Junior Cup quarter-final, writes Páraic McMahon Celtic will welcome Dublin opposition to McDonagh Memorial Park on Sunday March 5th where they will face either Crumlin Utd or Sandyhill Shangan.

Both of the sides from the capital will face off this weekend to determine who will go toe to toe with Paddy Purcell’s side next month. It had been the only all Dublin clash of the round with Purcell expected to be among those in attendance at Pearse Park this Saturday. Crumlin are frequently in the business end of the FAI Junior Cup.

Should Newmarket emerge victorious in the quarter-final, they will have a home semi-final to look forward to against the winners of Killarney Celtic and Ballynanty Rovers. They booked their place in the last eight with a 1-0 extra time win over Limerick side, Regional Utd. Galway side Colga FC who eliminated Avenue Utd from the competition at the weekend face an away trip to Gorey Rangers AFC.

FAI officials have confirmed that the final of the competition will take place on April 30th.

that came in did their jobs manfully”.

As the clearly disappointed Avenue players filtered out of the dressing room, the manager commented “they (Colga) are having a sing song in the dressing room now and that shows what this win means to them. They are a tight knit group, fair play to them and we wish them well”.

Concluding he said, “we are back domestically next week in the league and then it’s Newmarket in the cup and that’s going to keep us focussed for the next few weeks and we will see where it’s going to go from there.”

Repeat of last year's Clare Cup final on cards for third round

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

A REPEAT of last year’s Clare Cup final is on the cards for this season’s third round.

Reigning champions Avenue Utd will face either Avenue Utd B or their main rivals Newmarket Celtic A in the third round of the Ennis Carpets Clare Cup.

Fresh from an impressive away win against fellow Premier Division outfit Kilrush Rangers, there will be home advantage for Tulla Utd when they welcome Connolly Celtic to The Cragg.

Competing in the Cup for the first time, Fairgreen Celtic have home advantage when they welcome Coole FC to Ennis. Lifford FC will be heading for East Clare when they meet Bridge Celtic.

There had been some initial confusion on who would play Sporting Ennistymon in the last sixteen.

The North Clare club will play Shannon Town A but Newmarket Celtic B were accidentally called out as their opponents for the tie. The Shannon side are in the last sixteen of the Munster Junior Cup but will hope to seal their passage to the quarter-finals of the Clare Cup.

Instead Newmarket Celtic B will have Manus Celtic as their guests in McDonagh Memorial Park.

Shannon Town B await clarity on who their opponents will be, they will face either Coole FC B, Shannon Olympic or Moher Celtic.

Currently sitting at second place in the First Division with a healthy bid for promotion, Kilkishen Celtic face off with Second Division outfit, Kildysart Celtic.

Ennis Carpets Clare Cup Round 3:

FAI Junior Cup quarter-final: Gorey Rangers AFC vs Colga FC Buncrana Hearts vs St Michael’s AFC

Newmarket Celtic vs Crumlin Utd / Sandyhill Shangan

Killarney Celtic vs Ballynanty Rovers

FAI Junior Cup semi-final: Newmarket Celtic / Crumlin Utd / Sandyhill Shangan vs Killarney Celtic / Ballynanty Rovers

Gorey Rangers AFC / Colga FC vs Buncrana Hearts / St Michael’s AFC

l Avenue Utd Nnabuike Nneji controls the ball

Photo by Ann Moran

Cascaders on the up Success for Clare badminton

THE Senior Clare Grade H Badminton squad (pictured below) performed well in the Martin Morrissey Cup in Waterford, reaching the final only to be edged out by Limerick.

There were 6 Counties represented on the day, with Clare paired with Waterford and Tipperary in their group. Clare got off to a great start by beating the hosts Waterford 8-1. Next up was a strong Tipperary side, who Clare defeated 6-3.

It was very evenly matched in the final with Limerick just edging out Clare by one set in the end, Clare being edged out 5-4. The Clare team on the day was Caoihme Corbett, Susan Gavin, Ciara Healy, Elivra Soto, Donna Noonan, Damien Healy, Chris Hanlon, Vincent Zhu and Jacob Beck.

Meanwhile, last Friday the Badminton Primary Schools Munster competition was held in UL Limerick with 56 teams and over 320 children participating.

Ennis National School Boys team took

home the Gold Medal for their school. They now go to the National finals on March 1.

On Sunday, the Munster U13 and U17 closed competitions took place at UL, with a number of Clare competitors taking home silverware.

LIST OF CLARE WINNERS / RUNNER-UP

U13 Mixed Doubles Winners - Eoin Keane of Ennis with his partner Mairead Lucey O'Sullivan of Cork

U13 Division 1 Doubles WinnersEnda Conway and Eoin Keane, both Ennis

U13 Division 2 Doubles WinnersJoe Fennell, Barefield and Eoin O'Shea, Tipperary

U17 Division 1 Doubles WinnersAidan O'Connell, Ennis and Cillian Foley, Doora

U17 Division 1 Singles Runner UpFatima Sanchez, Ennis

U17 Plate Singles Runner Up - Kayla Connellan, Ennis

Men's basketball team defeated Limerick Celtics 73-71 in the North Munster Division 1 league yesterday. This win will give Cascaders

momentum going into the top four playoff's, and the cup semi final on February 25th in Ennistymon.

Greyhounds: A stroll in Galway for Jomac

by MICHAEL MAHER

The final of the Galway Greyhound Stadium Novice 350 Yards Stake was the feature contest on Friday night’s card at Galway Greyhound Stadium.

As the traps rose, the Joe Keane of Kilkee owned Jomac as in the previous two rounds was very smartly away from his trap three berth and approaching the opening bend the son of Broadstand Bono and Frost Nixon led Fantasy Penny by over two lengths with Millroad Victory in third place.

Tracking well between the two bends Jomac was in complete control turning for home as he strode clear to defeat Fantasy Penny by three lengths in 19.26.

The John Browne of Ballyea owned Rathmeehan Nonie(Skywalker Logan-Couldkevinbewrong) recorded her maiden success at the fourth attempt in the A7 graded contest as she just lasted home by a rapidly diminishing head from the fast finishing Moneygall Jack in 29.78.

As the traps rose the winner was away like the wind and rounding the opening bend she led Rosshill Peggy and Gower Magic by over two lengths. Racing along the back, Rathmeehan Nonie was in excess of three lengths clear of Rosshill Peggy and looked home and hosed but on the run home Mon-

eygall Jack flew home to force a photo finish. Race eight was a A5 graded contest went in all the way fashion to the Madden-Pepper Syndicate of Feakle owned Astro Podge trained by Donie Duggan of Tulla who showed plenty of early dash in the run towards the opening bend to lead round from Crafty Hoshiko and Rosshill Wildcat. Racing down the back straight the winner extended his advantage to over five lengths as his rivals were strung out behind with the son of Ballymac Best & Dynamic Cool Sky easing home three and a half lengths clear of Roashill Wildcat in 29.33.

Saturday night’s Galway card produced some very exiting racing for the large attendance. Hampered on both career starts to date the Tony Brigdale and Kim Bennis of Ennis owned Blaze Buster made no mistake at the third time of asking in race three as the son of Ballymac Best & Blaze Bee proved four and a half lengths too good for Crokers Burko in 29.34. Away well enough along the rails as Ballyfort Max led on the wide outside the winner took command of the contest at the opening bend from the reserve Crokers Burko. Racing down the back Blaze Buster really turned oil the turbo charge as he established an unassailable lead leaving his rivals strung out behind from the halfway mark.

Pictured: (back, l-r) Stephen Leigh (Coach), Ultan

MacDonald, Mikey Rouine, Mattie Kinch and Daniel Wynne; (front, l-r) Enda Gallery, Cillian Devitt and Ciaran Harrington

PLANNING

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL FRANK HEALY PARK, BALLAGHBOY, DOORA, CO CLARE V95T886

Take notice that Clare District Soccer League intend to apply for permission to replace the permission granted under reference P19/978 with a new application to build new dressing rooms, with a first floor observation/ commentary area, meeting room and storage areas, install a wastewater treatment system & all other associated site and ancillary works at the above address.

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

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL BALLINGADDY, ENNISTYMON, CO. CLARE

Take notice that Hilda O Dwyer intends to apply for permission to build a new private house, install a wastewater treatment system & all other associated site and ancillary works at the above address.

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

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL GLASHA, DOOLIN, CO CLARE

Take notice that SANDRA MC DONAGH & MARTIN HOGAN intend to apply for permission to build a new private house, install wastewater treatment system & all other associated site and ancillary works at the above address.

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

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL KILCLEHAUN, QUILTY, CO. CLARE

Further Information – Natura

Impact Statement Planning

Ref: P22/1129

Date planning application received: 13/12/2022

Development Description: to erect dwelling house, foul sewer system, percolation area and new site entrance

Location of Development: Kilclehaun, Quilty

Take notice that following a requirement of the Planning Authority, B. Cooney will be lodging a Natura Impact Statement (NIS) in respect of planning application P22/1129. This NIS will be available for inspection or purchase, at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the Planning Authority of 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 NIS may be made in writing to the Authority on payment of the prescribed fee €20, within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the Authority of the Natura Impact Statement and a copy of this public notice.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL

KILLERK EAST, BALLYEA, CO. CLARE

Take notice that J. Keane intends to apply to the Planning Authority for permission to erect dwelling house, foul sewer treatment system, percolation area and new site entrance at the above address.

The Planning Application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee, €20, within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application and such submissions or observations will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions or may refuse to grant permission.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL BREAFFA NORTH, MILTOWN MALBAY, CO. CLARE

Take notice that Donough Cronin intends to apply for permission for development at the above address. The development will consist of the construction of a single storey dwelling and associated site works.

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

application.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL LISSYCASEY, ENNIS, CO CLARE

Take notice that Jane Doohan & Alan Kearney intend to apply to the planning authority for permission to construct a new dwelling house complete with a new entrance, access road, 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.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL CARROWMORE NORTH, DOONBEG, CO. CLARE

Take notice that Cian O’Mahoney & Denise Lynch intend to apply to the planning authority for permission 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.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL, 6 COIS CUAINE, ABBEY WEST, BELLHARBOUR, CO CLARE

Take notice that S. Moss intends to apply to the Planning Authority for permission to add a new single storey extension and window to her existing dwelling house along with associated site works at the above address. That the planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours and that a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL BALLYKILDEA, KILLALOE, CO CLARE:

I, Moira Walsh, am applying to the above authority for

retention permission for the following development on property at Ballykildea, Killaloe, Co Clare: Retention Permission for asconstructed detached stable building, new agricultural entrance and agricultural roadway, sand ring together with all associated incidental and site works. The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours and a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL BALLYCAR SOUTH, ARDNACRUSHA, CO. CLARE

Significant Further Information/Revised Plans Planning Ref: P22/886 Development Description: Retention permission for the renovation, alterations and extension of an existing disused dwelling, upgrading of the existing entrance and the change of use from residential to office use and all associated ancillary works. Location: Ballycar South, Ardnacrusha, Co. Clare. Take Notice that Bobby O’Connell and Sons Ltd has lodged significant further information in respect of planning application P22/886. This information and planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the Planning Authority of Clare County Council, Planning Department, Áras Contae an Chláir, New Road, Ennis, Co. Clare during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the further information or revised plans may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee, not later than 2 weeks after the receipt of the newspaper notice and site notice by the planning authority or in the case of a planning application accompanied by an EIS within 5 weeks of receipt of such notices by the planning authority.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL: BALLYELLERY, LISCANNOR, ENNIS, CO. CLARE

I, John Bohan, wish to apply for planning permission for; the demolition of an existing detached dwelling; the construction of a new part single storey/ part two storey, split-level detached dwelling; a proposed waste-water treatment unit/ septic tank & associated percolation area, along with all associated site development works. All of the above to take place at Ballyellery, Liscannor, Ennis, Co. Clare. The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at

the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee, €20, within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application and such submissions or observations will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions or may refuse to grant permission.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL, KEELKYLE, LAHINCH, CO. CLARE

Take notice that A. Claeys intends to apply to the Planning Authority for permission to retain the following alterations to the existing dwelling house a) the front porch b) the rear extension c) rear balcony area along with associated site works at the above address. That the planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours and that a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL.

43 KINCORA PARK ENNIS COUNTY CLARE.

Take note that Sara Gooney intends to apply to the Planning Authority for permission to create a site entrance, off street parking and kerb reduction to the west of site at 43 kincora Park. The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the office of the Planning Authority during it 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 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt of the authority of the application.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL NO. 6, SAINT JUDES TERRACE, PARTEEN, CO. CLARE

We, Evan and AnnMarie Keeffe, intend to apply for permission for development at this site: No. 6, Saint Judes Terrace, Parteen, Co. Clare. The development will consist of: 1. The removal of the front boundary wall to provide vehicle access for private parking purposes with suitable surface finish, 2. And all associated site works. The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the Planning Authority, Clare

County Council Offices, New Rd, Cappahard, Ennis, Co. Clare, V95 DXP2 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, and such submissions or observations will be considered by the Planning Authority in making a decision on the application.

The Planning Authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions or may refuse to grant permission.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL CLOONMORE, CREE, CO. CLARE.

Take notice that Michael & Joanne O’Donoghue are applying to Clare County Council for retention permission for the erection of a Geodesic garden dome and Planning permission for the revision of site boundaries along with all associated works at the above address. The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the offices of Clare County Council during its public opening hours and a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL CLOONMORE, CREE, CO. CLARE

Take notice that Michael & Joanne O’Donoghue are applying to Clare County Council for retention permission for the relocation of an access road servicing the agricultural building granted under P14-228 along with all associated works at the above address. The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the offices of Clare County Council during its public opening hours and a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

CLARE CO COUNCIL CAHERADERRY, LAHINCH, CO CLARE

Permission is sought to alter, extend and refurbish existing ‘herdsman hut’ dwelling house, alter existing site entrance, install effluent treatment system including all ancillary site works and services at above address. Applicant: Deirdre O’Donoghue

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

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

CLARE COUNTY COUNCILATTYSLANEY, TUBBER, CO.CLARE

I, Dónal Clancy, wish to apply to the above named local authority for planning permission to construct a detached single storey dwelling house, new site entrance, wastewater treatment system, percolation area and all ancillary site works at Attyslaney, Tubber, Co.Clare

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

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL CAHERMACKATEER, COROFIN, CO.CLARE

I, Martina Corry, wish to apply to the above named local authority for planning permission to construct a detached single storey dwelling house, site entrance, wastewater treatment system, percolation area, domestic well and all ancillary site works at Cahermackateer, Corofin, Co.Clare

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

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL MOUNTSHANNON EAST, LABASHEEDA, CO. CLARE

Take notice that Tríona Malone & Robert Whelan are applying to Clare County Council for planning permission to construct a new dwelling house, access road, entrance, private garage and install a new wastewater treatment system along with all associated works at the above address. The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the offices of Clare County Council during its public opening hours and a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

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St. Patricks Day

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PERSONAL ASSISTANT

LICENCE APPLICATION PLANNING

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL

BALLYLANNIDY, ENNIS, CO. CLARE FURTHER INFORMATION – NATURA

AN CHUIRT CHUARDA (THE CIRCUIT COURT)

SOUTH WESTERN CIRCUIT COUNTY OF CLARE IN THE MATTER OF THE LICENSING ACTS 1833 – 2011 AND

IN THE MATTER OF THE COURTS (SUPPLEMENTAL PROVISIONS) ACT 1961 AND

IN THE MATTER OF SECTION 2 OF THE LICENSING (IRELAND) ACT 1902 AS AMENDED BY SECTION 23 OF THE INTOXICATING LIQUOR ACT, 1960 AND

IN THE MATTER OF AN APPLICATION BY BRIAN LYNCH APPLICATION

TAKE NOTICE that Brian Lynch whose place of abode is Lisroe, Kilmaley in the County of Clare, intends to apply to the Circuit Court sitting at The Courthouse, Ennis in the County of Clare on the 16th March, 2023 at 10.30 am in the morning or on such day thereafter as this Application may be taken in its order in the Court List for such Certificate as is mentioned in Section 5 of the Licensing (Ireland) Act, 1833 entitling and enabling the said Applicant to obtain an Excise Licence (commonly called an Ordinary Seven Day Publican’s On Licence) to sell intoxicating liquor for consumption on and off the premises known as “BOGDALE HOUSE” and situate at Lisroe, Kilmaley in the County of Clare which said premises are more particularly described on the plans and drawings accompanying this Application. Dated this 14th February, 2023.

Signed: Brian Lynch Applicant

Cahir & Co

Solicitors for the Applicant 36 Abbey Street Ennis, Co. Clare

To: The County Registrar Courts Service Office

First Floor, The Courthouse Ennis, Co. Clare.

To: The Superintendent of the Garda Sìochàna Garda Station, Ennis, Co. Clare

To: The Judge of the District Court c/o/ the District Court Clerk Courts Service Office, First Floor, The Courthouse Ennis Co. Clare

To: The Chief Fire Officer, New Road, Ennis, Co. Clare.

IMPACT STATEMENT

Planning Ref: P22/263

Date Planning Application Received:

25.03.2022

Development Description: Permission for a development which will consist of the following (a) 16. No. dwelling houses in total consisting of 2. No. detached two storey dwelling houses and 14. No. semi-detached two storey dwelling houses (b) all ancillary site development works and connections to public services

Location of Development: Ballylannidy, Ennis, Co. Clare

Take notice that following a requirement of the Planning Authority, “Darvin Trading Company Ltd” will be lodging a Natura Impact Statement (NIS) in respect of planning application P22/263. This NIS will be available for inspection or purchase, at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the office of the Planning Authority of Clare County Council, Planning Department, Áras Contae an Chláir, New Road, Ennis, Co. Clare during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the NIS may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee €20.00 within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the Authority of the Natura Impact Statement and a copy of this public notice.

The Clare Echo Quiz

1 Patrick Hillery, 6th president of Ireland, died 2008 aged ____?

a. 68

b. 93

c. 84

2 Irish actress Denise Gough was born in which town?

a. Ennis

b. Sixmilebridge

c. Newmarket-on-Fergus

3 Abe Grady, who left Clare in the 1860s, was the great-grandfather of which American boxer?

a. Mike Tyson

b. Muhammad Ali

c. George Foreman

4 The Burren National Park is the smallest National Park in Ireland. How big is it?

a. Around 89 square kilometres (34 square miles)

b. Around 170 square kilometres (66 square miles)

c. Around 530 square kilometres (200 square miles)

5 According to the census 2022 data, there live about 127,000 people in Clare. Which place does Clare take on the rank of Irish counties?

a. 11th

b. 19th

c. 25th

6 . Where was Paddy Hannan, who discovered the lucrative Kalgoorlie- Boulder gold fields in Western Australia, born?

a. Ennis

b. Kilrush

c. Quin

7

. What number of cattle lived in Clare in 2021?

a. About 35,000

b. About 134,000

c. About 285,000

8 How many farms where there in Clare in 1915?

a. About 6,000

b. About 16,000

c. About 26,000

9 . How many farms where there in 2010?

a. About 4,000

b. About 7,000

c. About 11,000

10 The oldest-known evidence of human activity in Ireland was found in Clare. To when has the patella of a bear, which was subject to butchering, been dated?

a. Circa 25,000 BC

b. Circa 10,500 BC

c. Circa 5,500 BC

By Tobias Heydemann

Spot the Difference

Can you spot the 7 differences

ANSWERS

10. Circa 10,500 BC

9. About 7,000

8. About 285,000

7. Quin

6. 19th

Last weeks answers

. Hat different colour (bottom right) . Joint in block missing (background) . Crest on navy top missing (right) . Zip missing on jacket (middle)

. logo missing on black top (bottom right) . POD logo missing on jacket (bottom left) . Zip missing on Jacket (mid right)

1. 84

2. Ennis

3. Muhammad Ali

4. Stone Fort

5. Around 530 square kilometres...

l QUESTION 1: Patrick Hillery, 6th president of Ireland, died 2008 aged ____?

Best Daily Word Search: 13 February 2023

WORD SEARCH

HOW TO PLAY

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

The Clare Echo Crossword

February 2023

not too coffee

ACROSS

1. Snow storm(8)

6. Possess(3)

9. Supply with necessary kit(5)

10. Replies(7)

11. Chip shop fish(7)

13. Cash(5)

14. English county(6)

15. Device for taking photographs(6)

19. Casual trousers(5)

21. Ungainly(7)

22. Sold from the cask(7)

23. Subject(5)

24. Male child(3)

25. Duplicitous(3-5)

DOWN

2. Wash(7)

3. Adjustable fastening(3)

4. Northernmost American state(6)

5. Go ashore(9)

6. Large sea(5)

7. Unpleasant(5)

8. Systematic procedure(6)

12. Omission(9)

16. Instance(7)

17. Kidnap(6)

18. Military pageant(6)

19. Betrayer(5)

20. Once more(5)

23. Hot drink(3)

CROSSWORD ANSWERS