The Clare Echo 16/05/24

SOMEWHERE OVER THE RAINBOW

Cllr Flynn finishing up with politics

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

EXCLUSIVE

A GIANT of political life in Shannon, Cllr Gerry Flynn (IND) has confirmed he will not be contesting the upcoming local election.

In an exclusive interview with The Clare Echo, Cllr Flynn announced that he was to bow out of politics and would not be contesting the local elections which will take place on June 7th.

Having served four terms on the local authority since his first election to the County Council in 2004, Gerry will not be returning to the Council Chamber next month. He becomes the fourth

sitting councillor to announce their exit with Cllr PJ Kelly (FF), Cllr Pat McMahon (FF), Cllr Johnny Flynn (FG) and Cllr Ann Norton (IND) also departing. Flynn said he no longer has confidence in the Chief Executive Pat Dowling. He commented, “Clare County Council is like a country and western council whereas in order to get along you’ve to go along, to me the only people I have to get along with would be the public who put me into this job.”

l A glorious rainbow came out during the U16 Division A girls football County Final between Doonbeg and Fergus Rovers on Tuesday evening in Lissycasey. After an intense battle Doonbeg emerged 1 point victors 3-11 to 2-13

Northern Lights dazzle

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

A SOLAR storm resulted in the visibility of the Northern Lights across Co Clare on Friday night and into the early hours of Saturday morning.

Last Thursday, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) issued the first Severe (G4) Geomag-

netic Storm Watch alert in almost 20 years. With the onset of a powerful solar storm, it resulted in the visibility of the Northern Lights across Co Clare and the wider country.

According to the NOAA, at least five “earth-directed coronal mass ejections” were observed and expected to arrive

as early as today and to persist through until Sunday.

It also said several strong flares have been observed over the past few days and were associated with a large and magnetically complex sunspot cluster, which it says is 16 times the diameter of Earth.

Among those to spot the Northern Lights were Cllr Cil-

lian Murphy (FF) after finishing an evening’s canvassing in Doonaha. He commented, “nothing like nature at its best at the end of a long day”.

Persons that were not able to witness the display in reality were sure to have spotted pictures of the Northern Lights appearing on social media feeds over the course of the weekend.

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Murphy apologises for elderly driver remarks

AN APOLOGY has been issued by Cllr Paul Murphy (FG) for his comments on elderly drivers and criticism of “licences for life”, writes Páraic McMahon

At the February meeting of the Ennis Municipal District, Cllr Murphy when defending the bollards and armadillos in Clonroadmmore criticised residents in the area and said the Mayor of the Ennis MD, Cllr Pat Daly (FF) tabled an “unbelievable and regressive” motion seeking their removal.

He stated, Elderly people are not able to deal with it, that it is a bigger issue and that is incompetent driving, them being allowed to drive is a bigger issue, in our country you get a licence for life which is an issue. The motion needs to be withdrawn,” the Clarecastle native commented.

After the comments were covered by The Clare Echo, Cllr Murphy described the report and this writer as being guilty of “shoddy journalism, taking cheap shots and stirring a negative agenda”.

However during The Electoral Chair’s election debate of candidates in the Ennis MD, Cllr Murphy apologised

for the comments three months on.

He said, “I have apologised to those that I may have offended, the comment about licenses for life it was a wrong use of words, it wasn’t deliberately meant, it was intended at all road users. The point I was trying to make and I will give my own example, I passed my driving test when I was 21 years of age, I literally have that licence for life, the point is I’m probably not as good of a driver as I was back then, that is the point I was making.

“I may have used wrong wording but I certainly have apologised to people on the canvass, when I give the explanation must of them have been willing to accept that”. When it was put to Cllr Murphy that he was given opportunities to clarify and apologise for his remarks over the past three months, he acknowledged, “That is fair enough. I didn’t know which way to go, a hole had been dug of my own making, I just genuinely didn’t know which way to get out of it and I chose to say nothing for the time being”.

lAURORA BOREALIS: The Northern Lights captured over Lahinch

lSORRY: Cllr Paul Murphy (FG) Photo by Tom Micks

Councillors claim cancelling of Ennis 2040 briefing was illegal

ENNIS 2040 DAC’s Chief Operating Officer will be questioned by county councillors next week but elected members had to battle to secure such a briefing with the Council Chief Executive accused of “chasing Ministers” and one elected member storming out of the Chamber in protest.

Kevin Corrigan, COO of Ennis 2040 DAC was due to appear before Monday’s meeting of Clare County Council but this briefing was cancelled by the Council Chief Executive Pat Dowling due to the visit of Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys (FG) to the county.

This decision outraged some councillors who vented their fury at Monday’s meeting after the item which had been originally included on the agenda was removed from the clár.

When pointing out this removal Cllr Gerry Flynn (IND) criticised the county’s first citizen, Cllr Joe Cooney (FG). He said the decision to hold the briefing had been agreed at the April meeting following a proposal by Cllr Tom O’Callaghan (FF). “It is your duty to uphold the constitution of the Council but it (briefing) did not happen”. He asked the top table, “What have ye to hide, I know Ennis 2040 wasn’t properly constituted, it was never approved, the addition of two members was approved but the formation of DAC was never formally approved”.

Officials were pressed by Cllr Flynn to set a date for the reconvened briefing, “the meeting cannot go ahead until a date is made, we ain’t hanging around until after the election”.

Cathaoirleach of the Council, Cooney responded, “we will decide when” to which Cllr Flynn hit back, “you need to do that now”. Cooney said it would be dealt with under any other business to which the Shannon representative responded

that AOB was also not listed on the agenda.

Moves to cancel the briefing were “unconstitutional,” Cllr Johnny Flynn (FG) outlined. “We decided at a statutory meeting that this presentation would happen. It was on the Corporate Policy Group agenda that was approved”.

“Events outside our control” led to its cancellation, Cllr Cooney said with Cllr Johnny Flynn hitting back, “Chasing the Minister around the county is of no interest to me” and “who withdrew it and on what basis, in my view it is illegal”.

Addressing the meeting, Dowling admitted, “On this occasion I took the decision in my role as Chief Executive given a clash of venues and I beg to differ councillor about chasing a Minister around the county,

that Minister and her Department has netted this county over €50m in grant aid. I accept full responsibility in my role as Chief Exec, it was not possible for the Cathaoirleach or I to be present”.

He continued, “It was within my power to set up the DAC so it was important I was there”. Dowling commented, “I am aware that some councillors are more unhappy than others, I always accept the majority will of the Chamber”. Minister Humphreys’ visit was “a very positive day for Co Clare, it is a day we should be proud of” and added, “I’m happy to stay chasing Ministers so long as it is benefitting the county”.

Suggestions that matters proceed in the meeting were stopped by Cllr Gerry Flynn who insisted, “there’s no moving on”.

Actions of Council management left Cllr O’Callaghan “genuinely shocked and disappointed”. He explained, “I am simply asking for questions to be answered, there is a genuine stress and concern out there, I am looking for transparency and for answers, we’re not here to waste anybody’s time”.

There are “genuine conerns” in Ennis, he added which prompted Cllr Cooney to say, “we all have concern for our area and our county”.

Statutory items “needs to be on the agenda,” Cllr Johnny Flynn reiterated while his namesake Cllr Gerry Flynn told the Cathaoirleach “you’re out of order”. Cllr Cooney responded, “It isn’t part of a briefing today, a new date is being looked for”. Cllr Johnny Flynn replied, “I’m

absolutely disgusted, you’re out of order” while Cllr Gerry Flynn demanded, “we need a decision now”. Dowling told the Flynns, “the agreement was a presentation would be made to the members”. He was interrupted by Cllr Gerry Flynn who remarked that the presentation would be “in public” and he added, “the Chief Executive is making it up as he goes along”.

After asking to be allowed to speak without interruption, the Chief Executive assured councillors, “I’d never seek to undermine anyone’s function”. He continued, “What happened today is common, we regularly have to postpone and cancel presentations”. An agreement to hold the briefing will be fulfilled, “It is not on the clár, it was agreed it would happen in advance. I apologise”.

“You removed it,” Cllr Gerry Flynn retorted. “I am happy to reconvene to discuss this as agreed by all elected members and not just a few,” the Chief Executive stated. “The agenda has been altered,” maintained Cllr Johnny Flynn. Cllr Cillian Murphy (FF) pointed out that his request for a briefing from the HSE was also postponed as a result of the Ministerial visit, “things happen and things change” but he was sharply reminded by Cllr Gerry Flynn that he sought an “in-camera” briefing which would preclude the attendance of the public and the media with Cllr Johnny Flynn pointing out “it has nothing to do with the HSE”.

“We’ll decide a date,” Cllr Cooney told the meeting and Cllr Gerry Flynn shouted from the floor “do it now”.

Cllr Johnny Flynn then stormed out of the Chamber in protest at the actions of the top table.

Agreement was then reached to schedule the briefing for 3pm on Monday but this was later altered with 2pm on Wednesday then set as the slot for the Ennis 2040 briefing.

HIQA review to examine case for additional ED in Mid-West

MINISTER for Health, Stephen Donnelly (FF) (inset) has commissioned a review by HIQA into emergency care capacity in the Mid-West region, writes Páraic McMahon

This review according to the Department of Health will consider the case for a second emergency department in the region “in light of a big increase in the population in recent years and ongoing pressures at the Emergency Department at University Hospital Limerick (UHL)”.

Future reforms plus the additional capacity being added will be considered by the review. Terms of reference will be finalised and published once the upcoming review by retired judge Mr Justice Frank Clarke into the death of Shannon teenager Aoife Johnston has been considered to allow its findings and recommendations to be incorporated.

Overcrowding has continued to blight UHL’s ED, with trolley numbers rising by thirty nine percent so far this year, the Department admitted. The decision to close down smaller emergency departments such as Ennis and Nenagh in 2009 has been

slammed but the Department insist this was based on “very clear clinical advice at the time”.

There has been a 44 percent increase in the UHL budget in five years, the Department stated. In 2019, UHL had a budget of €265m compared with €382m this year, a growth of €117m.

150 new beds have been opened in the UL Hospital Group (ULHG) since Jan 2020. This includes 108 beds in UHL (98 ward beds and 10 critical care). Investment has also included additional capacity at St. John’s, Croom Orthopaedic, Ennis and Nenagh Hospitals.

Clare TD, Cathal Crowe (FF) said the decision by Minister Donnelly to request a HIQA review into the acute hospital system in the Midwest, specifically looking at whether an additional A&E is needed is a landmark day for the region. “There are no foregone conclusions of the HIQA review but I strongly hope that the facts speak for themselves and that the result of the review is that an additional A&E is recommended and then pursued”. He added, “Half a million people through

one A&E is simply untenable and not experienced anywhere else in the country. I eagerly await further detail on this and hope that this will result in a positive outcome for healthcare in Clare and the wider region”.

Deputy Michael McNamara (IND) said the review must proceed without delay. “This will be welcome news for everybody in the Mid-West where a lot of peo ple are afraid to avail of an es sential government service at UHL because of the continu ous disaster stories emanating from there”.

A candidate in Ireland South for the upcoming European elections, the Scariff man acknowledged, “The staff are under tremendous pressure, and I hope this review is quick and its conclusions are

followed up speedily. We have a tendency in Ireland to announce reviews to get out of political pressure. I sincerely hope this not the case here”.

Friends of Ennis Hospital have welcomed the announcement by the Minister to complete the review. “It is particularly helpful that HIQA are going to be involved in this review as they are the ones who have seen first hand the situation in UHL and the other emergency departments around the country,” the group stated.

“FEH were the lone voice for many years calling for a second model 3 in the region. We did so without any political support apart from Deputies Cathal Crowe and Violet Anne Wynne. We thank them for their support in getting us to this place. We did so when some politicians told us we were wrong,” they added.

lTRANSPARENCY: Carmel Kirby, Kevin Corrigan and Pat Dowling

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

Save Ennis Town to hold rally against ‘destruction of our historic town’

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

SAVE Ennis Town will be holding a public rally in the county town this Saturday in what is expected to be their biggest demonstration in protesting against construction on riverside civic amenities in Ennis.

Organised by Save Ennis Town, the rally begins at 2pm on Saturday at the Daniel O’Connell Monument in the heart of Ennis town. The group is comprised of local traders, public representatives and community members.

Two of the nine transformational projects for the Ennis 2040 strategy include proposals to build on car parks in the town centre, namely Abbey Street and Parnell Street (Harvey’s Quay).

Chairman of Save Ennis Town, Gearoid Mannion explained, “we’re deeply concerned with the multi storey speculative buildings proposed by Ennis 2040 DAC for two public car parks and the potential impact this will have on the fabric of our town”. He hit out at the “white elephant” in the Market car park which cost €500,000.

Following a silent march in October, Save Ennis Town presented a petition to Clare County Council

which contained over 3,700 signature opposing both projects. In the region of 200 people partook in this march.

A bigger turnout is expected this weekend. “There is huge local opposition to these proposed plans and, in the absence of any real or meaningful consultation on the issue, we felt it was important to organise a public rally where the voice of the people can be heard,” Gearoid said.

Mannion insisted that the group was not opposed to all plans of the economic and spatial strategy. “We support positive progress and the future development of Ennis but the images we have seen so far of the proposed developments by the riverside demonstrate the scale of the destruction planned for the heart of our historic town”.

“This is not just about people having a place to park when they come into Ennis to visit shop, socialise or attend medical appointments.

“Yes, public parking is vitally important to ensure the survival of our small businesses, but we are also talking about the loss of a much loved civic space which brings a vibrancy and life to the centre of the town. Remember the massive outdoor concerts during the Fleadh in

2016 and 2017, the Christmas Markets and home coming events for our county team,” he added.

Ennis 2040 is a big election issue with many constituents raising it at the door steps with candidates

vying to win one of the seven seats in the Ennis Municipal District. Gearoid pointed out €2.2m has already been spent by Ennis 2040 DAC “with little or no public consultation to date. This election is

a chance for people to have their voice heard by voting for the candidates who are committed to protecting our civic amenities by halting the destruction of our riverside car parks”.

ARKANA

l Gearoid Mannion

Supporters of Save Ennis Town'are bananas' claims Councillor Colleran Molloy

A SITTING councillor has described candidates associated with Save Ennis Town as “bananas”, writes Páraic McMahon

Speaking on The Electoral Chair’s election debate for the Ennis Municipal District, Cllr Clare Colleran Molloy (FF) voiced strong criticism of candidates attached to the Save Ennis Town group which are opposed to the developments planned for Abbey Street car park and Parnell Street car park under the Ennis 2040 strategy.

Cllr Colleran Molloy who was on the steering committee which developed the strategy and is currently a board member of Ennis 2040 DAC remarked, “Some of the candidates that are Save Ennis Town are in my opinion bananas because they don’t want to build absolutely nothing anywhere near anything”.

Clare who in currently resides in Ballybeg and along with her husband Tony have in the past fortnight began renovating a derelict property on the Clonroad pointed out that the proposed building for Abbey Street car park will result in the creation of 110 “high value added jobs” located in the heart of Ennis.

Candidates involved with Save Ennis Town include Cllr Tom O’Callaghan (FF), Bridget Ginnity (GP), Hilary Tonge (SD) while departing Cllr Johnny Flynn (FG) is also part of the group along with local retailers and community members.

In a statement to The Clare Echo subsequent to the election debate, Bridget said, “Coming out to protest is not something that comes easily to me or to many people.

“I prefer to use the formal consultation channels but have been dismayed at the total lack of regard shown by Ennis 2040 DAC to the concerns raised by many of us in the community”.

She added, “Cllr Clare Colleran Molloy referred to objectors as BANANAs (build absolutely nothing near anything anywhere), a term previously used by Kevin Corrigan, Chief Operating Officer of Ennis 2040 DAC.

“This name calling reflects a lack of respect. We are portrayed as backward people who resist progress. I am a member of the Save Ennis Town group and we have put forward very reasonable concerns yet there has been no serious discussion of these. I want Ennis 2040 to stop spending our money on architects, engineers and public relations, and go back to the drawing board.

IPSC to host talk

A PUBLIC talk entitled ‘The Nakba Never Ended – 76 years of Israeli Apartheid & Genocide’, will take place in the West County Hotel in Ennis on May the 20th at 7.30pm. ‘Nakba’ means ‘Catastrophe’ in Arabic. It is the name given by Palestinians to the forced expulsion of some 700,000 of them from Palestine, by lsraeli forces before and during the formation of the state of lsrael in 1948. The Nakba is commemorated on May 15th each year. Such commemoration is severely restricted by lsrael in the occupied territories.

Lubnah was born in Palestine but raised in the USA. She relocated with her family to her hometown in the West Bank in the summer of 2008. She worked with Beit Sahour Municipality for three years as their International Relations Officer before signing on with BADIL Resource Centre in 2012. She is currently on a tour of Ireland.

Entry is free and everyone is welcome to attend.

The guest speaker, Lubnah Shomali is the Advocacy Manager of BADIL Resource Centre for Palestinian Residency and Refugee Rights, a Palestinian human rights organisation established in 1998, dedicated to defending and promoting the rights of Palestinian refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs). BADIL is one of the leading, respected resources on historic and contemporary forcible transfer and the Palestinian refugee and IDP issue.

lENNIS 2040: Cllr Clare Colleran Molloy (FF)

Top paid Cllr insists he's good value for money

CLARE’S highest paid councillor last year insists he is “good value for money” while a total of €1,192,106.46 was dished out among the county’s 28 councillors, writes Páraic McMahon.

As per the Register of Councillor Expenses for 2023, Cllr Tony O’Brien (FF) who was Mayor of Clare last received a total amount of €57,751.56.

All 28 councillors receive a renumeration payment of €28,992.94 with the rest of their fees made up of various expenses for training, conferences and allowances for serving as Cathaoirleach of Municipal Districts and Strategic Policy Committees.

Of the total figure for the Killaloe representative, €9,582.50 was for the Cathaioirleach allowance while €6,773.87 was an annual allowance.

Current Leas Cathaoirleach, Cllr Gabriel Keating (FG) was next in line with a total figure of €51,030.81 followed by sitting Mayor, Cllr Joe Cooney (FG) at €49,723.82, Cllr John Crowe (FG) on €48,364.11 and Cllr Clare Colleran Molloy (FF) with €47,571.79.

For foreign travel, Cllr O’Brien claimed the most (€1,803.47) followed by Cllr Cooney (€1,646.57) and Cllr Pat Daly (FF) (€1,024.64).

Departing representative, Cllr Johnny Flynn (FG) did not claim any additional expenses to the renumer-

ation payment. He first elected in 2004 on a ‘no junkets no expenses’ platform.

Speaking to The Clare Echo, Cllr O’Brien stated, “Last year as Mayor of Clare, I toured the county extensively and on some occasions many times a day between North Clare, South Clare, East Clare and West Clare. I must say that I really enjoyed my time as Mayor, it was an honour and a privilege to represent my community and what it enabled me to do was interact with communities and meet people who volunteer with their communities, I was on the go day and night, I hope people that I met and got around to appreciated the time and effort I put in. It was an honour.

“Absolutely I stand over everything we did and that we did in the promotion of our county and the selling of our county, we must put it in context and we were coming out of a very difficult time after two years. Co Clare derives an awful lot of its income from its tourism industry and what we have to offer, I will say this passionately and I believe it passionately we have one of the best tourist offerings for visitors and one of the best offerings to attract people into the county, people won’t just come because they have that, we have to market it and sell it, to tell people what we have, for sure I think we get good

The Town Hall Bistro

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

value for money”.

He defended the foreign trips that see elected representatives travel to Milwaukee and the St Patrick’s Day trip to the United States of America. “There is a myth, any trip that any councillor that I know has been on and any official from Clare County Council work very hard, certainly there is a bit of downtime in some of the trips but just a little bit of downtime, it might seem glamorous but there is an awful lot of hard work. If you are on a trade mission in selling our enterprises with the enterprise office or tourism office, you start at 8am in the morning and you are still going at 11pm meeting delegations, state agencies and people in the tourism industry, it can be pretty hard work but I have to say it was work I was honoured and proud to carry out, I think we did it very well and I know self praise is no praise. I look back on my year as Mayor with absolutely no regrets”.

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

Speaking on The Electoral Chair, Cllr Pat Burke (FG) defended those who went on foreign trips to promote the county. “In my fifteen years in Clare County Council, I’ve never stepped foot on an aeroplane unlike the Mayors, obviously I’ve never been Mayor. From a tourism perspective I can see the value in the promotion that is going on”.

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.

Abbey Hostel relocating Ukrainian residents

UKRAINIAN residents at the Abbey Hostel formerly known as the Rowan Tree will be relocated this month with international protection applicants set to be housed there instead, writes Páraic McMahon

Earlier this month, The Clare Echo reported that displaced Ukrainians living at the Abbey Hostel were informed their short-term accommodation was to expire by May 24th.

On Tuesday, officials in the Department of Children; Equality; Disability; Integration and Youth confirmed that the accommodation provider had requested the Ukrainians be relocated and instead submitted an application to house international protection applicants instead.

Clare TD, Michael McNamara (IND) in a parliamentary question asked if all Ukrainian beneficiaries at the Abbey Hostel “have been served notices that they are to be moved to alternative accommodation by the end of May 2024; what consideration has been given to sourcing alternative accommodation in the local area where many residents have spent two years

integrating into local schools, sports clubs, employment and the local community”.

In a written response, Minister for Children; Equality; Disability; Integration and Youth, Roderic O’Gorman (GP) outlined that the accommodation provider at the Abbey Hostel has “decided to cease accommodating Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection (BOTPs) and has asked that all of the BOTPs in residence be moved to alternative accommodation.

My Department's standard commercial accommodation contract provides that either party to the contract can terminate the agreement at any time with four weeks’ notice and the provider in this case has availed of this right”.

Ukrainian residents of the Abbey Hostel have been given notification of this “and will be relocated before the end of the month,” the Minister outlined.

“While every effort is made to minimise disruption to BOTPs who must be relocated where contracts end, staying in the local area cannot be guaranteed for BOTPs who continue to require State accommodation.

“My Department cannot guarantee standard or location at this time, and BOTPs are encouraged to engage with their Local Authority to assess the possibility of finding accommodation in the community if possible.

“My Department is currently consolidating the BOTP accommodation portfolio in line with current and future needs. As this work progresses and the portfolio is reduced, remaining within existing localities for BOTPs who must be relocated will become less likely”.

An application from the owners of the Abbey Hostel to accommodate international protection applicants is currently being assessed by the International Protection Procurement Services (IPPS).

“Should the offer meet the requisite criteria, it is hoped that a contract can be agreed in the near future. My Department can only confirm use of a premises once a contract has been signed, and will, in the first instance, inform local public representatives and statutory agencies through its Community Engagement Team”.

Hunter Molloy ‘radiated love

by Gordon Deegan news@clareecho.ie

EIGHTEEN month old Ennis boy Hunter Molloy who died from injuries in a road traffic accident last Wednesday “radiated love and lived his life fully”.

They are the words of Ennis parish priest, Fr Tom Ryan who told the Molloy family that Hunter James Molloy received nothing “but love and care from his Mam and Dad, Alisha and Peter”.

At the Mass of the Angels at St Peter and Paul Cathedral in Ennis on Monday afternoon, family members, relatives and friends wore bright blue t-shirts with a colour image of Hunter to celebrate his short life. The funeral mass took place five days after Hunter lost his life in a road traffic accident at the Ballaghboy halting site, Quin Rd, Ennis before lunchtime last Wednesday.

Fr Ryan told the family today that in an instant second last Wednesday “life stopped and changed”. He said, “We

l Hunter Molloy

don’t know why accidents happened but they do”. He said, “We have lots of questions but we simply don’t have answers. We don’t why and we will never know - it is simply not fair”.

“Hunter’s life was lived fully…He never committed a sin in his life - he just radiated love,” Fr Ryan commented. He said that Hunter’s life ended so unexpectedly last Wednesday. Addressing the family, Fr Ryan said, “Hunter lived a life of love”. He said, “Hunter both gave

and received love, his presence in your lives brought great joy and his death has caused great pain”.

Fr Ryan said that “with heavy hearts, we hand Hunter back to God who first gave him to us”. Fr Ryan added that Hunter’s life “has been a great lesson to all of us”. Hunter was later laid to rest at Drumcliffe cemetery outside Ennis and a horse-drawn white carriage brought his remains for most of his final journey.

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Music lovers to descend on Ennis for 50th anniversary of Fleadh Nua

by Stuart Holly editor@clareecho.ie

THE 50th anniversary of Fleadh Nua kicks off next week with Stockton’s Wing, the Kilfenora Céilí Bank and the Liverpool Céilí Band amongst the main attractions of the popular event.

For 10 days, traditional music will fill the streets and pubs of Ennis with events happening at Cois na hAbhna, glór, St Columba’s Church and further afield.

Among the main events attracting visitors from across the country and further afield, the Comhaltas Folk Orchestra, a 60-piece orchestra, will open the curtain on the historic festival at glór on Saturday, May 25 (€25/€20) where it will tell the story of Fleadh Nua and the growth of traditional music in County Clare.

Liverpool Céilí Band will play the official opening reception at Cois na hAbhna on Sunday, May 26 which is a free event, where Pádraic Mac Mathúna will be honoured for his involvement in bringing Fleadh Nua to Ennis back in 1974. The festival began its life in Dublin in 1970 and despite plans for the festival to be shared around the country, such was its early success that it remained in Ennis forever more.

The Tulla Céilí Band will play at Cois na hAbhna on Thursday, May 30 (€10), while the world-renowned Kilfenora Céilí Band are working on a special show to reflect 50 years of Fleadh Nua and are expected to fill glór Theatre on Saturday, June 1 (€30). As the

festival comes to its conclusion, Stockton’s Wing will play glór on Sunday, June 2 (€30).

There is great excitement around the Aos Óg Súil Siar Concert at glór (€20) on Friday, May 31 which is a nod to the Aos Óg concerts of the 1970s and ‘80s where children got their first tast of stage performance. Organiser Frank Whelan quips that some of the children “have grown beards now” and performers on the night include Pádraig and Damien O’Reilly, Brian O’Loughlin, Therese

McInerney, Eimear and Conor Arkins, Eimear, Sharon and Tara Howley and many more.

Other events happening throughout the festival include the wildly popular set dancing weekend at Cois na hAbhna (Thursday May 30 to Monday June 3); lunchtime concerts at St Columbus Church and daytime street performances by local schools from Barefield, Kildysart, Moyasta and Crusheen to name a few.

Frank has been involved in the festival

since 1988 and fondly remembers the “huge parades” of the early Fleadh Nuas. He tells The Clare Echo that an afternoon session will be held this year in honour of Frank Custy who sadly passed away this year, “Frank ran an afternoon session for as long as I can remember, this year we’ll be running it without him, a Frank Custy tribute session at the Holy Family Hall. A group that meets in Toonagh every week are running the session in his honour, our plan is to have some of his family involved.”

Speaking about the importance of marking half a century of Fleadh Nua with an exciting programme of events, Doonbeg native Frank said County Clare is uniquely placed to host the best traditional music festivals in Ireland. “Clare wouldn’t be considered the home of traditional music if there wasn’t this level of support of interest in it. No other county has maintained the level of interest that we have in Clare so we’re pushing an open door with people in Clare, if we run events they always are well supported.

“It’s so important to our identity to have things like the Fleadh Nua, Willie Clancy Summer School and the Ennis Trad Festival. If they were to disappear, I think our tourism in Clare would practically disappear. It’s so important to the life of the tourist industry in Clare.

“The Willie Clancy Summer School is running the same length of time as the Fleadh Nua, it’s because of the huge interest in the county that it has survived.”

lPIPES: Frank Whelan

Photo by Martin Connolly

CountyClare

EnjoyClare’s ‘FundaySundays’:WeeklyExcitement withEver-ChangingOffers and Great Prizes

Transform your typical Sundays into Clare’s ‘Funday Sundays’ — your weekly dose of adventure! Visit Clare Tourism’s latest initiative is designed to spice up your Sundays with great offers, experiences, and the chance to win superb prizes.

HERE’S THE DEAL: Every Monday, the Visit Clare team will drop an all-new batch of offers on VisitClare.ie/sundays for the following Sunday. Think exclusive access, perks, and discounts to Clare’s top attractions and activities.

Saturday Rule Free admission to a Flora and Fauna Children’s Tour for National Biodiversity Week, on Special Deals for Funday Sunday, May 19 include:

The Flying Alpaca, near Kilkee: Enjoy 50% off a ‘Meet and Greet’ with the alpacas—meet and feed these fluffy, gentle creatures. The Burren Visitor Centre, Kilfenora: Enjoy 50% off admissions to the Centre, covering the Burren and Cliffs of Moher UNESCO Geopark and the history, heritage, archaeology, flora, and fauna of the area.

Walk from Doolin 30% off a guided walking tour. Experience a Gentle Sound Bath at the Ciúnas Centre, Feakle: €15 off per person. This session promotes relaxation and gentle healing.

Win Great Prizes

Funday Sundays’ May prize draws include the opportunity to win a 12-month family pass to Bunratty Castle and Folk Park or Vandeleur Walled Garden and Visitor Centre, Kilrush, or win lunch for two at the Park Inn by Radisson at Shannon Airport.

Don’t Miss Out — Your Next Funday Sunday Adventure Awaits!

These offers rotate faster than Clare’s tides, so remember to check online now and circle back every Monday to see a fresh line-up of Sunday offers at www.VisitClare.ie/sundays. Each week brings another trove of offers, prizes, and surprises. Enjoy!

Catch a Sunday Offer: www.VisitClare.ie/sundays

Floyd takes aim at 'scandalous and disgraceful' expenses claims

TULLA’S Joe Floyd (IND) (inset) has entered the local election race as one of the late additions to the ballot paper in East Clare.

An independent candidate in 2019, Floyd announced his candidacy in an exclusive interview for the Killaloe Muncipal District with The Clare Echo where he hit out at the amount of expenses claimed by elected representatives in the county and financial manage ment within the local author ity.

He has also called for the paying of elected mem bers of the Council to be stopped until the €10m loan drawn down to set up Ennis 2040 DAC is repaid to the local authority. Of this figure, €2.2m has been spent to date.

“I think there’s too much false information out there,

they (politicians) are not telling the truth to the people. Councillors have avoided the doors, the first one went out and then they were getting it on the neck, one of the TDs came out with them and then realised they were too busy,” he claimed.

Floyd said “there’s something wrong in the country” while pointing to the recent referendum on family as an example of this.

On average, county councillors earned €818 per week according to the Register of Councillor Expenses for 2023, figures he described as “scandalous”. “Our councillors are a disgrace, I don’t care if some of them are my friends, I’ve no enemies, it is an absolute disgrace to be getting that kind of money when people are struggling. These are farmers, contractors, two of them are involved in big busi-

Pam O'Loughlin back in election race

PAM O’Loughlin (IND) has re-entered the local election race in North Clare, writes Páraic McMahon.

Originally selected as a candidate for the Farmers Alliance in April, “a technical hitch” has left the party red-faced as it is unable to field any local election candidates or its two declared runners for the European elections. This prompted Pam to withdraw from the race last week but she is now back in the ring. Pam confirmed that she is now running in the Ennistymon local electoral area as an Independent candidate. She said she made the “last minute decision due to the

enormous support and encouragement to do so”.

Representatives of the Farmers Alliance have remained tight-lipped on what this exact “technical hitch” but it is speculated to be in relation to the registration of the party with The Electoral Commission.

Pam said: “I’d be looking to influence the pollution into the river and ending up in Lahinch, housing which has been delayed being built in Ennistymon due to the infrastructure, parking in town, facilities in town, that sort of thing, the lack of an A&E in Ennis, we are looking at headlines from UHL on a weekly basis”.

nesses in my area. They have several irons in the fire that money is been made out of, they have no shame. I have no regrets about going on print and saying that”.

Sixty nine year old Joe promised, “I’m going to go after them, I think it is scandalous that anyone can put their hand out for the type of money when they are just driving from village to village and they are not at meetings all the time”. He added, “I wouldn’t take €800 a week in expenses, I’d take money for petrol or diesel but my morales wouldn’t allow me to take that much money from the taxpayers”. He questioned the benefit of councillors travelling abroad for the Milwaukee Festival and for St Patrick’s Day. “RTÉ aren’t the only crowd with a fund that should be investigated, the Council have a discretionary fund and Clare GAA have one. It is a disgrace when you think of what RTÉ have spent, €5m was spent on new hurling field, another 100k spent on it again ripping the field and repairing it, where is all this going to end with people suffering,” the Tulla man claimed.

Similar criticism was voiced of the General Municipal Allocation (GMA) which is the discretionary funding which is made available to

EXTENDED INTERVIEW AVAILABLE FOR CLARE ECHO SUBSCRIBERS HERE:

Municipal District members contained in the draft budgetary plan.

People in East Clare are “gone cracked” to have discovered councillors are earning €800 per week on expenses. “How can they justify it, I’ll go after the Council to put all these expenses, you have to put them out in the public for what you are doing, where you got them and what you did to get them. I don’t agree with the GMA at all, I think it is a very dangerous fund, it is gathering votes for the councillors, it is bribery”. He said he would have told Cllr Tom O’Callaghan (FF) to “shut up” for questioning Cllr Ann Norton (IND) and a conflict of interest of funds going to the Clare Crusaders Clinic. “If I could draw the expenses I’d divide it between charities, are these people real at all,” he stated.

'Springteen shows are better’

KILRUSH BARBER,

Jimi Coughlan has confirmed he will be not entering the local election race in West Clare.

Speculation had been mounting that he was set to throw his name into the ring as an Independent candidate but Jimi confirmed to The Clare Echo that he had considered such a bid but decided against it.

Jimi told The Clare Echo, “I thought about it ten years ago and again five years ago but I never felt it was the right time but this time I thought about it, the time might have been right but I just enjoy my life too

much”.

It means there will be no clash of barbers on the canvass with Joseph Woulfe (II) currently employed at D’Barber Shop in Ennis. However with owner of Coco Lemon salon in Kilrush, Dawn Bennett (SF) also in the field, it means there will be a battle of the barber versus the hairdresser on the ballot for constituents in the Kilrush LEA. Noted as a Bruce Springsteen superfan, Jimi has been to see him in Belfast and Kilkenny and will be at his concert in Cork. He quipped, “Springsteen shows are better than politics”. He even appeared

on screen during the gig at Nowlan Park this week while ’The Boss’ was performing.

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

lTHE BOSS: Jimi Coughlan on stage with Bruce Springsteen

lFAMILY: Cllr Gerry Flynn with his three grandsons, Sean, Jack and Liam

Flynn calls time on political career

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

TWENTY years on from his first election to Clare County Council, Cllr Gerry Flynn (IND) has announced he is to bow out of politics.

In an exclusive interview with The Clare Echo, the Shannon based representative confirmed that he will be not seeking re-election to the local authority.

First elected to Shannon Town Council in 1999 when running as a Fine Gael candidate, Gerry left the party and was elected as an Independent to Clare County Council in 2004, he has has retained his seat at three subsequent elections and has served for four terms on the local authority.

His endurance in politics may have been helped by his career in athletics which saw him run four marathons and collect several medals as part of the Kilmurry Ibrickane club.

During his time on the County Council, he has served as Chair of Standing Orders, a voluntary post he has held since 2004 and has been Chair of the Social Development Strategic Policy Committee (SPC) since 2014, an SPC which has responsibility for housing. He was an influential figure in securing a flood defence scheme for Shannon and has not been afraid to take on the top table of

Council management during his two decades in the Chamber.

He told The Clare Echo, “I have my decision made a long time but I had a considerable amount of projects to finish out in my District, notably the flood defences where I got a lot of capital funding years ago and I’m grateful to Kevin ‘Boxer’ Moran (IND) and Pat Breen (FG) who was a Junior Minister at the time, Pat Breen is a huge loss to this county, he helped me with most projects I was involved in that demand Government and European funding. The last five years I’ve been basically dealing with items that needed to be finished off”.

Miltown Malbay native Flynn recounted, “I’m twenty five years in public life, fifteen years I spent on Town Commissioners, Town Council and I’ve spent twenty years in Clare County Council, that is a long time, I feel I’m still on top of my job”.

Dynamics of local government have “changed considerably,” he noted while voicing criticism of the current Chief Executive of Clare County Council, Pat Dowling who he had a heated clash with at Monday’s meeting of the Council. “Back in the 1990s when I started off you would have had a healthy relationship between the democratically elected representatives and officialdom, now we

have a situation where the person at the top he no longer inspires me and over the years I’ve seen that”.

A turning point in his relationship with the top table was during a visit by Minister Darragh O’Brien (FF) in October 2022 to officially open four social housing developments in Clare which had a combined budget of €40m. Cllr Flynn felt he was snubbed by the top brass on this occasion.

He said, “The defining moment for me would have been some years ago when we were opening new builds in the county, for some reason or another the Director of Housing and certainly the Chief Executive ignored my presence at these events, it was okay for me to be out there creating policy and developing housing and trying to get homes for people but when it came to the day when the Minister was in town, the Chair of the housing would be ignored, I saw that as a bit of an affront”.

Actions by Council management regarding the Francis Street cottages in Ennis were also lamented by Cllr Flynn. “When we purchased Francis Street and the housing department had plans to develop step-down housing for older people and people with disabilities who wanted to live near services, when I saw the actions then of the Chief Executive Officer to

take that sight from the housing department who are well equipped to develop it and hand it over to a designated active company, that really worried me that we are going in the wrong direction”.

Antics in bringing elected members for breakfast in The Old Ground Hotel rather than holding public meetings is another bone of contention for Cllr Flynn. “In the transition of Shannon Heritage where elected members were taken to the Maguire Suite for breakfast which was not under a statutory process, I don’t go along with that, anything we have to do as democrats we have to do in public forum. In reference to yourself and the fourth estate, more and more the media and the public are being locked out of meetings where decision making is happening, that is not good, for me I respect the media and the role they have, we as members and voices of the people, we shouldn’t have anything to hide.

“I have nothing to hide, I have worked fulltime in this role for many years now and I’d say there is very few other councillors that do it as a full-time role, I don’t take expenses for travelling around the country or abroad, I take what I’m entitled to, I chair several committees, I’m chair of the SPC which covers

housing, sport, recreation, it used to be also culture and arts, being chair of that has helped me a lot in trying to work with a team in housing, the community sector and other representatives to try fine tune it so you get a housing development fit for purpose, fit for young people, older people, people that can’t provide for themselves, people with disabilities”.

When asked if he felt he was getting the ‘silent treatment’ from top officials in the Council, Cllr Flynn commented, “What normally happens with people like me, I’ve heard people say to me ‘Clare County Council is like a country and western council whereas in order to get along you’ve to go along, to me the only people I have to get along with would be the public who put me into this job, I don’t believe that we should be going done the road of compliancy, it is okay being compliant if what is being done is done in a proper way but it has never been my policy to go along and get along.

“I have a strong support base of community people that walk the streets for me every time there is an election, I don’t have a party behind me, I have my wife and family, that is what keeps me going. The political system really doesn’t suit people like me who would be a true Independent whereby I get a good number of number one votes but unfortunately the PR system doesn’t suit Independents unless you are some way connected to some parties and you have a transfer arrangement.

“For me, I get a considerable amount of number one votes consistently but I’m then sitting there waiting for twos and threes, what happens is other people overtake me and for most elections I’ve always struggled to get over the line but I do work hard at my job, I’m very grateful to all the people out there that give me over 1,000 number one votes, I average about 1,040 in every election, that has been great. I remember when I started off in Clare County Council in 2004, it was a mammoth task that time to take on the establishment, I’ve always done that without any posters, not that I oppose them, I’ve no opposition to people who want to put up posters and best of luck to them, I think it adds a bit of colour to the place but personally I couldn’t even afford them. Democracy I think has been watered down to a large degree from the point of view that a lot of services which should be provided by the local authority are now farmed out to a private company and I don’t like that”.

In 2019, Gerry narrowly prevailed by a margin of four single votes over Garret McPhillips (FG) to take the final seat in the Shannon Municipal District. It was a nervy battle but Flynn is confident he would have retained his seat if was on the ballot paper for June 7th.

“I think people that time were told and they told me after, because of my profile and it is not blowing my trumpet but my profile is usually high because I work hard, I put myself out there, I try listen to the people and help them, I can’t help everyone because I’m just a county councillor but I do my best”.

At a public meeting prior to this election where The Venue was the topic for discussion, a section of Shannon residents jeered at and booed Cllr Flynn when he spoke. He recalled, “I learned more from that meeting than anything else, at that particular time URDF funding was being sought for a development in Shannon Shopping Centre and the decision not to give the €11m was made by the Government in October of 2018 but the people driving the project decided they would put the boot into local councillors coming into the local election.

“I happened to be the Cathaoirleach of the time, I’m not going to go into a public meeting even if there is an election on and tell the people what they want to here, the cute hoors do that, maybe I’m not cute enough”.

Contributions of former Clare TDs, Pat Breen (FG) and Donal Carey (FG) were acknowledged by the father of two. “I remember when we opened Rineanna Park in Shannon, his (Donal Carey) name was on it and then Clare County Council came along and gave planning permission to

build apartments which took away our Shannon Park, they bulldozed the stone and lobbed it into the bushes, we lost our Park, then they came up with a crazy notion of doing another masterplan which was going to lose the rest of the park because they were going to build apartments all over our new Shannon Park but I had to rail against that, what we have we need to protect and if anything I’m hopeful that the new Council when they come in will actually make sure that they back democracy, that’s what needs to happen because I’m heavily outnumbered, there’s only three or four other councillors in the Council that seem to have any great interest in making sure there is accountability”.

According to Cllr Flynn, there are increasing instances within the Council of holding more meetings behind closed doors. “Back in 2004 when we established the Standing Orders committee it came about because we felt we needed to streamline how we work the Council, how we best represent the people, at that time meetings were taking a huge length of time and could go on for three sessions, there was many motions going in and we were trying to bring some relevance to it, the reason I got to be chair of it was because at the time Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael weren’t in the same bed, they were in opposite sides, I was seen as an honest broker in the middle, I was a bit wet behind the ears, a bit innocent and they gave me the job but you have to be careful when you put someone into the job because twenty years later I’m still there and I could nearly recite it chapter by chapter, I’m always an advocate for protecting that, it is the constitution and what we work to, we’re democrats, it suits a lot of officialdom and maybe some public representatives that they can do the side deals, I don’t like side deals, if we have something to make a deal about then you go into open session where the public and the media are welcome and we can say our piece and not feel something happens by accident, it is difficult. There are a lot of good independents that I worked with over the years like James Breen, Christy Curtin, Patricia McCarthy, Tommy Brennan and Martin Lafferty”.

He continued, “I had a lot of mentors that helped me along, sometimes they’d have to pull me back from things and sometimes they’d push you forward but I did my best, I must say that I learned so much in the 25 years I’ve been with Clare County Council and it has certainly helped me from an educational point of view and it has developed my brain immensely but it has also done one other thing to me, it has made me a very private person. Public meetings now, I don’t go because generally a lot of people that come to public meetings just come for entertainment whereas I prefer to just do my job, I always say to people, I’m 9-5 and come the weekend I like to be off and come night-time I like to be with my family. I think the public for the work I do get a good return”.

Although it hurt him at the time, Cllr Flynn has said he has “moved on” after he was bypassed to become Mayor of Clare during the current Council term. Based on length of service, he was set to be next in line as a member of the independent technical group following Cllr Michael Begley (IND) to become their nomination as the county’s first citizen but the honour instead went to Cllr PJ Ryan (IND).

Looking to the future, Gerry said he plans to devote more time to his family, whom he adores.

“You learn more from failures than successes. I’ve had a lot of people who have been encouraging me to go again, they felt I still had a little bit of fuel in the tank, I still have the passion for it and I still have the know-how but for me now it is time to focus on something else, I want to give more time to my family, I have three beautiful grand-sons, I love them to bits and I want to spend more time with them and be more available to my family especially the Mammys and Daddys of those children and support them a bit more, that is where I see myself. I’m very lucky, I spent many years in sport, I represented my county in athletics, it gave me a great discipline, the loneliness of the long-distance runner”.

Thugamar fhéin an samhradh linn!

LE MACDARA Ó CONAOLA

SEO roinnt focla a bheas sibh in ann úsáid agus é anois ina shamhradh / Here are a few words to use now that it’s summer:

• An chuach – the cuckoo

• Ar an trá – on the beach

• dó gréine – sunburn

• uachtar reoite – frozen cream (better known as ice-cream)

• caite dhíom/dhíot/dhe/dhi/ dhínn/dhíbh/dhíobh – clothes flung off (because of heat)

• spéacláirí gréine – shades/sunglasses

• céilí – a dance (lively get-together/shindig)

• bainte - randy

• amuigh faoin aer - outdoors

• bríste gairid – shorts

• bicíní – bikini

• Ag sú na gréine - sunbathing

• bricíní – freckles

• a’ snámh – swimming

• sceartán/sciortán – tick (blood-sucking insect)

• beacha – bees

• bláthannaí – flowers

• Féile - festival

Bígí i dteagmháil linn agus leanaigí ar Facebook agus Twitter muid ag: @macallaanchlair

R-phost: macallaanchlair@gmail.com

l An chuach

Imeachtaí/Events:

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

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

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

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

‘I want to tackle the biggest issue facing young people’

Liam Grant (GP) discusses the

he is most passionate about in the run up to the election

AS AN Earth & Ocean Science graduate, I’m very passionate about the sea and improving the water infrastructure in the county.

I have led a strong campaign for new wastewater treatment facilities in North Clare, producing videos highlighting how raw sewage discharges from Irish Water facilities are contaminating our beaches and halting housing developments.

Previously I have worked as a fire fighter, emergency medical technician (EMT) and beach lifeguard. I have been fighting for improved working conditions for essential workers across the board. We need better conditions for nurses, carers, teachers, Gardaí etc so our key services can function properly. I am working to ensure that people with additional needs and their families are given proper support which they so badly need.

As the youngest representative on Clare County Council I want to tackle the biggest issue facing young people; the housing crisis. I have campaigned for cost rental and affordable housing to be built in Clare. We need more long term rental accommodation at affordable prices urgently. I’m glad to be assisting people apply for The Vacant and Derelict Property Refurbishment Grant. This fund needs to be extended and streamlined to ensure we bring as many derelict houses back into use.

I am working on getting a tidal pool for swimming in Quilty, a pump track in Lisdoonvarna and a skatepark in Lahinch. Getting Doolin Pier designated as a bathing area with improved swimming infrastructure and a lifeguard station. Ensuring that the West Clare Greenway is delivered to its full potential. I have campaigned to get rid of

the day trip buses to the Cliffs of Moher that don’t stop in the area and instead have a proper walking trail (Cliffs of Moher Camino) and cycle path connecting the visitor attraction to all nearby villages. I have secured a longer beach lifeguard season with all of June and weekends in May being covered. We are currently facing one of the most catastrophic collapses of ecosystems and biodiversity in human history. For example, In the last 20 years, the number of wild salmon in Irish rivers has declined by almost 80%. I am working tirelessly to protect/ restore our land and marine habitats.

I am calling for an immediate ceasefire and an end to all violence in Palestine. I believe that Ireland has a particularly important role to play in ending the indiscriminate attacks and systematic violence of the occupation.

lSEA LIFE: Cllr Liam Grant and MEP Grace O Sullivan go for a dip in Spanish Point during Snámhaí Sásta

Macalla an Chláir

l Ag snámh ar an trá. Na sluaite ag sú na gréine ar thrá An Leachta

Appeal for instruments

CLLR Mary Howard (FG) is once again calling for donations to the Musical Instrument Appeal, writes Elaine Tubridy

This appeal allows the schools to build up a bank of instruments that can then be played by their students. The genesis of the project was a visit by the St Mary's High School Band who visited Ennis and participated in the St Patrick's Day Parade 10 years ago.

Chairperson of the Ennis Phoenix Twinning Board, Cllr Howard stated that the appeal is supported by Ennis students who are chosen to be our Ennis Phoenix Youth Ambassadors.

“This past year we had four such students Nancy Collins, Dearbhla Dorgan and Tadhg Mullooly from Rice College and Ruairi Howard who attends St Flannan's College. Over the last number of months they collected donated instruments from their schools and local area,” she said.

“A huge thank you to our wonderful Youth Ambassadors for their fantastic work in collecting the instruments. We are always on the lookout for instruments so let me or the students know if you have one to donate" Cllr Howard concluded.

Blood drive

THE next Ennis Blood Donation Clinic will take place at the West County Hotel on Wednesday 22nd & Thursday 23rd May 2024, from 4.50pm –8.10pm. New Donors welcome. Phone 1800 222 111 for appointment. Existing donors have the additional option of booking online.

The hospitals requirement for blood is now 6% higher than for the corresponding period last year.

Monsignor Horgan named Papal Nuncio to South Sudan

POPE Francis has appointed Ennis’ Séamus Horgan as Papal Nuncio to South Sudan, writes Páraic McMahon

A native of Tobarteascáin near St. Flannan’s College where he completed his secondary schooling, Monsignor Horgan entered St Patrick’s College Maynooth in 1987 before being ordained to the priesthood by Bishop Michael Harty in 1994 at the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul in Ennis. He is currently First Counsellor at the Apostolic Nunciature in Washington D.C. and has previously held Diplomatic Service of the Holy See rolls in Uganda, Switzerland, The Philippines and Italy. His new role also sees him appointed to the titular See of Árd Sratha - Ardstraw, County Tyrone while he is based in South Sudan city of Juba.

Bishop of Killaloe, Fintan Monahan was among the first congratulate Séamus. "Monsignor Horgan brings a wealth of pastoral and practical experience with him to his new role. A conscientious, diligent and prayerful pastor,

Gallagher remembered as ‘fantastic leader’

CLARE COPD advocate

James Gallagher has been remembered as a “fantastic leader” after he sadly passed away last week aged 69, writes Stuart Holly.

Ennistymon native James served as chairman of the Clare COPD Support Group since its foundation 10 years ago.

Diagnosed with the condition in 2011, the Ennis resident was passionate about raising awareness of COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease). He connected people with COPD to support one another in their weekly meetings in Ennis, which includes exercise facilitated by a physio. Recently he expanded their group into Shannon. Their slogan is ‘breathless, not hopeless’.

In an interview with The Clare Echo in November, COPD Awareness month, James said of the group that meets at Cois na hAbhna in Ennis every Thursday, “As a group we offer that solace… it doesn’t have to be a life sentence, it’s about living, it’s about getting on with life and it’s a social outlet, it’s helpful and our focus is on living the

best possible life you can do and not be stopped because as the old saying goes, if you rest you’ll rust you know.”

Close friend Eugene Moylan with whom James established the group told The Clare Echo that James fought “to the very end and never gave up”.

Reflecting on James’ life, Eugene said he was a fountain of knowledge and his interaction with people was “first class”. “When I met him, he basically changed my life for the better. I never knew about the exercises that he introduced in Cois na hAbhna.

“He was a fantastic leader of the group and he’s going to be very, very sadly missed. It’s going to be very hard to replace James within the COPD group here in Clare.”

James previously worked with Brian Pyne Tiles and was a passionate Manchester United fan.

James, of Cuan An Chláir, Cahercalla, Ennis, Co. Clare and formerly of Church Hill, Ennistymon, Co. Clare passed away on 7th May 2024 (peacefully) at University Hospital, Limerick, sur-

his engagement with people is marked with great kindness and courtesy. He served with distinction in his appointments at local level in Bodyke and Roscrea in the diocese and in his various appointments since he entered the diplomatic service”.

He added, “At this time there are three Apostolic Nuncios, originally from Ireland, in active diplomatic service for the Universal Church and here in Killaloe we are very proud of the fact that two of them are natives of our diocese”.

St. Flannan’s College Principal Fr. Iggy McCormack said, “This episcopal appointment is a tremendous honour for Monsignor Séamus and for our school. We are very proud of what he has achieved in his ministry to date during which time he has served as Secretary of the Apostolic Nunciatures in Kampala, Berne and Manila, as well as working at the Secretariat of State in Rome from 2015 to 2020 before assuming his current role in the United States. This is the first time in many decades that a Papal Nuncio

has emanated from our alumni. The students and staff of St Flannan’s College wish Monsignor Séamus the very best for the future”.

Following six years of pastoral ministry in the Diocese of Killaloe Diocese, Monsignor Séamus Horgan was sent to Rome in 2000 for further studies. After completing a Licence in Canon Law (Pon-

tifical Gregorian University), he joined the Pontifical Ecclesiastical Academy in Rome to prepare for the service of the Holy See. In 2008 he was appointed a Chaplain of His Holiness and in 2019 a Prelate of Honour.

Monsignor Horgan speaks English, Italian & French and has a working knowledge of German.

rounded by his loving family. Predeceased by his parents Lizzie and Dooley. Sadly missed by his loving children, Sabrina, Michelle, Jason, Laura and Shane, partners Mark, Angela, Andrew and Laura, adored grandchildren Oisín, Cian, Liam, Caitlin, Leo and Cillian, sisters Margaret, Mary and Betty, in-laws, nieces, nephews, relatives, neighbours, and friends.

He was laid to rest by Kennedy’s Funeral Homelast Friday (10th May) in the Old Cemetery, Ennistymon.

lPROUD: Monsignor Séamus Horgan pictured with His Holiness Pope Francis at The Vatican Photo by Monsignor Horgan

l James Gallagher

Minister officially opens tourism projects

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys (FG) TD, visited Clare on Monday to mark the completion

of three tourism projects in the West and North Clare. She officially opened the recently upgraded Loop Head Lighthouse Visitor Experience in Kilbaha and Vandeleur Walled Garden and Visi-

tor Centre in Kilrush. The Minister also travelled to Lisdoonvarna to meet with representatives of Lisdoonvarna Fáilte to view projects recently funded by her Department to the value of €691,000 before fin-

ishing her scenic visit to the county in Kilfenora where she will opened the Burren Exhibition Centre.

Minister Humphreys stated, “I was delighted to officially open two significant tourism projects, the Loop Head Lighthouse Visitor Experience project and the Vandeleur Walled Garden and Visitor Centre project.

“hese projects benefited from an investment of over €3 million from my Department’s Rural Regeneration and Development Fund. I also officially opened the Burren Visitor Centre project which received funding of €200,000 from my Department’s Town and Village Renewal Scheme”.

Her first visit of the day was to the upgraded Loop Head Lighthouse Visitor Experience. Funded by the Minister’s Department under the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund (RRDF) scheme as part of Project Ireland 2040, with 25% match funding by Clare County Council, the completed works include the restoration and conservation of the historic lighthouse keeper’s cottages and a new visitor hub with interpretation panels featuring stories from the local area. The total investment for this project is €1,623,800.

Further investment is also ear-

marked for the historic 17th century landmark after An Bord Pleanála last month granted planning approval to Clare County Council for the development of new visitor experience facilities, a looped walking trail network, the construction of a new visitors’ carpark, the installation of wayfinding signage, and the upgrade of the existing wastewater system.

The Minister was welcomed to Loop Head by Cllr Gabriel Keating (FG) Leas-Chathaoirleach of Clare County Council, and Pat Dowling, Chief Executive of Clare County Council. “The future for this attraction is as bright as the light that beams overhead us,” said Cllr Keating.

“The progress in further expanding and improving the tourism offering could not have been achieved without engagement with key stakeholders including the Department and the local authority, Elected Members, the Commissioners of Irish Lights, Loop Head Tourism, the National Parks and Wildlife Service and Fáilte Ireland.”

The Minster also visited Vandeleur Walled Garden and Visitor Centre, the Astro Turf and Multi-Use Games Area (MUGA)in Lisdoonvarna and the Burren Exhibition Centre.

SUN 19TH MAY

31 MAY - 02 JUNE

lSIGHT-SEEING: Minsiter Heather Humprehys (FG) and Leas-Chathaoirleach Cllr Gabriel Keating (FG)

More flights means 200,000 extra seats for services from Shannon

AN ADDITIONAL

200,000 seats will be available for passengers from Shannon Airport on nine services this summer, writes Páraic McMahon

Shannon Airport will offer increased frequencies on nine services this summer, these are Alicante, Faro, Lanzarote, Malaga, Palma de Mallorca, Reus, Krakow, Tenerife and Wroclaw.

Delta Airlines will launch its daily service to New York-JFK on 25th May, while Ryanair will operate to Gran Canaria during the summer season for the first time. The airport will operate 33 routes to eleven countries across the EU, UK and US.

CEO of the Shannon Airport Group, Mary Considine outlined, “We are expecting a busy summer at Shannon Airport, with over 200,000 additional seats and increased frequencies on nine favourite summer sun destinations. What sets Shannon apart is our passionate staff, who are excited to extend the famous warm Shan-

Let the election race begin

non welcome to every passenger that passes through our doors. On behalf of all the team, I would like to take this opportunity to thank

our customers for their loyal support and encourage people to think Shannon first when planning those all-important sunshine breaks over

the coming months”. Hi-tech security screening technology at Shannon Airport ensures passengers experience less

dwell time going through security, meaning they have more time to relax and browse the vast product offerings in the renowned Shannon Duty Free, the world’s first airport duty free.

For passengers who require extra assistance, Shannon Airport offers a sensory room for travellers with neurodevelopmental challenges, including autism. Shannon was the first airport in Europe to open a sensory room in 2017. Since then, it has been used extensively, providing a relaxing environment for child and adult passengers ahead of their flight.

Shannon Airport is a World Health Organisation (WHO) Age-Friendly Airport, a world first. This recognises Shannon’s commitment to enhancing the airport’s accessibility and usability for older passengers. This was achieved through the provision of additional facilities for passengers such as age-friendly parking, clear signage and covered walkways from aircraft and car parking into the terminal.

lSUMMER SUN: Shannon Airport staff are ready to welcome the crowds

Humphreys approves €8.7m funding for Scariff regeneration project

SCARIFF has been granted an €8.7m allocation for the integrated rural regeneration project, writes Páraic McMahon

On Monday, Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys (FG) was in West and North Clare where she announced record funding of €164 million for thirty landmark regeneration projects across the country.

Among them is the Scariff Integrated Rural Regeneration Project. €8,765,000.00 has been allocated to this with the project estimated to cost €10,956,000.00.

Included in the works are the development of a car park plus public realm works in the Market Square and the construction of a multi-service innovation and engagement hub. An existing vacant derelict building will be renovated for use as this community and enterprise hub.

Speaking on Monday, Minister Humphreys said since the creation of the Department of Rural and Community Development, €54m in funding has been allocated to Co Clare.

Cathaoirleach of Clare County

Council, Cllr Joe Cooney (FG) was among those to thank the Minister for “the brilliant announcement” for Scariff. He stated that the funding would “transform the town of Scariff”.

Minister Humphreys said the announcement “unprecedented” for thirty “landmark projects in rural Ireland. This announcement has been made possible by the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund, which is providing strategic capital funding for significant projects around the country. The funding announced today will revitalise towns and villages in line with the Town Centre First Policy, addressing vacancy and dereliction, stimulating rural economies and responding to community needs”.

She added, “I have announced the largest allocation of funding since the RRDF was established. The RRDF alone has now invested over €577 million in funding for projects in rural Ireland. This is a truly transformative level of funding that will make a real and lasting difference in rural communities throughout Ireland”.

Successful projects were part of

the fifth call for category one applications which provides funding for large scale capital projects which have planning in place and are ready to proceed. Applications were subjected to a comprehensive assessment process by the Department with oversight provided by an independent Project Advisory Board, made up of representatives drawn from key Government Departments along with external independent experts.

Clare County Council in November finalised their application for Scariff after it received the backing from elected members of the Killaloe Municipal District.

Key issues heard at doors on campaign trail

SOCIAL Democrats candidate for the Killaloe LEA in the upcoming local elections, Fiona Levie, has been listening to those affected by the State’s lack of support for carers, those facing mental health challenges and people living with disabilities.

Some of the issues that are raised on the doorsteps while canvassing are often more related to national policy than local authority matters. However, those elected to councils still have a platform to advocate on important issues, particularly around health.

The Social Democrats have been a driving force behind Sláintecare, which is the cross-party plan that will fix our broken health service and finally provide universal healthcare.

The party has previously stated that the full implementation of the Sláintecare model is a red line issue in any future government formation negotiations.

Fiona Levie has already published articles on the plight of car-

ers and was delighted to see a long overdue Government proposal on April 24 to abolish means testing for the carer’s allowance. However, this non-means-tested payment is not likely to be implemented before 2027.

Meanwhile, those who have been denied a carer’s allowance due to means testing are left to depend on a partner and other family members while looking after a vulnerable family member.

Keeping people at home and out of State care is saving the Government huge sums of money.

Fiona Levie has been critical of broken promises made to the 500,000 family carers throughout the county, over 8,000 of which are based in Co. Clare. She said that time is running out for many families in dire need of urgent support.

Fiona has also spoken with parents of teenagers who were deeply affected by Covid-19 lockdowns, and who have legitimate concerns for their child’s mental health. They told of the difficulties in ac-

cessing mental health supports for their children, and the long wait to get any form of diagnosis.

Several have spoken about being forced to go down the expensive, private route in order to gain access to services more quickly, as they cannot wait for their teenager to reach adulthood before getting a full diagnosis.

Many adults are forced to rely on private psychiatric services as the HSE does not provide any diagnostic support, especially to those with ADHD and autism. A person’s bank balance should not be the deciding factor on one’s ability to get help.

The current Government’s mental health budget is 5.7 per cent of the overall health budget.

However, Sláintecare proposes that a minimum of 10 per cent of the health budget is devoted to mental health services.

There are many voluntary, social and community groups who are vocal about these issues.

If elected to Clare County Coun-

cil, Fiona looks forward to working with these groups and raising their issues with Social Democrats TDs at national level.

lPAW-SITIVE RESPONSE: Fiona Levie meets with friendly voters on the campaign trail

lRECORD: Minsiter Heather Humprehys (FG)

Photo by Eamon Ward

l Cllr Joe Cooney

Athenry and Tuam projects to proceed to detailed design stage

PREPARATION of detailed designs for two multi-million euro renewal projects has commenced in Athenry and Tuam, writes Páraic McMahon.

Galway County Council have confirmed the preparation of the designs is underway. Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys (FG) TD this week announced an allocation of €6,075,518 for the Athenry Public Realm Enhancement Project and an additional €3,679,200 for the upgrade of Tuam Town Hall under the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund (RRDF).

Both projects include the development of County Galway’s first community hubs under the Department’s Connected Hubs initiative, offering hot-desks and co-working spaces and promoting the growing trend of remote working across the county.

The Local Authority said the developments will proceed to tender stage once detailed designs have been completed. Part 8 planning approval was secured for both projects in 2023.

Cllr. Liam Carroll (FG), Cathaoirleach of the County of Galway described the developments as “transformational” for Athenry and Tuam. He stated, “This funding announcement effectively gives the green light to Galway County Council to immediately progress both projects,” he added. “The public realm enhancement works in Athenry will substantially improve accessibility in the town centre, and will deliver an attractive and vibrant

lGREEN LIGHT: Athenry, Co Galway

streetscape befitting a town the size and economic importance of Athenry. Likewise, the proposed renovation and repurposing of the historic Tuam Town Hall will bring it back into community use and preserve it for future generations”.

Liam Conneally, Chief Executive of Galway County Council commented, “Athenry’s public realm is important to the socio-economic vitality of the town, providing for social interaction, movement and access, attracting visitors and tourists, and enhancing

the town environment. Through an intensive public engagement process, an agreed vision for the public realm has been devised and we look forward to delivering a project that gives pedestrians priority, and creates a safer, greener, and more attractive town with improved linkages to several key historical landmarks”.

Speaking about the Tuam Hall project, Mr. Conneally noted, “Originally built in 1857, the Town Hall has particular social and historical importance for the town. Once operational, it will provide space for numerous users in Tuam and the surrounding areas and act as an attraction for visitors to the town”.

Outlining the scope and scale of the Athenry Public Realm Enhancement Project, Director of Services Liam Hanrahan said, “Phase One of the project is the first step in unlocking the potential of and stimulating private sector activity within Athenry town centre. The project will involve the reuse and repurposing of an important long-term vacant town centre building alongside the total regeneration and respectful modernising of the public realm of Athenry’s historic town core in order to create a more vibrant and prosperous town centre”.

Commenting on the project planned for Tuam, Mr. Hanrahan stated “The building has been partially vacant for many years and the proposed new community hub and renovation of the building represents a sustainable new use for this historic landmark in the heart of the town at Market Square.”.

Security issues must be addressed ahead of Minister and farmer 'cow dung' assault case

A JUDGE has requested Gardaí to address court security issues at Gort courthouse ahead of the case where a local farmer is accused of throwing a bag of cow dung in the direction of Minister for State, Anne Rabbitte (FF), writes Gordon Deegan At Gort District Court on Thursday, Judge Alec Gabbett made the request to Gardaí after Sgt Claire Heneghan made an application to vacate the scheduled contested hearing date into the case for later this month to later in the year.

The State was seeking to adjourn the case due to the expected length of the case as it would require a special sitting of Gort District Court. In the case, Joseph Baldwin (39) of Ballyaneen, Gort faces prose-

cution where he is charged with assaulting Anne Rabbitte on January 4th 2023 at a public meeting at O’Sullivans Royal Hotel, Gort.

The assault charge against Mr Baldwin is contrary to Section 2 of the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act.

In court this week, Judge Gabbett told Sgt Heneghan that he wants Gardaí “to address the security issues” at Gort courthouse which houses sittings of the local court.

He said that he was conscious that the case has become before the court arising by way of protest “and this courtroom by nature of the entry and exit is not perfect by any means and I am not interested in a situation where we can’t control the room".

Judge Gabbett said there is only one exit commenting “no one can get out is the problem. All is fine and dandy until it happens”.

Judge Gabbett said that it was his preference that the case be held in Ennis rather than Gort.

However, Sgt Heneghan and solicitor, Colman Sherry acting as agent for Mr Baldwin’s solicitor, John Nash in the case said that it was their preference that the case go ahead in Gort.

Judge Gabbett said that the case could be adjourned for mention to May 23rd with a view to fixing a date for possibly September 13th next.

Through his solicitor, Mr Nash, Mr Baldwin has previously confirmed to court that he is to con-

test the charge. Galway East TD and Minister of State at the Dept of Health and at the Dept of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, Deputy Anne Rabbitte will be required to provide her sworn eye witness account from the witness box of what occurred on the night as part of the State case against Mr Baldwin.

Mr Nash will be able to cross examine Minister Rabbitte on her evidence on behalf of his client.

Minister Rabbitte was attending the meeting to hear locals’ concerns over a planned biogas plant for Gort.

Galway East colleague, Deputy Ciarán Cannon (FG) was also in attendance at the same meeting, which was called to discuss taking

a judicial review against the planning decision permitting the biogas plant and €20,000 was pledged to the fight by those present.

Mr Baldwin is also contesting a second charge where he is accused of using or engaging in threatening, abusive or insulting word or behaviour with intent to provoke a breach of the peace of being reckless as to whether a breach of the peace might have been occasioned.

The charge is contrary to Section 6 of the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act. CCTV evidence is to also form part of the State’s case. Those who are convicted of Section 2 assault charges in the district court face penalties of a prison term up to six months or a fine not exceeding €1,905.

Aillwee teams up with The Clare Echo

by Stuart Holly editor@clareecho.ie

AILLWEE Burren Experience has teamed up with The Clare Echo to bring readers North Clare news every week.

The North Clare news section will deliver dedicated stories from across the Burren and North Clare region to every corner of County Clare, with an unrivalled 15,000+ print editions distributed each week. From human interest stories and North Clare political happenings to covering Municipal District meetings and more, Aillwee Burren Experience has come on board as title sponsor.

Nuala Mulqueeney, Managing Director of Aillwee Burren Experience, said, “I’m delighted to see The Clare Echo doing North Clare news. In whatever shape or form through the me-

dia, I’m very proud as a North Clare lady to sponsor it.

“Aillwee Cave has been here for so long and we’re involved in the community. No matter where I go I’ll always meet someone who worked in the cave, or their uncle or auntie worked in the cave. I think it’s a good fit to sponsor it for the next while and that as it circulates into 15,000 homes, that’s 15,000 reminders every week that we’re here.”

The Clare Echo’s Head of News & Sport, Páraic McMahon added, “We are committed to local democracy reporting and highlighting important issues in the North Clare community. Thanks to Aillwee Burren Experience, that service has been safeguarded and can be developed into a strong weekly offering, free to the reader, in The Clare Echo print edition.”

Method

n 250g of butter, at room temperature

n 1 tbsp of root ginger, peeled

n 1 lime, juiced

n 2 garlic cloves

n 1 red chilli

n 1 bunch of coriander

n salt

n pepper

1) To make the flavoured butter, put the butter in a mixing bowl and grate in the ginger and garlic. Add the lime juice and mix together. Deseed and finely chop the chilli and add to the butter. Roughly chop the coriander leaves and stalks, add to the butter and mix well. Season with salt and pepper.

2) Lay two sheets of cling film on top of each other on a work surface. Scrape the butter onto the cling film, then roll up tightly into a large cylinder. This will keep in the fridge for up to a week.

3) Put the lobsters

in the freezer. This should render them insensate.

4) To cook the lobsters, you will need a large lidded pot big enough to immerse them completely. Fill with water, add a generous quantity of salt and bring to the boil. Roughly chop the carrot, onion and celery and add to the boiling water with the herbs. Boil for 5 minutes.

5) Place each lobster on its back with its claws tied and hold it firmly by the top of its head. Place the tip of a very sharp chef’s knife on the head just beneath its mouth, lining the

blade up with the lobster’s midline with the blade side pointed toward its tail.

6) Pierce the lobster’s head downward, then place the knife tip just to the body side of the junction of its tail and thorax and cut through the midline.

7) Holding each lobster over the back, tuck the tail underneath then drop the lobsters into the water and put the lid back on. Return to the boil for 1 minute, then switch off the heat and leave for 5 minutes before removing the lobsters from the pot.

8) Lay each lobster

on a board with the tail extended and split lengthways using a heavy knife. Discard the stomach sac from the head and the viscera from the tail. Reserve any juices – do not rinse the lobsters under water as this washes away their flavour. Scrape out and

discard all the gungy meat from the head.

9) Disjoint the claws and carefully crack the end joints, removing the meat in the largest pieces possible. Use a small teaspoon or lobsterpick to extract the meat from all the other joints.

10) Cut each tail into five pieces and place them back in the half-shell. Sit the lobsters on a baking tray. Divide the rest of the meat between the heads then pour any collected juices back over the lobsters. This can be done hours in advance and the lobsters kept covered with cling film.

11) When almost ready to serve, preheat the oven to 200°C/Gas mark 6 and a grill on the highest setting. Slice the butter and place it over the lobsters. Put them in the oven for 5 minutes then under the hot grill until golden brown. Serve immediately.

lNORTH CLARE NEWS: Nuala Mulqueeney, MD of Aillwee Burren Experience with Tracy Lynch Photo by Tom Micks

Why visitors are stone mad about the Aillwee Burren Experience

by Stuart Holly editor@clareecho.ie

AILLWEE Cave has been transporting visitors to the Burren’s unique underground world for nearly five decades.

While the iconic cave system offers visitors an interactive and fun education on 300 million years of geology and history, the North Clare family-run business has added layers to its offering in recent years. As Managing Director Nuala Mulqueeney testifies, “I guarantee you’ll find something new every time you return.”

For 48 years, Aillwee Burren Experience has been a vital pillar to North Clare’s tourism offering. Offering families an experience that “exemplifies what’s lovely about the Burren”, visitors are brought deep into the famous Burren cave system, while also enjoying a dramatic exhibition at the Birds of Prey Centre along with a visit to the Farm Shop where Burren Gold Cheese is produced.

The award-winning, family run attraction was established in 1976 when three men with a vision joined forces to make their pipe dream a reality. Locals Micheál Mulqueeney and Roger Johnson along with hydrologist David Drew were the architects behind the now iconic attraction.

Kilfenora native Nuala recounts, “Dad was a teacher in Ennistymon. He was involved with Muintir na Tíre in the set-up of the North Clare cooperative which is still going today as The Burren Visitor Centre in Kilfenora and there were friends and connections made through the set-up of that cooperative movement that led to Aillwee being looked at.

“I remember Dad, Roger and David in the early days talking in the kitchen about the importance of bringing tourism to the region and the importance of employment. The three men couldn’t have done it individually but they did it together and aren’t we the better for it. They were the brave people.”

Nuala’s mother Anni worked at Aillwee until her retirement while Roger’s son Nicky was Managing Director of the business until his

untimely passing in 2019.

“To this day we really miss him,” says Nuala.

She admits that tourism in North Clare was “hit and miss” when the cave first opened in 1976, when a generator was needed to bring energy to the facility while “many people wouldn’t deliver here”. She notes however that the three founders’ spirit of collaboration and building North Clare’s tourism offering continues to persist today.

“We have a great relationship with all the tourism businesses in North Clare and that’s compounded by being members of the Burren Ecotourism Network which was always supported from Day 1 by the Burren & Cliffs of Moher Unesco Geopark. We now have a membership of over 60 businesses in that small region of 130sq km and it really pays off,” stresses Nuala.

“North Clare is doing really well in terms of realising it’s about the destination, not the individual businesses. It’s our job to ensure that when people are coming to the region to enjoy the Cliffs of Moher they slow down a bit and see what’s in the hinterland.”

In 1985 Aillwee collaborated with Burren dairy farmers, the Davorens of Caherconnell, taking their excess milk and developing Burren Gold Cheese. Today

they are a members of the Burren Food Trail and produce 12 tonnes of their popular cheese annually which is available with select local suppliers and on site in Aillwee.

“A lot of people know Aillwee as an underground show cave but we’ve added a lot over the years,” says Nuala, telling The Clare Echo that depending on the time of year Aillwee Burren Experience employs between 35 and 85 people.

The arrival of the Aillwee Santa Experience as an annual event in the early 2000s followed by the Birds of Prey Centre’s opening in 2008, boasting some 30 birds of prey, has added further layers to the business which takes great pride in hiring from the locality every year. “I’m very much a North Clare person and love the region and I’m very lucky.

“You invest in good staff and you can keep them and we have year-round careers in the Burren and that’s very important to me and everyone who works here.”

Nuala and her team rebranded Aillwee Cave in 2022 due to the multi-faceted nature of the business. “We knew it was time to rebrand the whole experience. People knew us as a cave and when they arrived on site they were surprised by all that was here. We exemplify what’s lovely about the Burren.”

l The Aillwee Burren Experience offers visitors a myriad of experiences including a Birds of Prey Centre (main); the Farm Shop where Burren Gold Cheese is made (above); and the famous caves. Pictured left is Tracy Lynch with Managing Director Nuala Mulqueeney

Photos by Tom Micks

Hanne’s leap of faith leads to captivating career snapping the beautiful Burren

ONE ordinary day in the busy streets of Copenhagen, Hanne T. Fisker took one last look around the empty apartment before closing the door and turning the key.

A single suitcase was leaning up against the wall. It held all she needed. It held all she owned. Everything else she had given away. She never had much anyway, always more interested in experiences than things. Where to now? The Unknown.

So it was, Hanne became a nomad. For three years she travelled, following an inner compass rose which, unknown to her, pointed towards Ireland.

Not in a straight line, of course, but the winding road; there were things to see, much to learn - or rather unlearn, and people to meet.

Somewhere along the

way Hanne picked up a camera entranced by the ever-changing sceneries of her journey.

When reaching the edge between land and sea of Co Clare in 2011, she knew she had found home.

All Hanne’s photography and photographic artwork springs from her travels and an infinite love for the natural world.

In particular the Burren, where she now lives, holds for Hanne a poetic beauty that has ‘caught her heart off-guard and blown it open’ in the words of the great Seamus Heaney.

‘Hanne’s Cottage’ is a traditional Irish cottage nestled in the Burren mountains, with a Nordic interior exuding of Danish ‘hygge’ - a unique Danish word for gentle presence in a relaxed and heart-warming atmosphere. Guest’s can book a unique overnight

stay and enjoy the ‘miniature gallery’ of Hanne’s work on the walls. The little piece of land surrounding the cottage is an ever unfolding wild habitat for the Burren fauna and flora.

Hanne does her utmost to support the native biodiversity. “Nature needs us to become guardians,” she says.

Hanne’s photography can furthermore be found in wonderful artistic cafe’s, restaurants and arts and craft shops around Co. Clare and she’ll be at the Ballyvaughan Farmers market every Saturday.

To explore Hanne T. Fisker’s Photography Artvisit www.htfisker.com.

For more on Hanne’s Cottage; bookings can be made throughwww.hannescottage. com

l A selection of Hanne’s photography (above and below) which is heavily inspired by her Burren surroundings; (left) Hanne T. Fisker

Raquel inspired by North Clare in creating Moher Handmade Soap

by Stuart Holly

THE essence of North Clare’s unique landscape is being captured meticulously by a Spanish businesswoman who produces handmade soaps from her home in Kilshanny.

The Moher Soap Co. founder Raquel Ruido moved to Ireland 17 years ago and despite falling in love with the region, fell victim to the effects of a harsher climate. Using her scientific background and a selection of ingredients and herbs from her garden and kitchen, the Galician native set about making soaps out of necessity to treat her dry hands.

She tells The Clare Echo, “I just fell in love with it and started making different types of soap and I thought other people might like this so I set up the business in 2014.”

Beginning her journey with a range of six soaps, Raquel would handmake her products in her kitchen at home and bring them to local shops and farmers markets to sell. From there, slowly she developed a larger selection of products, adding lip balms, moisturising bars, bath salts and candles.

In 2020, a Local Enterprise Showcase event gave the Moher Soap Co exposure to stockists around the country and today Raquel has in the region of 50 stockists including at the Cliffs of Moher, Bunratty Castle, Carroll’s Irish Gift Shops, and independent gift shops and health shops around the country.

Raquel tells The Clare Echo, “I develop every single product in my workshop in Kilshanny and make everything from scratch, I don’t outsource anything.

“I get inspiration from my surroundings. For me, The Burren, the local seaside are a huge inspiration. The Burren Meadow, for example, is my personal interpretation of the Burren. I was so stuck by the Burren when I saw it for the first time, it’s such a unique landscape and I found it fascinating with the limestone rocks and these wildflowers growing in the crevasses so I created that soap to represent those flow-

ers and used charcoal to represent the limestone.”

Every product tells a story including her Sea Swims candle, which was developed in honour of the brave women who swim in the cold sea every morning together all year round. The ‘Meadow’ candle was inspired by her memory of watching her daughter running through a field near White Strand beach surrounded by wildflowers.

Raquel insists on using local ingredients where possible and counts Wild Irish Seaweed in Quilty amongst her suppliers. She notes that using natural ingredients had profound effects on her own dry skin, noting, “When you buy a bar of soap with synthetic fragrances, those will dry your skin. I use exclusively pure oils, butters, and essential oils. Essential oils not only bring beautiful fragrance, they treat your skin.”

Mother of two Raquel is married to big wave surfer

Tom Doidge-Harrison, one of the first of a group of local surfers to take on the iconic Aileen’s Wave under the Cliffs of Moher. It was here where she drew inspiration for the name of her company, “We live so close to the Cliffs and we go there so often and Aileen’s is one of my husband’s favourite waves, it’s

very special to us and a lot of our friends, that’s how I decided to name the company.”

Raquel is busy developing new products for next year and is currently looking to upgrade her workshop to keep up with the huge public demand for her products.

She admits that the Moher association has certainly helped Raquel’s marketing, “All my stockists’ feedback is that the brand name has been key, there’s a lot of soap and candles out there but the brand name sells it because it’s so emblematic. It’s so recognisable, the Cliffs of Moher is such a Clare landmark.”

Another personal touch which sets Moher Soap Co apart is its unique cotton packaging. Her family are involved in the fashion industry and growing up in Galicia, Raquel would visit the factories with her father to choose the fabric and patterns for clothes, “So not only am I inspired by the local area, but the fabric represents my childhood.”

Visit www.mohersoapco. com for more information or find The Moher Soap Co. on social media.

l Raquel Ruido handmakes all Moher Soap Co products in her workshop in Kilshanny; (right) her range of soaps and her Meadow candle which was inspired by a field of wildflowers near White Strand beach in West Clare

editor@clareecho.ie

Burren Slow Food Festival nourishes body and soul this weekend

The Burren Slow Food Festival is back this May and it’s all about nourishing body and soul, through food and wellness.

The event organized by Slow Food Clare is Ireland’s longest running food festival and will take place on Sunday May 19th starting with the farmers market at 10.30am followed by chefs' demos at 12pm at the Pavilion in Lisdoonvarna - part of a month-long festival of wellness, hosted by the Burren Ecotourism Network.

Visitors can expect a diverse array of culinary delights, with local producers on hand to share the stories behind their products and the health benefits they offer.

From artisanal cheeses, local honey, distilled products to freshly caught seafood, the festival showcases the best of what the Burren region has to offer – including an artisan farmers’ market, cookery demonstrations and wellness talks.

This year there is a great line-up of executive chefs sharing their knowledge: Jonathan Farrell from Gregans Castle, Peter Jackson from the Roadside Tavern, Martyn Whyte from Glas at Hotel Doolin and Jonathan Keane from The Lodge at Ashford Castle.

The much-loved Burren Slow Food Banquet will take place in the Burren Storehouse on the night before the festival - a double celebration as it also marks the Burren Smokehouse's 35th year in business. The evening will start with a champagne reception. Executive chef Peter Jackson and his team from the Roadside Tavern will create a five-course dinner with locally produced ingredients.

According to Birgitta Hedin Curtin, the festival organizer, "An important part of Wellness is the food that we eat. The Burren area offers a range of small batch production high nutrition food produced in pristine limestone soil and Atlantic coastal water. Many of these foods will be sold at the Burren Slow Food Festival directly by the producer. They can tell the story and health benefits of their foods."

This is nowhere more evident than in the GEOfood brand, which was launched at the festival in 2022 and now has 12 food produc-

l Organiser Birgitta Hedin Curtin at a previous Burren Slow Food Festival

ers onboard.

Carol Gleeson, Manager of the Burren and Cliffs of Moher UNESCO Global Geopark said:

GEOfood is an initiative within UNESCO Global Geoparks to promote the health, environmental and economic benefits of locally grown and produced food. Supporting local producers not only helps the local economy, it is good for our gut, reduces the food miles of food, guarantees freshness, encourages seasonal eating and strengthens food security. Promoting this brand and concept will encourage more producers to develop and grow and local shops, markets and restaurants to stock and showcase their produce.

GEOfood is perfectly aligned to the Burren which has a rich food story, dating back to the 12th century and the Cistercian monks at Corcomroe Abbey who farmed there. Nowadays the area is renowned for its top- quality

food products, boasting two Michelin starred restaurants; The Wild Honey inn in Lisdoonvarna and Homestead Cottage in Doolin.

Jarlath O'Dwyer, CEO of the Burren Ecotourism Network said members of the Burren Ecotourism Network were delighted to be working with Slow Food Clare again in 2024.

He said: “May is Burren Wellness Month where we will be advocating for the many businesses in the area that provide wellness activities, treatments, and classes. These range from walking guides, yoga centres, surfing instructors, gyms and indoor spas and compliment the high quality foods for which the Burren is famous for."

The event is sponsored by Flogas and the Burren and Cliffs of Moher Unesco Global Geopark.

Carbon neutral festival to generate €2M for Doolin

DOOLIN Arts, a not-for-profit created by Hotel Doolin to support the arts in Co. Clare, has announced that Doolin FolkFest will return this June.

Taking place against the majestic backdrop of the Atlantic Ocean, and between the Burren, the Cliffs of Moher, and the Aran Islands, the event will run from June 14 to June 16, with thousands of people from all over the world expected to descend on Doolin, generating an estimated two million in economic impact for the region.

Although small, FolkFest is known to punch above its weight when it comes to its line-up of musicians. This year is no different with Jack L, The Scratch and Eddi Reader in place as headliners, whilst an eclectic collection of more than 50 local and international traditional and folk acts including Aldoc, Síomha and Niamh Bury will support the diverse festival programme.

As Donal Minihane, the director of Doolin Arts explains, the FolkFest is a chance to promote all that is unique about Doolin and give back to the local community. He said, “Although we’re in our eleventh year, we’re still not interested in being a big, mainstream

festival or making a profit. Doolin FolkFest is about giving people who appreciate great music the opportunity to come together. It’s that unique communal experience, paired with the unrivalled setting of the village, that keeps people coming back. We’re incredibly proud that our festival contributes to the local economy, whilst also provid-

ing an important platform for local artists to share their talents. The arts form the lifeblood of many a rural community across Ireland.

Co. Clare is well known for its rich musical heritage and year-on-year FolkFest brings this legacy to life. Our role at Doolin Arts is to ensure that all creative expression - music, literature, dance – remains in the

region for people from near and far to benefit from, and we’re really proud that FolkFest continues to be a key driver in that ambition.”

Not only does Doolin FolkFest, now in its 11th year, showcase the positive impact of the arts, it’s also billed as a ‘festival without a footprint’, in that it’s one of a handful of carbon neutral festivals to be held on the island of Ireland. It’s held in the barn of Hotel Doolin, the first carbon neutral hotel in the country, and the winner of Green Medium Sized Business of the Year and The Green Tourism & Entertainment Award at this year’s Green Awards. Over the course of Doolin FolkFest 2024, no single use items will be available, and the tickets sold will result in the planting of 500 native trees.

As Conor Byrne, the Festival’s artistic director explains, Doolin FolkFest brings together the best talent from across the country.

He said, “Once again we’ve put together an incredible line-up - 50 diverse acts over three days and three stages. Early sales are indicating that our headliners will help us deliver another memorable instalment, and it’s no surprise with The Scratch well-loved in Clare having had a phenomenal performance

on the White Horse Session Stage at the festival three years ago, we’re delighted that they now return to headline the weekend. Sibling duo, Caoimhe and Séamus Uí Fhlatharta, and Eoghan Ó Ceannabháin will showcase the music and sean-nós style of the Gaeltacht, whilst performers Siobhán Peoples, Tony Linnane, James Cullinan, and Steve Cooney will make sure there’s a solid local representation.

“Since we started the Folk Festival more than a decade ago, we’ve been intentional in what we want it to represent. If a small festival like ours can achieve carbon neutrality, and pay a fair rate to performers, then there is no reason the bigger festivals, with all their resources and profits can’t do the same. We’re really looking forward to welcoming people to Doolin this June, and we thank our supporters – performers and guests – for their continued support and for recognising the essence of what we want to do.” Doolin FolkFest takes place June 14 – June 16 at Hotel Doolin. Weekend tickets are priced at €149 plus booking fee and day tickets are €60 plus booking fee.

For bookings and more information visit doolinarts.ie.

Cliffs of Moher hosts charity fundraiser

MUCH needed funds will be raised for three County Clare organisations during a charity event at the Cliffs of Moher Experience on Saturday 25th May next.

Sláinte an Chláir, Brothers of Charity Services Clare and Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind (IGDB) Clare Branch have been chosen as the beneficiaries of the Cliffs of Moher Charity Fun Day, which will feature family entertainment including live music and dancing, singing, facepainting and spot prizes.

The world-famous visitor attraction’s annual fundraising event also provides the organisations with the opportunity to meet and speak with members of the Clare public about the vital services they provide.

Councillor Joe Cooney, Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council said, “Staff at the Cliffs of Moher Experience have a long track record of hosting charity events and helping to promote awareness of many good causes. This year’s chosen charities each do fantastic work in delivering community-based services that help people all over Clare and I would urge the public to show their support on the day.”

Geraldine Enright, General Manager of Cliffs of Moher Experience and Clare Tourism North West commented, “The Cliffs of Moher Experience Charity of the Year programme was first initiated by staff in 2020 and is part of the ongoing support and social

responsibility activities that help the Cliffs of Moher Experience build bridges with the local community.”

Ms. Enright added, “We are inviting people of all ages to come along to enjoy the fun activities taking place throughout the site and to help to generate much needed funds to enable our three chosen charities to continue delivering a range of vitally important services in communities throughout our county.”

Brothers of Charity Services Ireland provides a combination of day, residential, respite and training services to people with an intellectual disability and their families in communities across County Clare and is the largest such provider of services in Ireland today.

Kilnamona-based Sláinte an Chláir is a voluntary cancer support centre that helps people and their families affected by cancer. All services are provided free of charge.

Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind (IGDB) is Ireland’s national charity dedicated to enabling people who are vision impaired and families of children with autism to achieve improved mobility and independence. In Clare, the charity is currently working with two puppy raisers, two brood holders, one Assistance Dog family and two Guide Dog owners. All services are provided free of charge.

For more on the Charity Fun Day visit www. cliffsofmoher.ie.

Summer starts ‘with a bang’

THE summer season in Lahinch has started “with a bang” according to local businesses.

Lahinch Surf Shop is the oldest surf shop in Ireland. Run by Eileesh Buckley, the family run business was founded by her parents in 1989. Located on the promenade over two floors, selling clothing, wetsuit accessories, surfboards, body boards, wetsuits, changing robes and more, Eileesh notes that their own branded apparel – which is printed at the Celtic T-shirt shop across the road – is a big hit with tourists.

Speaking to The Clare Echo, Eileesh reported they have already experienced a better start to the 2024 season compared to last year.

“The summer season is massive for La-

hinch because you’ve got so many people coming on holidays, it’s probably half of our turnover through the summer. Last summer unfortunately with the wet weather we didn’t even have good waves to make up for it so it was fairly disastrous for everybody,” said Eileesh.

“This year we’ve started with a bang on the May Bank Holiday weekend, it was extremely busy here. We had lots of people coming in for clothing, the weather was nicer than anyone expected so we had lots of people coming in to get flip flops, sandals, t-shirts, swimwear, and we had all the customers getting ready for the summer with wetsuits like the surf lifesaving kids and the surf club kids.”

‘Someone will drown in Lahinch unless more lifeguards are hired’

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

A STARK warning that someone will drown in Lahinch unless more lifeguards are employed by the local authority on sunny weekends has been issued by two Green Party representatives. It follows an incident at the weekend where a young teenager was rescued in what has been described as a near-miss with local surfers coming to his aid.

Senator Roisin Garvey (GP) and Cllr Liam Grant (GP) have issued a warning to Clare County Council

that there will be drownings in Lahinch unless additional lifeguards are hired on busy weekends. The Council will have 48 lifeguards on duty for summer 2024.

Extra revenue generated from parking fees should be put back into hiring more lifeguards, Senator Garvey said. “There have been several rescues carried out in Lahinch by surfers. One person was out at sea for 20 minutes before he was rescued. Lifeguards don’t get paid much so I’m sure the extra money from parking on busy sunny days would more than cover the cost”.

Cllr Grant who was formerly employed as a lifeguard with Clare County Council told The Clare Echo, "Since joining the Council I've got the lifeguard season extended to include weekdays in June and the last two weekends in May. We are the first and only county in the country to do this so I'm happy with the progress so far. However, when you look at the UK, many of their beaches are lifeguarded from Easter until the end of September, I think that's the benchmark we need to set ourselves.”

He added, “Having worked as a lifeguard myself for Clare County Council myself I know the difference it can make to have lifeguards on duty. Not just to perform

rescues but also give information to avoid anything happening, treat minor incidents like weaver fish stings or help with lost children”. In a statement to The Clare Echo, a spokesperson for the County Council said, “We are glad that the children in question were safely rescued from the beach at Lahinch over the weekend. The beach was not lifeguarded last weekend as the lifeguard service has not yet commenced for the 2024 season. However, the incident does highlight the dangers of swimming in certain sea conditions, and in particular when there are no lifeguards on duty”.

According to the local authority, “It is not practicable to have a year-round lifeguard service.”

Clare’s lifeguard service for its beaches is as follows: May - Weekends (18th & 19th ) and ( May 25th & 26th ) - Lifeguard service at Lahinch, Spanish Point, Kilkee & Fanore 1st June – Full-time lifeguards at Lahinch, Spanish Pt, Fanore & Kilkee, 7 days, 11am-7pm June Weekends – White Strand Miltown Malbay, Doonbeg, Cappagh, Ballyallia, Mountshannon and Killaloe. Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holiday 11-7pm July & August - Lahinch, Spanish Pt, Fanore, Kilkee, White Strand Miltown Malbay, Doonbeg, Cappagh, Ballyallia, Mountshannon, Killaloe, Seafield and Bishopsquarter. 7 days, 11-7pm. September - Weekends (7th & 8th) and (14th & 15th) Lahinch, Spanish Pt, Fanore, Kilkee, White Strand Miltown Malbay, Doonbeg, Cappagh, Mountshannon, Killaloe.

Employer excellence award for Lahinch Coast Hotel

LAHINCH Coast Hotel has been awarded an Employer Excellence Award by Fáilte Ireland for 2024.

John and Bríd O’Meara are Co-Owners and manage the 144 bedroom Lahinch Coast Hotel in the centre of the North Clare tourist hotspot. They have continued with the upgrades to the four star Hotel including further bedroom refurbishments and upgrades to the public areas.

The couple manage the property with a dynamic team who have just been awarded an Employer Excellence Award by Failte Ireland for 2024.

Despite the business challenges with increased operational costs that face the hospitality industry currently in Ireland the O’Meara’s have always been grateful for their superb location in the coastal village of Lahinch Co.Clare.

“We enjoy welcoming our domestic and international visitors to Lahinch and with many families and couples returning to stay.”

John and Bríd were delighted the Hotel was nominated early in 2024 in the Gold Medal awards in three categories; Ireland Family Friendly, Tourist Hotel of the Year and Irelands Four Star Hotel and say they attribute those compliments to the hard-working team.

The hotel is perfectly located in the heart of Lahinch and within walking distance to Lahinch Golf Club. The Club is host to The Arnold Palmer Cup this July and the renowned Walker Cup in 2026. “We are base camp for the Arnold Palmer Cup and very

much looking forward to being part of it this July”.

Planning has begun already on the details for the Walker Cup 2026 and the international media spotlight on this event will also showcase the wonderful gems on Co. Clare’s coastline on the Wild Atlantic Way.

For mid-week and weekend special offers www.lahinchcoasthotel.ie.

and John O’Meara,

Lahinch Leisure Centre hosts first 3v3 tournament

LAHINCH Leisure Centre has hosted its first 3V3 basketball tournament in aid of the local Community Hospital in Ennistymon at the newly refurbished basketball Pulse Arena.

The tournament was played on a half court with a 3 vs 3 player system, which included 7 mixed gender teams all playing out for the top prize. Lahinch and Ennistymon has a rich history and tradition in basketball and the tournament was fiercely contested over 15 minute games.

Fantastic support was shown by the local Clare Cascaders Basketball club with many of their men’s and women’s teams bounding with energy, showing their skills and talents.

After some exciting games, the highly contested final was played out between the host team, Lahinch Leisure Centre and the Hoops, in the end the Hoops out-shooting Lahinch Leisure Centre by a score of 21 points to 15.

With funds raised for the local Community Hospital in Ennistymon, General Manager of the facility Eoin Conlan along with Lahinch Leisure Centre basketball coach Ayberk Taylan, are very excited and looking forward to creating more 3v3 basketball tournaments at the Centre in the near future.

For more Information on 3v3 basketball at Lahinch Leisure Centre please visit our social media accounts on Instagram and Facebook @ lahinchleisurecentre or call 065-6703018.

PICTURED: Bríd

owners of The Lahinch Coast Hotel Photo by Natasha Barton

Public asked for input into new Clare Biodiversity Action Plan

by Elaine Tubridy news@clareecho.ie

MEMBERS of the public are being invited to have their say in the development of a new Biodiversity Action Plan for the county.

Public consultation for the predraft phase of the Clare Biodiversity Action Plan 2024-2030 is now underway. The new Clare Biodiversity Action Plan, coordinated by Clare County Council’s Biodiversity Office, sets out the vision and direction for biodiversity management for the next six years and when complete will represent an agreed plan for the future of biodiversity in County Clare.

The plan will provide a framework for biodiversity action with the aim of halting biodiversity loss in County Clare. The Clare Biodiversity Action Plan will be underpinned by the objectives of Ireland’s fourth National Biodiversity Action Plan 2023-2030.

Pat Dowling, Chief Executive of Clare County Council, is encouraging people to get involved. He added, “This public consultation process presents members of the public with a valuable opportunity to have their say on the future of biodiversity in the county. There are lots of ways to participate and it is important that the Council receives input from the public.”

The pre-draft consultation phase of the Biodiversity Action Plan commenced on Friday, 3rd May, and will run to Tuesday, 4th June, 2024, and members of the public are asked to participate in the process and have their say in the development stage of the new Biodiversity Action Plan. Barry O’Loughlin, Biodiversity Officer, Clare County Council, said, “Public participation at this early stage of the plan-making process is important to ensure that the new Biodiversity Action Plan both reflects and responds to

public concerns and aspirations, as well as addressing the ‘biodiversity emergency’ and national and regional biodiversity strategies and guidelines. We would like to hear the views of people on where biodiversity loss can be addressed at a local level. This could be something as simple as planting more native trees to replace ash-dieback trees along field margins, planting hedgerows, pond creation, adopting pollinator friendly mowing regimes, reducing herbicide use, installing barn owl boxes, undertaking outreach programmes and community biodiversity training events or larger initiatives such as peatland restoration and afforestation of larger sites for native woodland establishment.”

The pre-draft consultation phase coincides with National Biodiversity Week, which runs from 17th to 26th May, 2024. Clare County Council’s Biodiversity Officer has

organised biodiversity events which will be promoted through the Clare County Council and Greener Clare social media accounts (Facebook, Instagram and X).

Community groups, individuals, stakeholders or groups/associations representing the interests of children, are all encouraged to make observations in forming the new Clare Biodiversity Action Plan 2024-2030. A dedicated ‘Have Your Say’ online platform is available on Clare County Council’s website. Submissions/observations on the new Clare Biodiversity Action Plan can be made by: Completing the online survey/ questionnaire at: https://yoursay. clarecoco.ie/clare-biodiversity-action-plan-24-30

Writing to: Clare Biodiversity Action Plan 2024-2030, Planning Department, Clare County Council, New Road, Ennis, Co. Clare, V95 DXP2.

Email to: biodiversity@clarecoco.ie Subject headline should read “Clare Biodiversity Action Plan 2024-2030”.

There will also be an opportunity for the public and community groups to learn about funding opportunities for biodiversity projects at in-person walk-in events. In-person public walk-in events with Clare County Council’s Biodiversity Officer are detailed below: 14th May (11:30am-2:30pm): An Teach Cheoil, St Andrew’s Church of Ireland, Church Street, Ennistymon, Co. Clare, V95 WKV2 14th May (4:00pm-8:00pm): Kilrush Public Library, O’Gorman Street, Kilrush, Co. Clare, V15 W577

16th May (4:00pm-8:00pm): Scarriff Public Library, Mountshannon Road, Scarriff, Co. Clare, V94 NY3

27th May (11:00am-5:00pm): Clare County Council Headquarters (Reception Area/Main Foyer), New Road, Ennis, Co. Clare, V95DXP2

29th May (3:00pm-7:30pm): Shannon Town Centre (unit next to Holland & Barrett), Shannon Town Centre, Shannon, Co. Clare, V14 K239.

The Clare Biodiversity Action Plan 2024-2030 Issues Paper is available to view online, which provides a high-level outline of the next Biodiversity Action Plan and the issues facing biodiversity at a countywide level. Clare County Council’s Biodiversity Officer, Barry O’Loughlin highlights that this is “a real opportunity for the public to play their part for biodiversity. Clare has one of the highest number of Community Biodiversity Action Plans in the country and providing input into the development of the new county Biodiversity Action Plan will be important for undertaking biodiversity actions at local level.”

Helen Quinn, Senior Planner, Clare County Council, added, “We would ask the public to look at biodiversity in their local area and actions they would like to see included in the new Biodiversity Action Plan or the issues they feel that are affecting biodiversity that need to be addressed.”

For more information visit: https://yoursay.clarecoco.ie/clare-biodiversity-action-plan-24-30

l Pat Dowling, Chief Executive, Clare County Council; Barry O’Loughlin, Biodiversity Officer, Clare County Council; and Candace Ingram, Planning Department, Clare County Council

Photo by Natasha Barton

‘We must be seen as open for investment’

INTERNATIONAL

investors

must be made aware that Ireland is open for business when it comes to renewable technologies, writes Páraic McMahon

Billy Kelleher MEP (FF) has called on the Irish Government to transpose the EU Renewable Energy Directive as quickly as possible to assure potential investors of the country’s potential for renewable technologies.

He was commenting as the Climate Change Advisory Council reiterated its significant concerns about Ireland’s capacity to meet its climate targets.

“We know that Ireland is generally slow at making the changes needed for the country to grasp the opportunity to become a renewable energy superpower. The CCAC review is clear in what it says. We aren’t moving forward as fast as we had hoped, and as fast as we need to be in order to meet either our own national targets or our obligations under EU law”.

Government representatives

have flagged they do not have sufficient time to make amendments to the revised National Energy and Climate Plan.

“Last year, as an MEP, I supported the Renewable Energy Directive as a means of speeding up the regulatory process for green technologies. It entered into force last November and Member States have up to 18 months to transpose this directive into national legislation.

Ireland is currently updating its own National Energy and Climate Plan (NECP), but the Government has confirmed that they do not have the necessary time to incorporate RED III into the new revised NECP as yet more modelling and analysis of the RED III targets are required. This is a problem, and one that the Government needs to urgently address”.

Kelleher explained, “RED III provides for the creation of Renewable Accelerated Areas (RAAs) by the Irish Government. These areas are places identified as localities best suited to hosting renewable energy

projects.

“The permitting processes should be faster and quicker, and they should enable roll out of renewable energy projects in a timelier manner. The transposition of RED III into Irish law cannot come fast enough. We don’t need a long drawn out process otherwise we risk falling even further behind on our targets.

“Renewable energy companies need to know that Ireland is open for investment, and that requires the speediest possible transposition. Let’s be honest.

“Ireland is competing with other Member States for investment into renewables. We need to keep this in mind when it comes to putting in place the regulatory framework. I am calling on Minister Ryan and his departmental officials to move quickly on this critical piece of work.

“A General Election is due before March 2024. This legislation needs to be on the statute books before that date in my opinion,” the Cork man concluded.

l RENEWABLES: Billy Kelleher MEP (FF)

The Samaritans are just a call away

EUROPEAN Mental Health Week provides a chance for people from Europe and beyond to join discussions on different mental health topics and exchange their personal experiences on navigating through life challenges. It is also an opportunity for people to come together and focus on positive change for mental health.

Locally, it’s a time for organisations like Samaritans of Ennis and Clare to remind people someone is always there for them – not just in times of crisis but when they face any difficulty in their life, including everyday anxieties.

Why do people call 116 123? It could be just one big issue or a combination of things: relationship or family problems, loss of a friend or family member, financial difficulties, school/work stress, isolation, loneliness, depression, or physical illness/injury. These can mount up and lead to a stress overload, which can be very difficult to cope with.

Pat White, director of Samaritans of Ennis and Clare said: “We want to raise awareness of how we can prevent anxiety getting out of control and in effect improve mental health throughout our so-

ciety. We believe that talking helps and we are available 24/7, all year round. Talking about a problem or worry can help break it into smaller parts, and help you feel less overwhelmed. Our message is simple - Life is worth talking about, and Samaritans will always be there for those who want support, no matter what.”

In 2023, the Clare branch dealt with 17,000 calls, responding with care, empathy, and warmth to every caller.

Currently, the branch has about 100 volunteers and recruitment is an on-going, continuous process. Every ten seconds somebody contacts the Samaritans. Every ten seconds you could help someone turn their life around. Listening volunteers get the chance to make a real difference to someone’s future.

To volunteer with Samaritans Ennis and Clare and support others when they’re in need, please visit www.samaritans.ie/volunteer Samaritans are always here to listen, with empathy and without judgement, on 116 123 or on email, jo@samaritans.ie

All calls to 116 123 are anonymous, non-judgemental, and confidential.

Connecting for Life - your key to services

CONNECTING for Life, Ireland’s national strategy to reduce suicide was launched in 2015.

The strategy involves preventative and awareness-raising work with the population as a whole, supportive work with local communities and targeted approaches for priority groups. This plan is continuing until the end of 2024.

work include:

Connecting for Life Mid West is coordinated by the Office for Suicide Prevention (OSP) within the Mental Health services in the HSE Mid West Community Healthcare. The core components of the OSPs’

l Implementing Connecting for Life local action plans

l Coordination and delivery of a suite of suicide related trainings

l Responding to and signposting those bereaved by suicide to appropriate services.

SUICIDE PREVENTION, INTERVENTION AND POSTVENTION (BEREAVEMENT )TRAINING

All of our upcoming training workshops can be viewed via https://bookwhen.com/suicidepreventiontrainingmw All workshops are funded by the HSE with no cost to participants.

l Let’s Talk About Suicide is a 90 minute online introduction to having a conversation about suicide. This can be accessed via https:// traininghub.nosp.ie/

l SafeTALK (suicide alertness for everyone) is a 4 hour faceto-face suicide alertness training which will teach participants the steps to follow in keeping a person with thoughts of suicide safe

l ASIST (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training) is a two day skills based workshop designed to teach caregivers how to apply an evidenced based suicide intervention model with confidence

l Understanding Self-Harm is a one day workshop which explores the incidence and functions of selfharm along with how to best support a person who self-harms

l Suicide Bereavement Training for Professionals and key contacts is a one day workshop which explores the grieving process associated with suicide loss, with guidance provided on how to best support a person who has been bereaved through suicide

SUICIDE BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT FOR INDIVIDUALS, FAMILIES AND COMMUNITIES

l Pieta Suicide Bereavement Liaison Officer, Jerard Enright 085 856 8081

l Clare Suicide Bereavement Support Service, 086 056 5373, or 087 369 8315

l HUGG (Healing Untold Grief Group) www.hugg.ie , 01 513 4048

OTHER SUPPORTS

l Samaritans 116 123

l Pieta 1800 247 247

l Text About It 50808

l Yourmentalhealth.ie

l Drugs.ie

l Domestic Abuse, Clare Haven 065 6822 435.

l Money Advice & Budgeting Service ( MABS ) 0818 072 000

l Childline 1800 66 66 66.

Thought for the week: Map to serenity

Spreading the word of positivity

RONAN SCULLY

THE Serenity

Prayer is a wide door, one that’s open to people of all faiths, backgrounds and none. It speaks wisdom to addicts and non-addicts alike. Wise people have used this prayer as a foundational rudder in their lives.

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK

As your thought for the week, pray for people you know who have an addiction or worry in their lives including me, that they will say the Serenity Prayer and use it as a road map for their future and that we will have the courage and wisdom to use that map in our future dealings with ourselves and with others. You can have flaws, faults, be anxious, feel lost, sad, down and ever angry, but do not forget that your life is the greatest enterprise in the world.

Only you can stop it from going bust. Many appreciate you, admire you and love you. Hold on to them and care for them and return these gifts to them and others when you can. Remember that to be happy is not to have a sky without a storm, a journey without cancellations, plans without setbacks, work without fatigue, family without upset, relationships without disappointments. To be happy is to find strength in forgiveness, hope in battles, security in the stages of fear and real love in discord. It is not only to enjoy the smile, but also to reflect on the sadness. It is not only to celebrate the successes, but to learn lessons from the failures. It is not only to feel happy with the applause, but to be happy in anonymity. Being happy is not a fatality of destiny, but an achievement for those who can travel within themselves. To be happy is to stop feeling like a victim and become your destiny’s author. It is to cross deserts, yet to be able to find an oasis in

the depths of our soul. It is to thank God for every morning in prayer, for the miracle of life. Being happy is not being afraid of your own feelings. It’s to be able to talk about you. It is having the courage to hear a “no”. It is confidence in the face of criticism, even when unjustified. It is to kiss and hug your children, pamper your parents, to live poetic moments with friends, even when they hurt us.

To be happy is to let live the creature that lives in each of us, free, joyful and simple. It is to have maturity to be able to say: “I made mistakes”. It is to have the courage to say “I am sorry”. It is to have the sensitivity to say, “I need you”. It is to have the ability to say “I love you”. May your life become a garden of opportunities for serenity. That in spring may it be a lover of joy. In winter a lover of wisdom. And when you make a mistake, start all over again. For only then will you be in love with life. Y

ou will find that to be happy is not to have a

perfect life, a perfect family, a perfect friend, a perfect relationship. But use the tears to irrigate tolerance. Use your losses to train patience. Use your mistakes to sculpt serenity. Use pain to plaster pleasure. Use obstacles to open windows of intelligence. Never give up. Never give up on people who love you. Never give up on the people you love. Never give up on happiness, never give up on you, for life is an incredible show. Pray the Serenity prayer everyday as I do, “God grant me the serenity, To accept the things I cannot change; Courage to change the things I can; And wisdom to know the difference. Living one day at a time; Enjoying one moment at a time; Accepting hardships as the pathway to peace; Taking, as He did, this sinful world, As it is, not as I would have it; Trusting that He will make things right, If I surrender to His Will; So that I may be reasonably happy in this life and supremely happy with Him, Forever and ever in the next. Amen.”

Lifestyle

SKILLS: Model making

Community Games

THIS weekend St Francis Credit Union Clare Community Games held their Model Making competitions in St Mary’s Hall Lissycasey. The next few weeks the calendar is very full with many County events to be completed and National finals to be contested.

IMPORTANT DATES

• Sat18th May – Pitch & Putt –Kilnamona @ 9.30am

• Sat 18th May – Gaelic Football Girls – Ballynacally/Lissycasey

• Sat 25th/Sun 26th May – National Finals - Indoor Soccer – Keenagh, Co Longford

• Sat 25th/Sun 26th May – National Finals – Draughts –City North Hotel, Co Meath

• Sat 25th May – Camogie –Kilmaley GAA @ 9am

• Tue 28th May – Rounders –Clarecastle

• Sun 2nd Jun – County Athletic Finals – John O’Sullivan Pk, Ennis

• Mon 3rd Jun – Hurling –Newmarket – on – Fergus @ 10am

• Sat 25th/Sun 26th May – National Finals – Futsal, Cross Country, Mixed Distance Relays, Handball, CyclingGormanstown

Work on one task at a time

WITH so much choice this time of year, it’s very hard to focus on what you want to do in the garden and around the home. Here are some tips: break down tasks like filling pots, hanging baskets, and adding more to the beds and borders. Just break it all down, put them in a list, and do them one at a time. We have lots of choices to offer, which can be overwhelming. If it’s hanging baskets you want to start with, three trailing plants are enough for a 12inch basket. Add an extra plant if it’s a 14-inch basket. They will fill out, I assure you. Then, the next question is whether you want a centerpiece in the middle of your basket. I find that if they are too high, they

cannot be seen, but this is a matter of personal taste. Sometimes, I add bedding plants to give a bit of extra color, like lobelia or busy Lizzie. Again, this is a personal choice that can add more color.

When you are filling pots, many of you like a centerpiece like a geranium or an African daisy and then some trailing plants in the front like petunias or bacopa. Add some of your favorite bedding plants; I find begonias are long-lasting and make great summer bedding.

Window boxes are filled similarly to pots. I find it easier to start with a centerpiece. Some like trailers to overhang, while others prefer mixed bedding plants like alyssum, which has lovely white

and purple flowers that are very pretty in the front and long-lasting.

I skipped a bit about what to fill them with. I use good quality potting compost and add Osmocote fertilizer and Stay Wet gel. This provides a long-lasting feed and helps to keep plants moist.

The important thing to remember is to add the Stay Wet to the bottom of your pots, then top up with potting mix and add the Osmocote to it. This will help your flowers to be fed and bloom longer.

It’s a joy to watch plants grow and flowers swell out to enjoy the beauty they give over the next few months. If you have any questions, feel free to ask. As always, enjoy your garden!

lBusy Lizzie

l

Unlocking security: Role of video intercoms

IN THE realm of modern security solutions, video intercoms have emerged as indispensable components, seamlessly integrating with comprehensive video surveillance systems to provide enhanced protection for homes, businesses, and communities.

These sophisticated devices serve as the first line of defense, allowing for remote communication, access control, and real-time monitoring. Let’s explore the significance of video intercoms as part of a holistic surveillance strategy.

At the heart of video intercom systems is the ability to establish visual and audio communication between individuals at different locations, typically between a visitor at an entry point and a resident or security personnel indoors. This functionality not only facilitates convenient visitor management but also serves as a deterrent against unauthorized access.

“Video intercoms offer a layer of security and convenience that traditional intercoms cannot match,” explains a security expert.

“They enable residents to visually verify visitors before granting

access, enhancing overall security posture.”

Moreover, when integrated with broader video surveillance infrastructure, video intercoms extend their utility beyond mere communication to become proactive security tools.

By connecting intercoms to a centralized monitoring station or mobile devices, security personnel can remotely monitor entry points in real-time, responding promptly to suspicious activities or potential security breaches. “The integration of video intercoms with surveillance systems provides a comprehensive view of security incidents, enabling swift and informed decision-making,” note experts.

One of the key benefits of incorporating video intercoms into surveillance ecosystems is the synergy between access control and video verification. Modern video intercoms are equipped with high-definition cameras, motion sensors, and two-way audio capabilities, allowing users to not only see and hear visitors but also engage in real-time dialogue and remotely unlock doors if necessary.

“This seamless integration of access control and video verification streamlines security operations and enhances user experience,” remark experts. “Residents and security personnel can efficiently manage access permissions while maintaining visual oversight of entry points.” Furthermore, video intercoms contribute to the overall deterrence factor, dissuading potential intruders or unauthorized individuals

from attempting unauthorized access. The presence of a visible intercom system signals to visitors that their actions are being monitored and recorded, thereby reducing the likelihood of security incidents. Video intercoms serve as a preemptive measure, deterring unauthorized access and mitigating security risks before they escalate As advancements in technology continue to drive innovation in the

security industry, video intercoms are evolving to offer additional functionalities and integrations. Integration with facial recognition technology, for instance, enables intercom systems to identify authorized individuals automatically, further enhancing access control measures. Similarly, interoperability with smart home devices and mobile applications enables seamless integration with broader home automation ecosystems, empowering users with remote access and control capabilities.

In conclusion, video intercoms play a pivotal role as part of integrated surveillance systems, offering a blend of communication, access control, and video verification functionalities. By leveraging the synergy between video intercoms and broader surveillance infrastructure, users can enhance security, streamline operations, and enjoy greater peace of mind.

As technology continues to evolve, the future of video intercoms holds promise for even more sophisticated and seamless security solutions, shaping a safer and more connected world.

Pole position for Coláiste Muire

The Formula 1 STEM competition TY team from Coláiste Muire in Ennis have learned to design, race and build their own miniature Formula 1 car, in advance of the National Finals at the University of Limerick on May 31st. Pictured are Amy Ryan (Manufacturing) Niamh Queally (Marketing & Sponsorship); Sofie Keane (Team Manager); Amalie Carolan (Graphic Design); Lauren MacCarthy (Marketing & Sponsorship) & Amy Hennesy (Graphic Design) with supporters of the project Sarah Cantillon, Sarah Fawl, Michael Queally and Laidelyn-Dimaala from AMQ accountants & auditors, Ennis

SO YOU’RE an athlete, pouring your heart and soul into your sport.

But with all the intensity comes the risk of getting injured, with head injuries being a large concern. Even if they seem minor, these knocks to the head can cause serious problems down the road.

That’s where Hyperbaric Oxygenation (HBOT) steps in to save the day. You literally sit, relax and breathe while the pressurised environment helps push extra oxygen into your body, targeting those injured spots and supercharging your body’s natural healing powers. Now, when it comes to head injuries, HBOT works wonders. Oxygen under pressure reduces swelling and speeds up the healing process. And the brain? Well, it gets a major boost too. With more oxygen flowing in, it’s like giving your brain a refreshing drink, helping you think clearer and remember better.

But HBOT isn’t just a quick

fix. It’s like planting seeds for a healthy future. By using it to treat head injuries now, athletes can lower the risk of facing longterm brain issues later on. It’s like putting on a helmet before riding a bike – it’s a smart move to protect yourself. By making HBOT a regular part of sports injury care, we’re not just patching up wounds – we’re investing in the long-term health and performance of athletes everywhere. It’s a win-win situation that’s worth exploring further.

It’s incredibly heartening to witness a growing focus on players’ health and well-being in the sporting world. For years, professional athletes have been leveraging HBOT precisely for this reason – to prolong their careers and protect their future selves from the toll of injuries. Now, with accessibility expanding through clinics like OxyGeneration, athletes of all levels can access the same level of safeguarding.

Galway United have taken a leading step forward by part-

nering with OxyGeneration. Integrating HBOT into their treatment regimens is truly commendable and, in my opinion, a huge investment in their players. Having experienced first-hand the benefits of HBOT and understanding the imperative to safeguard their players’ futures, this collaboration signifies an exciting and welcome development in sports health management. For those eager to explore the transformative potential of Hyperbaric Oxygenation in their maintenance and recovery plans, reaching out to OxyGeneration is the first step. Whether you’re an athlete seeking to gain an edge on the pitch, accelerate recovery, extend your playing career, or a club manager committed to prioritising the well-being of your team, understanding the benefits of HBOT is invaluable.

Equip yourself with the knowledge and resources needed to optimise your health and performance. For more information, call 091-394444.

Conor McCormack - Galway United Captain:

“OxyGeneration really helped me recover from an illness which kept me from playing for a number of months. I believe by using the hyperbaric oxygen chamber 3 to 4 times a week it really helped me get back to full fitness which I was delighted about. The staff were very friendly and helpful and made the whole experience fun and relaxing. I would highly recommend any athlete that has any illness or injury to try it out.”

SINCE Covid, I have met a lot of clients who have said they struggle a bit with social gatherings and maintaining adult friendships, and even find that they have grown apart from groups they used to spend time with.

I noticed that during lockdown, since we were forced to slow down and spend all our time with ourselves, we were forced to realise what we like, what we want to spend our time doing, and what kind of activities bring us joy. We were forced to reach deep within, to get ourselves through that difficult and isolating time. There were a lot of pros and cons to this. One of the big cons being that a lot of people became more introverted and now possibly find it a lot harder to socialise or be in busy places. But I think a lot of it is that people realised what’s important to them, and maybe the people they were spending time with and the places they were going, just don’t bring them joy anymore.

Lockdown allowed us to have a slower pace of living, and although it was in the extreme there are things we can learn from it. In a world that is fueled by social media, devices, work, busyness, capitalism and everything to do with it, this slow pace brought about some balance. All we could do was go for walks, so it forced us to connect with nature. There was only so much Netflix you could watch so a lot of people turned to yoga and meditation. And within all of this a lot of people discovered new interests.

Coming out of lockdown, there were a lot of people I know that went straight back to busyness, stress, going out to bars/pubs to

socialise, and for me that just didn’t feel right anymore. I felt a lot of these environments just heightened my axiety. I started leaning more towards people who wanted to go sea swimming, or go to a sound bath with me, or do something mindful like a group painting evening. When I began leaning into these activities and doing what I enjoy there were people who seemed to come out of the woodwork who shared similar interests and wanted to experience that connection.

In my opinion, the world we live in is so disconnected. We are disconnected from nature, from each other, and from our true selves. So, I found meeting people I could really connect with and had similar interests to me, felt like “finding my tribe”. In adulthood we feel obliged to hang on to friendships and connections that aren’t serving us because we “should”, but I find that if you feel drained after spending time with someone, that friendship isn’t benefitting either of you, and you

need to find people who energise you and make you feel like you can be your truest self. I love running group activities, especially for women. I try to cultivate a space where women can come and make connections and meet like minded people, and provide a space to socialise that doesn’t mean you have to go out to a busy pub to meet people! Throughout the year I run women’s circles, I wrote more in depth on these in a previous article called “women supporting women”, and you can read more about them on my website. Throughout the Summer, I hold these circles outside in Ballybeg woods, which allows you to immerse yourself in nature while making these connections. I also run “Moon Bathing Circles”. These are group meet ups at the time of the full moon on Whitestrand beach, Milltown Malbay, where I guide us in a short meditation, we drink some cacao, and we all go in for a sea swim together! I usually bring oracle cards with me so people can have a card reading. I myself have made some new friends through running these circles and I know other women have too. It really has felt like finding my tribe and finding a space where I can just be authentically me.

If you would like to join us this Summer for a “Forest Full Moon Circle” or a “Moon Bathing Circle”, please feel free to contact me on 0833629532, have a look at my website www.draiochthealing.ie, or check out my instagram page for more details on what these groups entail. Instagram: @lauramcauliffe_ draiochthealing,

IN THE previous discussion, we explored the intricacies of the onboarding process.

However, completing onboarding does not mark the end of our responsibilities. Once we have successfully recruited new talent, our focus now shifts to setting them up for success and to ensure that it is an ongoing process. This is where probation reviews and performance reviews play a crucial role.

As businesses navigate the dynamic landscape of talent management, the significance of probation and performance reviews cannot be overstated. Beyond mere administrative tasks, these processes serve as pillars supporting employee development, organisational effectiveness, and legal compliance.

In this article, we delve into the essence of probation and performance reviews, exploring their necessity, legal implications, and best practices.

UNDERSTANDING THE ESSENCE OF PROBATION REVIEWS

Probation reviews are pivotal in setting employees up for success, aligning organisational expectations, and nurturing talent. By providing structured feedback during the probationary period, employers can identify strengths to leverage and areas for improvement and growth. This proactive approach fosters a culture of continuous growth and ensures that employees receive the guidance they need

to thrive in their roles. No one can improve or change a behaviour if reflective feedback is not provided

From a legal standpoint, probation reviews serve as documented evidence of feedback provided to employees and opportunities for improvement extended to them. In the event of internal or external disputes, such as termination of employment or denial of promotion or bonuses, these records play a crucial role in substantiating the employer's actions and mitigating legal risks.

At ERA Ltd, we recognise the importance of structured probation reviews and offer customisable templates for 4-week, 3-month, 5-month, and final reviews. Our focus is on providing constructive feedback, clarifying expectations, and removing barriers to performance, thus maximising the potential of every employee. We want to set the employee, and subsequently the employer, up for success.

CLARE TOURISM DEVELOPMENT DAC

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

Cliffs of Moher Experience is now hiring for

• Tourism Traffic Ambassadors / Customer Service Agents

HOW TO APPLY / FURTHER INFORMATION:

If you are interested in applying, or would like to know more about this position, contact careers@claretourismdev.ie or email your CV with cover letter to careers@claretourismdev.ie

Closing date for applications Friday, 31st of May 2024 at 5pm.

NAVIGATING THE LEGAL LANDSCAPE

Employers must ensure that probationary periods adhere to current legislation, with a maximum duration of six months as per recent updates. For fixed-term contracts, the probation period should not exceed one-third of the contract's length, unless in exceptional circumstances. It is essential to include clauses in employment contracts and staff handbooks outlining probation review policies and suspension provisions for prolonged absences. Make sure the policy includes a clause on suspending the probation period due to any longterm absence (e.g., illness, lay-off, etc.).

Extended probation periods, up to a total of 12 months, may be warranted in cases where documented performance issues require further evaluation. It is key that it is not a surprise to the employee that their probation is being extended or that they are being let go due to issues. Proactive communication is key.

Employers retain the flexibility to apply probation periods to new functions or promotions, ensuring alignment with organisational goals and individual development needs.

Remember it is key to prepare for reviews. The meeting should be a comfortable one for all involved, providing a safe psychological space to be heard. It is

a great opportunity to elicit your team members’ experience, to obtain their feedback and reality of the role. Feedback works both ways. You want your team member to feel valued and heard.

LEGAL RISKS

While probationary periods mitigate the risk of unfair dismissal claims, employers must tread cautiously to avoid potential pitfalls. Clear communication, fair procedures, and documentation are imperative throughout the probationary review process. ERA Ltd provides guidance on conducting review meetings, delivering constructive feedback, and navigating termination procedures, minimising legal exposure, and safeguard-

to each employee's aspirations and organisational requirements. In our reviews we focus on what is working and areas for improvement. We establish long term and short term goals and put these into a plan. As we are NLP Coaches, we utilise various models such as the G.R.O.W and S.M.A.R.T model to ensure a roadmap is in place for all stakeholders.

In addition to structured reviews, informal check-ins play a pivotal role in maintaining open communication and addressing emerging challenges promptly. These regular interactions foster trust, empower employees to voice concerns, and reinforce the organisation's commitment to their growth and success. We would always advise not

ing organisational interests. Many of our clients appreciate that we facilitate these meetings, thus ensuring they are carried out correctly which also provides an opportunity to cross train our clients. Equally we receive great feedback from employees that they welcome and value our presence in the meetings.

ELEVATING PERFORMANCE REVIEWS

Keep in mind that overseeing performance extends beyond the probation review session. Ongoing monitoring and collaboration with employees regarding their task performance and their sentiments towards their role and the company remain integral to fostering employee development.

Transitioning from probation to performance reviews marks a shift from assessment to ongoing development. Utilising agreed-upon matrices, such as those provided by ERA Ltd, allows for comprehensive evaluations covering areas of Work Performance, Versatility, Conduct, and Quality of Work. Our approach emphasises collaboration, goal-setting, and personalised development plans tailored

to wait for a review to address immediate issues and employee concerns.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, mastering the art of probation and performance reviews requires a blend of legal compliance, effective communication, and commitment to employee development. By leveraging structured feedback, embracing continuous improvement, and fostering a culture of transparency, organisations can unlock the full potential of their talent pool while mitigating legal risks and promoting organisational resilience in the ever-evolving business landscape. To reiterate, remember preparing for reviews is key. Provide a safe psychological space to be heard so that everyone involved feels comfortable. Understand that it is a great opportunity for you to not only elicit your team members’ experiences, but to obtain their feedback and realities of the role. As feedback works both ways, you also want your team member to feel valued and heard. Feeling overwhelmed or unsure on how to proceed? Fret not. Reach out to us at ERA Ltd., and we’ll lead the way.elaine@eraltd.ie

Council signs off on social charter

CLARE County Council has recently adopted a new measure to promote and facilitate social considerations in its public procurement procedures, writes Elaine Tubridy

The Council has signed off on a new Employment, Supply Chain and Social Considerations Charter.

This charter was proposed by Cllr Ian Lynch as a measure to include social considerations, support for SMEs, and training, education and employment opportunities when awarding public contracts. The central idea behind the charter is that Clare County Council can consider allocating a percentage of the marks when evaluating a tender to measures that the contractor proposes in respect of the above social considerations.

The charter is in keeping with the Department of Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform policy on ‘Promoting the use of Environmental and Social Considerations in Public Procurement’ which aims to promote and facilitate the incorporation of social considerations into public procurement procedures. The charter also reflects and is complementary to the themes in the new Clare Local Economic and Community Plan.

Pat Dowling, Chief Executive of Clare County Council, said, “We often see how large multinational companies give something back to the local

community when they are awarded contracts. The idea here is to get staff thinking about leveraging the Council’s spend to deliver social benefits for the community and to get the companies competing for the contracts to think about how they can partner with a social enterprise on an initiative, or guarantee that their supply chains will be from SMEs or new businesses, for example.”

Peter Williams, Procurement Officer for Clare County Council, said, “This initiative allows staff who are drawing up tenders to include an award criterion for ‘Social Considerations’ if they wish; if they do so, the companies tendering for large contracts may now have to think not just about price and quality features in their tender, but also about what social benefit can they bring to the table if they win the contract. In this way we can leverage the spend on large contracts to have added social benefits.”

Cllr Ian Lynch, who brought forward the motion to the Council, said, “I’m delighted that my fellow Councillors endorsed the original motion for this charter and that it has been adopted by the Management Team of Clare County Council. The charter has the ability to add a new dimension to Council contracts where it is deemed suitable to include Social Considerations as an award criterion for a tender.”

STARAÍ CÓNAITHE AR AN gCLÁR

Iarrtar iarratais ar an ról mar Staraí Cónaithe ar an gClár. Tá tacaíocht á tabhairt don Chónaitheacht seo ag an Roinn Turasóireachta, Cultúir, Ealaíon, Gaeltachta, Spóirt agus Meán i gcomhpháirt le Leabharlanna an Chláir agus le Comhairle Contae an Chláir.

Mairfidh an Chónaitheacht trí mhí – ó mhí Lúnasa go dtí mí Dheireadh Fómhair, agus an dá mhí sin san áireamh. Is é €6,000 an deontas iomlán atá ar fáil.

Beidh freagracht ar an iarratasóir as Seachtain na Staire i mí Dheireadh Fómhair 2024 a chláreagrú agus ní mór dó nó di teist chruthaithe a bheith air nó uirthi i dtaighde staire a dhéanamh agus in inneachar digiteach a chruthú. Ba cheart go mbeadh cur amach ag an iarratasóir rathúil ar stair an Chláir agus ar na hócáidí comórtha céad bliain sa bhliain 2024 nó ar ócáidí comórtha móra eile le haghaidh imeachtaí lena mbaineann tábhacht áitiúil agus ar théamaí gaolmhara. Is féidir mionsonraí a fháil anseo: https://clarelibraries.ie/subpages/historian-in-residence/ Is féidir ceisteanna a chur isteach chuig an seoladh seo: decadeofcentenaries@clarecoco.ie Beifear ag glacadh le hiarratais go dtí 12pm meán lae Dé hAoine an 31 Bealtaine 2024.

CLARE HISTORIAN IN RESIDENCE

Applications are invited for a Clare Historian in Residence. This Residency is supported by the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sports and Media in partnership with Clare Libraries and Clare County Council.

The Residency will run for three months – August to October inclusive. The total grant available is €6,000. The applicant will be responsible for the programming of History Week in October 2024 and must have a proven track record in both historical research and the creation of digital content. The successful applicant should be familiar with Clare history and the 2024 centenaries or other major anniversaries of locally significant events and associated themes. Details can be found at: https://clarelibraries.ie/subpages/historian-in-residence/ Queries to: decadeofcentenaries@clarecoco.ie

Closing date for all applications is Friday, 31 May 2024 at 12 noon.

ENHANCED GRANT SCHEME FOR DEFECTIVE CONCRETE BLOCKS WALK IN CLINICS ONE TO ONE SUPPORT ON THE APPLICATION PROCESS AND GENERAL QUERIES

Clare County Councils Defective Concrete Blocks (DCB) Facilitator plans to hold Clinics in County Clare to assist community members who are in the process of applying for the Enhanced Defective Concrete Blocks Grant Scheme. These clinics will provide one to one support in how to apply for the grant, information on documentation that is required as well as general information on the scheme. Clare County Council will assist in the scanning and uploading of documents at the clinics.

We would encourage individuals who require guidance and support around the application process to come along to one of these clinics, no appointment necessary.

If you are unable to attend on the scheduled dates below, and have any query regarding the application process, please email the Defective Concrete Blocks Team at dcb@clarecoco.ie

l SUPPORT: Cllr Ian Lynch and Peter Williams, Procurement Officer, Clare County Council

Coláiste Muire students excel

Success follows the students of Coláiste Muire once again in the Careers Portal Career Skills Competition. Aoibhín Collins won the overall prize of a Macbook Air and €1000 for her investigation on Midwifery and her work experience with local florist Niamh Crowe. Ciara Ennis was highly commended for her career investigation on Sport’s Physiotherapy and her work experience in Zest. Dea Krasniqi was commended for her career investigation on Educational Psychology and her work experience in the Holy Family Primary school. The students are pictured with Principal Ms. Jean Pound and Guidance Counsellor, Ms. Ailish Egan.

A FRIEND recently shared a podcast with me called ‘Dolly Parton’s America and I thought to write an article about having a ‘service mindset’ partially inspired by the resilience and work ethic of Dolly Parton.

We know her as a true icon who rose from humble beginnings and this caused me to reflect on the profound impact of a ‘service’ mindset in shaping individuals as employees, leaders, and business owners. My journey, starting from waitressing in local establishments to processing travel insurance claims in a call centre, prior to moving into people-leadership and development roles, has been a testament to the transformative power of embracing a service-oriented approach at a very early stage in one’s career. It wasn’t always easy or pleasant but I learned a lot at the outset of my working life about the basics of customer service, that has stood the test of time.

For example, I learned from the hoteliers I worked with to never walk around a hotel empty handed or be seen to be ‘doing nothing’. I learned the art of finding jobs to do, on quieter days in the hotel or restaurant that I worked in at the time. Working with an owner of an establishment was always a

‘baptism of fire’ but I had a willingness to learn, and to do a job that would make me, and others proud. No matter how small a job, there is an element of pride to be found in doing even the smallest of things to the highest possible standard. And that, to me, is where job satisfaction comes in.

LEARNING FROM HUMBLE BEGINNINGS

Dolly Parton’s story resonates deeply with me, reminding me of my own early experiences in the hospitality industry and of the value of hard work and persistence. She had some lucky breaks here and there, but her commitment to finding a way to have her voice heard and her work appreciated is truly inspiring.

For me, I can see now that working hard in cafes, hotels, and restaurants as a young teen, I imbibed valuable lessons on diligence, initiative, and customer interaction. It was during my stint at a call centre that I encountered formal customer service training, realizing the significance of cultivating a service mindset from a young age. From there on in I learned a whole new set of skills working in a corporate environment, such as being part of a team, how to influence others, how to train and coach people to achieve results and how to

meet the needs of customers and clients on a daily basis.

A common complaint I hear from employers today, is that the up-and-coming cohort of potential candidates are not coming to the table with these types of essential ‘customer service’ skills. They are of course, bringing other skills and assets to the table, but the good old fashioned ‘customer service ethic’ seems to be dying away.

THE VALUE OF A ‘SERVICE’ MINDSET

In today’s dynamic work environment, the importance of a service mindset cannot be overstated. Whether in education, aviation, print media, or manufacturing, employers seek individuals who embody a commitment to exceptional service. As professionals advance in their careers, managing client accounts or leading teams, a service mindset emerges as a critical competency, transcending industry boundaries.

CULTIVATING A SERVICE-ORIENTED CULTURE

For business owners seeking to foster a service mindset within their teams, several key strategies can be instrumental:

1. Define Competencies: Prior to the interview stage, articulate the qualities

that define exemplary customer service within your organization. Establish clear expectations to attract candidates aligned with your service ethos.

2. Training and Induction: Incorporate customer service skills and behavioural training into your induction program. Equip new hires with the tools and knowledge to deliver exceptional service from the outset. Nowadays, not everyone who joins your workforce will have had a grounding in ‘customer

service’ skills, so it cannot be assumed that people understand how to deliver excellent levels of service. But all skills can be practised and even perfected, over time.

3. Coaching and Mentoring: Provide ongoing coaching and mentoring to refine service skills tailored to the nuances of your industry. Encourage continuous learning and development to elevate service standards across the organization. To do this, your people-leaders

must be adept at the various skills involved in being a good communicator, relationshipbuilder, coach and mentor.

EMBRACING A SERVICE MINDSET FOR SUCCESS

In today’s competitive landscape, cultivating a service mindset is not just a differentiator but a necessity for sustained success. By nurturing a culture of service excellence, businesses can empower their teams to deliver exceptional experiences, build lasting relationships, and drive organizational growth. As leaders, employees, and business owners, embracing a service mindset is not just a choice but a strategic imperative in navigating the complexities of the modern workplace. We can’t assume however, that people innately understand how to ‘do’ great customer service. This, has to be made clear and the supports needed must be provided by the employer. Only then, can people be held to account to deliver the standard needed to not only grow the business, but to set you apart from your competitors. We all know that people will generally pay more for a product, if the service they receive meets or exceeds their expectations. Contact us today for ways in which to enhance the ‘service mindset’ within your organisation.

Atlantic Clinical Packaging Ltd set for Enterprise Awards final

as one of the Finalists for the National Enterprise Awards taking place next week.

Atlantic Clinical Packaging Ltd.

(T/A) One-Use Harm Reduction Products will represent Local Enterprise Office Clare at the prestigious awards on Thursday 23rd May in the Round Room at the Mansion House in Dublin.

Atlantic Clinical Packaging Ltd. (T/A) One-Use Harm Reduction Products develops and provides products to drug addiction services around the world that reduce the risks of contracting bacterial and viral infections among people suffering from addiction. Their products are sold in over ten countries.

This is the 24th year of the Local Enterprise Office initiative, which was won last year by Advanced Cosmetics, supported by Local Enterprise Office Mayo. This year the finalists cover a range of sectors and industries from transformational digitization software (DreamDev Technologies) and reduced mobili-

ty booking systems (PRM Assist) to luxury handmade chocolates (Grá Chocolates) and hand-crafted natural soap (The Black Stuff).

With Ireland’s success on the global film stage continuing the finalists also include a film production company that helped give Paul Mescal his break (Harp Media) and a prop and set design company who are working with some of the biggest international productions in Ireland providing bespoke props and set materials (Monarú).

Padraic McElwee, Head of Enterprise, LEO Clare said “The National Enterprise Awards serve to highlight the very best businesses that the Local Enterprise Offices are working with across the country. The diversity of sectors and innovation shown again this year is outstanding and the winners will no doubt produce businesses destined for international success.

These businesses have excelled in their areas and have the potential to follow in the footsteps of previous winners to become successful global companies”.

Local Enterprise Office Clare have had previous success at the awards for ABC Nutrition, Callan Technology, Aaron PCB, Aine Knitwear, WowWee.ie and Wild Irish Seaweed.

The Finalists compete for a prize fund of €50,000 and along with an overall National Enterprise of the Year winner there are categories for Best Start-Up, Best Export Business, an Innovation Award, a One-to-Watch Award, and a Sustainability Award. There is also an Outstanding Achievement award for a business that started with its Local Enterprise Office and has gone on to achieve international growth with the assistance of Enterprise Ireland.

lDolly Parton

A MANUFACTURING company from Clare is set to compete with the country’s best small businesses

l FINALIST: Michael Considine of

Located in one of Ennis town’s much sought after suburb locations, offering ease of access to Ennis Town Centre (5 min), Lee’s Road Sporting Complex (3 min), access to M18 inner relief road (4 min) and an abundance of countryside to be enjoyed.

Set on a site of approx. 0.5 acres, bound by mature trees and hedgerows, manicured lawns, wrap around tarmac drive, detached garage and extensive paved patio to mention just some of the outdoor features with the interior being presented in excellent condition with main reception, kitchen dining, family room, utility, three double bedrooms (master en-suite) and main bathroom.

Expressed throughout is extensive timber flooring and tiling, timber panelling, stone surround feature fireplace, quality fitted kitchen, built-in units to all three bedrooms, vaulted ceiling to family room, making this the ideal family home.

Boasting what can only be described as one of the most exceptional Championship Golf Course views in the seaside resort of Lahinch, just 150 meters from the gate to Lahinch Golf Club, 150 meters to the Lahinch promenade and equally 150 meters to the main street of this much desirable seaside town.

The property can truly be described as one of Lahinch’s hidden gems with high Liscannor gated stone entrance wall leading to ample off street parking, which leads to a bright and spacious and well-proportioned 4 bedroom detached dormer residence with all front windows boasting uninterrupted views of the Championship Golf Course.

Accessed via a gravel driveway surrounded by beautifully maintained gardens, the house is located on a gorgeous site within a country setting. This attractive location is approximately 20km from Ennis town centre & 25km from Gort.

There are a host of local amenities within a 5km radius of the property, including: St Mochullas National School, St. Josephs Secondary School, Tulla GAA Club and a number of local shops, cafes and restaurants. Inside, the property has been renovated and modernised to a high standard. The ground floor accommodation includes a bright entrance hallway that spans the dept of the property with a carpeted staircase, a sizable sitting room that is complete with solid wood flooring, a large feature wall & a fitted trinity stove.

Sherry Fitzgerald McMahon

Diarmuid McMahon

(065) 686 7866

Sherry FitzGerald McMahon are delighted to present to market this beautiful farmhouse. Nestled into the hillside, on the slopes of Sleibh Elva, surrounded by only forestry and fields, with distant sea views - this setting really is a little piece of heaven! The property is situated along the Wild Atlantic Way & is within easy access of Doolin, Lisdoonvarna & Fanore. The current owners have respectfully renovated and extended the property over the years whilst ensuring its unique character and special features were maintained. Set on 14 acres of land, privacy and fantastic views are guaranteed in this home. Internally, accommodation is deceivingly spacious comprising 154 sq.m. (total including adjoining sheds) and includes a kitchen, sitting room, living room, bathroom, shower room, 2 toilets, two loft rooms and 3 bedrooms. Some notable special features include cut stone floor to ceiling fireplaces, Liscannor flagstone flooring, timber panel vaulted ceilings with exposed timber beams, traditional half doors, sash style casement windows and exposed stone gable stone walls.

Externally, the property is an equestrian dream with a number of stables, a mirrored sand arena, tack room and ample storage sheds. There are also two sheltered patio & seating areas which overlook the fruit garden and herb gardens along with a purpose built dog kennel and enclosure.

Springfield House QUIN

9 Kincora Park ENNIS

Knockrughill, Spancilhill ENNIS

7 Atlantean Cottages KILKEE

McNamara Park ENNIS

French Court ENNIS

Moyglass CRUSHEEN

23A Moore Bay KILKEE

Castlerock ENNIS 65 Brookville ENNIS

KNOCK INCH

Glascloune DOONBEG

3 Woodhaven ENNIS

22 Waterside ENNIS

Kihaska COROFIN

Ballylaan LISCANNOR

Whelan’s injury time winner secures home Munster semi-final for Clare’s U20 hurlers

O'NEILLS.COM MUNSTER U20 HC ROUND 5

Clare 0-18 Tipperary 1-14

Venue: FBD Semple Stadium, Thurles

Compiled by Noel Dundon

STORY OF THE GAME

CLARE

Frees for: 16

Wides: 4

Scores from play: 0-8

Spread of scorers: 3

Top scorer: Conor Whelan (0-16, 10f's)

Bookings: 1 Yellow Card

Own puckouts won: 22

TIPPERARY

Frees for: 11

Wides: 12

Scores from play: 1-8

Spread of scorers: 7

Top scorer: Darragh McCarthy (0-6f's)

Bookings: 2 Yellow Cards

Own puckouts won: 16

REFEREE: Ciarán O'Regan (Cork)

“

MANAGER COMMENT

Terence Fahy, Clare manager

“We showed great character there at the end and we dug out the victory against Tipperary’s momentum which was really good.

“Conor Whelan was fantastic for us on the night and he did his stuff when he had to. It was a big part of the game for us tonight and we are delighted to be going home with the win.

“We have Cork now on Friday evening next in Cusack Park and we are delighted to have the home advantage. It will be a massive challenge to welcome the Munster and All-Ireland champions but we are delighted to be there. We have a spirited team and we managed to get twenty players on the field tonight as well, so that should stand to us,” he said.

Minors inspired by Munster & All-Ireland success of 2023 - Corbett

by

WATCHING Clare win the All-Ireland minor title last season has been a great inspiration to the members of this year’s Clare panel according to Matthew Corbett.

“Clare hurling is in a great position at present. The under 20’s were only a puck of a ball from the All-Ireland last year, the seniors are really going well while watching the minors win last year’s All-Ireland really drives us on”, according to Matthew who spoke to The Clare Echo following training at Clareabbey on Monday.

Like many of his team mates in the Clare panel he believes “being involved in the development squads in recent years has been very good. There are excellent coaches there and our sills level has improved from being part of the squads while we have benefited further since coming into this squad.

Matthew also believes that his hurling has benefitted from his involvement with

teams at St. Joseph’s school in Tulla where he is a pupil. “Our coaches there Tomás Kelly, Aidan Harte and Terence Fahy are great. We train with them twice a week while we compete in the Dean Ryan and Harty Cup competitions all of which has helped our game”. Matthew is also happy to be part of the Clooney/Quin club. “Club teams are going well and we have good teams at underage level. Hopefully we can win a championship in the next few years”.

Looking to Monday’s provincial final he said, “we played Tipp already and it could have gone either way. It was like all the other games. We know there is more in us and if are to beat them on Monday we will have to improve from our last meeting, There is a lot at stake on Monday”.

Corbett’s father Tommy is currently a selector with the Clare senior hurlers, joining Brian Lohan’s management this year.

Playing in front of a big crowd in TUS Gaelic Grounds will not faze Clare, Matthew maintained. “We have

Cullinan aware of major opportunity to win successive Munster honours

by Séamus Hayes news@clareecho.ie

CLARE’s minor hurlers are bidding to win successive provincial crowns.

Being part of the development squad system in Clare “really brings players on”, according to Ruan’s James Cullinan, centre back in the county minor team which will take on Tipperary in the Munster final at TUS Gaelic Grounds in Limerick on Monday evening.

“It’s good to get to the Munster final, they don’t come around too often.

Hurling is in a good place in Clare at the moment, it’s great to see all teams competing at advanced stages in their championships”, the St. Flannans College student stated.

This is the centre back’s first season with the county minors. Earlier this season he played with St Flannan’s College in the Dean Ryan cup which was won by Nenagh CBS who knocked the Ennis school out of the competition.

Responding to the suggestion that Clare will carry the favourites tag into Monday’s Munster Minor hurling final having beaten the other four counties in the Munster competition, he stated, “you never know with Tipp. They can turn it on in a flash. Their colleges teams have done well this year and they will provide a lot of the players to the

county team. We would know some of them such as Eoin Doughan from Nenagh CBS and Hugh Murray from Thurles CBS. We know we are facing a tough challenge”.

Cullinan added, “it’s a big game that brings pressure but that is good. We aim to go out and play our own game. It was good to get one over them a few weeks ago in the round-robin but what matters now is Monday’s game. A second successive Munster title would be massive and hopefully we will achieve that”.

Managing school commitments with training on the county minor panel hasn’t been too taxing for the teenager. “I’m in TY this year so it’s not too difficult. Hurling is great, it takes your mind off things”.

Ruan’s only representative on the panel added, “we have a great squad with players, drawn from different clubs and there is a nice scatter of clubs represented. There is a great bond between the players”. The Ruan teenager is thrilled to be “getting great support from my club and it’s great to represent them”

A consistent star performer in many of the team’s games to date he said, “we did a lot of work on fitness early in the year and it really has shown towards the end of our games in recent weeks. Our ball handling has really picked up as well”.

l Conor Whelan pointed 0-16 out of the Banner's 0-18 tally.

Photo by Gerard O'Neill

played

in front of big crowds already this season and we have won and our aim is to continue winning. It’s all systems go for

Monday evening and we are not looking any further than that”.

l Clare's Matthew Corbett.

Photo by Gerard O'Neill

SCAN HERE FOR MATCH REPORT

Séamus Hayes news@clareecho.ie

l Member's of the Clare Minor Hurling panel.

Photo by Gerard O'Neill

SCAN HERE FOR MATCH REPORT

Fitzgerald relishing role in Clare attack

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

CLARE’S senior hurlers are back in championship action this weekend as they welcome to Waterford to Ennis and will need to record successive wins.

Wing forward David Fitzgerald who was named as the PwC GAA/ GPA Player of the Month for March has flagged that within a fortnight two of the contenders for championship glory will see their season come to a close. Changes to the inter-county structure could be worth exploring, he mused. “Alternatively, you could look at another system, where it is almost a Champions League format. You have eight or 10 counties competing. That could be a flip side of it. I think the provincial series has a lot of prestige and history. It is good to keep them, but that is potentially for another day. “I think the fans obviously love the competition (Munster championship). The teams competing love

the competition so it has a lot of history but sometimes change is good too”.

Fitzgerald’s role on the Clare side has changed under Brian Lohan and he has developed into an essential member of the starting fifteen. "I'm enjoying being further forward to be honest," he admitted. However his first priority is on getting selected. “But as long as you're making the starting 15 as a player, that's your number one really. There was a year or two when I was just making the bench, I didn't make the 26 at another stage so getting back into the 15 was obviously my goal. Keeping that has been a positive. When I was brought in first, I think I was brought in as an attacker in 2016. Then we had a bit of an injury crisis in that league campaign and I ended up finding myself at wing-back. That was my home for a few years. Then Brian Lohan came in and he kind of pushed me further forwards so that is something that has changed in

recent years”.

Players are in favour of the current inter-county format, the Inagh/Kilnamona man stressed. “From a player’s point of view, I know a lot of players say it, and I just want to reiterate it, that is what we obviously want. We want gameafter-game. Compared to the old way, when I first started back in 2016, you'd play a game, and if you lost you might have six weeks off for another round. It is way better from a player point of view”.

Currently working with Stratos Aero, David who holds a Masters degree in Aviation Finance said he was at a loss as to explain who was objecting to the split season. “We played Limerick the Sunday before and the following Sunday we were out against Cork. That's such a short window for two great games. That's probably one of the reasons why there's not too much time to dwell on or reflect on how the current system is. I know I keep harping on about it, but I love the fact that when we have these games so frequently, that if a game does not go well you have a week turnaround. You can park the week before and say I can improve things the following week and if things did go well you want to maintain momentum so it is good from that regard”.

Losing to Limerick in the opening round of the province round robin was “a tough one to take,” he admitted. “Being up a few points, letting it slip the way we did, but then the fact we had Cork within

seven days was great, to dust down the cobwebs, to try to improve things. It is quite a competitive landscape. Limerick are obviously

the dominant force for the last four or five years. They have been the standard bearers”.

Kelly & Lohan back in the mix

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

TONY KELLY and Darragh Lohan are understood to be available for selection for the Clare’s senior hurlers this weekend.

Brian Lohan’s side welcome Waterford to Cusack Park on Sunday (2pm) with Galway’s Liam Gordon appointed as the referee for the tie. Clare need to win and their cause has been boosted by the return of four time All Star Kelly. The Ballyea man was not included in the matchday twenty six for the second round win over Cork and has yet to feature in a full game for Clare this season but he is tipped to have a greater involvement in Cusack Park this weekend.

Having picked up a hamstring injury in the first round win over Limerick, Shannon man Darragh Lohan missed out on the win over Cork. The Wolfe Tones man is back in contention for a place in the starting fifteen and is expected to regain his spot in the side.

Reports have circulated this week that Clooney/Quin clubman and

wing forward Peter Duggan may be a doubt for the tie on Sunday. Meanwhile, the Clare U20s have a major injury doubt in the guise of key man and senior panellist Seán Rynne. The Inagh/Kilnamona clubman who also lines out for Ennistymon on the football field is understood to have broken his thumb and may miss Friday’s semi-final against the Rebel County in Cusack Park, Ennis.

Moloney pleased with Banner underage structure

by Séamus Hayes

CLARE’S current situation on the hurling landscape is “pleasing” according to Donal Moloney, one of the key men involved for creating such a scenario.

Moloney is a member of the Clare minor hurling management but was also one of the driving forces behind the setting up of the development squad system in Clare hurling, the fruits of this set up are evident this week with the county’s minor, under 20 and senior hurlers involved in major championship games.

Speaking at the end of a training session with the minor hurlers on Monday evening ahead of next Monday’s Munster final date with Tipperary, he agreed that the current situation “is pleasing” before crediting Kieran McDermott, Micheál Duffy and Peter Casey with bringing about the setting up of the development squad system which now exists in Clare.

“At the end of 2018 that trio changed the scripts and were quite unpopular for doing so, pulling out of the Forristal (inter county under 14 hurling) at the time. People probably didn’t understand where

it was going to go because results at under 14, under 15 and under 16 were important. Kieran, to be fair, had a belief that the current system wasn’t working and let’s do something different and massive work has gone into it”, Moloney reflected.

Donal jointly managed Clare with Gerry O’Connor to three Munster and All-Ireland under 20 titles before going on to take charge of the county senior side for three seasons.

Hard work behind the scenes is paying off in Clare. “The first year we compete is at minor and in the Celtic challenge and obviously the under 20’s are doing phenomenally and it’s good to see. It’s reward for the families who have invested hugely, you are talking about seventy kids each year at each level and the Mams and Dads have invested massive. The clubs have as well because you are taking a lot of players away from club training while the coaches have been rewarded as well. We have been blessed as you are talking about thirty coaches in the system between strength and conditioning and hurling. The work they do has been excellent and they get a huge lift from seeing a guy they had at fourteen and fifteen and who may have been down the ranks and not rated very highly, suddenly come through and blossom when

he comes to seventeen or eighteen, that’s what this is all about”.

Looking to the future Donal says, “Kieran McDermott is always thinking ahead. What we have done is now five years old and how can we make it better. Not every player will go on to play senior for Clare. Being involved with Scariff when I see these eighteen and nineteen year olds pop up with various clubs, I have a huge interest to see how they progress. One of the things we are trying to foster along with providing Clare seniors is to see lads who really love the game and who are proficient and comfortable with it. Of the 70 or 75 players who go through the system if 40 or 50 of them made it to adult level that would be a tremendous outcome”.

Commenting on the development of players for the next level which is under 20, The Scariff man said “Terence (Fahy) has done a hell of a job and he also put out an under 19 squad as well. That was a huge workload for one management team. It’s all about keeping guys going, keeping them in the system, telling them they are important and long may it continue. We need the right people and we are very fortunate at the moment that we have great people at every level”.

Looking to Monday’s final against

Tipperary Donal says “it will be a good game, Clare were quite fortunate to win on the night in Thurles, Tipp played some great hurling while we got goals at the right time. If you ask the lads which was their toughest game, they will say

the Tipp game. This will be hugely competitive”, he concluded.

Clare will the Premier county in the

Monday 20th May in TUS Gaelic Grounds, Limerick.

2024 Munster Minor Hurling Final on

news@clareecho.ie

l Kieran McDermott, Donal Moloney & Liam O'Reilly.

Photo by Gerard O'Neill

l David Fitzgerald gets away from Luke Meade.

Photo by Gerard O'Neill

l Tony Kelly.

Photo by Gerard O'Neill

Clare welcome Rebels to Ennis as they enter All-Ireland series

HAVING put up a spirited display against Kerry in the Munster final, Clare’s senior footballers are back in championship action this weekend.

Mark Fitzgerald’s men welcome Cork to Cusack Park for a 6pm start on Saturday evening in what is the game they will be targeting the most to gain a successful outcome in the All-Ireland series.

An away tie against Tyrone plus a meeting with the recently crowned Ulster champions Donegal lie ahead for Clare but for now their focus is firmly on the visit of John Cleary’s Cork to Ennis.

Speaking following the seven point Munster final loss to Kerry, Fitzgerald outlined that Clare showed “what they are capable of” and proved that they were fully entitled to be taking on some of the best teams in the country.

They will look to bounce back this weekend and attempt to record successive championship victories over the Rebels in

as many years. A late point from Cillian Rouine in last year’s Munster quarter-final helped Clare to overcome Cork for the first time in championship since 1997.

This will of course spur on Cork who will be anxious to avoid losing to Clare in successive seasons. The game has been described as the “defining” moment Leeside in their football campaign for 2024.

Fitzgerald and his management team are not expected to ring the changes from the side which took on Jack O’Connor’s Kerry in the Munster final.

Clubs question allocation of tickets in Cusack Park for championship games at May's county board meeting

by

IN UNDER an hour, the agenda of the May meeting of Clare GAA was completed.

Held at Tuesday night in Hotel Woodstock, the monthly meeting of Clare GAA was presented with a a detailed financial report as had been promised at the April meeting.

Other items discussed included the distribution of tickets for Munster championship games at Cusack Park and a progress report on work taking place at a number of the board’s grounds around the county Financial matters:

Presenting a financial report to this week’s Clare GAA monthly meeting, treasurer Brian Fitzpatrick said “the good news is that on the income side our income total is up on €1.5 million but in essence it’s up €750,000 or thereabouts which is the fundraising income with €700,000 of that from the Win A house in Ennis and the other €50,000 is to do with the Dalcas-

sian patrons programme which was launched last November and there is money coming in on that and there is more to come on that”.

Clooney/Quin clubman Fitzgerald outlined, In the first six months of the year it’s a heavier time on the expense side. We tend to spend a lot of money on the preparation of teams in the first six months of the year. Our gate receipts are only €250,000, a quarter of last year’s total. It’s a small amount yet until we cross all the way into September.

“Another boost is the Munster final in Ennis which will also add to the gate receipts this year. Last year we turned over a profit of about €270,000 in the total year. There are plenty of pitches and facilities that require investment. You can only spend what you generate and that is what we have been doing. The Win A House is hugely positive.

He continued, “we would still like to have more on the income side because the more we can generate, the more we can spend on facilities outside of the teams which is always important”.

Championship draws:

The draws for this season’s senior, intermediate and junior A hurling and football championships will be made on Tuesday night next, May 21 at the offices of the competition sponsors TUS at Bindon Street in Ennis.

The regulations for this season’s competitions were adopted at this Tuesday’s board meeting.

Facilities update:

The dressing rooms at Ballyline have received a major upgrade, Head of Operations Deirdre Murphy told this week’s board meeting.

Board chairman Kieran Keating complimented facilities officer Ambrose Heagney and facilities manager David Hoey and all who helped with the presentation of Cusack Park for fixtures in recent weeks.

“We have three big games there this weekend and we are looking forward to hosting them”, he said when thanking stewards, programme sellers, and the officers for their efforts to date. He went on to wish the under 20 hurlers well on this Friday in the Munster semi-final, the senior footballers in their

All-Ireland qualifier on Saturday, the senior hurlers who play Waterford on Sunday in “a massive game” and the minors in the Munster final on Monday.

Where have the tickets gone:

Clonlara delegate Flan Mullane asked for a breakdown of the distribution of stand tickets at Cusack Park for recent games. “We are doing a fundraiser at the minute and we are knocking on doors asking elderly people who cannot stand at matches for support. They are asking us for a stand ticket and we cannot give them that because we haven’t got them. We got two stand and two sideline tickets for the Limerick game. Where are the 3,000 seated tickets going”, he asked.

According to board chairman Kieran Keating “what we get we distribute to our players, management, clubs, sponsors and that’s it”.

Replying Deirdre Murphy said, “we got 368 stand tickets for the Waterford game and 369 for the Limerick game. We gave two stand tickets to each club and we give some to the players and to sponsors. Munster take tickets for their

sponsors and for officials and for other counties”.

Ballyea’s Fiona Whelan asked why they got two stand and four sideline tickets for the Limerick game while they got just two stand and two sideline tickets for the Waterford game.

Replying that she would check how that happened, Deirdre Murphy told the meeting that she expected Clare would get an additional allocation of sideline tickets later this week which would be made available to the clubs.

Cratloe chairman Kevin Browne observed that “the small availability of seating is an issue” and he wondered if more seating could be provided.

Board chairman Kieran Keating said “85% of people attending games at Cusack Park will be standing and that was the main reason why we didn’t go for a double header this week. There won’t be too many days where people will want a seat at the venue that they won’t be able to get one”.

Seamus Hayes news@clareecho.ie

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

SCAN HERE FOR MATCH REPORTS

l Stephen Ryan makes a save from Joe O'Connor.

Photo by Gerard O'Neill

Gort Golf Club - A Historical Gem in the North

by PÁDRAIG

Nestled amidst the lush green landscapes of south County Galway lies Gort Golf Club, a haven for all golfing enthusiasts. The club was established originally in a separate location to the course we know today in 1924, and it was originally known as the Rockfield Club, spent its first 50 years on its home just off the Galway Road. However, from the beginning, the annual winter flooding reduced the golf course to a veritable lake for up to six months each year causing much frustration to the members. The club eventually moved to a new location at Laughtyshaughnessy where golf could be enjoyed throughout the twelve months of the year. However, the membership grew and began to grow so big that this new location could no longer cater for the vast amount of membership requests, so it had to relocate again, to the location we know today at Castlequarter.

The course at its new location was designed by Ryder Cup Hero, Christy O’Connor Junior and it was officially opened in August 1996. Christy Jnr. himself is particularly excited about his project at Gort and regarded the 4th hole a par 3 as

among the best on offer at any course in Ireland. His famous uncle Christy Senior "Himself" and his good friends Eamonn Darcy and Des Smyth were loud in their praise of both course and club house when they played there on its opening day.

My own favourite hole at Gort is the Par 5 ninth hole measuring at 516 yards. This hole is one of the toughest tee shots in the country to an extremely tight fairway that also slopes from heavily from right to left. There is no bail out area available on this tee shot, due to the fairway being protected with thick heavy bushes lining both sides of this fairway, awaiting any shots that drift to the right or left of this fairway. Even if you do manage to get your drive to stay on this fairway you are now left with a long second shot uphill to a narrow green with plenty of undulations. Should you leave yourself on the wrong side of the hole you will have an extremely difficult downhill putt. You just can't relax over any shot on the ninth hole, it truly is one of the toughest Par 5 holes around the west coast.

The course itself is a treat to play and the most common compliment I hear regularly, is how terrific the greens are. The course has incredible undulating fairways, strategically placed

hazards, along with the fast-paced greens, the course presents a formidable yet rewarding test for golfers. The views around the course are breathtaking with the Burren taking centre stage to the west.

The modern newly built clubhouse caters for the golfers every need and is located at the highest point of the course, so it offers fabulous views from all sides, where you can enjoy bar facilities at a leisurely pace before or after your round of golf. The clubhouse also hosts a restaurant with excellent wholesome food available throughout the day. Societies are welcome and group rates are available.

As Gort Golf Club continues to write new chapters in its history, one thing remains certain – its enduring legacy as a premier destination for golfers seeking both challenge and camaraderie amidst the natural beauty of south County Galway. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a newcomer to the game, a round at Gort Golf Club is an experience to remember. The rates for green fees and membership are insanely reasonable and well worth looking into should you be looking to join a club or simply play a round in south Galway or to the north of Clare.

Brennan wins Pro-Am on home soil

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

SHANNON’s Danny Brennan recorded his first professional win on the course in which he honed his skills.

On Thursday, Danny was crowned the winner of the Dr William Flynn Memorial Pro-Am at Shannon Golf Club.

He was presented with the trophy by Dr Peter Flynn. He had previously come

through the ranks of the junior golf section of Shannon Golf Club.

“Thursday was such an incredible day,” he recounted. Danny said he was “so happy to get my first professional win here. What a place to grow up and learn to play golf”.

Appointed Shannon Airport Medical Officer in 1947, Dr William Flynn lived in 'Balbridie'., the large white house near the Central Tower. He was the first captain of Shannon Golf Club. He also served as Captain, President and Trustee of Lahinch Golf Club.

Cusack & McEvoy win Paddy Conn trophy in Ennis GC

by Seamus Hayes news@clareecho.ie

The Paddy Conn trophy, a scotch foursomes competition, was played for at Ennis over the weekend when the winners were Padraig Cusack and Fintan McEvoy with 48 points.

They won by three from the father and son combination of Enda and Steve Burns with Flan Lyons and Noel Normoyle a further two points back on 43 points.

EAST CLARE GOLF CLUB

There was a big entry for the East Clare club’s open classic fundraiser last week when the men’s team of three champagne scramble was won by Paul (5) and Edward Fitzgerald (21) and Evan Quaid (24) with 70 points from Nigel Frost (2), Tim Crowe (24), and John Nihill (24) with 68 points with third place filled by Pete Waldron (16), Willie McGonagle (24) and Tom Costigan (24), also with 68 points.

DROMOLAND GOLF CLUB

The competition at Dromoland at the weekend was a golfer of the year strokeplay outing off the blue tees which was won by Brian Arthur (10) with 66 nett.

He won on a countback from Paul O’Brien (20).

WOODSTOCK GOLF CLUB

The winner of the ladies 18 hole stableford competition at Woodstock was Deirdre Molyneaux (23) with 39 points.

Last week’s men’s singles competition was won by Bryan Clune (19) with 44 points from Frank Landy (16) with 42 points, Pat O’Brien (17) with 42 points and Sean Crowe (2) with 40 points.

KILRUSH GOLF CLUB

Shane Carey (13) emerged as the winner in the final of the Johnson’s Bar competition at Kilrush with 42 points.

In category 1 the winner was David Abbott (12) with 38 points from Dominic Enright (10) with 36 points. Brendan Carey (17) won category 2 with 37 points from Noel Thornton (15) who had a similar score.

GORT GOLF CLUB

The Bob Forde trophy, an 18 hole singles stableford competition sponsored by T.J. O’Mahoney, Gort, was played for at Gort at the weekend when the winner was Michael Ryan (24) with 45 points while the gross was won by Joe Moran (2) with 34 points.

l Danny Brennan and Dr. Peter Flynn.

Photograph Joe Buckley

Lissatouk Dave Digs Deep To Land Feature For Cooraclare in Galway

by

The concluding races of the W.G.O.B.A. was the feature event on Friday night's card at Galway Greyhound Stadium .

Sponsored Inter County Challenge with the A1 graded seventh event the top graded contest on the eleven race programme providing a thrilling finish as the Master James McMahon of Cooraclare owned Lissatouk Dave (Laughill Blake-Lissatouk Dolly) just holding the late challenge of Rinnwood Gem by half a length with Hanover Storm the same distance away in third place in 29.05.

From traps Hanover Storm and Lillys Beauty showed pace but at the opening bend Lissatouk Dave slipped through along the inner to take over in front of. Racing down the back Lissatouk Dave led the way as Rinnwood Gem gradually crept closer. Off the home bend the leader was down to a length and although Rinnwood Gem and Honover Storm closed with every stride the line just came in time for Lissatouk Dave.

The chief supporting contest was the concluding A2 graded 525 and racing towards the opening bend Barntick Midget led along the in-

ner from Drombeg Bear with Ballygraigue Ten sandwiched between runners rounding the opening bend, Racing down the back Barntick Midget led from the improving Cloneyogan Sydny who was within two lengths passing halfway.

Between the final two bends the Siobhan Garrahy of Moy, Lahinch owned Cloneyogan Sydny (Droopys Sydney-Tiermana Rum) began to close with every stride and gradually wearing the leader down the Donie Duggan of Tulla trained runner prevailed by a length at the line in 29.09.

Race 2 was a selected S4 graded sprint where Fenrir out wide and Ballyea Jet along the inner were both away smartly with Ballyea Jet showing good pace to lead Burnpark Jaytee by over a length exiting the back straight . Turning for home Ballyea Jet owned by Noel Gavin of Ballyea led by two lengths buy he was all out to hold the challenge of Five Alley Din close home to prevail by three parts of a length in 18.17.

Race 3 was the Inter County A9 Challenge race and in the early strides Pier view Brindy showed the way to Killuran Star with Rath Meehan Judy in third place on the wide outside rounding the opening bend. Racing down the back

the John Browne of Ballyea owned Rath Meehan Judi (Droopys Sydney-Rath Meehan Ruby) began to move up on the leaders outside and swooping to the front nearing the third bend she drew right away to score by seven & a half lengths in 29.66.

Racing towards the opening bend in the A3 graded Inter County challenge race Heathland Lucy, Bal roebuck Smokie and Croker’s Captain were all prominent with Brickhill Tara just tucked in behind then rounding the bend. Racing down the back Heath lawn Lucy led Brickhill Tara by two lengths but approaching the penultimate corner Clare natives John Collins & Albert Long owned Brickhill Tara (Ballymac Bolger-Brickhill Sharon) forced her way through on the inner and quickly asserting drew clear for a five length success in 29.41.

As the traps rose for the Inter County A5 Challenge Bumblebee Hayley and Seekers Jet were both away very smartly and racing towards the opening bend Seekers Jet took a definite on the wide outside. Racing down the back Seekers Jet led by over five lengths as Shanakyle Park (Malachi-Aarons Sensation) took up the chase passing halfway. Rounding the home bend the lead-

O'Donnell named hurler of the month for April

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

SHANE O’DONNELL has been named the PwC GAA/GPA Hurler of the Month for April.

Since making his first appearance of the year when coming on as a half-time substitute in Clare’s Allianz National Hurling League final win over Kilkenny, Shane O’Donnell has made an immediate impact in the Clare attack.

He scored 0-1 and was a constant threat in Clare’s opening round provincial loss to Limerick while he hit 1-1 as Brian Lohan’s side bounced back to defeat Cork in the second

round tie in Páirc Uí Chaoimh.

Éire Óg’s Shane will be part of the Clare forward line this weekend as they look to record successive victories in the Munster championship when facing off with Davy Fitzgerald’s Waterford.

Armagh’s Lauren McConville, Tipperary captain Karen Kennedy and Donegal wing back Ryan McHugh won the awards for ladies football, camogie and gaelic football respectively.

The PwC GPA Women’s Player of the Month and PwC GAA/GPA Players of the Month Award winners are voted for by the GPA’s membership.

ers stride began to shorten as the Shanakyle Syndicate of Parteen owned Shanakyle Park closed with every stride and lead on the line for a neck success in 29.81.

Limerick 600 Action

The opening round heats of the Limerick Stadium 600 got underway on last Saturday night last and the standard was set in emphatic fashion by Valinor in the final heat. Trained by Declan McDonagh in Liscannor for well-known Ennis/ Clarecastle Coursing members Paul Horig and Catherine Darcy, the 7/2 chance was seeking to double her career tally and she took a flier from five to lead early on from Karacreek Ranch in second. Hold-

ing a three length advantage at this point, the daughter of Good News and Galadriel was put under pressure by her rival on the long run home, however, had enough in reserve to hold on by one length. The time was 32.46.

The 2nd heat saw Fast Fit Pennie (3/1) take her fine Galway form to Limerick for John Quinn of Gort. Leading early from trap two, the daughter of Dorotas Wildcat and Fast Fit Maeve was in control throughout the contest and despite Honest Endeavour making a good fist of things late on, Quinn’s charge emerged a two length winner, in 33.10.

AVENUE UNITED WIN PREMIER DIVISION TITLE

Michael Maher news@clareecho.ie

l GAA/GPA Player of the Month for April in hurling, Shane O’Donnell of Clare, with his award at PwC offices in Dublin. Photograph Sam Barnes/Sportsfile

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL

GOLF LINKS ROAD, ENNIS, CO. CLARE V95 YX2H

Take Notice that Mary Evans intends to apply to the Planning Authority for Planning Permission to demolish derelict house and to construct 3 no. dwelling houses consisting of 1 no. 4 bedroom detached house and 2 no. 3 bedroom semi-detached houses along with associated site works and services at the above address. The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the Offices of the Planning Authority during its public opening hours 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

BALLYBROUGHAN, CRATLOE, CO. CLARE

Planning permission being sought by Siobhan Casey to extend existing private dwelling house at first floor level over attached garage and all associated site works at the above address. The Planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours. 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.

Opening hours 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL MOYRIESK, QUIN, CO.

CLARE

Planning permission being sought by Cassandra Smith for change design of private dwelling house and garage as previously granted under Planning Register Reference P23/60262 and all associated site works at the above address. The Planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the of-

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

Opening hours 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL

LAKEISLE, O’CALLAGHANS MILLS, CO CLARE V94 CYX4

I, Emmet O’Brien, am applying to the above authority for permission for the following development on property at Lakeisle, O’Callaghans Mills, Co Clare V94 CYX4

Permission for construction of single storey extension to the side of the existing dwelling, internal alterations together with all associated ancillary and incidental works

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

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL TYREDAGH LOWER, TULLA, CO CLARE V95 PK38

I, Pat Corry, am applying to the above authority for permission for the following development on property at Tyredagh Lower, Tulla, Co Clare V95 PK38.

Permission to convert and construct an extension to the existing private garage building for use as a granny flat, installation of new wastewater treatment system together with all associated ancillary and incidental 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

CLONLARA

COMMUNITY SPORTS & LEISURE CENTRE, CLONLARA, CO CLARE V94 VXD4

We, Clonlara Leisure, Athletic & Sports Society Ltd, are applying to the above authority for permission for the following development on property at Clonlara Community Sports & Leisure Centre, Clonlara, Co Clare V94 VXD4

Permission for alterations to the existing ground and first floor layouts to incorporate a café on the ground floor, gym and cardio studio on the ground and first floors, new meeting room on the first floor, minor internal alterations, modifications to the existing elevations to incorporate new windows, together with all associated ancillary and incidental works. The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours and a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL

COLLEGE RD, ENNIS, CO CLARE

Take notice that John Heffernan intends to apply to the Planning Authority for planning retention for additional internal floor area and alterations to elevations of existing dwelling at College Rd, Ennis, Co Clare. The planning authority 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 of €20 within the period of five (5) weeks, beginning on the date of receipt by the Planning Authority.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL, BALLYVALLEY, KILLALOE, COUNTY CLARE

Retention Planning Permission is sought by Vincent Ward for, as constructed; extensions to the front and side of an existing domestic garage, (including the provision of a garden room), raising the ridge and eaves heights to provide a first floor loft storage space and forming a gable to the front and rear of the extended garage in lieu of hipped roofs, at Ballyvalley, Killaloe, Co. Clare. V94HA2R

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

CLOGHAUN BEG, MILTOWN MALBAY

Take notice that D. Griffin intends to apply to the Planning Authority for per-

mission to erect agricultural storage shed 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 4 CAPPA COVE KILRUSH CO CLARE

FURTHER INFORMATION/ REVISED PLANS

PLANNING REF: P2460072

Development Description: Alterations to Existing Dwelling House

Location: 4 Cappa Cove Kilrush Co Clare

Take notice that Michael Keane has lodged significant

further information in respect of planning application P24-60072.

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.

MONTHS MIND PRAYER

ENZO D’AURIA

MONTH’S MIND

We, the family of the late Enzo D’Auria would like to express our heartfelt thanks to all those who sympathised and supported us following the passing of a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, brother-in-law, and uncle.

To our wonderful extended family, neighbours, and friends, many of whom travelled long distances to be with us, all those who called to the house with food and refreshments etc., sent messages of sympathy, attended the removal, funeral service, and burial, those who joined us via the Ennis Cathedral webcam, sent online condolences, flowers, and gave kind donations to The Poor Clare Convent, we thank you all most sincerely.

We acknowledge in a special way Enzo’s lifelong friends, Liam and Angela, Tommy and Mary, Bill and Maureen, Jerry and Mary.

We would like to pay special tribute to Dr. John O’Donnell and Dr. Bruce O’Donnell and all their staff who cared for Enzo over the many years. A special tribute also to Dr. Liam Casserly, all his medical team and the staff in Ward 8C, the dialysis unit on the Dock Road and the University Hospital Limerick. To all the doctors, nurses, healthcare assistants, porters etc. that looked after Enzo so well, and went above and beyond to ensure his comfort and wellbeing, we thank you.

Thank you to Michael Meere for the help, fun and banter that Enzo enjoyed during the many journeys to the dialysis unit and to his dialysis friends who helped him along the way. For their more recent care and friendship, we also extend our thanks and gratitude to the home carers Caroline and John and the community nurse Geraldine, the OT and the physiotherapists who all took great care of Enzo at home. To the palliative care team who cared for Enzo in his final days we are sincerely grateful.

To Fennel’s pharmacy, Densie, Robert, and their staff, thank you for all your guidance, advice, friendship, and care over the years.

A very special mention to Father Martin Blake, we will be forever grateful for the spiritual guidance and solace that you

brought to Enzo and to all our family. Thank you to Fr Blake, Fr Ryan, P.P., and Fr Joy for concelebrating a beautiful requiem mass, our thanks also to Michael the sacristan.

Sincere thanks to Michael Hennessy, the vocalists, and musicians for making Enzo’s funeral mass so special.

Thank you to Kennedy’s Funeral Directors for their professionalism, guidance, and kindness, and to the gravediggers who prepared Enzo’s final resting place.

To the management and staff of The Old Ground Hotel for looking after us so well, we thank you.

To our wonderful friends The Poor Clares, our sincerest and warmest gratitude and thanks to each and every one of you for your continuous prayers and affection for Enzo and all our family down through the years.

As it would be impossible to thank everyone individually, please accept this acknowledgement as a token of our heartfelt appreciation to you all.

Enzo’s Month’s Mind Mass will take place on Saturday 18th May 1.30pm, St. Joseph’s Church, Ennis, Co. Clare. All are Welcome.

The Miracle Prayer Dear Heart of Jesus, in the past, I Have asked for many favours. This time, I ask You this special favour. (Mention favour) Take it dear Heart of Jesus, and place it within Your own broken hear where Your Father sees it, then in His merciful eyes it will become Your favour not mine. Amen. Say this prayer for three days.

M.M

Recent Deaths

Barry (née Mullins), Anne Clonlara

Barry (née Mullins), Anne Corofin

Grealy (née Clohessy), Mary (Maura) Ennis

Hegarty, James Kilnamona

O’BRIEN, Gerard (Gerry) Ardnacrusha

O’Donoghue, John New Quay

Wallace, Michael Clonlara

Frawley, Michael Lahinch

Thompson (née Howard), Martina Ennis

Coughlan (née Guiney),

Philomena Mullagh

Haugh (née Deloughery), Ann Kilkee

Haugh (née Deloughery), Ann Carrigaholt

Kelly, Cyril Ennis

Weldon, Michael (Mike) Bunratty

CLEARY, Paddy Kilrush

Hassett (née Nagle), Nora Tuamgraney

McCormack (née Keating), Bernadette (Bernie) Kilrush

Michael, Bellew Cooraclare

Cullen (née O’Gorman), Mary Carrigaholt

Fitzpatrick, Dr. Patrick (Paddy) Miltown Malbay

Griffin, Martin Ennis

Griffin, Martin Carrigaholt

Molloy, Hunter James Ennis

Clare

Moran, Gerard (Gerry) Lissycasey

Fitzpatrick, Denis Lisdoonvarna

Foley (née Connolly), Martina Ennis

The Clare Echo

The Clare Echo Quiz

SCHOOLS IN CLARE

SCARIFF BAY COMMUNITY RADIO QUIZ

1 Where is the only all-boys secondary school in Clare located?

Ennistymon

time, but where was it located?

Miltown Malbay

1 What year was Scariff Bay Community Radio launched?

Ennis

2

2 How many days a week does Scariff Bay broadcast

Ennis National School opened in 1897 at Kilrush cross on the site where Clare Youth Centre now stands. Initially known as Ennis Boys National, in what year did it become co-educational?

3Coffee and “our fair share” of what were consumed by Jim Collins and Brendan Magill when they were attempting to start the community radio station?

Spanish Point Site of St Francis Credit Union in Ennis Kilrush

6Both Jim Collins and John S Kelly served in similar roles in their working lives, what were they?

Shop owners

School Principals

6 How many gaelscoileanna are there in County Clare?

Mechanics

7 Pat O’Brien is part of the sports team and also the team behind The Local Media show on the station. What was the name of the pub he ran in O’Callaghans Mills?

7 The gaelscoil in Ennis is named after which famous Clare person?

Willie Clancy Michael Cusack Ger Loughnane

The Blacksticks Bar The Blacksmiths Bar The Blacksparrows Bar

Bananas Biscuits

3 Willie Walsh - the former bishop of Killaloe is a former student and staff member at St Flannans College, but where is he from?

Beetroot

Nenagh Roscrea Clonesr

4 Who is the Scariff Bay presenter that launched the first tourism business on the Lough Derg Blueway?

Tom Hanley

Ursula Hogan

8Which school in Clare has the lowest enrolment numbers of 12 (according to education.ie)?

Doonaha Boston Coolmeen

8Head of Sport, Leo Doyle made his last competitive appearance in the Clare jersey in what year? 1991 1993 1995

Eoin O’Hagan

4 Clare has produced 23 Harty Cup winning sides in its history, 22 of which were produced by St Flannan’s. Which other school has won a title?

Shannon Comprehensive

St Caimin’s Rice College

5 Sports reporter Alphie Rodgers recently left his full-time post as Group Sales Manager with Treacys West County Hotel to become General Manager of what?

Derg Isle Activity Centre

Kilkishen Cultural Centre

5The only industrial school in Clare’s history was closed in 1963 having accommodated about 100 girls at any

Brian Ború Heritage Centre

9 A Flow of Words showcases writers from East Clare on the station, who presents the show?

9 What is Clare’s most westerly primary school?

St Cuan’s Kilbaha Carrigaholt NS Stonehall

Trish Nugent

Roisin Bugler

Geraldine Colleran

10 What is Clare’s most easterly school?

Lakyle NS Mountshannon NS Cratloe NS

10 UL history lecturer David Fleming has become a regular voice on the station each week. In 2012, he was commissioned to write an official history on what?

Irish Water

Iarnród Éireann

The University of Limerick

Can you spot the 7 differences

Last weeks answers

THIS WEEKS PUZZLES MAY 16th

soak soapbox soapsuds soaring sobbing sober soccer social socket soda sodium sofa soiree sojourn solace solder solid sombrero sonata soprano sorrow soul soya

ACROSS 1 Frightened (6)

Language of the Middle East (6) 8 Move smoothly (5)

Endanger (7)

Cowboy’s hat (7)

Trap (5)

Policeman’s club (9)

Confess (5)

Eminent (7)

Real (7)

New England state (5)

Brought up (6)

Rider in horse-race (6)

Summer month

PLAY Sudoku

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.